Why bring your incentive trip to Monaco?
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, bordered by France to the North, West, and East and hugged by the Mediterranean Sea in the South. Officially known as the Principality of Monaco, it is the epitome of luxury travel, where the rich and famous go to play. Although small, it’s known for iconic annual events such as the Monaco Yacht Show and the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. With abundant sunshine and ideal warm weather, this is a perfect destination to add to your incentive trip list!
To get to Monaco, attendees fly into the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) in Nice, France. From there, you can offer a private luxury car transportation service (roughly a 40–45-minute drive) or have attendees travel in style by private helicopter charters (about a 7-minute flight).
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monaco Incentive-Quality Hotels
Monaco is home to plenty of luxury hotel properties; we’ve identified three that all offer unique features and amenities ideal for an incentive trip.
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel is situated on the coast with splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea. Built on a private peninsula, this hotel is just a few minutes from the Place du Casino. It houses 332 guest rooms, including 21 Suites and 1 Diamond Suite, with 75% of the rooms boasting an incredible sea panorama view.
One of the hotel’s undeniable advantages is one whole floor dedicated to business tourism. You will find meeting rooms bathed in light with fantastic sea vistas on this floor. But that’s not all! You will also find the hotel has gardens, several terraces, a sandy-bottom lagoon, an indoor and outdoor heated swimming pool, and a 900-square-meter spa called Spa Cinq Mondes.
Additionally, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel is home to Marcel Ravin, a 2-Star Michelin-rated chef. His culinary masterpieces will delight your guests with cuisine that combines Mediterranean influences and France’s overseas territories. Also on the property is the Le Sporting Monte-Carlo entertainment complex which is ideal for large gala dinners and one-of-a-kind events. You honestly cannot go wrong with choosing this property.
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, courtesy of the hotel
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, courtesy of the hotel
Located near Casino Square, Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo boasts a total of 278 rooms, which includes 53 Junior Suites, 22 Suites, and 13 Monte-Carlo Diamond Suites. Charm and refined elegance characterize this historic building, as well as its unparalleled views of the Monte-Carlo Marina. It is a belle-epoque adorned property that has been a top choice for incentives and meetings for many years.
The hotel houses a rare Winter Garden designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, of Eiffel Tower fame) that is used exclusively for group check-ins. Among its function rooms, the Salle Belle Epoque and Salon Excelsior offer the very best of refined design and beauty. Constant refurbishment ensures that the ornate traditional decor inside guestrooms and bathrooms preserves their charm and aura of warmth and comfort.
The Hotel Hermitage also contains 3 restaurants as well as bars that allow you to indulge in traditional French cuisine and culture. Your attendees will enjoy homemade pastries at teatime or sip prestigious champagne during happy hour.
Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, courtesy of the hotel
Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, courtesy of the hotel
Resting on the water’s edge and a stone’s throw away from the center of Monaco, Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel has been redesigned to offer a decidedly modern experience. Interiors constructed by India Mahdavi provide this historical location with the most up to date décor, giving it the feel of a timeless palace. Blending the spirit of the 1930s with the carefully preserved intimacy of a luxury residence, this hotel is a shining example of contemporary design.
The Monte-Carlo Beach has 40 rooms, including 5 Junior Suites, 7 Suites, and 2 Double Suites with private sea view terraces. It is an ideal location for small incentive groups and can be privatized entirely for an upscale feel. The hotel amenities include its own beach club, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and, depending on the season, up to 4 different restaurants. It also houses Elsa: a 100% organic, Michelin-star-rated restaurant – the first of its kind!
Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, courtesy of the hotel
Activities for Group Incentive Travel or President’s Club Trip in Monaco
Old Antibes + Shopping in Cannes
Your attendees will experience the French Riviera’s highlights and enjoy local hot spots during this leisurely activity. Typically, your journey begins by making your way to the quaint harbor town of Antibes. The town is known for its small streets, fountain squares, and amazing Provencal market with colorful local produce. As you walk through Antibes’s streets, you’ll stop in a quaint shop that sells regional delicacies and olive oil. Here your attendees will participate in Absinth tasting in an old 9th-century vaulted cellar. Afterward, your group will transfer to Cannes, where they will receive free time to shop and explore before experiencing a beautiful lunch on the beach.
Cannes, France
There is no better way to see the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea than by hiking along a coastal mountain. For those looking for an active activity, this is the perfect excursion. Attendees start from the Upper Corniche level and hike to the Middle Corniche level reaching the medieval village of Eze. After about an hour’s hike, attendees will stop at a local coffee shop at the top of the town and enjoy unforgettable views. From Eze, attendees will take a short transfer to Cap d’Ail for the second half of the hike traveling along the perimeter of the cape and the Mediterranean Sea. After another hour, you can reward your attendees with a beautiful lunch at a restaurant located in Monaco.
French Riviera
There isn’t a better way to immerse your attendees into Monaco’s culture than having them take part in a classic car drive. With this activity, each attendee (or couple) will receive their own vintage car and be taken on a tour of the French Riviera streets. On this drive, they will visit St. Paul de Vence. This is the oldest medieval village in the area and is located at the foothills of the Alps. Upon arrival to the village, you can customize the experience and allow them free time to explore before ending the tour with lunch at the famous Alain Llorca Michelin star restaurant. This activity is a car enthusiast’s dream, but others will enjoy the relaxing drive and visit to a historical village.
Classic Car Drive
Off-Site Restaurants in Monaco
Although the Principality of Monaco is famous for its mega-yachts, super cars, casinos, sea views, and star-filled parties; it also offers something else that can’t be overlooked – fine dining. If you’re considering Monaco your incentive trip destination, you should think about hosting an off-site dinner for your group. Below are a few favorites to keep in mind.
Cuisine: Modern Italian/Mediterranean
Location: Larvotto Beach
Private Space: Yes
Avenue 31 is a fantastic location offering both private and semi-private spaces for groups. For a smaller group, they have a private area, the Garden Room, adorned with beautiful greenery, flowers, and lanterns. This intimate space can hold up to 45 guests; however, you can pair that with the restaurant’s back room and offer a private space for up to 140 attendees. This incredible space won’t disappoint with its beautiful atmosphere and excellent food.
Avenue 31, courtesy of the restaurant
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Location: Cap d’Ail Marina
Private Space: Yes
A’Trego is located on the French side of Cap d’Ail, which forms part of the border between France and Monaco. With stunning uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean, this sophisticated three-story building will be able to meet all your dinner and event needs. You can use the outdoor terrace as a perfect location for an open-air cocktail reception before taking your guests inside to indulge in the impressive regional specialties.
A’Trego, courtesy of the restaurant
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Location: Casino Square
Private Space: Yes
The Buddha Bar must be one of Monaco’s chicest restaurant establishments. Located just steps away from the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, you can’t miss this unique experience. Formerly a 20th-century concert hall, the Buddha Bar refurbished and decorated the interiors with Asian and oriental influences. The 1st floor is a lounge, while the restaurant sits on the Mezzanine Level. The Mezzanine allows for groups of up to 150, or they offer a private salon that can fit up to 20 guests. If you choose to dine here, your attendee’s taste buds will enjoy an international ride through Southeast Asia, Japan, China, and Thailand.
Buddha Bar, courtesy of the restaurant
Cuisine: Meat Lovers
Location: Fontvieille Marina
Private Space: Semi-Private Only
The Beef Bar originated from former meat importer, Riccardo Giraudi. When it opened, the idea of the restaurant was simple – serve the highest quality steaks. Today, this elegant and modern establishment has never forgotten its roots and will make you instantly feel at home when you enter. On the inside, you’ll notice it has a Butcher Shop / Bar area perfect for a mini reception. Beef Bar offers a more open-concept layout and doesn’t offer a fully private space; however, depending on the size of the group, you could section off a part of the restaurant for a semi-private event.
Beef Bar, courtesy of the restaurant
Need an Assist for Your Incentive Trip?
With so many moving parts to an incentive trip, it may be challenging to piece your event together. That is why Brightspot makes it easy for you to entrust your event planning to a capable and highly qualified team of experts. With years of event planning experience, we make sure to fulfill your vision and give your attendees the trip of a lifetime. Give us a call or contact us today so we can help you with all the details.
