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Visitors to Monaco quickly grow accustomed to dramatic views of the yacht-filled harbor and pristine old town, but to get a sense of the cultural depth of the principality, pay a visit to the Salle Garnier. Home of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, this 19th century opera house represents not only the beauty of this gilded era, but nearly flawless acoustics as well. Completed in 1879, the hall has welcomed opera legends like tenors Enrico Caruso, Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti to perform works by Bizet, Massenet, and other composers. Highlights of the 2008-2009 season include Wagner's the Flying Dutchman, Haydn's Deceit Outwitted, and Tchaikovsky's the Queen of Spades. In addition to opera, the hall also hosts dance, music, and drama, and an evening at this historic hall is sure to evoke the glamor and sophistication that Monaco is known for. Guests at Le Méridien Beach Plaza might enjoy a performance that spans the ages in this magical destination.
Recently in Monte Carlo Category
Beauty for the Eye and Ear at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo
Tuesday June 17, 2008
MoreStarpick Le Méridien Beach Plaza, Monte Carlo
Wednesday April 23, 2008
Monaco. The name alone evokes visions of glamorous people swilling Dom Pérignon out of crystal champagne flutes while wagering millions on the baccarat table. And Monaco certainly is an exclusive place, but there are still a few deals to be had, if you know where to look. For example, Le Méridien Beach Plaza is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next six weeks, so it won't take a zillionaire's bank roll to enjoy some luxurious accommodations in Monte Carlo. Overlooking the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Le Méridien Beach Plaza boasts the only private beach of any hotel in the principality, and it only gets better from there. Gardens and seaside terraces provide a beautiful setting in which to relax and take in the sunshine, while indoor and outdoor swimming pools and Le Sea Club Relax & Beauty fitness center will have you feeling strong, healthy, and rejuvenated in no time. Naturally, haute cuisine is on the menu at L'intempo restaurant, and you can cap off the fine meal with a cocktail in L'intempo bar. If you're feeling lucky, drop by the Casino Monte Carlo and play a few hands, or else just retreat to your luxurious room and look out over the water. It's really impossible to lose in Monaco. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list frequently to see the latest deals.
Miniature Delights at Monaco's Doll Museum
Tuesday February 26, 2008
The Principality of Monaco is full of chic and stylish people, and its famous museum of historical dolls is no different. The National Museum and Collection of Dolls and Automatons of Yesteryear, located just steps from Le Méridien Beach Plaza, has a world-class collection of dolls and automatons (mechanical dolls that can move in lifelike ways) that were made in Paris in the late 1800's and later collected by Madeleine de Galéa. The dolls represent the upper crust of 19th century Parisian society, and the military men, society women, and even a mime are all dressed in the finest fashions. And rather than standing alone, they're displayed in cases with miniature furniture, intricately-detailed china table settings, and thousands of objects commonly found in the more refined homes of the time. The museum's finest piece, an 18th century Neapolitan crib, represents the pinnacle of European craftsmanship and includes dozens of tiny figures. The dolls aren't the only relic of an earlier century, though. The museum building, a gorgeous 19th-century villa surrounded by rose gardens, was designed by Charles Garnier, who also designed the Paris and Monte-Carlo Opera Houses. While Monaco is best known for its yacht-filled harbor and opulent casino, the doll museum is a worthy and quirky detour into a bygone era.
Monte Carlo's Exotic Garden
Monday August 27, 2007
After you've had your James Bond moment in the Casino de Monte Carlo and you're awash in martinis and money, you might find yourself craving fresh air and sunshine. For some of the best natural beauty in Monaco, drop by Le Jardin Exotique de Monaco. This amazing garden landmark contains over 7,000 types of cacti and succulent Mediterranean plants, and also boasts breathtaking views of the Principality of Monaco and the French and Italian Riviera. The cliffside gardens were first cultivated in the early 1900s, and have grown tremendously over the past century, reaching giant proportions in some cases.
In addition to the gardens, an anthropology museum on the property houses exhibits of the archaeological remains found in the Principality and nearby regions. And you don't need to be a spelunker to appreciate the Observatory Cave. This enormous underground calcareous rock cavity at the base of the gardens feature caverns thick with stalactites, stalagmites, and columns, and guided tours led by cave experts point out the various curtains and bizarre, spaghetti-like helictites. The Exotic Garden is a perfect respite from the glitz and glamor of one of the world's richest locales. Starwood's luxurious Le Méridien Beach Plaza - the only hotel in Monaco with a private beach - is just a short hop away from this unique natural attraction.
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