Monte Carlo

This was my first time down to the south west coast of France, and what better way to begin the luxurious adventure than with a couple of nights in Monte Carlo; tax evaders haven and favourite hangout of the rich and glamorous. 

We began the holiday by checking into the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel. It’s in an ideal location, next to the sea where there are numerous water sports you can partake in, obviously at an extra cost. For the less active you can simply lay by the pool and soak up the sun. The swimming pool has a nice little surprise for you as you slide into the water to cool off. The bottom of the pool is covered in sand, not the rough floor of a usual swimming pool. The pool winds round leading to various water features, jacuzzi tubs and low bridges. The pool is perfect for children and adults alike. 

There are many sections around the pool area for families and couples, but if you want a bit of special treatment you can opt for the private ‘love cabanas’; basically sun loungers set in a cautioned off section for those guests who want to pay a little extra, for some private space and some wining and dining. 

The Hotel Pool Restaurant was surprisingly amazing. As you sit to cool down in the shade. attempting to escape the midday blaze, umbrellas overhead spritz you with a fine cooling mist of water, probably Evian, which immediately satisfies. The food was delicious, I started lunch with a shared plate of burratta and various sorts of tomatoes, all just as juicy and succulent as the other. This followed by a fresh, citrus crab salad, accompanied by a few glasses of crisp, dry French Rosé won me over completely. Soon after lunch was finished a snooze by the pool was needed, and then another swim after that… then another snooze… holiday mode. The first day drifted away quickly, and as the clouds rolled in off the mountains behind, sending trickles of rain splashing into the pool, we packed up our things, went back to our rooms and decided to get dressed and head into Monte Carlo’s main square, and for a late dinner at Cafe De Paris. 


Cafe De Paris, Monte Carlo; the perfect spot for an evening of people watching, whilst munching on garlic snails, slurping French onion soup and sipping on crisp rosé. Simultaneously being serenaded by live music oozing out into the warm evening air from the restaurant.