What it is

A beachfront resort with a youthful feel.

What it isn't

A palace hotel with Old World prestige.

What we think

Monte Carlo’s latest resort hotel (opened in 2005 and renovated in 2011) is 11 stories of pink-tinted opulence perched on the eastern edge of Monaco. The resort is packed full with Neoclassical columns and arches, ornate bridges connecting exotic gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, an artificial sandy-bottomed lagoon, game rooms, a casino, a concert hall and the lavish Cinq Mondes spa. There’s no real reason to leave the kid-friendly property, but a shuttle will whisk you over to the Place du Casino if you crave a glimpse of the Monte Carlo action. The 334 rooms all have contemporary white oak furniture and dark sandstone floors; tangerine drapes and throws provide sparks of vibrancy. Notably, three quarters of the resort’s rooms and suites have a view of the sea, and only a few rooms lack a balcony. During the summer high season, Michelin-starred Blue Bay delivers creative Mediterranean cuisine with global accents (like the green papaya “spaghetti” in a truffled carbonara style with Ibérico ham.) Las Brisas, also only open during the summer, is a grill serving both lunch and dinner. There are multiple bars on the premises, but Blue Gin is the moody hotspot.

You're here because

You want to be pampered on the Côte d’Azur, but can do without the gilt mirrors and liveried staff.

The Moment

While the kids are exploring the coastline on Jet Skis, you take a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet of the lagoon-like pool with its sandy bottom, Jacuzzis and cascading waterfalls.

Restaurants & Bars

BLUE BAY (1 Michelin Star) - Innovative cuisine inspired by Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors.

LAS BRISAS – Summer restaurant located between sea and lagoon.

L’ORANGE VERTE - Light snacks in the winter garden or for take away.

BLUE GIN – Trendy bar with creative cocktails, billiard room and terrace over the sea. Live DJ on week-ends.

Location

On the Larvotto Peninsula, about a mile from the central Place du Casino and right next door to legendary disco Jimmy’z. The distance from town buys you a nicer beach and a kid-friendlier location. Nice airport is half an hour away by car, 7 by helicopter.