A Millionaire's Weekend in Monaco

Its tiny size bears no correlation to its impressive wealth; Monaco is home to the most millionaires (and billionaires) per capita in the world.

It's not hard to discern Monaco's appeal: fabulous weather, picturesque ports, stunning views and all the pizazz of Monte Carlo. With the imminent arrival of the Monaco Yacht Show this September the wealthy will again be flooding to this decadent hotspot from across the world – but what actually goes on during a millionaire's weekend in Monaco? We've delved into the diaries of the super-rich to reveal their secrets…

Arriving in Style

If you're flash with your cash (and if you're going to Monaco, there's a good chance you will be) there are only two acceptable ways to arrive: by chopper or by boat. There are no airports in Monaco but there is a helipad, so you should have no problems making a suitably grand entrance. It only takes 38 seconds to fly over Monaco by helicopter, but you will be able to enjoy unrivaled views from this unique vantage point.

If you arrive by boat, try to make it a yacht for maximum impact. You can anchor for about £1,500 a day per boat, but be aware that during the Grand Prix this can escalate to about £15,000 a night! If you do sail into Monaco, you may as well enjoy a quick helicopter charter regardless to ensure you don't miss out on the spellbinding views.

Yacht charter for two nights: €3,000.00
Helicopter tour of Monaco: €165.00

The famous Monte Carlo Casino; image courtesy of photographerglen

What to do

One of the main draws is the Monaco Grand Prix which is considered one of the most dangerous races in the world, but that's by no means all Monaco has to offer. The Monaco Yacht Show is another annual event that attracts over 33,000 people (and hundreds of exquisite superyachts) to Monte Carlo's iconic Port Hercules.

Monte Carlo also happens to be one of the best places in the world for people watching: you can while away hours admiring the Cartier and Van Cleef diamond-dripping tourists stepping out from their shiny Lamborghinis, Bentleys and Rolls-Royces.

The Casino de Monte Carlo is world famous and not just due to its prominence in many James Bond films including Casino Royal, GoldenEye and Never Say Never Again. Here you can gamble your millions away… choose between many different kinds of roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, snap, baccarat and slot machines – to name just a few!

Entrance fee for two people at Casino de Monte Carlo: €20.00
Minimum bet on tables: €25 euros
Amount needed for a good evening: €5,000.00

After you're done gambling why not head to the Billionaire Club Monaco on the top terrace of the Hotel Fairmont? Which, incidentally, is probably the hotel you'll be staying in anyway. The Billionaire Club nightclub is one of the most glamorous venues in Monaco and you're sure to bump into a few celebrities. Here you can admire jaw-dropping views of Monte Carlo and its glorious sunsets as you enjoy thumping music, cocktails, sushi, and the shisha bar.

Table for 8 with magnum of Cristal and two bottles of Grey Goose: €3,000.00
Two nights in the Hotel Fairmont: €3,060.00

What to drink

There is clearly only one drink to be see with in Monaco, and that's champagne. The level of the extravagance here is mind-boggling; a wealthy Briton recently spent £330,000 pounds on one round of Champagne (yes…one) as he partied with celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio at the Billionaire Club.

Forgot Cristal or Moet though, the only champagne you should drink in Monaco is the incomparable Armand de Brignac Brut Gold 'Dynastie' collection of champagne. This consists of nine different Brut Gold Champagne bottle sizes, from the standard 750ml bottle to the world-record breaking 30 litres Midas, which has to be carried by four men in a custom-made gold (what else?) champagne bucket. All together the 'Dynastie' collection amounts to 109 bottles – probably just enough to go around.

Armand de Brignac Brut Gold 'Dynastie' collection: €111,930.00

What to Wear

As you may expect, image is important in Monaco, and being dressed appropriately denotes that you understand the etiquette, i.e. you belong there. While casual attire is fine for sightseeing in and around the streets of Monaco, bear in mind you may want to dress the upper end of causal. A plain white shirt and jeans should be fine for the day – but, of course, you should make sure they're designer.

If you have received a formal invitation in the evening then a suit or dress is almost always required; usually a cocktail dress at the very least, but more often than not full-on formal black tie attire. Ladies should remember that the streets of Monaco are steep, so it's often advisable to relinquish the high heels – although you can always counter this problem by making sure you are taken from marble floor directly to the red carpet by your chauffeur or personal limo driver!

Designer suit: €3,000.00
Designer cocktail dress: €2,000.00

Grand total: €131,200 (approx. £104,000)

Top photo of Monte Carlo harbour; Image courtesy of Herry Lawford