Romantic, captivating and often referred to as a story-book destination, Monaco, was hot on the lips of the travel industry last week (21st April) as Mezze Associates celebrated their appointment as representative of the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority (www.visitmonaco.com) in the United Arab Emirates. An exclusive Gourmet Tasting event at the Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach poolside showcased several of the principality’s luxury hotels including the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, Hotel Hermitage, Metropole Hotel, and Hotel de Paris as well as the cuisine of famous Michelin starred restaurants through a unique culinary presentation.
The event which attracted more than 50 guests including VIPs, travel industry leaders and media was hailed as a major success by Mr Russel Sharpe, Managing Partner, Mezze Associates.
“The feedback following the event has been overwhelmingly positive. We are very excited about using the upcoming Arabian Travel Market as a platform to forge higher awareness about the destination and develop synergies with key partners.” he said, adding
“The destination boasts an unparalleled tradition of luxury and refinement, which travellers in the region find desirable.”
Mouthwatering signature dishes by world renowned Chefs Joël Robuchon, Alain Ducasse, Marcel Ravin, Christophe Cussac and Franck Cerutti such as Risotto with Pumpkin and Roasted Scallop with Hazelnut, Prawn fricassee with fennel and glazed chestnuts with honey and Foie Gras with apple and pear and red onion tangy were recreated one by one at live theatre-style stations and paired with accompanying wines, giving the event a unique twist.
Monaco enjoys a privileged location at the heart of Mediterranean Europe. The Principality is nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by the French Riviera to the west and the Italian Riviera to the east. The variety of luxury hotels in Monaco combined with tax-free shopping, spa retreats, water-based pursuits and an exciting calendar of events including the world famous Grand Prix is already attracting travellers from the Middle East, with more than 3,000 room nights generated by the emirate of Dubai each year.
Despite being the second smallest country in the world, after Vatican City and about the size of New York’s Central Park, life is effervescent in the Principality with an action packed summer festival of cultural and sporting events. The Formula 1 cars return to their favourite playground of the narrow and winding streets of Monaco for four adrenalin packed days of racing in the 68th Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held 13 – 16 May.
Lovers of the performing arts should consider timing their visit with performances of the renowned musical “Fame,” inspired by the film by Alan Parker, at the Grimaldi Forum. On stage, the show tells the story of the daily life of students from New York’s School of the Performing Arts in song and dance. There will be a total of eight matinée and evening performances, from 15 to 20 June.
The Monte Carlo International Show Jumping will be held 24-26 June and attracts the world’s best riders and their all-star horses. The event is part of a calendar featuring the greatest international competitions know as the Global Champions Tour with eight of the highest level of show jumping competitions.
If you are planning a visit in July/August take note of the series of open-air concerts performed by the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. Since 1959, each summer the main courtyard of the Princely Palace is the magical venue and this year will host seven gala evenings in the company of Yakov Kreizberg, the artistic and musical director, guest conductors and prestigious soloists. Vist www.opmc.mc for more information and dates.
Monaco is accessible via the Cote d'Azur International Airport in Nice, France which is 24 km (15 miles) away. Emirates Airline offers a twice daily service to Nice from Dubai.
