Best Luxury Travel Destinations Of 2022: Monaco’s Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo

As travel continues its triumphant rebound—some 70% of leisure travelers in countries including the U.S., the U.K., and Canada plan to spend more on travel in 2022 than they have in the past five years, according to a recent report—globetrotters climbing the walls after two years of lockdown are ready to splurge on extravagant getaways.

That’s one reason why an escape to Monaco makes for a prime addition to a luxurious European sojourn this year. The most densely populated and second-smallest sovereign state in the world (behind Vatican City) at less than one square mile, the French Riviera jewel is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest, most expensive places on earth. And the storied Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo—one of its most opulent, sought-after addresses for visitors and locals alike for nearly 140 years—has just debuted a slew of new reasons to visit in the months ahead.

Built in 1886 in the Carré d’Or, the country’s most exclusive enclave, the 125-room Belle Époque-style property—renovated in 2004 by acclaimed French architect Jacques Garcia—melds Monagasque glamour and sophistication with Mediterranean charm, attracting a boldface list of VIPs from around the world for decades.

The hotel’s inspired set of bespoke experiences, Just For You, showcase its singular locale. When it comes to world-class, jet-setting glamour, there’s no topping the “From Metropole with Love” experience: a private visit to the famed Monte Carlo casino, a helicopter fly-over of the rarefied municipality, and a candlelight dinner on the terrace of the Carré d’Or suite—complete with a tuxedo, evening gown, shaken-not-stirred martinis, and butler service throughout—will leave intrepid couples feeling like a real-life James Bond and his leading lady.

Recently unveiled additions to the program include an exclusive partnership with prestigious French leather maker Berluti, where guests meet with a craftsman and discover the art of “patina”—a revolutionary method that enhances leather’s appearance, developed by female shoemaker and art director Olga Berluti in the 1980s—through a private workshop. There’s also a new private portrait painting experience with celebrated contemporary French painter David Djiango, nicknamed the “architect of the portrait” for his dynamic and elegant work.

“Exclusivity and personalization are at the core of our Just For You program, and we are thrilled to announce these unique additions for our guests ahead of one of the most eventful seasons in Monte-Carlo,” said Serge Ethuin, the hotel’s general manager, in a press release.

Beyond such exalted experiences, a long list of ne plus ultra amenities—including the Spa Metropole by Givenchy and Yoshi, the only Japanese restaurant on the Côte d’Azur to earn a Michelin star—also lure discerning travelers. Sun-seekers will want to beeline to the enchanting, Karl Lagerfeld-designed pool area, which includes lounge and restaurant Odyssey, featuring modern Mediterranean cuisine from mid-April.

For the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco on May 28—the oldest and most prestigious automobile race in Monaco—Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo’s Veuve Clicquot Lounge will offer guests an unbeatable view of the race’s most thrilling bend.

Even the hotel’s most loyal clientele can expect an element of surprise each time they return, thanks to “Metropole Moods.” The program brings the rarefied aesthetics of the Côte d’Azur to life throughout the property via show-stopping flower compositions and creative décor vignettes, immersing guests in a thoroughly unique environment with every visit.

For more information on special offers and programming for spring and summer 2022, visit the hotel website.