Relax by the Water

The perfect seaside getaway

To make the most of your break in Monaco and enjoy the exceptional peace and quiet, settle down by the pool or on the beach… the Principality is a haven of peace, and wherever you go, you'll find relaxation. At the  Métropole Monte-Carlo for example, in a truly stunning setting designed by Karl Lagerfeld. In an oasis of greenery at the heart of the city, the Odyssey welcomes lucky visitors with a sumptuous Mediterranean-style garden and lounge-restaurant, by a heated brine swimming pool.

There is also peace and tranquillity to be found at the Méridien Beach Plaza, with its private beach and two indoor and outdoor pools, and traditional Balinese bar with natural thatched roof and tropical fruit cocktails: the Alang Bar. Offering a variety of sporting activities from its private jetty, it puts the sea at your fingertips for the perfect getaway. Soak up the typically Mediterranean atmosphere, and relax. Just a few yards away, at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, guests you'll be instantly won over by the intimate and exotic ambience, the four hectares of gardens with their waterfalls, solariums, pool and turquoise lagoon, and soft sand under your feet. To sip a cocktail while you dip your feet in the cool water, in a unique, verdant setting, head to L’Hippocampe, the perfect place to unwind. Or if you prefer a cocooning experience, then a visit to Cocoon Bay is exactly what you're looking for.

For travellers in search of the high life, the roof of the Fairmont Monte-Carlo is a hidden gem, with its swimming pool heated all year round, while neighbouring Nikki Beach has all the Riviera atmosphere you could wish for. Between the Formula 1 circuit on one side, and the Mediterranean on the other, not forgetting the Casino de Monte-Carlo that stands proudly a few yards away, you won't want to come back down to earth… There are secrets to be discovered at the Novotel Monte-Carlo too, with its terraces and gardens inspired by the Rivieras of the world, open air spaces, invisible from the outside, and its inviting pool. The Azzurra Kitchen Bar serving its detox juices and other delights will wow you with its Mediterranean flavours. This is a little corner of paradise and a haven of well-being, in the heart of Monaco, just a few minutes' walk from the station. It's a similar story at the Monte-Carlo Beach, a villa on the water's edge where time stands still. Whether you choose to dip into the balmy 27°C Olympic swimming pool or the azure Mediterranean Sea, this is a place steeped in peaceful elegance. After bathing, relax on the Deck terrace and savour delights from the seasonal menu.

Larvotto beach

For tranquil moments in the Principality, Larvotto beach is perfect for all ages, with its shaded promenade and newly renovated beach. This seaside complex invites residents and visitors to make the very most of the sea, sand, and sun. Hungry? There are a wide choice of places to eat on the water's edge, at one of the four private beaches of La Rose des Vents, Le Neptune, La Note Bleue and Le Miami. Or just cool off with an ice cream from Mullot's in the shade of the pine trees.

Terraces on the water's edge

Taking time out on a terrace and sharing special moments with those we love, these are the things that make for the perfect getaway. And the Principality is positively packed with places where you’ll find peace, tranquillity, and delight. Havens of serenity in which to unwind, particularly beside the two marinas, each one a paean to the relaxed local way of life, starting with Port Hercule.
Next to the famous Yacht Club de Monaco, just a stone’s throw from the fastest point on the Formula 1 circuit, the restaurant of La Société Nautique is perfect for savouring fine cuisine by the water’s edge as you listen to the gentle lapping of the Mediterranean waves! Stroll past the superyachts moored along the Quai des Etats-Unis and the smaller boats opposite the Route de la Piscine to the Brasserie de Monaco, where you can taste the locally brewed beer in a casual atmosphere. In this part of the Principality, the music from the restaurants mingles with the sound of rigging flapping against the masts, creating a cocktail of sound that is every bit as delicious as the one in your glass! Also by the water’s edge, on Quai Antoine-Ier opposite the promontory on which stands the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Stars’n’bars offers an environmentally-responsible fine dining experience.

By nature eclectic, the Principality has two ports, each with its own distinct identity. The Port of Fontvieille is a splendid place for a stroll below the Rock of Monaco, with local traditional barques floating alongside modern yachts and motor boats. The décor is different here, the atmosphere a little more intimate, but it brims with the same charm. Accompanied by the calls of the “gabians”, as the locals refer to the yellow-legged gulls, as you stroll between Monaco Ville and Quai Jean-Charles Rey, with the Oceanographic Museum and the Cathedral keeping their sentinel-like watch over the waves, you’ll be naturally drawn to a table, a bar or a restaurant, from which to sit back and enjoy the sumptuous spectacle. And there is no shortage of choice. From La Salière with its Italian style to the convivial concept wine bar, Le Rouge et le Blanc, there is something to suit every taste. If the traditional British pub is your thing, a visit to the recently refurbished Ship & Castle is essential, while the more curious will be delighted to try the exceptional local oysters at seafood restaurant Les Perles de Monte-Carlo. Sitting in the sunshine at the end of the seawall, it’s an unmissable experience!

©BVergély