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Monaco Yacht Club: An Exclusive Oasis For Marine Lovers

Looking down on the Yacht Club from Monaco’s exclusive seawater Spa, “ Thermes Marins ”, the new club-house really is a magnificent icon of multi-decked architecture – inaugurated in 2014 and designed by internationally renowned architect Lord Norman Foster.

Only in the Principality’s marina could you confuse this giant structure for the yachts around it that it resembles – a yacht mirage with a gorgeous deck with luxurious swimming pool and terraces for dancing. Splendid enough for meetings of the most discerning yacht enthusiasts, including the glitterati and “Three Comma” billionaires that frequent it.

Yachts Beyond the Reach of Mere Mortals

Some of the largest and most expensive yachts in the world dock here to take in the city’s pleasures, particularly during the iconic Monaco Yacht Show. You can wander around marvelling at all of the gadgets designers can inlay on these boats like the 348-foot-long AMADEA one of the largest and most distinctive superyachts in the world with its six distinctive guest decks. Or perhaps gaze at the 365-foot-long TIS, one of the largest and most regal yachts to be launched this year.

These superyachts, like the Yacht Club itself are like private islands and wouldn’t look out of place in a James Bond movie. If billionaires Bernard Arnault or Larry Page or Larry Ellison come calling, Monaco Yacht Club sets the stage perfectly.

Home of the Grimaldi Dynasty

For over 600 years from the 12th century onwards, the Grimaldi stronghold at Port Hercule, including where the Yacht Club now preens itself, was one of the prized naval assets on the Mediterranean. Its strategic location served more than once to change the course of history.

It was around the time of the reign of Charles III of Monaco that the Principality’s reputation as an international haven of luxury and wealth took off. And Charles III had the vision to encourage the development of Monaco as a magnet for international regattas of renown to which the world flocked.

Historic Regatta Heaven

The first of these regattas were held in the bay of Monaco in 1862, so successful that in 1888 the “Société des Régates” was established by Prince Charles III and his son Prince Albert I , affectionately known as the “Oceanographer Prince”.

Almost a century of famous regattas preceded the founding in 1953 by Prince Rainier and presided over by Prince Albert II since 1984, the Yacht Club de Monaco. The Club brings together more than 2000 members from 66 nationalities. Many of the world’s most prestigious private yachts fly the Yacht Club de Monaco’s burgee, testimony to its unique position in the International yachting world.

Prince Albert’s Presidency

In April 1984, with Prince Albert’s Presidency, he developed new international events such as the Primo Cup, the biggest gathering of monotype yachts in the Mediterranean Sea. Prince Albert also put emphasis on classic Yachting with the organization from 1994 of the Monaco Classic Week for vintage and classic yachts, the Prada Challenge for Classic Yachts.

Notably, it was the first visit of Atlantic 2010 (replica of the 1903 three-mast schooner on which Charlie Barr in 1905 set the best time for an Atlantic crossing) to the Principality. Another icon, the SS Delphine (1921) steam-boat made a welcome return. It was aboard this beauty that three world leaders, Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill, negotiated at least part of the 1945 Yalta Agreement.

Yacht Seasons are typically opened with ultra-private concerts at YCM with celebrities like Sir Elton John in 2016, Duran Duran in 2017, and Sting last year. It was yet another global star Lionel Richie singing “All Night Long” this September who delighted the many boat owners and YCM members. “All Night Long” was attended by YCM President, Prince Albert II and a host of international personalities including actor-producer Samuel L. Jackson, basketball legend Magic Johnson, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and fashion designer Domenico Dolce, one of the two behind the eponymous brand D&G.

Regatta and Sports Heaven with a Golden Future

The Monaco Yacht Club from its beginnings embraced and has nurtured a prestige Regatta program that has accelerated and taken on new dimensions under Prince Albert’s Presidency.

It is worth mentioning the Primo Cup again as it has quickly established itself as the big meeting that opens the season in the Mediterranean for Europe’s one-design elite. Just a few other examples of stand-out Regattas enjoyed by YCMmembers include:

Monaco Swan One Design,  (9th-13th April 2019) organized in conjunction with the Yacht Club de Monaco,  was the first event in the 2019 Nations Trophy Mediterranean League.

Monaco Globe Week with the IMOCA 60  – 60-foot monohulls being among the fastest modern racing monohulls have raced on a course totalling 1,300 nautical miles embracing some of the most emblematic marks in the Western Mediterranean.

Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series  offers a monthly programme alternating high level regattas and training weekends for onedesigns.

As well as the Primo Cup another innovation worth a double mention here is  Monaco Classic Week. Persuaded that the reading of the past holds keys for the future Prince Albert fostered the creation and coordination during five years of a unique circuit for vintage and classic yachts, the Prada Challenge for Classic Yachts, without forgetting the acquisition of Tuiga in 1995, since becoming the flagship of the YCM. More recently the wave continued with the launching in 2005 of the “La Belle Classe” label.

The whole yachting world continues to look to Monaco to organize its most prestigious events. Within the last 12 months, 200 guests from the America’s Cup community from around the world gathered at the Yacht Club de Monaco to celebrate the launch of  the Prada Cup – the Challenger Selection Series for the 36th America’s Cup  to be presented by Prada in January 2021 in Auckland – deemed as “ the quest for oldest trophy in sport ”, the America’s Cup. Not to forget  World Rowing with the  Prince Albert II Challenge , a 6000m coastal race organised by the Societe Nautique de Monaco.

The Enthusiasm and Promise of Monaco’s Youth at YCM

Looking to the future is the Monaco Sports Academy which provides support to gifted young Monaco sailors and sportsmen taking on the world. The Academy is a close collaboration between the Yacht Club de Monaco, presided by Prince Albert and its General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri, and Philippe Ghanem who is an active member of the Club. They share a common goal: to help young athletes living in Monaco reach the highest level in sport.

Also founded in 1970 by Prince Rainier III, the Sports Section of Y.C.M. adapts training to youngsters from as young as age six from initiation to competition and at every age.

Look out for the Monaco Optimist Team Race from 9-12 January 2020. The regatta is reserved for 20 teams of young sailors, all under 14. YCM invites the most competitive clubs with emphasis on tactics and above all team-work.

Full of youthful energy and promise is  the Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge  next held on 30 June-4 July 2020. The Yacht Club de Monaco, in collaboration with the International Powerboating Federation (UIM) and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation organises the Solar & Energy Boat Challenge which is unique in the world.

How to become a new member of the Yacht Club

Anyone wishing to become a member of the Yacht Club de Monaco needs to be introduced by two “sponsors” from YCM. The sponsor’s letter of introduction will explain the applicant’s motives for joining the Club. Prince Albert, President of the Yacht Club, presides over the meetings of the admissions’ committee. The role of the sponsor is essential. The latter, must integrate him into the life of the Yacht Club, accompany him, present him to the other members but also involve him in organized events, whether they be social or sports.

The sponsor also undertakes to ensure that his “protégé” embraces the YCM’s philosophy and values, will actively engage in the Club’s life and keep its reputation at the pinnacle.

A Regal Club and Natural Host of Prestigious Events

The Yacht club reaches well beyond being a club for owners of yachts and superyachts. It is actually an immense infrastructure akin to a multi-tiered island that organises not only events connected to the yachts and regattas but also all kind of sports and social events, dances and entertainment. High society balls, conferences, exclusive business gatherings and prestigious auctions are just part of the kaleidoscope of activity.

The members of the club and their guests have at their disposition restaurants with Michelin Star chefs (including the exclusive 1909) gyms and a library – and a spa-zone, not to mention the gorgeous pool and terraces overlooking the azure bay. There is a truly great bar, a hive of social contact, with an international reputation and winner of awards for its unique cocktails and the skills of its bar staff. Endless discovery is to be found in each private niche of this island-club.

Playing Golf in the Riviera: tradition, wellness, glamour and «Dolce Vita»

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The 11 Most Exciting Superyacht Debuts at the Monaco Yacht Show

This year's newbies range from a 400-footer that charters for $3.25 million per week to multiple hybrid yachts, including one that runs on methanol., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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The Monaco Yacht Show always promises a stellar lineup— last year had an unusually large number of wild launches—and this time around will be no exception. More than 120 superyachts, including 20-plus that measure 200 feet and above, will be on the docks at Port Hercule, with beautiful Monte Carlo in the hills above.

Among the fleet of anticipated launches is the 400-foot Kismet . Built by Lürssen and launched earlier this year, this stunner will be shown before the winter charter season, at a weekly rate of $3.25 million. The vessel is sure to stand out, thanks to the large silver jaguar sculpture fitted under its bowsprit.

Besides bling, showgoers will notice the concerted push toward sustainability this year. Rossinavi has introduced the Seawolf X , its first hybrid-electric catamaran, and Nautor Swan’s sailing maxi yacht, DreamCatcher , is also its first hybrid. Sanlorenzo is launching Almax , its first 50-meter (165-foot) vessel with hydrogen fuel cells. It was developed with Siemens Energy.

Siemens is also sponsoring the show’s Sustainability Hub, which has become a breeding ground for eco-friendly concepts and new ideas to promote a greener superyacht sector. This year’s conference will cover alternative propulsion, outlining how it will be adopted over the next five years. The show’s Yacht Design & Innovation Hub takes a less technical approach to sustainability. It’s the place where leading designers and mainstream innovators converge, presenting vessels that will shape the future of superyacht design.

Here are 11 must-see boats at this year’s show.

Lürssen ‘Kismet’

The 400-foot Kismet is the most anticipated boat on display at Monaco this year. True to form, Shahid Khan’s third Lürssen, which charters for $3.25 million per week, will be an exceptional landmark in a marina of superyachts. Alongside its Nemo lounge for viewing marine life, a Balinese-inspired spa with the first chromotherapy bathtub on a yacht, and upper-deck dining options for 24 people, the vessel has a duplex owner’s apartment with two separate marbled bathrooms, a fireplace, and gilded wall coverings. When guests have had their fill of the DJ station and Bogányi piano, the ’80s retro matrix dance floor should keep the party going.

Royal Huisman ‘Special One’

Set to make a splash is Royal Huisman’s 171-foot Special One , the largest sportfisherman in the world. Commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and passionate fisherman, the monster sportfish is kitted out with a fighting chair, 22 fishing rods, insulated cooler boxes, and a dedicated bait-and-tackle room. The teak foredeck can transition into a sheltered private lounge area and also converts to an outdoor cinema. Designed by Vripack, the vessel offers up proportions and seakeeping capabilities that are matched by its impressive 30-knot top speed.

Rossinavi ‘Seawolf X’

Looming large above the water, the 140-foot Seawolf X is Rossinavi’s most ambitious build to date. The hybrid-electric catamaran is the Italian shipyard’s first multihull, which can stay in electric mode during transatlantic trips for 80 percent of the time. Even more impressive is the onboard artificial intelligence system—Rossinavi AI—which analyses the operation of the vessel, predicts the needs of guests and optimizes crew service and logistics. The interior is designed by New York-based Meyer Davis, with an exterior penned by Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design. Its wow features include a cockpit centered around a pool, a second hidden pool on the bow area, and an outdoor cinema.

Bilgin ‘Eternal Spark’

Eternal Spark is the first hull in Bilgin’s 163 series. In addition to six outdoor and three indoor lounge areas, the yacht can host over 100 people while at anchor from its five dedicated bar areas. Hot Lab’s use of wood inlays and embossed natural leather create a refined interior aesthetic, while the combination of a huge beach club, sauna, pool, and two cinemas—outdoor and indoor—should keep guests happy. Built with over 200 different materials, it shows how advanced the Turkish yard has become with its last few launches.  

Sanlorenzo ‘Almax’

Sanlorenzo’s first fuel-cell-powered 50Steel model joins a growing list of yacht launches exploring alternative power sources. The fuel-cell technology converts biomethanol (green methanol) into enough electricity to cover the hotel load so the yacht can anchor all night without generators. Almax also has Sanlorenzo’s newly patented Hidden Engine Room (HER), located on the lower deck. This novel configuration creates enough interior volume to include a 1,615-square-foot beach club with a pool and unfolding sea terraces, while keeping the yacht below 500GT. The shipyard has confirmed the sale of four units to date.

Custom Line50

Making its global debut a Monaco, the four-decked Custom Line50 is the Italian shipyard’s new flagship model. The dedicated owner’s apartment on the upper deck includes full-height windows, a full-beam suite, and a large private terrace. The sun deck’s lounge seating, cocktail bar, uninterrupted views, and glass-edged infinity pool amplify the sense of being on a floating island. It’s an effective design that is replicated on the main aft deck. This area offers stepped access to the sea, a scenario that is reinforced by an aquamarine-and-cream interior color scheme.

Damen ‘Five Oceans’

The newest model from Damen’s Yacht Support 53 range, Five Oceans was built for Tommy Allen, an entrepreneur committed to ocean exploration and marine conservation. The vessel will be easy to spot in Monaco’s Port Hercules, thanks to its powder-blue, orange, and white hull. The custom build is Allen’s second yacht-support vessel from Damen. It has a sprawling aft deck to carry toys and tenders as well as a 15-ton deck crane for the launch and recovery of the electric boats and Triton 3300 Pro submersible. Five Oceans also carries an Icon A5 amphibious aircraft.

Tankoa ‘Diamond Binta’

Conceived as a world explorer, Tankoa’s 190-foot Diamond Binta blends a hybrid propulsion package with high-gloss finishes over a wooden interior. Penned by Francesco Paszkowski, Tankoa’s long-time design collaborator, the full custom build has an owner’s suite with a fold-out balcony, a forward helideck for shore-based excursions, a large beach club with a spa, and massage room as well as a sundeck with a gym and pool. A corridor on the lower deck connects the yacht’s five guest cabins to the beach area, passing through a viewable engine room.

Nautor Swan ‘DreamCatcher’

As Nautor Swan’s first hybrid yacht, the 88-foot DreamCatcher is described by the shipyard as a “no-compromise cruiser with a racer’s soul.” Designed for guest comfort with a maximum heeling angle of 20 degrees, its exterior is penned by veteran Swan designer Germán Frers, while the light-wood interior with gray accents is done by Misa Poggi. The aft cockpit has a new coachroof design with an integrated sprayhood, bimini, and modular benches that can be used for both lounging and dining. The stern area incorporates a large beach club area and tender garage. On the foredeck is the “sunset lounge.”

Oceanco ‘H3’

Built in 2000 as 312-foot Al Mirqab for a member of the Qatari royal family, the renovated H3 emerged from Oceanco’s facilities in 2023 looking brand new, with an extra 476 gross tons of internal volume. The vessel’s 33-foot extension—to accommodate the owner’s request for an infinity pool with a convertible dance floor and waterfall—and a fully replaced superstructure were enough for Lloyd’s Register to classify the yacht as a new build. A spa on the lower deck has a hammam, a sensory shower, a hair salon, and treatment rooms. The beach club with its rippled mirror ceiling offers stepped access to the sea.

Conrad ‘Extra Time’

Extra Time , the second hull in Conrad’s C144 series, has an exterior by Reymond Langton Design and naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design. The interior is by M2 Atelier. Much like its sistership Ace , Extra Time has a beach club, four guest lounge areas, a cinema, two bars and an infinity pool. Standout personal touches include an attention-grabbing King Kong  sculpture in the main salon and the main-deck owner’s suite that’s accessed via a private study with an electric piano.

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Riva Destinations

Riva destinations:

Experience the elegance and class of a yachting legend in the most stylish locations..

Each Riva Lounge, Privée and Deck is an instantly recognisable place, and not only for yachting connoisseurs. The sheer class that these venues exude has always been the hallmark of Riva’s design heritage.

The emblematic 1950s Dolce Vita style and the exquisite details from the sparkling chrome to the steel and lacquered mahogany captivate the eye, evoking the glamour and the iconic yachts of the world’s most famous boatyard. All the personalised furnishings, like the Aquariva lamp or the Aquarama tables and chairs, are imbued with the spirit of the craft. So you can run your fingertips over the fine woods and materials that Riva has used for nearly two centuries to create the yachts that celebrities and stars have long sought and adored. And each Riva Lounge, Privée and Deck has a corner dedicated to the Riva Brand Experience collection, also available for purchase at

The Riva Destination concept – to make the magic of the Riva legend come alive beyond the nautical arena – was crowned the winning Retail Marketing Initiative at the Boat Builder Awards 2019.

The Riva Lounge at Yacht Club de Monaco

Montecarlo - principality of monaco.

The exclusive Riva Aquarama lounge graces the top floor of Sir Norman Foster’s masterly new Monaco Yacht Club. Only Riva has the honour of a location within the world’s most illustrious yacht club. A favoured haunt for the international jet set, the Riva Aquarama lounge is also a much-coveted berth during the Formula 1 GP.

The Riva Lounge at the Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa

Opatija - croazia.

Opatija is a destination with a hypnotically beautiful setting by a crystalline sea, and the Riva Lounge is an elegant setting to relax in there with a long drink and a breathtaking view. The Ikador Hotel also offers an exclusive private boat service in a fabulous Aquariva Super.

The Riva Lounge at the Riva shipyard

Sarnico - italy.

A spellbinding lounge in a place steeped in legend and charm: the historic Sarnico yard on Lake Iseo. This is where Riva’s epic story began back in 1842, and this is where you can admire Carlo Riva’s futuristic office – “The Bridge” – thrusting out over the water like a majestic ship.

The Riva Lounge at Gritti Palace

Venice - italy.

The magnificent Riva Lounge on the terrace of the Gritti Palace in Venice is renowned for its superb hospitality. The Riva décor creates an enchanting atmosphere to match the breathtaking view over the Grand Canal to Santa Maria della Salute basilica. The marvellous “Il Doge” – the beautiful Aquariva Super moored outside – is at guests’ disposal to add a supremely exclusive finishing touch to the Riva Brand Experience in Venice.

Riva Privée Daní Maison

Ischia - italy.

Set in the exotic atmosphere of a garden scattered with unique artworks and the typical symbols of the local culture, this Riva Privée is a dreamy destination. Yachting tradition at its most authentic, meticulous attention to detail, and the timeless elegance of Riva style are the perfect fit for the culinary excellence and peerless hospitality of Daní Maison, the time-honoured Ischian family home of Chef Di Costanzo transformed into a place to meet and socialise characterised by the welcoming spirit for which the Naples area is famous.

The Riva Privée at Splash Bistrot

Paris - france.

An unmissable port of call for those seeking an elite luxury experience in one of the world’s most romantic cities. The bohemian allure suffusing the Île de France is a perfect match for Riva’s heritage and pedigree in a stunningly original Riva Brand Experience. An Aquariva Super is on hand for guests to ease up the Seine to discover the French capital from one very special viewpoint.

Oscar Leonessa

Naples - italy.

The Riva Café in Naples is the brand’s first establishment under this name. Created in partnership with Oscar Leonessa’s Caffettuccio, it is sure to delight with its décor, its elegant class and its sprinkling of Riva style, the emblem of an incomparable heritage. Here you can savour one of the best cups of coffee in town accompanied by some heavenly pastries or explore a tempting selection of superior whiskies and wines. This is a place made for unforgettable moments.

Riva Private Deck Yacht Club Eriolario, Matteri

Como - italy.

The Eriolario Yacht Club has always been the go-to destination for Riva owners on Lake Como. That’s because it’s an exclusive landing point immersed in verdant nature where boats meet their natural element: water. The Riva Private Deck at the Eriolario Yacht Club aims to bring together Riva owners and enthusiasts by creating a meeting place on one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, where Riva boats can be hired to enjoy the Riva Yacht. Experience to the full.

Riva Privée at the Jeddah Yacht Club

Jeddah - saudi arabia.

A spectacular view out over crystal clear waters, in the background a dream location that attracts the international jet set and, all around, unmistakable design elements in mahogany and mirror-polished steel with aquamarine detailing. Is it a Riva? It’s a Riva Destination.

Riva Lounge Puerto Banús

Marbella - spain.

The new Riva Lounge in Puerto Banús will welcome guests with its signature interior decor inspired by the distinctive details featured on the brand’s legendary boats: a spacious interior dining area, complete with a counter made from ribbed mahogany like the decks on Riva boats and tables with iconic Aquarama chairs. Guests sitting on the new Riva collection couches can admire the view of a fabulous Aquariva, a Riva 66’ Ribelle and a Riva 82' Diva, the latest creation in the flybridge range, all available for charter as well as for magical cocktail parties and dinners aboard.

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Tax code and VAT no. 04485970968 Registered Office Via Irma Bandiera, 62 – 47841 Cattolica (RN) Italy REA no. RN 296608 - Companies Register no. 04485970968 Share capital € 338.482.654,00 fully paid-up PEC: [email protected]

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Eco-responsible superyacht honoured by Monaco Yacht Club

The Monaco Yacht Club and Crédit Suisse launched the SEA Index® in 2020 to encourage the yachting industry to become more environmentally friendly.

“ It’s a fantastic tool because it shows how shipowners, crew, and shipyards care about the sea and the environment. We’re very proud to have been awarded 3 stars. It tells us we’re heading in the right direction, ” said Dario Savino, captain of the superyacht and founding member of the YCM Captains’ Club.

This distinction is the result of a CO2 certification process, rigorously audited by the British maritime classification company Lloyd’s Register, and carried out by the YCM for any shipowner who requests it. Vessels that are awarded 3 stars are recognised for their environmental approach and are entitled to exclusive benefits: free membership of the Superyacht Eco Association in 2024, discounts on mooring fees in the YCM Marina, preferential insurance rates with Jutheau Husson, a professional member of the SEA Index®, and a discount for the entire crew on sustainability training provided by La Belle Classe Academy, the Monaco Yacht Club’s training centre.

As a reminder, the SEA Index® assesses pleasure boats’ CO2 emissions, to support shipowners who are committed to more environmentally responsible yachting. A five-star rating system is used at the end of this assessment, and vessels that are awarded at least three stars are eligible to join the Superyacht Eco Association. This initiative is an integral part of the collective “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative. More and more superyacht owners are embracing more sustainable practices and some are aiming for even higher standards.

The impact calculated by the SEA Index® is expressed in grams of CO2 release into the atmosphere per gross ton, which is representative of the volume of the vessel’s enclosed space. The assessment system is based on a methodology adopted by the United Nations International Maritime Organisation, with specific adjustments for yachts measuring over 25 metres.

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What it's like to attend the Monaco Yacht Show — in a country where the poverty rate is 0 — when you are not a millionaire

• Monaco is a tiny yet lavishly wealthy city-state on the French Riviera.
• It has a poverty rate of zero , and an estimated one-third of the population are millionaires.
• Each September, the glitzy Monaco Yacht Show draws thousands of yachting-industry insiders and wealth private clients looking to charter or purchase yachts.
• In 2020, however, the show has been cancelled because of the coronavirus.
• I spent two days at last year's yacht show in Monaco, where an estimated 30,000 people came to see the more than $4.3 billion worth of yachts displayed in the port.
• It's safe to say that my experience was very different from the experience for millionaires.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Allow me to start out by saying this: I am not a millionaire. I am a journalist. And I live in New York City, which means overpriced drinks and food are pretty par for the course.

But I did spend one fabulously ritzy week in a country that has no poverty and where 32% of the inhabitants are millionaires: Monaco.

2019's Monaco Yacht Show brought an estimated 30,000 people from around the world to the tiny city-state on the French Riviera at the end of September. These attendees are yachting-industry insiders — including superyacht builders, designers, and brokers — as well as wealthy private clients looking to tour, charter, or purchase yachts.

Monaco may be smaller than New York City's Central Park , but it's one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a per capita GDP of $166,726 — the highest in the world, according to World Bank data. An estimated 32% — or about one-third — of the country's residents are millionaires .

This wealth was evident from the moment I arrived in Monaco — and even while I was booking my trip.

This year, the glitzy yacht show is cancelled due to the coronavirus, but it will resume in September 2021. Here's what it's like to attend the glamorous Monaco Yacht Show when you're not a millionaire.

The glamorous Monaco Yacht Show is one of the world's premier yachting events.

Each September, the show draws thousands of yachting-industry insiders and wealthy private clients looking to tour, charter, or purchase yachts.

And this is me. As I said before, but as it bodes saying again, I am not a millionaire. I am a journalist. I've got inside looks at a variety of luxury hotels across NYC, toured penthouses in Miami and Moscow, and attended exclusive parties for the tennis elite. But at the Monaco Yacht Show, I found myself in a whole different game.

Right before I went to Monaco, I got an exclusive tour of the $25,000-a-night penthouse suites at an iconic New York City luxury hotel. Before that, I attended a glitzy kickoff party for the world's biggest horse sale , where 300 of the industry's elite sipped on rare bourbons ahead of dropping millions on horses.

And earlier in 2019, I spent a night at the $18,000-a-night presidential suite at the Moscow Ritz-Carlton, visited  the richest zip code in the US, and toured a high-security private island for billionaires.

But at none of these hotels, parties, or private islands did I feel the divide between millionaire and non-millionaire so clearly.

Last year's yacht show displayed its largest fleet of yachts ever, both by volume — there were about 125 yachts — and value, according to Johan Pizzardini, the communications and media manager for the Monaco Yacht Show.

While 125 yachts worth a cumulative $4.3 billion floated in Port Hercules over the course of the 2019 show, there were only 32 yachts on display at the first edition of the Monaco Yacht Show  in 1991.

Monaco is tiny: It stretches across less than one square mile. It is also one of the world's wealthiest countries.

Monaco's  per capita GDP of $185,829 — the highest in the world, according to World Bank data.

Almost one in three people who live in Monaco is a millionaire. And according to the CIA World Factbook, no portion of Monaco's population lives below the poverty line.

I got my first hint of just how expensive Monaco would be while I was booking accommodations for my trip. The prices of Airbnbs in the area were nothing short of shocking.

The cheapest Airbnb I could find was $274 per night for a room in an apartment where other people lived — and that was an outlier. Most of the options were far more expensive, upwards of $400 or $500 per night.

While that may not be a problem for a millionaire, for the average person, it's not affordable.

In Nice, France, on the other hand, which is about 20 minutes from Monaco by train, I was able to book a studio apartment for $395 for four nights, or less than $100 per night.

But the pricey Monaco Airbnbs were still a bargain compared to Monaco's luxury hotels, where many guests stay during the yacht show. One of those options is Hotel Metropole, where rates range from about $417 a night to upwards of $8,500 a night for its signature suites.

I spent a night at Hotel Metropole my first night in town and got a taste of the millionaire Monaco lifestyle.

The ultra-luxurious hotel has a heated seawater pool with a lounge bar and private cabanas, a  Joël Robuchon restaurant, and a spa.

When I checked in, I was given a non-alcoholic welcome cocktail (which was more or less a refreshing fruit smoothie). In my junior suite — for which Business Insider paid a discounted media rate — I enjoyed Hermes toiletries, a plush king bed, and the best omelet I've ever tasted via room service.

The hotel offers helicopter transfers from the airport for an additional $175.

Hotel Metropole is in Monte Carlo, the city-state's glitziest neighborhood. The area is known for its iconic casino, as well as luxury shopping and hotels.

While some mistakenly use it as a synonym for Monaco, Monte Carlo is actually one of four Monaco districts.

From my small balcony, I had a stunning view of Monte Carlo, which seemed to sparkle at night.

That, or maybe I was just a bit blinded by the sports car headlights and the complete lack of trash on the city streets.

The 1% have their choice of accommodations in Monaco: Right next to the casino is the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, which recently underwent a four-year, $280 million renovation.

Rates start at about $580 and run up to $51,000 per night for the most lavish suites.

I toured the Hotel de Paris' Princess Grace suite (named after American actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly), which books for 40,000 euros per night — more than $43,000.

The three-floor suite comes with a massive terrace with a hot tub and infinity pool.

But that's not even the hotel's most expensive suite. The Prince Rainier III suite is about $51,000 per night.

And then there is the Hotel Hermitage, the other major luxury hotel in Monte Carlo, which includes a Michelin-starred restaurant and an opulent ballroom.

Nightly rates at Hotel Hermitage range from about $300 to upwards of $27,000 for the diamond suites.

The cheapest meal I could find in Monte Carlo was at a little Italian joint called Tip Top, about a three-minute walk from the casino. My plate of grilled fish and vegetables was 20 euros, or about $22.

My glass of wine was about $8.80, bringing the total to more than $30.

If you ask me, $30 is quite steep for a casual lunch at the cheapest restaurant I could find in Monte Carlo via Google Maps.

At the Café de Paris, a great place to watch the luxury cars circle through the roundabout in front of the casino, a mediocre cappuccino cost me 6 euros, or about $7.

At the café, a Caesar salad costs about $26 and a hamburger is $32. Suddenly, the memory of my $22 plate of fish felt far less egregious.

The night before the yacht show, about 350 VIP guests and yachting industry elite were invited to an exclusive gala at the Monaco Yacht Club to kick off the show. I got an invite to the exclusive gathering.

The night began with a superyacht awards ceremony and was followed by a party with free-flowing Champagne, decadent food — from on-demand ravioli and risotto to sashimi and cheese platters — and live music.

I ate my fill because, as I just mentioned, burgers in this town cost upwards of $30 and I am not in the business of dishing out that much money for lunch.

But the real difference between me and the average attendee came at the end of the night, when most guests hopped into private cars and courtesy cars to get back to their luxury hotels five minutes away.

I, on the other hand, had to walk 15 minutes to the train station, ride the train for 20 minutes back to Nice, and then Uber from the train station there to my Airbnb.

It was neither glamorous nor convenient — but it was one of the early signs that my experience of Monaco would be in stark contrast to how the ultra-wealthy experience it.

The 2019 yacht show kicked off the next day, on Wednesday, September 25th.

The show started at 11:00 a.m., and I arrived at about 11:30 a.m.

At each entrance of the show, security guards check badges and search bags.

Monaco Yacht Show attendees can buy a daily pass for about $330 or a professional pass for all four days of the show for about $1,100.

Any private visitor can buy a daily pass, but for a professional pass, you need to be able to prove you're a professional of the yachting or luxury industry, according to Pizzardini. 

I had registered as press ahead of time, so picking up my (free) press badge was quick and easy.

Then there are the VIP guests of the yacht show, who had to fill out an application and pay about $2,700 for the "Sapphire Experience," which gives them special privileges such as private yacht tours, cocktail hours, and access to private VIP lounges.

VIP guests wear red badges — I only spotted two people wearing them during my time at the yacht show.

Pizzardini told me that about 80% of applicants for the Sapphire Experience are rejected. The VIP experience is limited to 200 people, but last year, the show didn't even accept that many.

"The point is not to make money out of it," Pizzardini told me. "We prefer saying no and making sure that we have 60 good people. Because in the end those people would get on board [the yachts]. Brokers and shipyards, they have our trust and confidence to say, 'OK, that guy, if he comes through the Monaco Yacht Show, he must be quite interested and serious.'" 

VIP guests also have access to special courtesy cars provided by the Monaco Yacht Show to drive them around the city during their stay.

In a city built on a steep hill, where Uber is banned and taxis are few and far between, this seemed like a particularly precious perk.

The quais of Port Hercules were hectic and crowded during the yacht show.

Yachting industry insiders talked business in the exhibitor booths ...

... VIP guests relaxed in private lounges protected from ordinary people by metal fences ...

... and of course, everybody who could, went on board the yachts.

But not everyone at the show can simply walk onboard a superyacht. The show arranges private tours for VIP guests, and some yachts offer press tours (which is how I was able to get on board a few).

But for those with regular day passes to the show, you'll need an appointment and be able to pass a check by the yacht representative to make sure you're a serious potential buyer or charter customer.

"They indeed have to prove they are really interested in chartering or buying a yacht," Pizzardini told me. "Of course, you can visit a yacht but charter one next year! No one knows if a visit leads to a real sale [or] charter."

I was invited to a press tour aboard Tis, the largest yacht exhibited at last year's Monaco Yacht Show.

Tis, a brand-new, 365-foot superyacht by Lürssen, has two helicopter pads, a 40-foot swimming pool, a hammam spa, and opulent French-inspired furnishings.

From the infinity pool to the Ladurée -inspired tea room, I had never seen anything like it. It was so massive that I felt like I was on a cruise ship — but it was just a billionaire's floating mansion.

Tis was built for a Monaco resident who wanted a floating extension of his home, according to Andrew Winch, the founder of Winch Design, who designed the superyacht.

"His apartment is very similar to this boat, but significantly smaller," Winch said at the press event. 

The barely-used vessel is now for sale for an undisclosed price. 

Before going on board a yacht, everyone — VIP and ordinary guests alike — have to take off their shoes.

In the evenings, some of the yachts turn into party boats.

But it's not so easy to score an invitation to one of these exclusive gatherings. 

Nicholas Frankl, founder and CEO of  My Yacht Group , throws superyacht parties at the Monaco Yacht Show and the Monaco Grand Prix that are attended by an elite clientele, including royalty, business leaders, and celebrities.

The parties are invite-only, limited to a group of about 120 to 150 people, all of whom know Frankl, and many of whom know each other.

For his parties at the Monaco Yacht Show, Frankl told me he charters luxury yachts for between $250,000 and $1 million per week and goes through about 100 bottles of Champagne per night.

But Frankl told me he didn't throw his customary superyacht party this year, to the disappointment of past guests.

And then there were the golf carts — the great equalizer of my time at the MYS. All attendees, not just VIPs, had access to the fleet of golf carts and could use them to get rides from one section of the show to another.

After spending two full days running around the yacht show, sprint-walking to catch my trains to Nice and back, scouring the city for affordable meals, and trekking up and down Monaco's hills and many, many stairs, the golf carts were an absolute God send.

There was also complimentary water transport to take guests from one quai to another. This was often faster than walking all the way around the port.

Across the port from the Monte Carlo side is Quai Antoine I, which is lined with restaurants and bars with outdoor seating areas.

During the show, many of the restaurants were hosting groups from various exhibitors in the yachting industry.

I stopped for lunch one day at Stars 'n' Bars, a sports bar and eatery where a DJ was blasting tunes on the first day of the yacht show.

A coworker who has attended the yacht show gave me the tip that Stars 'n' Bars was where the yacht crew tend to hang out. 

But while I was there, I mainly saw people wearing exhibitor badges. 

I ordered a cheeseburger and fries, which tasted perfectly fine.

It cost 17 euros, or about $18.70.

Compared to some of the more upscale restaurants on the dock — such as at Quai des Artistes where a plate of risotto was $29 and a simple green salad was $15 — that was a bargain.

Attending the Monaco Yacht Show for the first time was an unforgettable experience, largely because of the contrast it revealed between the wealthy attendees and everyone else.

While the upper-crust stayed at luxury hotels in Monaco's glitzy Monte Carlo district, I had to commute into Monaco from a more affordable neighboring city.

And while the VIP guests had access to courtesy cars and swanky private lounges, I was constantly exhausted from running around and not being able to find a bathroom. 

These seemingly minor details added up to affirm my conclusion that there's one Monaco Yacht Show for the millionaires, and another one for the rest of us.

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