Europe's Most Glamorous Year-Round Destination | Monaco

A small country located on the azure Mediterranean Sea, sandwiched between the French Riviera and Italy, Monaco is no stranger to fame and attention. Home to one of the world’s most illustrious royal families and known for its beaches, yachts, Grand Prix, shopping, casino and all out fun - this destination tops many lists of travelers' who want to bask in its glow and feel what it feels like, even if just for a moment, to be there. I recently visited Monaco, my fifth visit, and found it even more alluring than the times before. Of course I had experienced so much of what it has to offer on trips prior, but, what never ceases to amaze me about such a small place is its ability to consistently offer new experiences to its visitors keeping time spent here as fresh and exciting as before. I walked away feeling wowed by what I experienced over three days, and excited to pop-in again next time the opportunity arises. 

I was greeted warmly after touching down at Nice, France’s Côte d’Azur Airport by a representative from Blade. Blade is my absolute favorite way to get from the airport to Monaco because of the drama and efficiency. Of course, one can land and simply take a taxi or Uber along the coast for roughly 45 minutes to reach Monaco, but, helicopter is a bit more glamorous. Checking-in to the Blade counter is easy-breezy and passengers are usually led into a private lounge at Nice Airport. As soon as boarding commences the Blade team escorts you from the lounge and out to a private transfer that carries you over the runway and to the helipads along the sea where guests can be taken by helicopter to Monaco or anywhere they’d like along France’s coastline - such as St. Tropez or Marseille. We were brought right to the door of our flying chariot, a beautiful and new Blade-branded helicopter that flew us in just 7 minutes over the sparkling waters, along the coastline, and safely into the Monaco heliport. The views are unreal and the photo opportunities, endless.

Once I landed in Monaco, a Blade representative met us at the helicopter door and escorted us into the lovely lounge where passports are processed, and refreshments served. Their transfer includes taking you via private shuttle to your hotel from the heliport, so I was taken seamlessly to the stunning Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo.