Opening this month, Grace of Monaco stars Nicole Kidman as Grace Kelly, the American film star who became Princess of Monaco in 1956 after marrying Prince Ranier III, then sovereign of the principality.
“You are the fairy tale, the serenity to which we all aspire,” announces the trailer for the biopic, words which equally describe the wish-list allure of this fabled destination on the Cote d’Azur between France and Italy.
Having once attended a VIP-studded golf event in Monte Carlo, Monaco’s administrative center, I can attest to the storybook appeal. Staged at the Monte-Carlo Golf Club high in the alpine escarpment dramatically backing the city, the event concluded with a black-tie gala at the spectacular event venue Sporting Monte Carlo. During dinner, the retractable roof opened for the outdoor fireworks show above. Afterward, we partied until dawn downstairs at world-renowned hot spot Jimmy’z.
As far as dream destinations go, compact Monte Carlo, its famed casino once earning it the reputation as “an international byword for the extravagant display and reckless dispersal of wealth,” has few peers. Sir Roger Moore—007—resides (part-time) here, along with fellow celebs Dame Shirley Bassey, singer in three Bond films, and ex-Beatle Ringo Starr. From the yachts anchored in ancient Port Hercule to Rolex-sponsored tennis to the Formula One and other mean machines racing its wedding cake streets, sun-kissed Monaco is the ultimate jet-set playground.
Does that make the House of Grimaldi (rulers of Monaco for seven centuries and Europe’s oldest reigning monarchy) the unattainable kingdom, open only to platinum-elite cardholders? Actually, no, and for North American corporate and incentive groups especially, Monaco offers priceless experiences at surprisingly manageable costs.
“Many people perceive the Principality of Monaco as an unattainable destination, and so one of the challenges that our office and our industry partners face is demonstrating the destination’s actual value,” says Cindy Hoddeson, director of meeting and incentive sales for the Monaco Government Tourist Office in New York. “Surprising to many is that equivalent hotels in Paris and London may be more expensive, and that we offer a number of group-friendly packages and value-added amenities.” PageBreak
For example, with all Monaco hotels offering U.S. dollar-guaranteed meeting and incentive packages through 2015, pricing for a four-night stay per person, based on double occupancy with American breakfast, welcome reception and gala dinner, begins at $745. Also, VAT can be reclaimed on almost all services, with Monaco one of only two European destinations (Germany the other) where insurance companies can reclaim VAT. Groups booking a minimum of 1,200 room nights using at least two hotels and the main convention facility, Grimaldi Forum Monaco, enjoy discounted transportation, space rentals, dining and more.
Sustainability, environmental advocacy and responsible tourism are all priorities for Prince Albert II, the current ruler. Along with eco-friendly practices at all Monaco hotels, the hydro-powered Grimaldi Forum, hosting events for 400 to 4,500 attendees, is one of Europe’s greenest convention venues.
With other congressional facilities including the Sea Club Conference Center, Espace Polyvalent and the spacious Fontvieille Complex, all major meetings hotels are par excellence, offering luxurious accommodations and amenities, sophisticated service, generous meeting and function space, and sparkling Mediterranean views.
Standouts include multivenue operator Monte-Carlo SBM’s (Societe de Bains de Mer) quartet of deluxe properties: the legendary Hotel de Paris, the Hotel Hermitage, the modern Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort and from 1929, the entirely redesigned Monte-Carlo Beach. The 602-room Fairmont Monte Carlo and 403-room Le Meridien Beach Plaza are first-class, too, while the 133-room Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is an urban resort featuring three restaurants from Joel Robuchon (one with two Michelin stars, another with one star), and meeting rooms and a pool designed by Karl Lagerfeld. PageBreak
Along with the magic of simply being there, much of Monaco’s enchantment comes from its treasure trove of attractions and activities. Incentive planners could not ask for a better menu of selections, from major sporting events to local heritage and cultural attractions.
Groups can arrive in style via helicopter from Nice Cote d’Azur International Airport. Tours include the Cathedral of Saint-Nicholas, where Prince Rainier III married Grace Kelly, with sights such as the colorful pageantry of the daily changing of the guard in Palace Square. Group and team activities range from Formula 3 driving to fragrance competitions. There is harborside dining at convivial havens like Zest Lounge and Brasserie de Monaco, the spas are among Europe’s finest, and for distinctive events, there are prestigious venues that make you feel like you have truly arrived.
Monaco is also within easy reach of other romantic escapes along the French and Italian rivieras, such as Cannes, St. Tropez, San Remo and the 12th century fortified village of Saint Paul de Vence, where the Colombe d’Or hotel and restaurant is among the world’s most exquisite stops.
For the insurance, financial, high-tech, media, automotive, direct sales and global partner groups primarily booking meetings and incentives here, the Monegasque mystique is worth its weight in gold—only you do not have to break the bank to make it happen.
“Incentive and corporate planners are excited to learn that they can deliver a trip of a lifetime to those who think they would never be able to visit this magical land,” Hoddeson says.
Long-time Meetings Focus contributor jeff heilman first visited Monaco in 2000, when he was North American marketing VP for a British smart card company. Highlights of this magical mystery tour? A business alliance with Dr. J., champagne with Richard Branson’s charming mother Eve and an overdose of REM.
