On May 20, 2025, Dubai solidified its position as a global hub for innovation and mobility with the inauguration of the world’s largest visa application center in Wafi City. Operated by VFS Global, this state-of-the-art facility spans nearly 150,000 square feet and boasts an unprecedented capacity to process up to 10,000 visa applications daily. With over 400 trained professionals from more than 25 nationalities, the center is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including tech-enabled self-service kiosks, QR code-based check-ins, and a Digitization Centre for secure document processing. This landmark development not only enhances Dubai’s role as a leader in global travel and business but also aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033 and position it as the world’s most connected city.

The opening of this visa application center is a game-changer for individuals seeking to live, work, or invest in Dubai, particularly through real estate opportunities that offer pathways to residency. The facility’s massive capacity reflects Dubai’s ambition to attract global talent, boost tourism, and foster international partnerships. It streamlines the visa process for over 200 nationalities, making it easier for investors and expatriates to secure residency through programs like the UAE Golden Visa, which is closely tied to real estate investment.

Connecting Visa Opportunities to Real Estate Investment

Dubai’s real – a thriving real estate market offers a unique opportunity for investors to secure residency through property investment, and boutique real estate agencies like Living on the Côte d’Azur are at the forefront of this trend. Living on the Côte d’Azur, a real estate agency specializing in luxury properties in both the French Riviera and Dubai, has expanded its portfolio to include new construction villas and apartments in Dubai. Their portal website showcases a range of high-end flats and villas, catering to investors seeking both lifestyle and financial benefits. These properties not only promise tax-free capital gains and rental income but also serve as a pathway to obtaining a UAE Golden Visa.

Investment Requirements for a UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa program, introduced in 2019 and updated in 2022, allows investors to obtain long-term residency by purchasing real estate in Dubai or other emirates. The investment thresholds are as follows:

• 10-Year Golden Visa: Requires a real estate purchase of at least AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000). This applies to investors of any age and includes properties purchased outright, off-plan properties from approved developers, or properties with a mortgage from specific local banks (provided at least AED 2 million is paid).
• 5-Year Golden Visa: Available for investors aged 55 and over who purchase a property worth at least AED 1 million (approximately USD 280,000).
• 2-Year Residency Visa: Requires a property purchase of at least AED 750,000 (approximately USD 204,000).

Additional costs include administrative fees, medical examinations, and Emirates ID registration, totaling approximately AED 9,684.75 for a 10-year visa and AED 5,668.50 for family sponsorship. Investors must be physically present in the UAE during the application process and provide documents such as a passport, title deed, and proof of payment. The process, facilitated by centers like the new VFS Global facility, is streamlined for efficiency.

Living on the Côte d’Azur: Your Partner in Dubai Real Estate

Living on the Côte d’Azur offers a curated selection of new-build villas and apartments in Dubai, designed to meet the needs of discerning investors. Their properties, often located in prime areas, combine modern design with investment potential. For example, a two-bedroom apartment in Dubai can be acquired for around AED 1.5 million, while luxury villas in areas like Mougins or Biot may start at AED 2 million, meeting the Golden Visa threshold. These properties are built to high standards, with buyers able to customize features like room layouts during the construction phase, ensuring a personalized investment.

The agency’s expertise extends beyond property sales. They guide investors through the Golden Visa application process, leveraging their local knowledge to secure properties before they hit the market. With only limited building plots available in Dubai, their proactive approach ensures clients can reserve properties early, often securing units before 70% of a project is sold. This is particularly valuable in a competitive market where new developments sell out quickly.

Benefits of Investing in Dubai with a Golden Visa

Investing in Dubai real estate through Living on the Côte d’Azur offers more than just a visa. The UAE’s tax-free environment means no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or corporate tax (until 2023, when a 9% corporate tax was introduced for profits above AED 375,000). This maximizes returns on rental income and property appreciation, with speculative investments yielding up to 30% profits. Additionally, Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents for residency, access world-class healthcare and education, and enjoy Dubai’s strategic location as a gateway to global markets.

The new visa application center enhances this ecosystem by making the process more accessible, reducing wait times, and ensuring a seamless experience. Its advanced queue management and digital tools align with Dubai’s vision of innovation, making it easier for investors to navigate the residency process while securing properties through trusted partners like Living on the Côte d’Azur.

Conclusion

The launch of the world’s largest visa application center in Dubai marks a pivotal moment for the emirate’s global ambitions. By facilitating up to 10,000 applications daily, it opens doors for investors worldwide to tap into Dubai’s real estate market and secure long-term residency. Living on the Côte d’Azur’s portfolio of luxury flats and villas provides an ideal entry point, offering properties that meet Golden Visa requirements while promising significant financial rewards. With investment thresholds starting at AED 750,000 for a 2-year visa and AED 2 million for a 10-year visa, the opportunity to live, work, and prosper in Dubai has never been more attainable.

Dubai Visa Application Center and Real Estate Investment Guide

World’s Largest Visa Application Center

• Location: Wafi City, Dubai
• Size: 150,000 square feet
• Capacity: 10,000 visa applications daily
• Operator: VFS Global
• Features: Self-service kiosks, QR code check-ins, Digitization Centre
• Inauguration: May 20, 2025
• Purpose: Supports Dubai Economic Agenda D33, enhances global mobility

UAE Golden Visa Investment Requirements

• 10-Year Visa:
• Property purchase: AED 2 million (USD 545,000)
• Eligible: Any age, outright/off-plan/mortgaged properties
• 5-Year Visa:
• Property purchase: AED 1 million (USD 280,000)
• Eligible: Investors aged 55+
• 2-Year Visa:
• Property purchase: AED 750,000 (USD 204,000)
• Additional Costs:
• 10-Year Visa: AED 9,684.75 (includes medical, ID, fees)
• Family Sponsorship: AED 5,668.50

Living on the Côte d’Azur Properties

• Types: New-build villas and apartments
• Price Range:
• 2-bedroom apartment: ~AED 1.5 million
• Luxury villa: ~AED 2 million+
• Locations: Prime areas like Mougins, Biot
• Benefits:
• Customizable designs
• Tax-free rental income and capital gains
• Early reservation for high-demand projects

Application Process

• Requirements: Passport, title deed, proof of payment
• Steps:

1. Purchase qualifying property
2. Register title deed with Dubai Land Department
3. Submit application at VFS Global center
4. Complete medical examination

• Note: Applicant must be in UAE during process

Benefits of Investment

• Residency: Live, work, study in UAE
• Tax Advantages: No personal income tax, low corporate tax
• Family Sponsorship: Include spouse, children, parents
• Global Access: Strategic location for business
• Profit Potential: Up to 30% returns on speculative investments

Ultra luxury embodies the pinnacle of exclusivity, quality, and bespoke experiences, transcending mere wealth to offer unparalleled craftsmanship, rarity, and prestige. It is not just about opulence but about creating a lifestyle that is meticulously curated, deeply personal, and timeless. Ultra luxury caters to the discerning few who seek the extraordinary in every facet of life, from bespoke services to one-of-a-kind possessions. This concept is vividly realized in high-end real estate on the French Riviera, where properties serve as both a testament to refined taste and a legacy investment for generations.

Defining Ultra Luxury

Ultra luxury is characterized by its exclusivity and attention to detail. It goes beyond the superficial trappings of wealth, such as gold-plated fixtures or ostentatious displays, to focus on authenticity, heritage, and innovation. For instance, an ultra-luxury product like a Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime watch is not merely a timepiece but a handcrafted masterpiece, with only a handful produced annually, each requiring years of artisanal expertise. Similarly, a Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended, customized to the owner’s exact specifications, represents a fusion of engineering excellence and personal expression, with bespoke features like hand-stitched interiors or a starlight headliner tailored to a specific constellation.

In services, ultra luxury manifests through hyper-personalized experiences. Consider the private dining experiences offered by three-Michelin-star restaurants like Le Louis XV in Monaco, where menus are crafted based on a guest’s preferences, sourced from the finest ingredients, and paired with rare vintages from cellars inaccessible to the public. These moments are not just transactions but memories that define a lifestyle of unmatched sophistication.

Ultra luxury also emphasizes scarcity. Whether it’s a limited-edition Hermès Birkin bag, encrusted with diamonds and crafted from rare crocodile leather, or a private island retreat accessible only by yacht, the value lies in what is unattainable to most. This scarcity extends to time and access—ultra-luxury clients expect immediacy, privacy, and seamless execution, whether chartering a superyacht or securing a last-minute reservation at an exclusive venue.

Ultra Luxury in High-End Real Estate on the French Riviera

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is a global epicenter of ultra luxury, where high-end real estate epitomizes this ethos. Stretching from Menton to Saint-Tropez, the region combines natural beauty—turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and Mediterranean charm—with a legacy of glamour that attracts the world’s elite. Properties here are not just homes but statements of prestige, designed to offer unmatched privacy, architectural excellence, and investment potential.

Take, for example, Villa Leopolda in Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of the world’s most expensive estates, valued at over €500 million. This historic property, once owned by King Leopold II of Belgium, spans 20 acres with 11 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and sprawling gardens maintained by a team of horticulturists. Its ultra-luxury status derives from its provenance, panoramic sea views, and fortress-like privacy, shielded by ancient olive groves and high walls. Such estates are rare, with only a handful of comparable properties available, making them coveted by billionaires seeking both a retreat and a status symbol.

Modern masterpieces also define the Riviera’s ultra-luxury market. Consider a contemporary villa in Cap d’Antibes, priced at €100 million, featuring infinity pools that blend into the Mediterranean, smart-home systems controlling everything from lighting to security, and interiors by designers like Alberto Pinto. These homes offer bespoke amenities—private spas, home cinemas, and helipads—catering to owners who demand seamless integration of technology and luxury. The scarcity of prime seafront plots ensures these properties appreciate over time, making them not just residences but legacy investments.

A Legacy Investment

High-end real estate on the French Riviera is a quintessential ultra-luxury investment due to its enduring value and emotional resonance. Unlike stocks or commodities, these properties are tangible assets that combine financial security with lifestyle benefits. The Riviera’s global appeal, driven by its climate, cultural heritage, and proximity to events like the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix, ensures consistent demand from ultra-high-net-worth individuals. According to Knight Frank’s 2024 Wealth Report, prime Riviera properties have appreciated by 20% over the past five years, outpacing many global markets.

Beyond financial returns, these estates are legacy assets, passed down through generations as symbols of family heritage. A villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, for instance, might host family gatherings, corporate retreats, or charity galas, embedding itself in a family’s narrative. Its value lies not only in its marble floors or private beach but in the memories it fosters and the prestige it confers.

Moreover, the Riviera’s ultra-luxury properties are supported by a robust ecosystem of concierge services, private security, and estate management, ensuring owners experience the same seamless excellence found in other ultra-luxury domains. This infrastructure, combined with the region’s political stability and accessibility via Nice’s international airport, makes it a safe haven for wealth preservation.

Conclusion

Ultra luxury is the art of creating the exceptional, where every detail reflects unparalleled quality, exclusivity, and personalization. On the French Riviera, high-end real estate embodies this philosophy, offering properties that are as much works of art as they are homes. From historic châteaux to cutting-edge villas, these residences are legacy investments that blend financial savvy with emotional significance. For the ultra-wealthy, owning a piece of the Côte d’Azur is not just about living well—it’s about securing a timeless legacy in one of the world’s most coveted destinations.

The Walt Disney Company announced on May 7, 2025, its seventh theme park resort, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, to be located on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks Disney’s first venture into the Middle East, a significant expansion following the 2016 opening of Shanghai Disneyland.

The Abu Dhabi project is Disney’s first new resort in 15 years and follows Universal’s announcement of a UK resort, intensifying global theme park competition. Disney dismisses concerns about competition, citing increased tourism from new attractions.

Location: Yas Island, a 10-square-mile entertainment hub 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai. The island is a global tourism destination, hosting 120 million passengers annually through Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports, the world’s largest airline hub. One-third of the global population is within a four-hour flight, making it strategically positioned to attract visitors from the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe.

Partnership: Disney is collaborating with Miral, an Abu Dhabi-based, state-owned developer responsible for Yas Island’s existing attractions, including Ferrari World Yas Island, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (opened 2018), and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor marine theme park. Miral will fully fund, develop, and operate the resort, while Disney’s Imagineers will lead creative design and provide operational oversight, earning royalties and service fees without direct capital investment.

The addition of Disneyland Abu Dhabi expands Disney’s global footprint to seven resort campuses, reinforcing its dominance in the theme park industry, which hosted over 140 million guests in 2023. Unlike Disneyland Paris, which struggled initially with cultural adaptation and financial losses, Disneyland Abu Dhabi benefits from Miral’s funding and Yas Island’s established tourism infrastructure. Paris’ Disneyland Park, with its 140 acres and 15.3 million annual visitors, sets a high bar for aesthetic and operational excellence, but its smaller Walt Disney Studios Park (62 acres, expanding) highlights the challenges of secondary gates. Abu Dhabi’s resort, with its waterfront focus and advanced technology, aims to rival or surpass Shanghai Disneyland’s modernity while avoiding Paris’ early pitfalls by leveraging local cultural integration and a strategic location.

However, Disney must navigate the UAE’s human rights issues, which echo criticisms faced in Florida. While Paris has matured into a cultural and economic success, Abu Dhabi’s success will hinge on balancing Disney’s family-friendly brand with regional sensitivities and delivering on promises of a technologically superior park. The crystal castle and waterfront attractions suggest a bold vision, but the lack of specific details on attractions or timelines leaves room for skepticism, especially given the seven-year development horizon.

In summary, Disney’s 12 current parks across six resorts will grow to include Disneyland Abu Dhabi, a high-stakes venture blending innovation with cultural nuance. Disneyland Paris, with its strong attendance and ongoing expansion, remains a benchmark for international resorts, but Abu Dhabi’s unique positioning and Miral’s investment could redefine Disney’s global strategy—if it overcomes ethical and operational challenges.

Emirates fairytale: Disney opens theme park in Abu Dhabi

Concept art highlights a spiraling, crystal-like castle as the park’s centerpiece, described as a “modern castle unlike anything we’ve ever created.” The waterfront location will integrate water as a storytelling element, with attractions designed to “play with water in a completely new and unique way.”

The resort will feature themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and attractions blending Disney’s iconic stories and characters with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and futuristic architecture. It aims to be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” incorporating local cultural elements.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro called it “the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio,” leveraging cutting-edge technology for immersive entertainment.

Timeline and Cost:

No official opening date has been set, but Disney CEO Bob Iger estimated an 18-month to two-year design phase and approximately five years for construction, suggesting a potential opening around 2032.

The project’s cost is undisclosed, but similar “castle” parks typically exceed $5 billion. Miral’s full financial backing alleviates Disney’s capital burden, aligning with its strategy to expand without diverting from its $60 billion investment plan for existing parks and cruises.

Economic and Strategic Significance:

The park is expected to drive tourism to Yas Island, supporting Abu Dhabi’s goal to diversify its economy beyond oil. It targets an addressable market of 500 million people with high Disney affinity, part of Disney’s broader aim to reach 700 million unserved fans globally.

Yas Island already features advanced attractions like the world’s fastest roller coaster and the highest non-inverted loop coaster, positioning Disneyland Abu Dhabi within a competitive entertainment complex.

Controversies and Considerations:

The UAE’s human rights record, including the imprisonment of academics and activists and arrests of LGBTQ+ individuals, has raised concerns, as noted by Human Rights Watch. Disney’s decision to partner in the region follows careful study, with Iger calling the park a “huge endorsement” of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to technology and creativity.

Disney has faced criticism for not strongly opposing anti-LGBTQ+ policies in Florida, where its “experiences” sector (theme parks, cruises, etc.) generates 60% of annual profit. This history may amplify scrutiny of its UAE venture, though Disney has not directly addressed these concerns beyond Iger’s statements.

Disney’s Broader Context:

The announcement coincided with strong fiscal Q2 2025 earnings, with the Parks, Experiences, and Products segment reporting a 10% revenue increase to $8.4 billion and 59% of Disney’s operating income in 2024. International parks have shown growth potential, though attendance in Shanghai and Hong Kong recently declined due to economic and trade challenges.

As of May 2025, The Walt Disney Company operates 12 theme parks across six resort campuses worldwide, with a seventh resort campus, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, announced but not yet operational. These parks are located in four countries across three continents: the United States, France, Japan, and China (including Hong Kong and Shanghai). The resorts are:

1. Disneyland Resort (Anaheim, California, USA):

• Disneyland Park
• Disney California Adventure Park

1. Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando, Florida, USA):

• Magic Kingdom
• Epcot
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom

1. Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée, France):

• Disneyland Park
• Walt Disney Studios Park (to be renamed Disney Adventure World in 2025)

1. Tokyo Disney Resort (Urayasu, Chiba, Japan):

• Tokyo Disneyland
• Tokyo DisneySea

1. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (Hong Kong, China):

• Hong Kong Disneyland

1. Shanghai Disney Resort (Shanghai, China):

• Shanghai Disneyland

1. Disneyland Abu Dhabi (Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE):

• Announced in May 2025, not yet operational.

The six operational resorts currently host 12 theme parks, with six being “castle parks” (featuring a central iconic castle, typically named Disneyland or Magic Kingdom) and the remaining six having other themes, such as cinematic or maritime focuses.

Statistics for Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris, located in Marne-la-Vallée, France, opened in 1992 (originally as Euro Disneyland) and consists of two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park (set to be renamed Disney Adventure World in 2025). Below are key statistics and details:

• Size:
• Disneyland Park: Approximately 140 acres.
• Walt Disney Studios Park: Currently 62 acres, the smallest Disney theme park, but undergoing an expansion to double its footprint by 2025, potentially making Hong Kong Disneyland the smallest park thereafter.
• Total resort campus: ~4,940 acres (including hotels, Disney Village, and other facilities).
• Attractions:
• Disneyland Park features over 50 attractions across themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland. Notable rides include Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril. The park’s Sleeping Beauty Castle is considered one of the most visually stunning Disney castles.
• Walt Disney Studios Park has fewer attractions but is expanding with new lands like Avengers Campus, Worlds of Pixar, World of Frozen (2026), Pride Lands (Lion King-themed), and Adventure Bay (2025). Current unique rides include Crush’s Coaster and Ratatouille: The Adventure.
• Attendance:
• In 2023, Disneyland Paris welcomed approximately 15.3 million visitors across both parks, making it Europe’s most visited theme park destination. Specific breakdowns show Disneyland Park as the primary draw, with Walt Disney Studios Park seeing lower attendance due to its smaller size and fewer attractions.
• Hotels and Amenities:
• Eight resort hotels with over 5,700 rooms, including the recently renovated Disneyland Hotel.
• Disney Village, a shopping and dining district, complements the resort.
• The resort employs around 16,000 cast members.
• Economic Impact:
• Contributes significantly to the French tourism industry, generating billions in economic activity annually and supporting thousands of jobs.
• Recent Developments:
• Walt Disney Studios Park’s expansion, doubling its size, includes new lands and a retheme to Disney Adventure World, aiming to elevate its status among Disney parks. The park has been criticized for lacking the depth of other Disney properties but is improving with additions like World Premiere Plaza (2025).

Perception: Disneyland Paris is often praised for its aesthetic beauty, particularly Disneyland Park’s intricate design and castle, but criticized for operational challenges like high costs and occasional maintenance issues. It ranks highly for its themed spaces but lags in ride quantity compared to larger resorts like Walt Disney World.

More and more people are moving to the South of France, as the Côte d’Azur is far more than just a perfect vacation destination. It’s a vibrant home base filled with international residents worldwide. The French Riviera is to France what New York is to America: dynamic and cosmopolitan. Bursting with culture, creativity, sunshine, and fantastic food, it’s a place like no other.

This week, we’re highlighting two exceptional properties: one in Vallauris and one in Les Issambres. You’ll find incredible value in Vallauris, located next to Super Cannes, where home prices rank in the Top 5. However, a 5-minute walk toward Golfe Juan changes the postcode to Vallauris, significantly lowering villa prices. Yet, the view of the Bay of Cannes from Vallauris is arguably the most stunning you can buy. If you’re not concerned about the postcode and want to live beautifully, visit Vallauris.

Then, in Les Issambres, a charming coastal village just before Sainte Maxime in the Gulf of Saint Tropez, we have a villa with no fewer than ten bedrooms—perfect for large families with many friends. Or perhaps you’re an entrepreneur looking to start a small boutique hotel? The location is unbeatable: a 3-minute walk to a delightful sandy beach. This villa offers endless possibilities and is well worth a visit.

As always, we’re here to answer any questions you may have!

Living next to Super Cannes : Vallauris 4-bed villa in exclusive domain

Discover an extraordinary opportunity to own a 173 m² light-filled luxury villa in a prestigious, intimate domain in Vallauris, just minutes from the ultra-exclusive Super Cannes district. Nestled within a private condominium of only four villas, this stunning property sits on a beautifully landscaped 3,600 m² estate, offering unparalleled tranquillity, lush greenery, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of Cannes. 
 
With a sparkling swimming pool, expansive terraces, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, this villa is your gateway to the ultimate French Riviera lifestyle at a fraction of Super Cannes’ price – all due to a smarter postal code.
 
Price 2,100,000 euros

More pictures of villa in exclusive domain next to Super Cannes here

Big plans? Big villa! Les Issambres 10-bed villa at the beachside

This renovated 10-bedroom estate in Les Issambres offers unparalleled luxury and proximity to the shimmering beaches of the French Riviera. Just steps from the Mediterranean and a short drive from the vibrant towns of Sainte Maxime, Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël, this sprawling villa is the epitome of coastal elegance, perfect for large families, multi-generational living, or those seeking a prestigious vacation home.

You’ll love its proximity to the beach, stunning Mediterranean vistas, and capacity to accommodate large families and friends; the villa is perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting lavish parties, enjoying quiet evenings by the sea, or exploring the Riviera’s iconic destinations, this villa offers unmatched versatility and elegance.

Price 3,400,000 euros

More pictures of beach villa for sale Les Issambres here

We don’t go to Monaco very often, but when we do, it’s always fun. The botanical garden in Monaco is beautiful to see and the Hercules harbour makes for easy parking and is a good starting point for a walk along the boats. In the winter months, the Monaco Christmas market used to be our favourite, but unfortunately, it has declined now that our Belgian Oliebollen man is no longer there. Who knows where the good man has gone? There is still a pancake shop at Christmas that claims to sell poffertjes (another Dutch treat), but when you want to order, they simply say that they don’t bake poffertjes that evening. After three years of trying, we gave up on the poffertjes. We have now found another excuse to go to Monaco: the swimming pool! The Rainier III Aquatics Stadium has filled the pool this week and we are all invited to take a dip in the crystal clear water, heated to a perfect 28°C. Open daily until October 8, 2025, this watery paradise promises more than just a dip – it’s a dip in the glamorous heart of the principality, where the rich, famous and fabulous call home.

Swim Among the Stars in Monaco This Summer

Monaco, that tiny jewel of a nation, is a playground for the elite. Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton owns a sleek penthouse here, soaking up the same Riviera sunshine you’ll be soaking up in the pool. Tennis icon Novak Djokovic, with his steely focus and Monte Carlo residence, can be spotted nearby. Even rock royalty like Bono are drawn to Monaco’s tax-friendly shores, his presence lending a rebellious edge to the polished streets. These stars, along with billionaire entrepreneurs and aristocrats, form a constellation of fame that makes every dip in the Rainier III pool feel like swimming among the stars.

The stadium itself is a marvel, a combination of functionality and Monegasque elegance. From 6 May to 30 June, swimmers are welcome from 9am to 5.40pm, and from 1 July to 7 September until 7.30pm. Prices are pleasantly affordable: €4.50 to €6 for residents and €7.20 to €12 for visitors. The pool is not just for swimming laps; it is a hub of activity. Aquabiking and aquagym classes start in June, with a workout overlooking the glittering harbour. For the more adventurous, free introductory diving lessons (ages 8 and up) are offered on selected Wednesdays in June, July and August. Pay just the entrance fee and book online. All swimming lessons require a reservation, so plan ahead to secure your spot.

Splash Party Monaco

Safety is paramount in Monaco. Lifeguards keep watch like a hawk and the complex has a non-slip floor and clear depth markings, so every splash is carefree. The stadium takes a break from Monaco’s heart-pounding events: it’s closed from 19 to 26 May for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, when the streets buzz with speed. Save 18 June for the exuberant Splash Party, a day of music and water fun.

Swimming at Rainier III is more than just exercise; it’s a sensory experience. The water reflects the azure sky, the air hums with the buzz of Monaco’s high society and the distant hum of yachts provides a rhythmic pulse. You’re not just floating – you’re gliding through a world where glamour and relaxation go hand in hand. So grab your swimsuit, book a session and take a dip among the stars.

Stade Nautique Rainier III

Quai Albert 1er

98000 Monaco

Tél. : (+ 377) 93 30 64 83