As we all know, Monaco equals luxury, royalty, the sea, casinos and, of course, the most spectacular yachts. No surprise then that it also happens to boast one of the most exclusive yacht clubs on the planet: the Yacht Club of Monaco. Two years ago, this symbolic centrepiece held its grand re-opening, designed and developed by Norman Foster. One of the biggest names in modern architecture, Foster is famed for buildings like London’s famous skyscraper, the “Gherkin” and the restored Reichstag in Berlin, which houses the German parliament.

At first, the new building of the Yacht Club of Monaco seems to imitate the ocean liners which sailed between Britain and America at the beginning of the twentieth century, now peacefully docked in its marina. The imposing building has 54,000 square feet of interior space, the rest are semi-covered areas and large terraces. Its five floors are connected by the twin aft stairs and an imposing central spiral staircase.

The inviting glass interior features spectacular views of the marina. Completing its nautical aesthetic, the fourth level has a retractable canvas roof located on a sort of rigid structure that simulates the boom, which continues to reach the two towering 100-foot tall masts located at the front of the building. The club also boasts 26 moorings for larger vessels up to 180 feet long.

Not surprisingly, the Yacht Club of Monaco offers all kinds of amenities such as restaurants, ballrooms, special event spaces, public areas and a private club on the first floor. It also features a stylish library with more than 1,600 nautical titles, five guest rooms, gyms and a spectacular pool.

The interior was decorated with delicate elegance using Fendi Casa furnishings and materials that evoke luxury liners, such as wood in different textures and shades, polished aluminum and pristine white lacquer. Numerous works of art adorn the halls as well as the splendid Riva Bar, celebrating the traditional Italian yacht and luxury motorboats manufacturer.