Monaco is synonymous with glamour, where helicopter transfers from the nearest airport are as familiar as taxis. This tiny principality on the French Riviera feels made for a girls’ getaway—compact yet overflowing with luxury, sun-soaked coastlines, and unforgettable experiences reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s elegant era. Though Monaco is roughly half the size of New York’s Central Park, it packs an abundance of high-end resorts, spas, boutiques and dining into a remarkably walkable space.
Situated between France and Italy, Monaco enjoys about 300 days of sunshine a year and a mild average temperature near 68°F. Its diverse community of roughly 38,000 residents represents more than 125 nationalities, yet the country retains a distinct Monegasque character. The Grimaldi family has ruled the principality for over 700 years, and their presence continues to shape Monaco’s heritage and prestige.
Monaco’s reputation as a fiscal haven—no personal income tax and favorable business conditions—has attracted wealthy residents and international companies, contributing to some of the highest concentrations of millionaires and billionaires per capita. The principality also hosts world-class events like the Monaco Yacht Show and the Monaco Grand Prix, drawing global visitors who expect the finest service, venues and entertainment.
Wellness and leisure have long been part of Monaco’s identity. Walking is a common mode of transport for locals, and the compact layout—enhanced by public escalators and lifts—makes exploring on foot easy and pleasant. Monaco’s bathing culture traces back to the 1860s, when visitors sought therapeutic Mediterranean waters and pioneering thalassotherapy. Today that tradition continues with advanced spa therapies, luxurious wellness facilities and mindful dining options ideal for a restorative weekend with friends.
A refined base for a girls’ trip is the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, a Belle Époque landmark once owned by Pope Leo XIII. The hotel, fully renovated in 2004, offers more than 126 rooms and suites, four restaurants collectively honored with Michelin stars, and a Givenchy spa designed by Didier Gomez. The spa blends sleek modern design with an emphasis on relaxation and sensory experiences.
Heat Experience at Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo’s Spa Metropole by Givenchy © HÔTEL MÉTROPOLE MONTE-CARLO
The spa’s Heat Experience is an inviting introduction: guests move through sauna, hammam, caldarium, ice fountain and sensory showers. Signature scents and curated playlists accompany treatments, and many sessions conclude with a cryotherapy ritual to extend benefits. Popular massages include the Anti-Gravity and Divine Harmony, but for a unique pampering session the Pedi:Mani:Cure studio by Bastien Gonzalez is a must. Gonzalez, known as a foot specialist to celebrities, applies his podiatry expertise to elaborate foot and limb treatments—no polish, no water—that blend therapeutic massage and his family’s traditional buffing technique. The ultimate indulgence is “Bastien’s Duo,” where two therapists work in synch to revitalize feet, legs, hands and arms.
Mornings at the Métropole often begin poolside beside the Karl Lagerfeld-designed pool, with sunrise yoga classes followed by a light, healthy breakfast at Odyssey, where dishes are crafted by Michelin-starred influences. For sunbathing and seaside relaxation, visitors head to the pebbled beaches along the Riviera—La Note Bleue at Larvotto is a favorite, and the picturesque Villefranche-sur-Mer is a short train ride away.
The Monte Carlo Casino provides an iconic backdrop for people-watching and elegant strolls, with the Café de Paris a popular spot for lunch or a coffee. The brasserie sits beside the Hôtel de Paris and the Casino, offering classic Belle Époque ambiance. While gambling at the Casino de Monte-Carlo is steeped in tradition and spectacle, local regulations restrict resident participation; nevertheless, touring the ornate rooms and museum is a memorable experience.
Coffee at Café de Paris © KRISTY ALPERT
Must-see cultural sites include the Palais du Prince, one of the few royal residences in Europe open to visitors, the serene Princess Grace Rose Garden, and the intriguing Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation, which showcases the artist’s work and personal artifacts. Evenings are made for fine dining—options range from Yoshi, Joël Robuchon’s Japanese restaurant located in the Hôtel Métropole, to the seafood-forward Quai des Artistes—and then into Monaco’s vibrant nightlife at legendary venues like Buddha-Bar and Jimmy’z.
Whether your group combines business with leisure or the trip is purely personal, Monaco’s concentration of boutique shops, luxury hotels and wellness experiences provides a seamless blend of sophistication and relaxation. It’s a destination where indulgence, culture and seaside charm come together for a memorable escape with friends.
Monaco Info to Go
Monaco has no airport of its own but is easily reached by land, air and sea. Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport is the closest major airport, about 14 miles away; a helicopter transfer takes roughly seven minutes, while a taxi ride ranges from 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Trains arrive at Monaco–Monte Carlo station, and the principality’s harbors accommodate yachts and boats from across the Mediterranean.
Where to Stay in Monaco
HÔTEL DE PARIS MONTE-CARLO — A glamorous icon with a celebrated bar and one of the largest hotel wine cellars in the world. Place du Casino, Monte Carlo $$$$$
HÔTEL HERMITAGE MONTE-CARLO — Steps from the Casino de Monte-Carlo and connected to the Thermes Marins Monte Carlo, this historic hotel remains a cherished landmark. Square Beaumarchais, Monte Carlo $$$$
HÔTEL MÉTROPOLE MONTE-CARLO — A Belle Époque building once owned by Pope Leo XIII, now offering refined rooms, Michelin dining and a premier spa. 4 Ave. de la Madone, Monte Carlo $$$$$
Restaurants in Monaco
CAFÉ DE PARIS MONTE-CARLO — Classic Belle Époque brasserie in a prime people-watching square; traditionally associated with the crêpe Suzette. Place du Casino, Monte Carlo $$$$
QUAI DES ARTISTES — A French brasserie known for fresh seafood sourced from the Monaco harbor and an extensive wine list. 4 Quai Antoine 1er, Monte Carlo $$$
YOSHI — Joël Robuchon’s elegant Japanese restaurant located in Hôtel Métropole, a refined choice for dining with Monaco’s elite. Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, 4 Ave. de la Madone, Monte Carlo $$$$