Day 15 - on the SS Delphine

Slept like a log. Left door to balcony window open and all I heard as I went to sleep was the crashing of waves against rocks – VERY Local Hero …
Shower and run to breakfast as boys (who are staying at The Columbus) will arrive at 0815 for start of day. Breakfast lovely.

0900 – Start review of hotel. Guillaume Jahan de Lestang – the very able PR from SBM is looking after us today. He is always immaculately dressed – polite and is very efficient. Apparently his has “cyclist’s legs” but I don’t actually want to see them so this could be a big fib!

The resort has 334 rooms including 22 suites. I am up on the 7th floor with a superb balcony with views of the Bay. It’s very contemporary at the MC Bay – as it was opened in October 2005 – the first SBM hotel here in Monaco for 75 years.

There are 4 restaurants in Summer, the Blue Gin lounge, a mini-Casino and loads of swimming areas, As the GM – Mr Sergio Mangini says “it’s a destination within a destination, a resort within a resort”.

Filming the whole place takes all morning.

1400 – Am met at the jetty by Ineke Bruynooghe –owner of a “ship/boat/yacht” that I have been trying to get on – the SS Delphine. Out of all the s/b/y I have seen in Monaco, this is BY FAR the BEST! It was originally launched in 1921 – sank after a fire in 1926 then rebuilt – finally being restored by the Bruynooghe’s between 1998 & 2003. OK – it sleeps 26 – 22 in double rooms and 4 in bunks. It has a Jacuzzi on the top & a full complement of crew. The furnishings are just stunning. It was originally built for Horace Dodge – of the American car company – and pumps out “smoke” – i.e. the SS – is “steam ship”

We didn’t want to leave! It costs Euros 50,000 a day to rent … if I had the money, I would!

1700 – Back at the hotel I have a quick & lovely massage at the Spa Cinq Mondes … very relaxing

1940 – Have a go at the Casino! Didn’t win a bean!

2100 – Dinner and bed as tomorrow is a 0615 start!

2 days to go …

Boys are working very hard! I am very proud of them…

Tune of the Day: Manic Monday (The Bangles)

Weather: Bright & Breezy