Monte Carlo, Monaco Day 2: Luxury, Oceanographique Aquarium & Mother-Daughter Fun with Kiana Tom

Monte Carlo, Monaco Day 2: Luxury, Oceanographique Aquarium & Mother-Daughter Fun with Kiana Tom

Monte Carlo Day 2: Luxury, Adventure & Mother-Daughter Fun with Kiana Tom

Day 2 of our FitGirl Summer mother-daughter adventure in Monte Carlo, Monaco was a day that truly defined glamour, thrill, and unforgettable experiences. From iconic luxury hotels to a world-class aquarium and the legendary Monte Carlo Casino, we soaked in everything that makes this city so iconic. 🌟

Watch the Adventure Unfold 🎥

We captured all of Day 2 in Monte Carlo on video — from luxury streets and sushi dinners to blackjack lessons and breathtaking aquarium moments. Don’t miss the magic — watch the video here and experience Monte Carlo through our eyes!

The Iconic Fairmont & Streets of Glamour

We stayed at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, right on the legendary hairpin turn of the Monaco Grand Prix — stairs leading directly up to all the high-end shops. As we strolled past Versace and Dior, the energy was electric, bougie, and over-the-top — exactly the kind of Monte Carlo magic you dream about.

Buddha Bar & First-Time Gambling Fun

Nighttime brought dancing & exotic sushi at Buddha Bar and then the iconic Monte Carlo Casino. Here’s the kicker: I taught my daughter, who just turned 18, to gamble for the very first time. Can you imagine your first blackjack table being in Monte Carlo, not Vegas, not your local club, but the legendary, James Bond–style casino? Both of us dressed in black long dresses, like Bond girls — so glamorous, so bougie, so Keanu! The energy was amazing, and Kiana Jr. was completely in awe.

A few unique Monte Carlo casino notes for anyone curious:

  • Unlike Las Vegas, you cannot use your phone.

  • Dress code is formal; everyone is impeccably elegant.

  • A minimum blackjack hand is $50, and champagne is $25 a glass.

  • You must show your passport to enter.

  • Winning quietly is part of the etiquette — no loud cheering or screaming.

  • The interior is breathtaking: stained glass, gold accents, electric blue details — so dramatic and glamorous.

We also took a guided tour the next day (here's a sneak peak inside of the Casino) so I could capture the beauty on video — gorgeous footage you’ll love. Video tour coming. I've been kinda busy thanks for your patience :)

💡 Fun Kiana Fact: I learned blackjack from my dad when I was just five years old! My dad loved gambling, and during those Vegas trips, we were often comped sweets by Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, and even got front-row seats to see Elvis live. The only thing I remember? Girls fighting for his sweaty scarf and me asking my mom, “Why would anyone want Elvis Presley’s sweaty scarf?” LOL. That story alone is perfect for a Coffee With Kiana or podcast segment.

 

Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium: Jacques Cousteau & Prince Albert Legacy

The entrance to the Oceanographique Museum is absolutely grand — the architecture is overwhelming and awe-inspiring, and I just love everything about it. Every detail, from the majestic door to the ornate façade, makes you stop and stare. I can’t help but compare it to buildings in America, where so many buildings are new compared to Europe, feel basic, commercial, and lacking history. Here, every building tells a story, and every corner is breathtaking. Plus, my daughter looks completely adorable in this moment.

The next morning, we shifted gears and explored the Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium, perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. Founded by Jacques Cousteau and Prince Albert, the aquarium is not just for display — it’s a rehabilitation center for marine life.

My favorite highlights:

  • Neon-green eels with gray eyes, blind and being cared for.

  • Majestic whales, playful dolphins, mesmerizing jellyfish.

  • Submarine-inspired architecture that makes you feel fully immersed in the ocean.

It’s an experience that’s both educational and awe-inspiring, and Jacques Cousteau himself would be proud of the conservation efforts.

✨ Stay tuned for Day 3, where we continue exploring Monte Carlo’s glamour, adventure, and unforgettable mother-daughter moments.

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