While Monaco takes up less than one square mile in area, it has an outsized reputation as the ultimate luxury destination on the French Riviera. This is the place to experience Belle Époque architecture, a glamorous Casino and the Grand Prix. But you can also enjoy terrific museums, lovely gardens and a country with a deep commitment to sustainability. Below is a suggested itinerary that includes many of the country’s most beloved sites.
Day One
The closest airport to Monaco is in Nice. Why not arrive in style by signing up for a Blade helicopter ride from the airport to Monaco? Upon arrival, the Blade staff will drive you to your hotel. The seven minute flight provides spectacular views of the coast. After a quick stop at your hotel, it’s time to go exploring. For a taste of local culture, head over to the Condamine Market. Here you can find outdoor stalls selling local produce and inside you can discover numerous small restaurants that feature everything from sushi to pizza. You can also try a “barbajuan,” the local version of an empanada stuffed with veggies or meat.
If you time your visit correctly, you can see the changing of the guards outside the palace, which takes place at noon. Afterwards, plan on spending a bit of time exploring the public rooms of the palace. The frescos are elaborate and many have been recently restored.
For the ultimate evening activity, plan on enjoying dinner at one of Monte Carlo’s best restaurants: Les Ambassadeurs. The “La Degustation” tasting menu has seven indulgent courses including lobster lasagna and lamb cutlets with chickpeas. The bread trolley arrives with 15 choices and the dessert trolley is equally impressive, although the recommended dessert is the Grand Marnier souffle.
Day Two
Monaco’s best-known museum is the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, which was originally founded by Prince Albert I in 1910 as a research institution. (Jacques Cousteau was the director for almost 30 years.) While ideal for families, adults will also enjoy the very relaxing aquarium tanks, as well as the historical importance of the museum. Currently, there is an excellent interactive exhibit that focuses on the melting polar caps; sustainability is an important commitment in the country that borders the sea. For a more modern art experience, the Nouveau Musee National de Monaco has two locations and rotating exhibitions. Nearby, you can find the lovely Japanese gardens.
For an afternoon activity, be sure to devote an hour or two to the beach, your hotel pool or exploring Monte Carlo’s exclusive shopping streets. Once evening arrives, choose another terrific dinner option. The Michelin-starred Le Grill at the Hotel de Paris provides both great views and amazing cuisine.
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There are no shortages of five-star properties in Monte-Carlo. However, guests looking for an intimate and very special experience will be wowed with the aesthetics and special moments crafted by the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo. The property was originally built in the Belle Époque style in 1886. It has been renovated several times and now embodies stunning design elements and modern touches. Upon entering, it is hard not to be impressed by the central floral sculpture that changes with the season. Look a little further and you will be further enticed by the garden view.
The fall is (in many ways) the perfect time to travel. With moderate but still comfortable temperatures, beautiful fall foliage, lower prices ahead of the holidays and fewer crowds coming out of summer, you can enjoy a memorable vacation at many destinations across the U.S. and around the world.
Queenstown, New Zealand, wouldn’t be Queenstown if it weren’t far away from everything—more than three hours’ flight from the closet foreign city of Sydney, a long transpacific slog from the west coast of the U.S., a diabolically long distance from western Europe. (This part of the world is called the Antipodes for a reason.) But being tucked away in the snowy mountains at the bottom of the world is what gives it its character: It’s a cosmopolitan frontier town, full of ruggedly individualistic locals and generous transplants, ski bums and worldly chefs, shepherds and sommeliers.
The Hôtel de Paris is a Monte Carlo institution just steps away from the famous Casino of Monte Carlo and steeped in history. Originally opened in 1864, the property has recently undergone an extensive renovation, creating a hotel that is filled with modern touches but that also is deeply respectful of its Belle Epoque tradition. In addition to providing a very luxurious experience, one of the hotel’s most important undertakings is its deep commitment to sustainability.
Dress codes have been part of cruising from nearly the beginning. On the old TV series The Love Boat, turning out in formal evening attire was all part of the fun of a vacation at sea. Days were casual and carefree, but come nighttime, guests’ outfits were glamorous and sophisticated. The less-discussed part was that the dress code served as a functional barrier to entry—you needed formalwear to go and enjoy the full experience.
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Everything about Las Vegas feels indulgent, from the glittering lights on the Strip to the cacophony of casino slot machines and all-you-can-eat buffets. However, perhaps nothing in Las Vegas is more indulgent than the luxury hotel suites that sit high above the Strip.
Autumn is the perfect season to discover Algarve with its favourable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the region. Blessed with a stunning coastline, as well as hilly and softly contoured mainland, this part of Portugal offers fantastic hiking trails to suit all ages.
This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Carter Schoenberg, the vice-president of a cybersecurity firm and an AAdvantage Platinum member with American Airlines. It's been edited for length and clarity.