Moloka’i, Hawaii: Sacred Homes, Beauty, and Dance

Welcome back to the sun-soaked capital of Riviera glamour! While Monaco has its high-rollers and Saint-Tropez has its beach-club scene, there is one historic jewel of the Azure Coast that has been the playground of emperors, queens, and high society for over a century.

Welcome... to Nice!

Nice, France

This magnificent coastal paradise marries grandeur with ultra-luxurious modern indulgence. If you think Nice is just for the casual traveler, think again. For those with unlimited means, it is a sanctuary of private penthouses, Michelin-starred restaurants, and legendary seaside estates.

The Promenade of the Gods

We begin on the iconic Promenade des Anglais, a sweeping azure curve where the wealthy come to see and be seen. While the public strolls the boardwalk, the true elite take in the view from the absolute pinnacle of Riviera luxury: Le Negresco.

Going Somewhere? Protect Your Trip (and Your Sanity)

For over a hundred years, this legendary hotel has hosted everyone from Salvador Dalí to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Inside, it is a living museum of priceless art, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, and gold-leaf ceilings. The elite reserve the Imperial Suite, a majestic residence overlooking the Baie des Anges where personal butlers cater to every whim.

When hunger strikes, they descend to the hotel's two-Michelin-starred masterpiece, Le Chantecler, where Chef Virginie Basselot crafts culinary gold using local black truffles, caviar, and estate-bottled Bellet wines.

If you have ever vacationed in Bellagio in Vegas, the style of this hotel will feel familiar to you. They even both have glass sculptures in the lobby.

Penthouse Views and Private Coves

To escape the drama of normal life, the truly affluent ascend to the exclusive heights of Cimiez and Mont Boron. Here, hidden behind massive wrought-iron gates and lush olive groves, sit sprawling Belle Époque palaces converted into private residences. From these lofty perches, residents look down upon the glittering yachts in the Port of Nice from their infinity pools.

Let’s face it, luxury hotels in Nice are fancy but the rooms are small and there just isn’t 40,000 sq ft to stretch out. You will want to rent a home to clear your head. Just have them take you by helicopter to catch up with a friend on their yacht.

But what is a stay in Nice without dipping your toes in those famous turquoise waters? The wealthy bypass the public beaches entirely, securing front-row, private double-loungers at Castel Plage, tucked right under the dramatic cliffs of Castle Hill. Here, chilled champagne is delivered directly to your seaside bed, accompanied by fresh sea urchin and hand-rolled pasta.

Dinner is at 19:00

Did you pop into Nice with only 6 suitcases? WHAT will you wear to dinner? Your anxiety is instantly swooshed away as you enter the House of Valentino, Prada, or Dior. As you walk in - even if you are a hot, sweaty mess (it’s hot!) - an elegantly perfectly beautiful saleswoman offers instant help. She will save you.

In less than 30 minutes, you have a custom-fitted couture gown that 20 seamstresses will work furiously to finish while you lay by the pool.

The gown - with 3 seamstresses for final adjustments - will arrive at your hotel one hour before dinner. And yes, they obviously bring a jewelry store with them. They would not let you look shabby. They’ll pick up the jewelry tomorrow if you don’t want to keep it.

Yacht Charters and Sunset Flights

When it is time to explore the coast, the wealthy do not sit in traffic. A private yacht charter awaits at Nice Port to sweep them away for an afternoon of swimming in the deep blue waters of the nearby Rade de Villefranche.

As night falls, a private helicopter takes off from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, whisking our travelers off to their next high-society destination in mere minutes.

That is Nice, where historic grandeur meets contemporary opulence in a brilliant flash of azure blue. Until next time, we wish you champagne wishes and caviar dreams!

Nice is fine. Personally, I prefer my suites to be larger and the people less snooty but it will do in a pinch. The food is really good.

See you next Wednesday.

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