BEST BEACHES IN MONACO TO VISIT
Since Monaco is a popular go-to destination for the discerning people who enjoy the finer things in life, it is no surprise that its coast plays host to some of the most decadent and sophisticated beach clubs in the world. Ready to lay down your towel and have a day on the beach you will never forget? Here is everything you need to know about how to enjoy the best beach clubs in Monaco.
1. Monte Carlo Beach Club
Perfect for: Everything your soul desires (even a full day with in-laws and kids)
If heaven had an address it would be at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club: sophisticated, luxurious, equipped with cabanas, a Michelin star restaurant and even an Olympic sized saltwater swimming pool – this place can cater to its guest’s every whim! It is vast – an important feature to keep in mind for those travelling in big groups but relishing some personal space. It comes as no surprise that some of the club’s cool striped cabanas get reserved by the same VIPs year after year, often for an entire season. Monte Carlo Beach Club is equally suitable for a girlie champagne brunch, a family afternoon or a romantic date. Parents can laze back on their sunbeds looking out towards the glittering bay, safe in the knowledge that their children are being monitored by lifeguards. The club has direct access to the sea if you require a change of scene. Tenders can be arranged for those arriving by sea.
2. La Note Bleue
Perfect for: A relaxing day in the sun followed by a sophisticated dinner under the stars
Upscale and almost slightly restrained, La Note Bleue occupies a gorgeous waterfront strip of Larvotto Beach, which is undergoing a big renovation right now. So, it is advisable to check with your concierge if the club has availability during the high season. But let’s hope for the best, because Le Note Blue is being missed by those who have always appreciated its candlelit dinners under the stars, accompanied by smooth jazz. Décor is laidback with plush daybeds and tastefully decorated tables, nested in a charming green oasis, the mood is sophisticated and chic. It’s outrageously easy to spend an entire day on one of the club’s white deckchairs that almost sit in the sea; with a glass of ice cold rose in hand, until the sun goes down.
3. Miami Plage
Perfect for: An afternoon of reminiscing the good old days
This is another gorgeous property, located on the golden sandy beach of Larvotto where some construction work might be on the way in 2022, so be sure to contact the venue and make sure their white lounge chairs and cabanas are available again. Miami Plage is somewhat of Monaco’s institution – this restaurant/ beach club opened its doors over 35 years ago, thus it can easily be considered one of the oldest beaches of Monaco. The place exudes the charm of an old traditional beachside joint, not a trendy hip venue. Surprisingly, the menu spans from fine dining to fish and chips. You can always pop down to the homely La Rose des Vents next door which serves classic Monegasque cuisine, among other dishes.
4. Nikki Beach at the Fairmont Hotel
Perfect for: A fun afternoon among the jet set
Nikki Beach is a brand recognised all over the world for its high-octane parties that attract the well-heeled clientele. You will find its outposts far and wide, from Saint Tropez to St Barth. Nikki Beach is also famous for delectable dishes with regional flavours, signature cocktails, contemporary design, but most of all – for fun parties that get everyone going, not just for the enthusiastic young things spraying champagne. This particular Nikki Beach is perched high on the rooftop of the Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel right next to the world-famous casino. The all-white luxurious day beds are neatly arranged around the pool; there the atmosphere can get as sociable as by the bar. It’s time to hit the jackpot, mon cher!
5. Twiga Beach Club at Le Meridien Beach Plaza
Perfect for: Being seen and having long lunches, with a Japanese twist
Le Meridien is the only hotel in Monaco that boasts private beach access – this fact plus an excellent location and a sizable swimming pool makes it a very popular spot for both tourists and locals. During the summer months the hotel’s ground floor gets taken over by Flavio Briatore’s pop-up – the spin-off of his Twiga Beach Club in Forte dei Marmi in Italy. Its best features are a pool, shade of tall pine trees and a mouthwatering menu, where Venetian-inspired Italian offerings chase Sumosan signature Japanese dishes. Before the pandemic Twiga was hardly a place for zen seekers: the space was decked out with 200 sun beds and eight VIP private tents. Be ready to mingle and kampai!
By Elena Leo and Matthıas Pınault
