A Green Guide to a Luxury Long Weekend in Monaco
Luxury doesn’t have to come at the expense of sustainability in Europe’s most glamorous destination.
When you think of a vacation in Monaco, what springs to mind? Perhaps its superyachts? Maybe it’s the opulence of Hotel de Paris or the historic Casino de Monte-Carlo? More likely than not, it isn’t sustainability.
This, however, could be set to change with Monaco undergoing somewhat of a green revolution. Establishing the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in 2006, the Crown Prince committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development at both a local and international level. With that came a pledge to cut Monaco’s carbon emissions in half by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels) and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Crucial in making Prince Albert’s green ambitions a reality in the three-mile-long European nation is Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM). The 160-year-old institution owns a large proportion of Monaco’s most legendary hotels and Michelin star restaurants, not to mention both casinos, bars, events venues and luxury residences.
Establishing its first Sustainable Development Charter 15 years ago, SBM has been meticulously transforming its properties and its practices with the planet in mind. From the sustainable produce it serves in its 33 restaurants to the Green Globe Certification of its four hotels and sustainable BREEAM-accredited construction projects —SBM, alongside Monaco’s tourist board, has gone all-in with pioneering a new greener brand of luxury.
With the principality’s sustainable evolution in mind, Elite Traveler has curated a luxury vacation guide to Monaco featuring some of its most sustainable (and luxurious) hotels, restaurants and destinations that deliver that unique variety of Monte-Carlo magic. And some of the locations may just surprise you.
Oceanview room at Hotel de Paris / ©SBM
Founded in 1863, Hotel de Paris is Monaco’s most iconic hotel. In 2019 the Grande Dame completed a four-year $280m BREEAM-standard renovation. This included the makeover of its famed Princess Grace Suite and the addition of the Prince Rainier III Suite. The new 5,650-sq-ft suite is the hotel’s biggest and boasts a 1,455-sq-ft, split-level terrace with an enormous infinity pool overlooking Place du Casino.
Hotel Hermitage
Hotel Hermitage overlooks the harbor / ©SBM
Elegant Hotel Hermitage stands handsomely next to Hotel de Paris with sparkling views of the Mediterranean and The Rock. Overflowing with Belle Epoque style, the Green Globe certified hotel is listed as a historic monument (its exquisite Winter Garden Dome designed by Gustave Eiffel is a must-see.) Neoclassical architecture blends seamlessly with 21st-century luxury in the top floor Prince Diamond Suite. Showcasing impressive views of the port, the sprawling three-bedroom three-terrace sanctuary can be extended to over 3,350-sq-ft and accommodate up to nine people.
Monte Carlo-Beach
Monte Carlo Beach hotel has an Olympic sized pool / ©SBM
If you’re looking for a more laid-back Monaco vacation away from the crowds of Place du Casino, then SBM’s Monte Carlo Beach hotel is for you. The Green Globe Gold certified seasonal retreat is open from mid-March to September and has made it its mission to care for its natural surroundings. Positioned in the flourishing natural environment, it stands between its own pine forest (which has been certified as a bird protection refuge) and its own private beach (which features a protected biodiversity reef dyke 100m from the shore). With interiors reimagined by designer India Mahdavi, the hotel’s 40 rooms and suites are each unique and draw inspiration from the Mediterranean. The Diamond Sunshine Suite is the hotel’s most luxurious and its 1,070-sq-ft roof terrace with jacuzzi is the perfect place to relax in the Riviera sun.
