In Monaco, luxury is not reserved for special occasions, it is simply a way of life. Nowhere embodies that philosophy more beautifully than Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo. Hidden discreetly beside the iconic Casino Square, this magnificent Belle Époque landmark has become one of the principality’s most exclusive addresses, where impeccable hospitality, exceptional gastronomy and world-class wellness combine effortlessly beneath one roof. Spend the day surrendering to the serenity of Spa Métropole by Guerlain before ending the evening at Yoshi, the only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant on the Côte d’Azur, and you’ll discover what may well be the perfect day in Monaco.
Stepping inside Spa Métropole by Guerlain immediately feels like entering another world. Soft golden hues wash across serene interiors where every detail has been thoughtfully considered to encourage absolute tranquillity. It is vast yet wonderfully intimate, a sanctuary where Monaco’s glamour gives way to silence, scent and serenity. Facilities are exceptional, with a steam room, traditional hammam, Finnish sauna, experiential sensory showers, ice fountain, invigorating cold bath and a beautifully equipped Technogym fitness suite alongside dedicated Pilates and yoga studios. Outside, the magnificent swimming pool, conceived by the late Karl Lagerfeld, remains one of Monaco’s most beautiful places to spend an afternoon.
Those seeking complete privacy can retreat into the spa’s luxurious treatment suites. The VIP Rose Chérie Individual Suite offers an exclusive sanctuary for solo rituals, while the Imperial Duo Suite allows couples to experience treatments together in complete seclusion. Every room feels calming, cocooning and unmistakably Guerlain, balancing Parisian elegance with the effortless sophistication of the Riviera.
Among the spa’s most exceptional experiences is the exclusive Monaco Glow facial, created solely for Spa Métropole by Guerlain. Inspired by the luminous elegance of the French Riviera, the treatment combines Guerlain‘s renowned expertise with delicate white quartz stones and cotton voile accessories, creating a ritual that feels as restorative as it is luxurious. Particular attention is devoted to the eye contour, softening visible signs of fatigue whilst restoring remarkable radiance to the complexion. The result is skin that appears naturally brighter, fresher and beautifully illuminated, as though it has spent an afternoon basking beneath the Mediterranean sun.
Equally unique is the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by internationally acclaimed Bastien Gonzalez. Regarded as one of the world’s foremost specialists in hand and foot care, Gonzalez has built an international reputation by rejecting unnecessary embellishment in favour of meticulous craftsmanship. There are no artificial enhancements or semi-permanent polishes here; instead, every treatment celebrates the natural beauty of the nail through extraordinary precision.
The experience is elevated even further by the flawless therapists themselves. If fortune is on your side, you will find yourself in the expert hands of Emma, whose warmth, intuition and extraordinary knowledge transform every treatment into something genuinely memorable.
Afterwards, resist the temptation to leave immediately. Wander through the Guerlain Lounge Boutique, where an extraordinary fragrance collection lines elegant displays like precious jewels. Discovering each scent becomes a journey in itself before selecting a favourite for one final, generous spritz, allowing Guerlain’s unmistakable magic to linger delicately on your skin long after you’ve departed.
As evening approaches, wander across the iconic courtyard to Yoshi, the only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant on the French Riviera. Designed by Didier Gomez and opening onto a tranquil Japanese garden created by landscape architect Jacques Messin, the intimate forty-seat dining room immediately transports guests from the glamour of Monaco to the quiet elegance of Kyoto. Ebony wood, silk finishes and soft natural light create an atmosphere of remarkable serenity.
Chef Takeo Yamazaki’s cuisine embraces Japanese tradition whilst introducing subtle contemporary creativity. The restaurant’s signature Yoshi tasting menu presents an exceptional journey through the kitchen’s philosophy. It begins with yellowfin tuna tartare crowned with caviar before lobster ravioli with delicately marinated turnips introduces gentle sweetness and extraordinary refinement. Shrimp dumplings enriched with kombu follow before one of the restaurant’s most celebrated creations arrives: the legendary black cod, is rich, buttery, sweet and savoury. It is marinated for an incredible 72 hours before being perfectly cooked until it flakes effortlessly beneath the chopsticks.
The journey continues with exquisitely prepared Wagyu beef served as tataki alongside daikon and shiso-infused buttery potatoes before Chef Yamazaki’s own sushi selection demonstrates the remarkable quality of the restaurant’s seafood. A comforting bowl of traditional miso soup precedes an elegant pistachio and almond panna cotta, providing a beautifully restrained finale to one of Monaco’s finest tasting menus.
Alongside these signature dishes, Yoshi offers an array of exceptional à la carte creations. The octopus teppanyaki delivers remarkable tenderness beneath delicate caramelisation, while the lobster ravioli with marinated turnips showcases the kitchen’s remarkable finesse. Wagyu rib steak arrives alongside freshly grated wasabi, prepared moments before serving using one of the restaurant’s most captivating rituals. The fresh wasabi root is presented whole before being grated by hand in precise circular movements, gradually releasing delicate vegetal aromas, marine freshness and gentle spice. It transforms what many consider a simple condiment into an extraordinary moment of theatre, craftsmanship and authenticity.
The restaurant’s remarkable sake programme deserves equal attention. Featuring more than twenty carefully selected references, the collection explores extraordinary aromatic diversity, from delicate floral notes and exotic fruits to toasted sesame, lemongrass and warming ginger. Guided by the Head Sommelier, each pairing reveals entirely new dimensions within Chef Yamazaki’s cuisine, pushing the boundaries of flavour with remarkable precision.
At Yoshi, every member of the team anticipates your needs before you realise them yourself, delivering hospitality that feels sincere rather than rehearsed. Plates appear and disappear with quiet precision, sake is poured with effortless grace and every course is introduced with genuine pride. It is, quite simply, flawless.
Few destinations in the world can combine such extraordinary wellness with equally remarkable gastronomy. At Spa Métropole by Guerlain, the body is restored through exceptional treatments in serene surroundings. At Yoshi, the senses are awakened through artistry, craftsmanship and one of the finest expressions of Japanese cuisine outside Japan. Together, they create the perfect day in Monaco, a celebration of elegance, wellbeing and impeccable hospitality.
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4 Av. de la Madone, 98000 Monaco
