5 luxurious and sustainable experiences you must try in Monaco
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Monaco, the glamorous principality nestled on the French Riviera, has long been known for its luxurious and sustainable offerings. Sustainable luxury is a term used to describe the idea that you can have a luxe product or service without having a negative impact on the environment.
Monaco has been embracing sustainability long before it became a buzzword. According to the White Paper on Sustainable Tourism in Monaco, the principality puts environmental protection front and centre for many years. H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco strongly supports policies aimed at promoting sustainable development on the national and international stage. At the Sovereign’s behest, the Principality has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 from their 1990 levels, and achieving full carbon neutrality by 2050. An ambitious objective, and one that requires everyone to play their part. In Monaco itself, actions are focused on biodiversity, resource management, and greenhouse gas reductions.
For the past years, the destination has also been making strides towards sustainable tourism. From eco-friendly yachting to responsible gastronomy, Monaco is leading the way in sustainable luxury tourism. Here are 5 luxurious and sustainable experiences in Monaco that you must absolutely try this year.
Stay in eco-friendly hotels
Monaco’s hotel industry is one of the most active sectors when it comes to protecting the environment. Following the signature of the environmental charter created by the Hotel Industry Association and signed by all partners in 2007, “Green Teams” were formed within hotels to develop and implement concrete solutions to reduce their ecological footprint. The main areas for improvement are water consumption, energy savings and recycling. The commitment of hotels is confirmed by the environmental certifications and labels that they hold.
One of the most notable examples of sustainable luxury tourism in Monaco is the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, which has been awarded the title of “Best Sustainability Policy for a Hotel in the World” at the 2021 edition of the Prix Villégiature. Since 2007, The Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo has established an environmental policy called “Green Attitude” whose main objective is to reduce the impact of its activity on the planet and preserve biodiversity. Moreover, it holds the Green Key and TripAdvisor Ecoleader certifications and signed the Energy Transition Charter in March 2018.
You can find other hotels championing sustainability and environmental protection here.
Witness the Monaco ePrix
Monaco ePrix 2023 is an electric car race that will take place on the streets of Monaco in May 2023. It is part of the FIA Formula E Championship, which is the world’s first fully-electric racing series. The Monaco ePrix 2023 is an important event for promoting sustainability in motorsports.
The Monaco ePrix 2023 uses renewable energy to power the race. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of the race and promote sustainable energy practices. The event also promotes zero emissions during the race. This is in contrast to traditional motorsports, which can have a significant impact on the environment due to the emissions produced by petrol or diesel-powered cars.
Cruise on a pro-environment yacht
Monaco has become the go-to destination for advanced yachting, boasting a rich culture of luxury, glamour, and adventure that attracts yacht owners and enthusiasts from around the world. Advanced yachting in Monaco is committed to sustainability, and the principality has taken significant steps to ensure that the yachting industry operates in an environmentally responsible way.
Monaco’s ports have been designed to minimize the environmental impact of yachting. The ports have implemented a range of eco-friendly measures, including wastewater treatment, waste management, and the use of clean energy. The ports also promote sustainable practices, such as reducing fuel consumption and minimizing the use of single-use plastics.
Monaco has introduced green certifications for yachts to promote sustainable practices. Yachts can obtain certification from organizations such as RINA, which verifies that the yacht meets strict environmental standards. Yachts that meet these standards are recognized as eco-friendly, which can attract environmentally conscious clients.
Watch whales and other marine life sustainably
Whale watching is a popular activity that allows tourists to witness the magnificence of these marine creatures in their natural habitats. Monaco’s sustainable whale watching practices are guided by the International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) guidelines, which aim to ensure that whale watching activities are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner. These guidelines include respecting the whales’ natural behaviour, avoiding disturbing their habitat, and minimizing the impact of boat traffic. Monaco has also implemented stricter regulations on whale watching activities, which limit the number of boats and the time they spend near the whales.
One of the main reasons why tourists are drawn to sustainable whale watching in Monaco is the opportunity to witness the beauty of marine life while minimizing their impact on the environment. By opting for sustainable whale watching, tourists can feel confident that they are not contributing to the degradation of marine ecosystems. Moreover, the sustainable approach ensures that future generations can enjoy these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.
Another reason why Monaco is an attractive destination for sustainable whale watching is its unique location. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Monaco is one of the few places in Europe where tourists can witness whales in their natural habitats. The waters off the coast of Monaco are home to several species of whales, including fin whales, sperm whales, and pilot whales. These whales migrate through the Mediterranean during the summer months, making it an ideal time for tourists to visit.
Taste responsibly sourced culinary delights
Another luxurious and sustainable experience in Monaco is an unforgettable gastronomical experience. Travellers will be delighted that many of the culinary delights in the Principality are sustainably sourced. Moreover, many restaurants that are committed to reducing the use of plastic and food waste are awarded the Responsible Restaurant certification, which tourists can find via YourMonaco app.
To provide for every dietary preference and to address the environmental concerns of all, numerous restaurants in Monaco now offer vegan and vegetarian options. Book a table at the Blue Bay at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort you can enjoy fresh-picked fruit, vegetables and herbs from the hotel’s organic kitchen garden. For seafood lovers, head to L’Hirondelle for an exceptional seafood meal that has been sourced responsibly. Meanwhile, the Elsa restaurant at the Monte-Carlo Beach offers sustainable fine dining, inspired by the Mediterranean art of living.
Enjoy unfinished meals back in your hotel thanks to Monaco’s “La Petite Boite” scheme, a doggy-bag system to avoid creating waste. Known as “La Gourmet Box” in all Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer establishments, the scheme means you can carry on enjoying your meal, even when you get home.
Monaco’s sustainable luxury tourism offerings demonstrate that it is possible to enjoy a luxurious vacation while also making a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Visitors to the principality can enjoy all the glamour and luxury it has to offer, while also supporting businesses that are committed to sustainability.
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