The Definitive Guide to Monaco Yacht show 2022
Whether you’re a Monaco regular or a first-time visitor, the incredible destination never ceases to amaze. The summer months are peak season, but each fall, the principality plays host to the Monaco Yacht Show. This year, it will be held September 28 to October 1. It is the world’s leading yacht show that welcomes 30,000 people and hosts more than $4.3 billion worth of yachts in the port. People from all over the world come to celebrate the newest creativity and innovation in the yacht world and tour some of the most incredible vessels on the planet. The show offers an exciting few days of discovery for boating enthusiasts and aficionados. Here’s where to stay, eat, and play while in the region.
THE SHOW
Each year, the Monaco Yacht Show showcases the latest and greatest in the world of yachting. In addition to getting a chance to tour the world’s greatest superyachts, there are plenty of live presentations on current and future trends in yachting, a sustainability hub, and a yacht design and innovation hub to meet yacht designers and creators. For those interested in buying or chartering, there’s an invite-only panel a day before the show called the Monaco Yacht Summit, a panel of designers, brokers, builders, and more, that offers advice, news, and so much more—if you’re lucky enough to be invited. Each night, there are also incredible parties.
The ultra-exclusive invite is the Sapphire Experience, a VIP experience only granted to 20% of applicants. The experience gives you access to exclusive activities, courtesy cars during the show, and other perks. However, tickets are only given to those who are serious yacht buyers, superyacht owners, charterers, and potential clients.
A personal favorite of Maison Benjamin’s founder is Lürssen’s M/Y AHPO, a 115-meter superyacht built for a repeat client. From a five-star wellness spa, to the garden-like dining room, or the larger-than-life rooms, there are quite few vessels that are designed at this level.
WHAT TO DO
The fun-packed few days also offers time to explore the city. We recommend making a trip to Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo, an upscale shopping center with marble floors, opulent chandeliers, and more than 80 luxury stores and boutiques.
For a dose of calming nature, the Jardin Exotique de Monaco has a variety of plants and flowers, gardens, a cave, and phenomenal views over Monte-Carlo and the ocean. It’s a well-landscaped outdoor garden with plants and flowers from around the world. It’s built into the cliffside, which makes the experience even more dramatic.
Especially if you’re traveling with young children, the Musée Océanographique de Monaco is where you can learn about marine sciences and how we can better protect our oceans and planet. Sustainability is also a growing topic within the yacht industry and would be great to learn more alongside the show.
WHERE TO STAY
There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in Monaco but there are some that stand out among the rest. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is one of the city’s most iconic hotels. It’s centrally located with sumptuous rooms, a spa, and the best restaurants in the city. Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo has elegant Belle Époque style and one of the best spas in the city. For a more old-world-meets-new-world experience, Hôtel Metropole is in the Carre d’Or just steps from the casino and luxury boutiques. It’s a fashionable escape for those who want to be in the heart of it all.
If you don’t want to be in the middle of the action, book a room at the iconic Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It’s a bit of a drive away, but is a luxury resort if you don’t want to stay in the city. Maybourne Riviera in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is perched on a cliff with some of the best views of the Mediterranean. It’s modern, chic, and set quietly away from the hustle and bustle of the neighboring cities.
WHERE TO EAT
Credit: Maki Manoukian/IG @makimanoukian for Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse
There are so many Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from, it’s hard to decide where to eat. However, Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse at Hôtel de Paris is a must-visit. With tasty locally sourced ingredients sculpted in dishes like art, you will be blown away at every course. Pavyllon at Hôtel Hermitage is another wonderful restaurant from chef Yannick Alléno that is a slightly less formal fine-dining experience. There are gorgeous views and an open kitchen. Finally, Le Grill, also at Hôtel de Paris, has exceptional sea and city views. Sit on the terrace for the ultimate visual experience.