I went to a European city where almost everyone is a millionaire and I felt right at home | Travel News | Travel
Express.co.uk visited the Monaco Grand Prix (Image: Luke Chillingsworth)
Monaco on F1 Grand Prix race day. A millionaire’s playground and one of the richest places on Earth. Coming from a humble upbringing, the big question on my lips ahead of an amazing weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix was simple, will I fit in?
Around one in three residents in one of the world’s smallest countries hold assets in excess of $1million. Meanwhile, a previous study found there were around 12,261 millionaires residing within its boundaries. However, stepping out of the car and into the sunny courtyard of GoPrivilege’s Yoshi at Hotel Metropole base and I couldn’t have felt more at home.
The Monaco GP circuit is just metres from the balcony (Image: Luke Chillingsworth)
Seconds after walking into the cool interior, attentive waiters were on hand to pour drinks as sublime Michelin-starred sushi was passed under our noses.
To top it off, a well-decorated restaurant, relaxing and sculptured Japanese garden and breathtaking views on a balcony looking over the circuit were all ours.
With a strictly limited capacity of just 35 guests, Yoshi is one of GoPrivilege’s premium viewing centres.
The up-and-coming hospitality group also offers yacht viewing, panoramic terraces overlooking the famous Fairmont hairpin, and even VIP trackside suites.
The balcony is located just before the Mirabeau corner and the Fairmont Hairpin (Image: Luke Chillingsworth)
Dangling just metres from the track was already enough to get me hooked! But it quickly emerged everyone was here for the same reason – to enjoy an incredible once-in-a-lifetime weekend.
Everyone was approachable, from celebrity reality stars to business owners, all here to enjoy a spectacular event. I struck up a conversation with a gentleman on the balcony who was equally as dazzled to be standing just metres from the circuit.
I found everyone humble, genuine, down to earth, and genuinely perplexed that they were also set to enjoy such an incredible event.
GoPrivilege understands that a trip to the Monaco Grand Prix is one of these stand-out events and caters perfectly to every audience.
Die-hard petrolheads desperate to tick one of the most iconic races in the world off their calendars will be glued to the balcony, with waiters constantly coming outside to top up glasses and pass out fresh food.
However, the inclusion of the Japanese garden and seating areas in the restaurant means those less interested in watching every single lap will still love soaking in the opulence and incredible atmosphere only Monaco and F1 can offer.
I saw people enjoy 10 laps of tracing, heading back inside for some more food and drinks and then returning half an hour later. The atmosphere was relaxed with anyone able to enjoy a trip, regardless of whether it’s their 100th motor race or their very first one.
It was a similar feeling when heading on GoPrivilege’s luxury yacht ‘Sea Bluez’ on Friday. I enjoyed chatting to two millionaire businessmen who were again approachable and happy to share tips and advice.
I was stunned when one even told me they had feared about not fitting in themselves, despite paying to stay on the boat for the whole weekend.
GoPrivilege hosts guests at Yoshi’s restuarant at the Hotel Metropole (Image: GoPrivilege)
GoPrivilege have signed a multi-year deal to host events at the Yoshi with a deal for 2026 already in the bag. After seeing Lando Norris take a commanding win in one of the most intriguing Monaco Grand Prix in years, attention quickly turned to the numbers.
Convinced this was an experience worthy of mind-blowing money that no one could possibly afford, I was blown away when I discovered it was more than attainable.
The Yohsi balcony with food and drinks can be accessed for just £995 on Friday practice with the costs rising to around £3,495 on Sunday. VIP hospitality at La Rascasse, the Fairmont Hairpin or afternoon on the Superyacht starts from around £1,000.
It’s not money anyone can throw around for fun, but Monaco is one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips that are often worth a little bit extra to really enjoy.
Viewing is also available on the deck of a luxury yacht (Image: GoPrivilege)
Think African safari, climbing Mount Everest, going on a World cruise. For petrolheads, this is as good as it gets and many would be prepared to pay that and more.
Stranding on a superyacht in Monaco, leaning over the balcony at the Metropole as cars thundered past, even being at the Monado Grand Prix on race day, was beyond a dream come true for a dedicated F1 fan of over 20 years!
This should be at the top of any motorsport fan’s list, but it’s also a perfect introduction to the sport for those who have never enjoyed the visceral thrill in real life.
