Dominik Drygas has fond memories of his childhood in Częstochowa, some 200km southwest of Warsaw.
“I grew up in the Catholic capital of Poland. I can remember when I was 5 years old, sitting on the balcony and looking out at the clouds for hours. I imagined they were mountain peaks and how I wanted to be up there. I wanted to be a hero, a knight who would save the princess and defend the kingdom. Maybe that is why I have always stood up for those in need.”
As an only child, Dominik played with his imagination. “I had one box of mixed Lego that I was constantly building various constructions. In the winter, I would pack food and a blanket and go off alone on a sled for expeditions to the nearby fields. And in the summer, I’d build huts from forest branches and sleep in them alone. When I was a little older, I explored all the caves in the Polish mountains and climbed all the peaks.”
Unlike other children at that age, Dominik did not go to kindergarten. While his mother ran her own flower shop, he was taken care of by an elderly Jewish woman who would talk to him about the art and antiques in her apartment. Art and design played a pivotal role in his early years. Together with his mom, they would read newspapers about interior design. His grandfather was a famous jeweller and his grandparents’ house was full of paintings by acclaimed Polish artists.
“I can remember seeing my grandfather’s perfect workshop and his focus and concentration as he set diamonds in gold. Maybe that’s why I was obsessed about keeping my room tidy and often moving the furniture around,” says the 48-year-old.
Dominik felt different from other kids. He describes himself as very emotionally sensitive, creating his own path and rebelling against the norm. “I am an artist first, it’s in my genes. My grandfather drew beautifully, my mother drew beautifully, and she designed interiors and organised the first fashion shows.”
He was drawn to architecture. “I wanted to create and build, whether it was a house made of Lego or arranging a room. It was about putting order to space.”
He adds, “You could say that I studied art from the age of five. My parents were well off and often built new houses which they decorated exquisitely. I consolidated this knowledge by studying architecture in Kraków, Poland’s artistic centre.”
Dominik says he mixes all styles – from acrylic and oil paints to graphics and collage – to create his own style where assemblage is dominant. “What I create is not the result of any planning. I flow in the energy and create, never really sure of what will be the final outcome.”
With his architectural studio in Poland, he developed a strong fan base of the country’s wealthiest people, famous artists and top athletes. “I was very well-known, and sometimes clients waited a year for an available date – even though my rates were two times higher than everyone else.” During that time, every one of his projects was featured in Poland’s most prominent interior design magazines. “What characterised the work was colour, which was ahead of the trend. Also, I had brave solutions and functionality and visual effects, as well as the perfect design of lightning in any interior.”
Dominik moved here about six years ago. “In Poland, I always felt as if I were a foreigner. In Monaco, with the vibrations, energy, light, I immediately felt this was my place on earth, like I was finally home.”
In April, his portrait of Princess Grace was included in an art charity auction by the association Femmes Leaders Mondiales Monaco at the Monaco Yacht Club, with proceeds donated to the Princess Grace Hospital and the Monaco Cardio-Thoracic Centre.
Yet despite being regularly approached by art galleries to exhibit his work, Dominik has shied away from the prospect. Until now. “It was not the time and place. Now I feel ready.” His exhibition ‘Renaissance’ takes place Thursday, July 4 at Marius Monaco in the port.
“It shows the first cycle of my work created over the last six years. It’s a reflection of cutting off Poland mentally and my fight to survive here. It is also a story about love, trust and faith. My next exhibitions will be only about the future and my work will change as I do as a painter and architect.”
Visit “Renaissance” by Dominik Drygas July 4 from 7 to 9 pm at Marius Monaco (ex-Stars’n’Bars), 6 Quai Antoine Ire.
The 2nd Monaco edition of “Maman Va Danser” is happening this Thursday, September 18, at Neptune Plage in Monaco.
Inspired by a Berlin concept, the unique aspect of “Maman Va Danser” lies in its 100% female focus, creating a safe and energetic space where women can dance, socialize, and reclaim a part of themselves away from their daily responsibilities.
The event has quickly gained momentum across France since early 2025 as an alternative to conventional nightlife.
“We’re excited about this upcoming edition and have already sold over 120 tickets,” says Johanna Damar Flores, president and co-founder of entreparents. “The first ‘Maman Va Danser’ took place in May and was a resounding success. It brought together a vibrant community of more than 100 mothers and women who were eager to unwind and enjoy a night out.”
From 7pm to midnight, the beach party with a serious emphasis on dancing, drinks, DJs, and fun, can be accessed at an affordable entry fee.
And mark your calendar for the 4th edition of “Let’s Play Halloween” which will take place on Friday, October 17, again on the Larvotto Promenade at beach level.”
Although Johanna remains tight-lipped about this year’s theme – “It will be revealed soon!” – the celebration will feature the famous candy hunt, in partnership with the shops and restaurants along Larvotto, a mini-Halloween dance party, a cooking workshop, games, a baby-friendly area, a face painting station, and, of course, the presence of Halloween mascots. “Ticket sales will open very soon, so stay tuned!”
Johanna co-founded entreparents with Émilie Sabatié, Anna Campbell, and Clémence Perrin back in May 2021. There has been a significant evolution since it became an official association, with an expanding member base (their Instagram community is approaching 2,500 followers) and enhanced offerings, like the “Family Friendly Wednesdays” gatherings to better meet parents’ needs in spaces designed for them to connect.
“We still believe strongly in the power of collaboration,” says Johanna, “and we had the pleasure of co-organising the ‘Let’s Play, Carnaval’ event this year with the Mairie de Monaco – a first – that brought together numerous families at the Place d’Armes.
“Additionally, we co-organised a conference on digital parenting with the British School, Action Innocence Monaco, and the Digital Services Department of the Government. This is an important topic that we will continue to address alongside the mentioned entities.”
Looking ahead to 2026, entreparents plan to extend the their network beyond the age of three (details to come). “We also want to offer more get-togethers for the English-speaking communities. And, furthermore, we are working on the Parenting Support Committee and are in the process of creating a wonderful event for our 5th anniversary in June 2026.”
Johanna admits the entreparents app, still in “Version 1”, needs to evolve to meet the changing needs of the parents in our community since the network’s creation. “We are considering conducting a testing phase with users to introduce new features and optimise usability. Currently, users can find live discussion groups, an event calendar, and a step-by-step guide covering the journey from baby to three years old, complete with key information.”
Johanna, Émilie, Anna and Clémence remain a dedicated team, and continue to work collaboratively to best support the families in our community. “We’ve also brought together some amazing mums who have initiated wonderful projects for the network, such as the Pre-loved Clothing Swap and Sharing Circles.”
Johanna adds, “One might think that the size of the Principality facilitates mutual support and the creation of networks for expectant and young parents. However, with over 180 nationalities coexisting at different social levels, we find that feelings of isolation are very real in every parent’s story at some point.
“This is where we come in: we strive to ensure that no parent feels alone. Our mission is to foster connections within our community, value everyone’s role, restore confidence, listen, inform, support, and harmonize the existing ecosystem. Our ultimate goal is to make parenting support a priority topic.”
An entreparents membership is a one-time payment of €50 per family. Email hello@entreparents.mc for more.
UPDATE: Coming September 15th, 2025: It’s A Dog’s Life Monaco! Pre-orders now open.
Compassion for canines is a part of Jessica Fry’s genetic code. “My parents rescued their first dog together on their honeymoon in Bali in the Seventies and flew her back to the UK where she became my Protector-in-Chief when I was born,” says Jessica.
The freelance business developer grew up in the countryside “surrounded by old or damaged or ugly dogs. My parents would adopt the ones no one wanted and they would live out their days with us in a pack of ten or so at a time.”
Little wonder then that Jessica (pictured above with Strawberry) would not think twice in risking her own life to protect her four-legged friends. In February 2017, the Monaco resident needed a change. Cornwall-born Jessica had been working for over a decade in hospitality and events for Amber Lounge, Sonia Irvine’s Formula One VIP party. “It was sort of in the blood. In the Sixties and Seventies, my father had been a racing driver alongside Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart. And his family before him had kept a house in Cap Ferrat, and a boat in Monaco, so spending time in and around the Principality was very much a family thing.”
Then her first rescue dog, Squeaky, died. She decided to head to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands to work with her old friend Chris Smith of Coldwell Banker in their rental department. She was tasked with finding homes for the turnover of office staff from the offshore services sector.
Looking back, the dog lover recalls, “This move represented a whole new life for me. Chris collected me from the airport and the first thing we did, before I even saw my new house in Cane Garden Bay, was visit Brutus, a guard dog that needed to have an eye kept on him. The second thing I did was pop down to the Humane Society Rescue Shelter and see what they needed.”
Jessica knew all too well the animal shelter. During a previous stint in Tortola in 2004 Squeaky had eaten poisoned meat and so when she walked in again thirteen years later, the manager recognised her. He was holding a tiny Squeaky lookalike puppy who had just been found in a trash bag on the road to the incinerator. “Obviously, Strawberry came home with me and we unpacked our new life together.”
Strawberry and Jessica went about their business until early September. “We watched a tropical storm building in the Atlantic. These are a thing in the islands, but usually they veer northwards while still far out at sea and all that happens is a bit of rain. Hurricane Irma, however, refused to budge, she just got bigger and bigger. At work we made the usual hurricane preparations – boarding up the fabulous villas, clearing outside spaces, bulk buying water … and then people started to leave. The international trusts and banks sent chartered planes down from the US mandatorily evacuating their staff and families.”
With her pilot neighbour, they observed their little beach shacks and looked at the radar images. “The eye of this monster storm was already much bigger than our tiny island, and it was still on the path for a direct hit. Not really knowing what to expect, but knowing it wasn’t going to be good, and that we didn’t have much time, we piled Strawberry and her dog Moby plus whatever else we could fit into the cars and zoomed off to a friend’s holiday villa up the mountain which had a basement.” Meanwhile phones were pinging with hurricane updates, evacuation warnings and urgent messages from friends trying to leave.
Curfew was announced as they arrived at the villa in a blizzard of falling leaves and tropical flowers. Island power was deliberately cut as trees started bending sideways. “Then I remembered Brutus, knew his people would have left and I jumped back in the car. Probably one of the more stupid and best things I have ever done in my life. I bombed down dark deserted country lanes with small trees starting to snap around me, and there he was alone at the top of the drive, absolutely thrilled someone had come for him. I threw him in – all 56 kilos of panicky Ridgeback – and bombed back down the lanes with trees falling, threw him in the house and promptly forgot about him.”
On September 6th, the “most powerful hurricane on record” with 250 km/h winds struck the Caribbean Island chain. Irma would have been Category 7 had military equipment not been smashed while recording windspeed.
The largest of the British Virgin Islands was not spared. “It sat on us for 74 hours and obliterated the island,” Jessica describes. “While we were hiding in the basement, 28 people died. Not one tree remained and 90% of buildings simply disappeared. Tornadoes had spiralled off the main walls of the storm and carved trails through the hills. Dead things – human and animal – lay where they had been thrown, along with vehicles, shipping containers, boats. It was carnage.”
Jessica and her pilot friend helped rescue humans from the debris and hiked bodies to the hospital. Animals started appearing. She remembered the pleading messages from friends as they’d been evacuated:
“Jess, please, please find Susie. They wouldn’t let her on the plane so I let her out of the car at the airport, please find her!”
“Jess, I left Noodle at the house with a bag of dog food. Could you please check he’s ok if you get a chance?”
She started hiking all over the island to where homes had once been. One by one, she found the dogs and bought them back to the basement. By the time the Humane Society Disaster Relief crew arrived a few weeks later, Jess had about 30 dogs.
“The crew had bought tents and planned to camp on the beach. But as the island is tectonic, the only place for cemeteries was along sea level which the storm surge had excavated. The crew came back to our basement and we set up the animal rescue control centre. I knew roughly where the dogs might be and they knew how to get them out and match them back with their owners or send them to no kill adoption shelters in the States.”
As soon as the Royal Marines cleared the airport “enough to land”, her boss got his US-based million-dollar clients to send their private jets down with emergency medical supplies and leave with animals. As Jessica remembers, “One stunning cream leather upholstered Falcon jet arrived full of hay bales for the surviving race horses.”
Within the year, Jessica returned to the Principality with her beloved Strawberry and Brutus. The self-described “absolute nut for helping to rescue dogs” now has four rescues at home. “I suppose it’s fair to say that most of us who live here in Monaco are fairly fortunate humans, and in this situation, I think it’s natural to want to give back. Dog lovers are wonderful people usually obsessed with their animals and it’s a relatively easy thing to arrange a channel for the good that they want to do.”
Which is where her charity book It’s A Dog’s Life Monaco comes in. “All dogs are unique, as are their humans. Monaco is also unique. Join these together and you have something quite fascinating. There are highly pampered handbag pooches and also real canine rags to riches stories here. I’ve met and photographed two abused and abandoned rescue dogs in the past week who only ever fly first class these days.”
It’s A Dog’s Life Monaco is a Made-in-Monaco luxury coffee table book designed to support the Société Protectrice des Animaux (S.P.A.) Monaco and its new president, Princess Charlene. The official launch on September 15, 2025, coincide’s with the one-year anniversary of the SPA animal shelter in Peille opening its doors on September 16, 2024.
“Princess Antoinette created the original SPA in Eze over forty years ago and now Princess Charlene and Prince Albert are teaching the new generation, their 8-year-old twins Jacques and Gabriella, what it is to love and rescue animals,” says the highly connected author and contributing photographer, Jessica Fry.
The 340-page hardcover artfully blends high society with heartfelt storytelling. From cobblestone alleys and sun-drenched promenades to hidden gardens and grand residences, It’s Dog’s Life Monaco artfully captures the soul of the Principality through its most pampered pooches—and their doting humans. Each image is a testament to the joy, loyalty, and unconditional love that dogs bring into our lives.
The opening of the book is dedicated to the Princely Family’s long love of dogs, from Prince Albert I with his hunting dog on his shoulders to Grace Kelly stepping off the boat with her poodle under her arm to marry Prince Rainier. (Prince Rainier’s faithful dog followed his funeral cortege as Mourner-in-Chief.)
The book reads like a love letter to Monte Carlo’s four-legged residents from those who most cherish them, with hundreds of photos of people and their dogs going about their daily business in Monaco. “Loving dogs transcends social barriers, and it’s a happy thing to be able to show this in action. There’s a homeless man who devotes everything he has to his beautifully looked after dog, ‘ordinary people’ like you and me, famous people, millionaires, young and old, recognised and not.”
Whether a dog lover, a Princely Family enthusiast, or a fan of fine photography with purpose, It’s a Dog’s Life Monaco offers an unprecedented insider’s view of the Principality, uniting all nationalities for a charitable cause.
Several dog-friendly VIP sponsors got behind the project, including Sir Stelios, the founder of easyPet, which safely drives animals between Monaco, France and the UK. “Stelios has a rescue dog himself and is a big part of making this project possible with his kind support and belief in what we’re doing. I can honestly say easyPet is a genius idea and a huge help to those of us with dogs too big to go under the seat in front.”
Additional sponsors include Lunajets, JV Pastor’s The Maya Collection, Quai des Artistes, la Petite Clinique Vétérinaire, AnimaFit’Azur, Edmiston, Andreas & Vanessa Evans, Romina Manchot, Yana Aintabi, Club Suisse, Westrope Immobilier, Cooka’s Cookies, Cullinan Diamonds, Co2ral Consulting, Gale Force Computing, the Government of the Principality and private individuals.
As Jessica says, “There’s a reason the title is It’s a Dog’s Life. Yes, the book celebrates the joy all dogs bring into our lives but ultimately we are trying to help save the life of a dog, in Monaco and around the world, one adoption at a time.”
Florence Pronzati founder of Edith Harlay. Photos: Nancy Heslin
Before Covid took over headlines this year, it was announced that the Centre Commerical in Fontvieille would be expanded into a 4-storey glass building with a multiplex cinema, a 600-spot car park and state-owned housing on the top floor. The €300 million project is scheduled for delivery in 2027, and will see the shopping mall expand from 13,000 sqm to 14,000 sqm of retail space, growing from 38 to 70 stores.
The Centre Commerical first opened its doors in 1992 and nearly half of the original shops are still there. One of them is the independently owned perfumery Edith Harlay, created by Florence Pronzati and named as homage to her mother.
Energetic and welcoming, Florence was truly born for customer service. Not only does she have a natural ability to make people feel happy but, in her opinion, “A sale is not a sale unless you’ve spent one-on-one time with a client giving advice.”
As a child, the Monegasque was “always attracted to pretty things and makeup.” She studied to become an aesthetician and in 1987 opened the beauty institute Cristal Esthétique, which she operated for five years. She then launched Edith Harlay in 1992. “I ran the two business for a few years and then decided to concentrate on the perfumery and so I sold Cristal, which is still around today.”
It’s been a tough year for commerce having to close completely for two months during the first coronavirus confinement. “It has been hard but Christmas is coming and we are still here smiling even with a mask,” Florence assures.
And she has noticed a trend as a result of the pandemic. “Consumers are trying to shop intelligently. Before Covid, we’d have 80 people come into the store and 50 would buy something. Now we have fewer customers but out of the 50 who come in, 48 make a purchase because they need something.”
Florence emphasises, “Customers can’t touch anything in the store. We help the client and we disinfect all the time, from the debit card machine after every use to the store itself. For every one or two customers who turn around and leave because they don’t like the new measures we have in place, I have 8 others who say thank you. If one of my employees tests positive, I would have to close.”
Including Florence, the perfumery has a team of five, all aestheticians, who give lots of advice, whether a client wants to buy makeup – “we take the time to show them by example, doing one eye and then letting them do the other”– or perfume. “Whether you want to buy for yourself or as a gift, there are a number of questions we ask to match a perfume with a personality, such as are you an introvert or extrovert, do you live in a sunny climate, what is your work environment?”
The top selling perfume at the moment for women is Libre by Yves Saint Laurent. J’adore remains a hot item, as does any Chanel scent, and Idôle by Lancome, which came out last year. Florence also carries the niche perfume, Serge Lutens (€120), which is hard to find elsewhere.
I did not know this but Florence explains for many French women born in the Sixties and Seventies, Nina Ricci’s L’air du Temps, with its signature dove bottle stopper, was their first fragrance. “It was my first perfume,” says Florence, “and now Les Sorbets by Nina Ricci, part of her Les Belles collection,is what young girls often wear.”
For many French women, Nina Ricci’s L’air du Temps was their first perfume.
For men, Terre d’Hermès is the biggest seller at the moment along with Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million cologne, sold in what looks like a bar of gold.
On the makeup side, Florence says, “I cannot say that one brand is better than the other. Chanel, YSL, Christian Dior, Lancôme … it all depends on what you are looking for but we can help you choose.”
The boutique also has a nail bar (€32 for a simple manicure with massage and scrub) and does eyebrow waxing on site.
There are lots of Christmas gift options “for all budgets,” including gift boxes with a focus on certain brands, fun themed gifts packages starting from €19.80, hand made Acqui de Parma candles and even advent calendars for couples.
“I know I’m repeating myself,” says Florence, “but our biggest strength is that we here to explain the products to the customers and it is really satisfying to hear them say ‘Thank you so much, I really appreciate your advice’ as they leave with a purchase in hand.”
Well, when Grace Kelly, who would have been 91 today, picked up the Oscar for The Country Girl in 1955, she said on the red carpet that wearing Chateau Krigler 12 perfume was her “lucky charm.” Maybe Florence Pronzati can help you discover yours.
Open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 to 7: 30 p.m.
Parfumerie Edith Harlay Centre Commercial Fontvieille
Anyone who knows the benevolent Gabrielle Crump will not be surprised to learn that her childhood in Oundle, Northamptonshire, was a happy one with a “fantastic group” of school friends. “My parents sent me to a school that I loved and bought a house in the centre of town, enabling me to walk to all my lessons with my books under my arm and have an incredible level of freedom,” she says.
Gabrielle – affectionately Gabby to her friends – remembers how her mother prided herself on having a big garden full of vegetables and beautiful flowers. “She used to garden in the dark with very strong lamps. It was her way of managing the stress of running a food manufacturing business with 50 staff and loads of responsibility.”
From a young age, her mother would encourage Gabrielle to find joy in whatever she chose to do with her life. “If that meant scrubbing toilets, then Mum would be happy for me. I never felt as though I had to fit into a box.”
Clearly, she did not, as her eclectic life story shows. Bilingual Gabrielle was born in Grasse, grew up in the UK and met her husband, Russell, at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2000. He was showing the smallest boat at the show; she had just started in the industry. This was the beginning of a long journey guided by the desire to help others. Later this year they will be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the non-profit Chances 4 Children Foundation, created by the couple back in August 2014. “This is a huge moment for us considering where we started from,” Gabrielle voices. “Russell had always wanted to run aid to Africa on a truck but was unable to due to his Type 1 diabetes. When an opportunity came along, we saw it as a sign.”
Opportunity came knocking in 2013. The stepbrother of a close friend of Gabrielle’s (“and my first love at the age of 14!”) spent two weeks of his gap year volunteering in Uganda at what was then called His Mercy’s Outreach Centre. “Uganda is the world’s third poorest country and during this time James’ mother appealed for funds and we stepped in to help,” explains Gabrielle.
Chances 4 Children with Martin Male and Russell and Gabrielle Crump.
The centre was run by Martin Male, an AIDS orphan who had saved 60 children from the slums in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and it was Martin’s story that tugged at the Crumps’ emotional chords. Martin’s promiscuous father died having contracted HIV AIDS, and his mom was selling her body to ensure that Martin would be fed and attend school. After her death, young Martin hitched a ride on the back of a coal truck from his village to the city in search of an aunt. Unsuccessful, he wound up on the streets for years living and sleeping in unimaginable conditions. One day, a local businesswoman, Jayne, asked how she could help and he said he didn’t want money, but rather to attend school to honour his mother and be able to stand on his own two feet. “Mummy Jayne” – who had three daughters – took Martin in for the night and he never looked back. “Fast forward and Jayne has been behind Chances 4 Children each step of the way helping everyone find their way in life.
Martin’s humbling story – single-handedly determined to giving kids an education, hope, safety and a sense of belonging to the Chances 4 Children family (with Gabrielle and Russell’s support) – led to the Sponsor a Child Program, which has been running since 2016. “Our sponsors provide a literal lifeline for these children who went from having no hope – or underpants! – let alone speaking English, to going to school, eating three square meals a day and stepping onto a stage in front of hundreds to sing, dance and speak their truth with passion and integrity. We now have seven youths in higher education and our first ‘daughter’ will start university in January. As well, four youths are currently in Saudi Arabia for three months dancing in the Disney production of The Lion King. We are beyond proud as this is our first major step towards self-sustainability. Paying for an entire year of education with these funds allows these four young people a chance to open a bank account and save for their future.”
Gabrielle adds that six children are currently in need of a sponsor. She shares the story of a lady she came across in the slums of Kampala, the country’s largest with some 20,000 people. “She reached out to me and tried to give me her child. Clearly, she was hoping I could give this little person a better life. Walking away from them was heart-wrenching. I never knew her name but this image will stay with me until the end. I would love to hear from anyone who is interested in stepping in to give these children a chance in life.”
Mother in Kampala slums offering her child to Gabrielle.
Uganda’s mud and brick homes are a world away from the pristine life in the Principality. “My biggest personal challenge living in Monaco is the way that so many people put on a brave face when the chips are down, be it financially or for family reasons. I truly feel that living in ‘Tinseltown’ it is important for those who are facing tough times to have someone to turn to and not be expected to ‘keep calm and carry on!’
“Especially on a mental wellness level, I think there is a lot of work yet to be done in Monaco especially among the thousands of expats that struggle without family support. As a coach – and as a friend – I have witnessed this first hand.”
Gabrielle recently pivoted and became a certified integrative health coach, specializing in emotional eating, nutrition and holistic stress management. “Like many during Covid lockdown, I did a little soul searching. I always dreamt of becoming an actress but as my parents had their own business while I was growing up, being an entrepreneur was very familiar to me. I had spent years involved in sales and marketing, starting my own property business when I was 21.
“When I discovered the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I instantly knew it was for me. It connected everything I was passionate about into one career –helping people and my passion for food but not as a chef.”
The Institute for Integrative Nutrition was started by Joshua Rosenthal, who first came up with the idea of health coaching 30 years ago. It combines nutrition with psychotherapy-based coaching techniques and with a functional medicine approach – identifying and treating the underlying cause of a person’s condition with a particular emphasis on the gut-brain connection. “We also studied nutritional psychiatry, the emerging field about the effect what you eat has on your mental wellbeing. I am continuing to read more on this as I am fascinated by the subject. I love understanding how people tick and helping them to overcome obstacles.”
Gabrielle admits that as a kid she was the student that was a pleasure to teach but never top of the class. She laughs, “From the get-go I was a communicator and as a small kid I would chat to strangers on the bus in London!” So, choosing to go back to school and study at Institute for Integrative Nutrition was a big decision but not a difficult one.
“Every Monday morning, opening my laptop to see what we were going to learn, it was like Christmas. I absolutely loved every minute.” The “tough part” – as she outlines – was having to work three part-time jobs – managing a large villa renovation for a Monaco family office, tutoring English, and running the admin and newsletter for the British Association, as well as running Chances 4 Children – which meant Friday afternoons and weekends were taken over with study. “I had almost no time to rest. You see the irony!
“I rarely came up for air. My husband was very tolerant and cooked most nights, as well as helping me to revise for my tests. He helped me study so much that he could have passed the course himself. My mother, in a big way, also stepped in to take the pressure off the day-to-day charity operations, which was a big task and for which I will be eternally grateful.”
Yet managing all of these things taught Gabrielle that “I am extremely focused and that with discipline and consistency, I can achieve whatever I set my mind to.” Still, her moves on the dance floor and passion for the outdoors (“Mad fact – my favourite hiking buddy is my husband’s ex-wife!”) had to take a back seat to her studies. “My social life went out of the window entirely but I accepted that it wasn’t forever.”
In February 2023, she launched Gabrielle’s Zest 4 Life under her maiden name Gabrielle Achilleos. “It has taken me to get to my early forties to know exactly what I want to do with my career but I am very proud.”
She describes herself as an integrative health coach specialised in emotional eating, nutrition, holistic stress management, but what exactly does this mean? “Emotional eating is when someone leans on food to fill an emotional void that they are not ready to face, similar to using any substance, be it alcohol or drugs. It is a way to numb or suppress negative emotions – such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness and loneliness – to avoid leaning in to what’s really going on and unpacking it. This can be very uncomfortable as for many people it is a lifetime’s habit.”
Her holistic stress management approach helps develop habits that regulate the nervous system, taking it from Fight or Flight mode to Rest and Recover. “So many people wait until a big holiday or a spa weekend to finally wind down … by which time all the cumulative stress has built up that they often get sick as the body has stopped running on adrenaline. New habits can be something as simple as locking ourselves in the toilet for 10 minutes for some peace – if you have young kids! – to committing to regularly getting out into nature, exercise, journaling or doing a short meditation.”
Gabrielle’s Zest 4 Life focusses on small daily lifestyle changes combined with complementary therapies for a holistic approach to well-being. “I look at the entire person – mind, body, and spirit – by addressing underlying factors as opposed to fixating on the symptoms. I focus a lot on blood sugar management to keep energy levels stable throughout the day instead of falling into the caffeine, sugar or alcohol rollercoaster.”
She works 1-on-1 with a limited number of clients who decide what they want to achieve and the pace that suits them. “I am there to ‘hold the torch’ and help them to stay focused and committed.”
This involves an hour coaching session every seven to 14 days, either online or in person. “In between, however, is where the magic happens! I check in every day so they have constant accountability and a cheerleader. I also do pantry purges, helping clients swap out foods that may not be supporting their health, as well as meal planning for those with food intolerances. And food prep is also a big hurdle for some people so I have a bunch of tips to help make that less time consuming and more fun!”
“Since then, we sold 200 menus in six weeks and the feedback has been super. There is a new starter and main five days a week, and all ingredients are both local and seasonal. I have to be creative when it comes to using the same ingredients in a variety of different ways but Didier is very strict about this and I respect the fact that he is really walking his talk with the ethos of the place.”
Somehow, in addition to her non-profit and starting a new business, Gabrielle has found time to run “Disconnect to Reconnect” hikes. “I have partnered up with Anne Fabienne Raven for these ‘Zest and Zen’ outdoor events. The concept is that twice a month, we take a group of up to 10 people on an easy hike with no phones so that we can reconnect with nature, and each other. During the walk, we enjoy a yoga class al fresco by Anne Fabienne, as well as some breathwork and a mindfulness practice. I provide a healthy picnic and also do a wellness talk. We will be mainly focusing on tips and tools to reduce stress and ‘find our Zen’ again. It will be a safe place for people to share their challenges and support each other. What goes on the hike, stays on the hike, as they say.”
The road to here has taken sacrifice and commitment on Gabrielle’s part but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “Although I enjoy lunches and going to exercise classes, this would never be enough for me. I could never imagine not working, but I would rather work crazy hours for myself and be my own boss then go to a 9-5 job that pays the same wage every month for the sake of security.
“It’s the most exciting empowering journey but you need to expect a transition period from your old life to your new one. And starting a business on your own can be a lonely journey so surround yourself with a ‘board’ of friends and like-minded people on a similar journey.”
Her tip to other women looking to rebrand themselves and start something new is not to give up your “day job” until the income from the new business can just about support you. “’If you aren’t reliant on the income in the beginning then don’t hold back. The worst that can happen is that it doesn’t work and you stop… but as my mum always says, “It’s only life!’
Gabrielle lays bare her truth. “I have had to dig deep many times to maintain my mental wellness, and I am not ashamed to share that as I think it’s important, it becomes less taboo.
“If I could give my younger self a piece of advice it would be that instead of thinking Why me?, think Why not me? It’s amazing what we can achieve when we believe in ourselves.”
Growing up in Monaco, Raphael Rouget was captivated by motorsport. It wasn’t just the “machines adorned with exceptional details” but observing the “emotions, determination, and willpower of the drivers that fascinated me from a young age,” says the new general manager of Marius Monaco.
“Sports with its values and competitive spirit have always been the core of my life. This passion initially led me to pursue a professional career in football. And a memorable encounter with Michel Platini further reinforced this ambition and encouraged me to follow that path.”
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: RAPHAEL ROUGET INTRODUCES BANKSY ROOM AT MARIUS MONACO
A car accident would abruptly end Raphael’s football dreams but he redirected his focus towards the hospitality and restaurant industry. “I joined my father in a profession that has been in our family for three generations,” says Raphael. His first job was working alongside his dad at the 5-star Hôtel Richemond in Geneva, Switzerland. “More than just a job, the restaurant business is a world of excellence, a powerful medium for connections and exchanges.”
It was a good fit. “I thrive in fast-paced environments where creativity, service, and attention to detail come together to make every moment unique. “My positive attitude is a constant, and I’m quick to react, always looking for solutions and ways to enhance the experience.”
For ever-energetic Raphael, an exceptional restaurant comes down to three things. First, making every detail count. “I believe it starts with high-quality cuisine—fresh ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and a unique culinary identity that sets it apart.”
Second, the role service plays. “I strive for attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff who make guests feel special and valued. A seamless, coordinated effort between the kitchen and the front-of-house ensures everything flows perfectly.”
And third, the vibe. “A thoughtfully designed space that reflects the restaurant’s concept, paired with the right lighting, music, and comfort, enhances the overall experience. Ultimately, it’s about building that connection with guests, ensuring they have a remarkable experience that makes them want to return again and again.”
Raphael is one of the rare species outside North America who believes the customer is always right. “In a restaurant, the customer is always right in the sense that their expectations and experience should be taken seriously and respected. However, this doesn’t mean that every request is automatically valid or realistic. The key is to adopt a balanced approach, where you listen carefully to the customer while staying true to the restaurant’s standards, vision, and operational capabilities.
“That said, it is essential to show empathy and professionalism when faced with dissatisfaction, as an unhappy customer can compromise the positive experience for others. The goal is to always find a solution that respects both the customer’s needs and the realities of the service.
He should know. He has built his career opening restaurants all around the world, from Japan and Brazil to Qatar and Lebanon, and in the US, Dubai, Switzerland, and France. “These range from small units to large-scale operations including a restaurant for the Bocuse Group with over 800 seats and a capacity of nearly 3,200 covers per day in Lyon.” Raphael has seen it all. “From fast-casual dining to international cuisines of various origins, all the way up to a Michelin three-star restaurant ranked in the top 20 in the world. In each case, I dedicated myself to maintaining an exceptional level of excellence, always striving for perfection.”
Clearly, there is a learning curve. “Every opening reminds me of the importance of building a strong team, maintaining clear communication, and always keeping the goal of providing an exceptional experience for every guest, no matter the type of restaurant.
“It’s about balancing vision, preparation, and adaptability. It’s crucial to have a clear and ambitious vision for the concept, but it’s equally important to be flexible and able to adapt to the unexpected challenges that arise – and they do – whether they are related to management, teams, or customer satisfaction.”
The father of two came on board as the general manager of Marius Monaco in December, six months after Sebastien Sanjou opened its green doors. “When I arrived, the challenge was immense. It was a case of mistaken identity. We were having nights with only two customers in the restaurant, which seemed completely crazy given its iconic history.”
“Art is very important for us. We have many permanent works on display at the restaurant, from Jean Cocteau to American artist Sam Francis. And from April 15, we have a new piece from the Nice-born artist Arman, who designed bottles for Taittinger. We also have the Banksy room, is a new private dining room that seats 10 people.”
– Raphael Rouget, general manager Marius Monaco
He wanted to wake this “Sleeping Beauty” of a restaurant that had been dormant for some time and was determined to bring it back to life and make it shine again.
“Marius Monaco has a unique identity, deeply rooted in Mediterranean tradition while embracing innovation. The focus is on the freshness of local and seafood products, with a culinary expertise that combines simplicity and excellence.”
The vice president of Monaco’s Hospitality Association (AIHM) adds, “The 1500-square meter restaurant is in a prime location and offers an intimate and elegant atmosphere, but what distinguishes Marius is its commitment to offering a true immersion into the Monaco lifestyle, where every detail matters, including impeccable service.
“I am someone who embodies diplomacy, always striving to maintain a calm and respectful demeanour in all situations. I am approachable, available, and deeply attentive to my clients’ needs, ensuring they feel heard and valued. So the experience that I offer to guests is one of closeness, friendliness, and warmth, in line with the expectations of Monaco, whether for a meeting or celebrating a milestone.”
Open every day for lunch and dinner, Marius offers Happy Hour weekdays from 5:30 to 8pm and live music with new artists performing on Saturday nights and this summer, will offer “a surprise” on the spectacular outdoor terrace (which opens after the Monaco Grand Prix). WATCH VIDEO (SCROLL TO TOP) FOR INSIDE SCOOP.
Raphael, whose wife is Australian, is truly a breath of fresh air. “When it comes to customer service, it is important to listen and to understand the situation from the perspective of your team in order to prepare the most appropriate response. By turning a negative situation into a positive one, you show the guest that their concerns matter and help build a stronger relationship with them.”
Raphael lives by his words; “I’m committed to giving my best at every moment, ensuring that each interaction, whether with guests or my team, is a reflection of my dedication to excellence.”
As he says, “I want Marius to be the must-visit address in Monaco, a place that people return time and time again.”
Article first published April 15, 2025. Photos and video copyright Good News Monaco.
It’s been nearly six years since Antoine Bahri launched Carlo, Monaco’s first mobile app that rewards consumers for buying goods and services locally. The Monaco resident wanted to create “a smart currency for Monaco” through an incentive program that offered a 5% cashback from purchases at one of the Carlo-affiliated shops in Monaco.
The engineer-turned-entrepreneur has always been motivated to build bridges for small and traditional businesses to digitally integrate and grow. Before Carlo, Antoine co-founded a payment application for the restaurant sector in Barcelona. “Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs. It requires resilience and unwavering belief in the value you’re creating.”
Launched in July 2019, Carlo now works with 680 businesses, about 80% of all merchants in Monaco, according to Antoine, and can be downloaded from the App store. “We’ve also built a thriving community of approximately 80,000 users, including residents and those who interact regularly with Monaco. Over time, Carlo has evolved into a full-fledged payment solution for the principality, distinguished by its innovative closed-loop cashback program.”
Antoine admits one of the most meaningful moments of his career came when he onboarded merchants in Monaco he used to visit as a child. “Seeing those businesses join Carlo made me feel we were truly making an impact. Another unforgettable moment was the first time overhearing someone at a nearby table at the restaurant ask to pay with Carlo. Hearing them talk about it made me realise that the app had become part of daily life for many people.”
Antoine Bahri (front row, right) launched the Carlo App in July 2019. The company has grown to 16 people, including the development team as well as the teams in Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence.
Antoine says the growth of the free Carlo App has been fuelled in large part by a strong partnership with the government of Monaco, which began after the Covid pandemic to support local merchants. “This collaboration has continued because Carlo has proven to be an effective tool for the government to boost local commerce and generate TVA.”
The government has argued recently that it is impossible to quantify how much TVA is generated by Carlo purchases that would not have occurred otherwise. “While it’s challenging to calculate the exact amount of TVA Carlo generates, we have several strong indicators,” Antoine highlights. “For instance, a survey we conducted with over 4,000 responses revealed that 50% of users’ shopping and 35% of their dining through Carlo would have taken place elsewhere – online or outside Monaco – if Carlo didn’t exist. Using these insights, we can estimate the new TVA Carlo has helped generate in Monaco, and the results indicate that the more likely scenario is a net positive outcome for the government.”
He also emphasises that the government’s support is directed at merchants, not Carlo. “We are the service provider delivering a payment and loyalty solution under the terms of a contract designed to benefit the local economy.”
The government of Monaco is currently debating whether to change the way in which the 8.6% Carlo platform fee is shared. At present, 1% is paid by the affiliated retailer while the State covers 7.6%, for a reported total of €10 million a year. It envisions that in 2025, the cost to retailers could rise to 3.6% with a possible cap on monthly spending.
Antoine remains confident in the government’s commitment to this partnership. “The collaboration has been a clear success, uniting merchants and consumers on one platform and fostering a vibrant local economy. That said, this is a new government, and it’s natural to review ongoing projects and explore ways to optimize them. On our side, we’re fully committed to working hand-in-hand with the government to find solutions that enhance the project while keeping the mission’s core values intact for the benefit of local merchants.”
For Antoine, the biggest challenge has been navigating the company through different phases of growth and external changes. “Challenges are also what drive us forward. They push us to learn, adapt, and create new features and solutions that keep Carlo innovative and relevant.”
Recently, Carlo introduced a new payment opportunity in Monaco for users to make donations directly to associations. “With thousands of users already accustomed to using the app for payments, this was a natural extension of our platform’s functionality,” Antoine states.
“Associations have been requesting an easy and digital payment solution for some time, and we’re thrilled to now provide one. Users can select their preferred association from a list of participating organisations and donate seamlessly without using or earning cashback, which remains exclusively dedicated to supporting local commerce.”
This initiative is already off to a great start. “We’re proud to have partnered with the Princess Charlene Foundation and the Rotary Club of Monaco for this launch, and we look forward to helping more associations streamline their fundraising efforts.”
Antoine also took the model beyond Monaco in 2023. “We successfully launched Carlo in Aix-en-Provence, where we now partner with more than 200 merchants. Most recently, in October 2024, we expanded to Bordeaux, where we’ve already onboarded 50 merchants. We’re excited to replicate and adapt this Monaco-born innovation in new markets.”
Now a team of 16 people, the company is also launching a white-label version of its payment solution, opening up opportunities for other industries like hotel groups, ski resorts, or any organization with a closed-loop network. “This is an exciting step as it allows us to extend the impact of Carlo’s technology to new sectors and geographies.”
In parallel to developing Carlo, Antoine has co-founded Maliz.ai, an AI solution focused on data sovereignty that allows companies to deploy AI tools on their own servers, giving them full control and protection over their data. “With Maliz.ai, organisations can create chatbots or other AI-powered solutions hosted within their own environment, ensuring security and transparency,” Antoine explains.
“We’re particularly focused on serving Monaco, where there’s a clear need for independent AI solutions that align with the principality’s emphasis on privacy and trust. Our mission is to empower companies in Monaco with cutting-edge, locally hosted AI tools that combine innovation with data security.”
Article first published on February 16, 2025. Feature photo by Nancy Heslin. Article photos courtesy of Carlo App.
Paula Farquharson with chalice for Irish Mass at the Palatine Chapel. Photo: Courtesy of PGIL/Michaël Alesi/Palais Princier
Recently discovered in a cardboard box and auctioned in the UK, the chalice will be the subject of a lecture at the Princess Grace Irish Library by Dr Krasnodębska-D’Aughton, University College Cork (UCC), on Wednesday January 22, at 7pm.
Meet old and new friends at the library and discover the mystery behind one of the few remaining chalices from the 15th century.
Earlier in January, the Ó Learghusa Chalice was used to celebrate mass in the private chapel of the Prince’s Palace in Monaco in the presence of Prince Albert II and the Princess of Hanover. And, as Paula Farquharson, director of the Princess Grace Irish Library, points out, it was the first time that mass was celebrated in Europe with the chalice for centuries.
“Before King Henry VIII’s divorce led to the reformation and forced the Catholic Church in Ireland to go underground, this medieval chalice was used in friaries and monasteries in Ireland,” explains Paula.
“Later such religious items were either hidden or sent to mainland Europe for safekeeping. Many didn’t survive and were melted down for their silver and gold. This lecture has all the excitement of a turbulent era in history and the audience will have the unique opportunity to see this rare chalice for one evening only before it goes to Ireland for permanent display at Kylemore Abbey.”
Since its purchase in 2021, the chalice has featured in articles and on television in the United States, where it has also gone on exhibition at top universities.
Dr D’Aughton is a Senior Lecturer in the School of History, UCC, who specialises in the cultural and religious history of the Middle Ages. She has published internationally on the Irish mendicant orders, liturgical silver, Irish illuminated manuscripts as well as on manuscripts in Polish libraries.
Tickets €10 (includes a drink after the 45-minute talk) available at the door or online.
While at the library, make sure you check out 40th Anniversary Princess Grace Irish Library: A Tribute To Princess Grace of Monaco (2024; Éditions Des Archives Du Palais De Monaco. The 128-page limited-edition commemorative book will take you on a journey of discovery about Princess Grace from Ireland to America and to Monaco.
It was presented to Prince Albert II and the Princess of Hanover on November 20, 2024, exactly 40 years to the day they inaugurated the Princess Grace Irish Library in the presence of their father Prince Rainier III.
The book is not available to purchase but a copy can be viewed at the library, or download a digital version at http://www.pgil.mc. QR codes lead readers to emotive performances by musicians and students from the Académie Rainier III in Monaco and Technological University Dublin, conservatoire, as well as a special music piece composed by Michael Flatley, titled The Princess Grace Set.
“I have a 100-year plan,” admits Father Hugh of St. Paul’s Monte Carlo. “How does this church serve the community in a hundred years’ time when I’m dead?”
WATCH VIDEO: Father Hugh talks about the Warmies® Prayer Bear Centenary campaign.
As the Oxford native explains, “You create a structure which sustains itself, which is outlooking, confident in its own identity” he explains. “And that confident position allows me to go out and do what I do.”
And he certainly has a gift to “do what I do”. Anyone who’s been to the Anglican church at 22 avenue de Grande-Bretagne since Hugh Bearn arrived in April 2023 would agree.
Under his direction over the past 18 months, all the memorials that were previously sitting on the church floor have been restored and hung by using panels of reclaimed wood from skips. “We are very conscious of not wasting and chucking things away,” he says, adding, “The icon was restored anonymously; all the furnishings were put in anonymously.” Additionally, the 60 x 8-metre church pew cushions were replaced, anonymously, with the previously-loved ones being donated to the SPA (Société Protectrice des Animaux) Monaco.
The three stained-glass altar windows are each being restored, with the third and find panel to be completed in January. “A woman and her half-Scottish husband in Castillon are really superb artists. They restored the windows of Mary Magdalene’s cave up the road [in Sainte-Baume].”
As Father Hugh says, “Slowly slowly, lots of little changes make a big difference.”
It’s not just the aesthetics that are getting all the attention. Father Hugh has put his efforts equally on boosting the calendar of church events. There was the Exeter College Oxford Alumni choir and the Danish Boys choir, a visit from Prince Edward, and Prince Albert, and the Churchill family who attended the inauguration of a memorial, funded by the International Churchill Society, installed in September to mark 150 years since Winston Churchill’s birth. “I think people understand it’s about the church serving the Principality and getting the community together.”
He adds, “When people are focused not on themselves, they can see the goodness of what’s going on.”
Which leads to the Warmies® Prayer Centenary Bear and “a little idea I had”. First, St Paul’s is gearing up for its 100th anniversary – it was built on avenue des Fleurs and dedicated by the Bishop of Gibraltar on February 19, 1925, when the street was re-named avenue de Grande-Bretagne for the occasion. Second, created in 1995, Warmies® is a heatable plush toy that provides a soothing and therapeutic warmth. Warmies® are popular with all ages and were named in February 2024 as GiftBeat’s Best-Selling Toy in the USA for the second consecutive year. And thanks to a member of the congregation, 600 Warmies® were generously donated to the Prayer Bear Centenary Campaign.
“The bear has lavender inside and you stick them in the microwave for maybe 15 seconds,” says Father Hugh. “They’re really good for kids with autism, kids who can’t sleep, adults who can’t sleep.”
The words God is Love in English and Dieu est Amour in French are written on the bear’s chest, with St. Paul’s Church Carlo on the its paw.
For Father Hugh, the Prayer Bear is a way of engaging with the community, engaging with young people and old people. “Who doesn’t want a teddy bear? And with a message of a prayer that says you are never alone. A lot of people are really lonely.”
The church will give the bears to women’s refuges and “people who have real needs, where where they have a really unpleasant existence”.
“The idea is that there’s a 6-year-old kid who gets this teddy bear in La Trinité in Nice. Fast forward 10 years and he’s getting into sex, drugs and rock and roll and he looks at this teddy bear and thinks, ‘Why did someone give me this bear that has God is Love on its paw?’ It’s that sense of sowing a seed of which we will never see the results.”
The bears can be adopted for a donation of €30. The funds raised will go to the St. Vincent de Paul association in Monaco, to help with their homeless and refugee projects. “The teddy bear is a gift that parents can give knowing where the money is going so it’s a win-win good-good situation.”
Father Hugh is most excited about selling the Prayer Bear not online or through social media, but “people having to come and collect them. That physical connection is really important.”
With a laugh, he adds, “If you go into my vicarage, you may open the cupboard and find a bear staring at you.”
Article first published December 15, 2024.
Wednesday December 18 at 5:15 pm: Sunday School Christingle.
Christmas Eve at 7:30 pm: Holy Communion and Carols with refreshments afterwards in St Paul’s House.
Christmas Day at 8 am: Holy Communion.
Christmas Day at 10: 30 am: Holy Communion and Carols with refreshments afterwards in St Paul’s House.
This iconic salon de thé at 27 Boulevard des Moulins has been un point de reference. in Monaco since 1955.
Owners Alexander Seleznev (aka Chef Alex) and Nicolai Zhur took over in 2015 having opened Pâtisserie Seleznyoff in their native Moscow in 2004.
Chef Alex studied at the Moscow Culinary Institute and has written several books on Russian cuisine. A famous face is his homeland, he also had his own TV show and made appearances as a celebrity chef on other programs including at La Maison du Chocolat.
Caterina Reviglio Sonnino, Nicolai Zhur and Alexander Seleznev
At Patisserie Riviera everything is made from scratch and on the premises. Nicolai says that their hottest seller (after the viennoiseries, bien sûr) is their line of gluten-free products—cakes, chocolates (also lactose- and sugar-free) and their Jordan almonds (les dragées).
Along with Caterina Reviglio Sonnino who works at the café and is helping to develop their brand, English, French, Italian and Russian are spoken. During Covid, lunch service has stopped but pop by for a super creamy café crème (€3.50) and croissant (€1.50) in the ornately green tea room or outside terrace. The caviar fridge is still running just fine, too, if you need a snack to go.
Open daily from 8 am to 1 pm. & 3 pm to 7 pm (except Sunday afternoons).
Patisserie Riviera 27 Boulevard des Moulins, Monaco
Article first published November 1, 2020.
Let’s make an effort to support local businesses and services. Do you have a business or service to recommend forI ❤︎ MONACO? Email: GoodNewsMonaco
