Monte Carlo, Monaco, is a place that has long been synonymous with luxury, and is home to some of the world’s wealthiest tycoons and celebrities. Eye-wateringly expensive superyachts line its picturesque harbour, five star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants line its streets, and a large number of affluent tourists flock to the city each year, eager to enjoy a slice of the good life.
It also happens to be home to arguably the most iconic casino in the world, and attracts some of the world’s biggest high rollers who come to enjoy high stakes gambling in the most lavish of settings as a result, bringing in some pretty impressive numbers in gambling revenue each year.
Nevertheless, in today’s modern world, despite its standout offerings, beautiful architecture and privileged location near the French Riviera, Monte Carlo has had to adapt quickly in order to keep up with the ever-changing demands of the luxury customer – be they visitors to the city, or permanent residents.
From moderninsing the famous Casino de Monte Carlo – undoubtedly one of its biggest draws – to offering a more personalised experience and embracing sustainability, here’s what it’s doing to maintain its prestigious status as one of the most sought-after luxury destinations in the world.
Iconic casinos have undergone a lavish upgrade
Monte Carlo is considered legendary when it comes to its lavish casinos, which have spent many years serving as a playground to the rich and famous and have undergone significant transformations over recent years to up the ante when it comes to sumptuous decor and luxury amenities. Bringing them up to date whilst ensuring the old world charm they are so loved for remains intact, one of the major changes beyond the aesthetics has been the adoption of the latest technological innovations, which have helped to uplevel the gaming experience in myriad ways.
From interactive live dealers to immersive virtual reality games, it’s all rather futuristic, and has certainly done the trick when it comes to keeping old timers interested, as well as appealing to a new generation of young and wealthy jetsetters who have grown up playing and learning their roulette and blackjack skills on the latest online casinos. Add to that the exclusive VIP lounges and private gaming rooms, plus more personalised service, and it’s easy to see why the world’s high rollers just keep on coming back for more.
Luxury providers have embraced more sustainable operations
There’s been a growing shift towards a more sustainable way of life over recent years, and it’s something that the tourism industry hasn’t been immune to. And Monte Carlo, as a major luxury destination, has had to adapt quickly to appease and continue appealing to the more discerning modern customer, as today, those with the most money to burn are becoming increasingly careful about how and where they spend it, seeking out brands and businesses that take their environmental credentials seriously and shunning those that do not.
Monte Carlo has taken several major steps to integrate sustainable practices into its luxury offerings, and its high-end hotels have been leading the way with improved waste management and water conservation efforts and a reduction in single-use plastics. There has also been growth in the space of environmentally friendly boat tours, which use vessels that prioritise renewable energy sources and recyclable materials, with a general focus throughout Monaco on preserving its natural beauty, stunning architecture and cultural heritage.
Personalised and bespoke services have become the norm
The luxury world knows all too well that to get ahead and stay there in 2023, personalisation is key – and in Monte Carlo, we’ve seen a shift towards offering bespoke experiences to visitors and the phasing out of the ‘cookie cutter’ and ‘one size fits all’ approach.
From personalised concierge services in hotels to curated itineraries and private excursions tailored to suit guests’ preferences, nothing is too much trouble for the modern luxury customer, and the city’s most sought-after fine dining eateries are even taking steps towards more customisable menus for guests, as well as continuing to provide sommeliers to suggest the best possible wine pairings for each individual dish.
For the luxury shopper, the experience has been elevated somewhat too, with private personal shopping experiences taking the stress out of eye-wateringly large sprees and encouraging customers to spend even more than usual. Personal attention and a dedicated personal shopper, plus a glass or two of champagne to sip whilst you try on the garments and accessories that have been hand-selected to suit your tastes and preference is now considered the norm.
The bottom line
As one of the world’s premier luxury destinations, Monte Carlo has had no choice but to adapt quickly in order to retain its appeal to the luxury customer, and it has embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. The evolution of its iconic casinos, along with a commitment to sustainable tourism and offering more personalised experiences to all, have been enough to keep it at the top of the pile, too, as it seems the world’s wealthy just keep on coming back for more.
