Lifestyle Trips

Monte-Carlo, unofficial capital of glamorous and lavish Monaco, established in 1866, Monte-Carlo was named in honour of Prince Charles III and is the richest of the country's four quarters. For years, Monte-Carlo has been the playground of the rich and famous, from Hollywood starlets to royalty, and business people dodging the taxman. It is also one of Europe's foremost holiday resorts, but certainly not for the humble backpacker. The city has several attractions, such as the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, the Monaco Cathedral and the Prince's Palace, several gardens, and other attractions centred on the country's famous Royal Family, such as an exhibition of HSH Prince of Monaco's private collection of classic cars.

There are some interesting diversions, such as catamaran trips, watersports, yachting and the Azur Express tourist train that links up the city's attractions accompanied by multi-lingual commentary. Worth exploring is the Old Town, with its attractive City Hall, and of course when one is bored of sightseeing, the best diversion (and the cheapest) is merely to settle down with a fancy cocktail and people-watch.

Saint Tropez, French Riviera

Protected by a small gulf and surrounded by a crystal-clear sea, Saint Tropez is one of the best-loved and most popular destinations on the French Riviera Côte d’Azur.
Small in size but hugely prestigious and famous, the city of Saint Tropez is host year after year to the world’s, and especially Italy’s jet-set.

Saint Tropez is internationally known as the preferred destination of VIP’s from around the world. Private beaches, aperitif bars, prestigious night spots, four-star hotels and luxurious villas are the ingredients that go into making this little town the favourite spot among elite tourists who want to see and be seen.
In the 1960’s, Brigitte Bardot and many other stars have contributed to making Saint Tropez the place to be in summer.

Even today “Saint Trop” can boast of being a favourite among fans of “hot summer nights” aboard mega-yachts or in private villas right out of a Thousand and One Nights, not to mention the many nightclubs that for years have charmed both occasional visitors and “habitués”.

Brigitte Bardot kick-started the rush in the early 1960s, and she was followed by the likes of Liz Taylor and Sophia Loren. People still flock to St-Tropez for the sun, the sea, and, the celebrities. The new generation includes Elton, Barbra, Oprah, Jack, and Uma, though they stay hidden in villas, and the people you'll see on the streets are mere mortals, lots of them, many intent on displaying the best-and often the most-of their youth, beauty, and wealth. Still, if you take an early-morning stroll around the pretty port or down the narrow medieval streets with their candied-almond hues, you'll see just how charming St-Tropez can be.

Sete, Cap d'Agde,France

Ibiza, Spain

Mountainous Ibiza is known as Isla Blanca, the White Island, perhaps because of the dazzling white walls of the traditional houses and churches that make up the small villages dotting its landscape. Its atmosphere is reminiscent of Greek islands, making it unique among the Balearic Isles, and its rustic beauty attracts artists, as well photo and film shoots. Ibiza’s nightlife is legendary, and not to be missed.

Ibiza is one of the five Balearic Islands off the Western coast of Spain - best known, of course, for its year-round sun, sea, sand and clubbing.
Every summer the place is mobbed by the young and beautiful international party-set, all searching for the ultimate in hedonistic fun-in-the-sun. The innovative music scene in Ibiza has been so influential that its trademark genre of chilled-out dance music has come to be known as ‘Balearic House’, and the place has made superstars out of previously anonymous DJs who have now been catapulted to celebrity status.

Barcelona, Spain.

The enchanting city of Barcelona is a visual delight, and has an atmosphere that combines elegance and sophistication with provincial charm. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights of the fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau architecture of Gaudi and his contemporaries.

The funicular up to Tibidabo, or the cable car up Montjuic, both offer breathtaking views over this attractive city. Its skyline is perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi's masterwork, the still incomplete church of the Sagrada Familia, as well as the city's huge Gothic cathedral. The artistic legacy of Barcelona is one of the city's most appealing attributes, with museums containing extensive collections of the works of Miro and Picasso. Barcelona is also a shopper's paradise, with the city's flair for style reflected in its numerous boutiques and markets, open late into the evenings. As the sun sets, and the city's many bars and restaurants open, the night truly comes alive. Dinner is served at any time between nine o'clock and midnight, and the festivities around the bars and nightclubs carry on well into the early hours of the morning.

Barcelona is the commercial centre of the popular holiday region known as the Costa Brava, the northernmost Mediterranean seafront in Spain, as well as the Costa Dorada to the south. The coast is dotted with popular resort towns, many retaining their age-old charm, which can be easily reached from the city.