Arriving off a long-haul flight, dressed in jeans, polo, a jumper and sneakers, I immediately feel somewhat out of place walking into the enormous anteroom of the fabled Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.

Monaco is not just a destination; it is the experience of a lifetime. For more than a century, it has been an aspirational symbol of luxury and glamour. What the country lacks in size, it makes up for in history, culture, entertainment and character. The ideal destination to add into any European itinerary, Monaco is just 30minutes by car to Nice International Airport, 7 minutes by helicopter. An idyllic climate with 300 days of sunshine makes it even more alluring.

A brand-new conference centre, One Monte-Carlo, has opened its doors in a completely revamped neighbourhood located right in the heart of Monaco. One Monte-Carlo virtually doubles the space dedicated to business tourism around Casino Square, currently comprised of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo.

Following last year’s reveal of the spectacular Princess Grace Suite, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has now unveiled another extraordinary addition with the opening of a second luxury suite paying tribute to Prince Rainier III, Monaco’s “Prince builder”.

Annual meetings of Preferred Hotels & Resorts are always worthwhile and fun, partly because the company, owned for the last 15 years by the Ueberroths, seems like an extension of this friendly and hospitable family. This year’s event, at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, Monaco, 25-28 February, 2019, was the most stylish yet.