Tuesday, May 23, 2017 –
1:27pm
My brother Eddie Irvine and I grew up in a rural part of
Ireland, a far cry from Monaco. I first became involved in Formula
1 when Eddie went to drive for Ferrari, after just one season
racing for Jordan. I’d been working as a physiotherapist and
happened to be backpacking around the world when Eddie called me
and said ‘guess where I am now? I’m in Switzerland, outside the
Ferrari offices. Do you want to come and be my physio?’ I started
off working just for him then I became the physio for the whole
Ferrari team as well.
After three incredible years working with Ferrari, I decided I
didn’t want to continue with physiotherapy, so, when Eddie moved to
Jaguar, I started working in the sponsorship side of Formula 1,
finding sponsors for different drivers and teams. I created the
Amber Lounge concept because, when it came to parties on the F1
circuit, all the marques organised their own events, so there was
nothing that brought the drivers together at the end of the races,
which was a bit of an anti-climax after so much excitement on the
track.
The first Amber Lounge event took place in Monaco in 2003, as a
place where the international jet set, royalty, film stars and the
Formula 1 fraternity could party day and night during the GP
weekend. We’ve since expanded the Friday night party to include a
charity fashion show that’s modelled by the drivers of Formula 1
and the women of Formula 1 to raise money for different charities.
This year, we’re supporting Race Against Dementia through Jackie
Stewart, a cause particularly close to my heart, as my mum has
dementia and a lot of people don’t know that there are almost one
million people in the UK suffering from this heartbreaking
disease.
When I choose designers to take part in the fashion show, I look
for unique collections that really stand out. One of the female
designers we’re showcasing this year is Silviya Neri, who’s better
known for creating striking scarves than clothes, so we’re very
excited to be presenting her beautiful silk beachwear collection.
The main female designer is London-based brand SAFiYAA, and the
male drivers are being dressed by Apsley in tailor-made suits that
will make them look like James Bond – a must in Monte-Carlo!
Our Saturday night party is always a lot of fun, as we have more
than 20 entertainers, including dancers and musicians, and this
year Chris Willis, who featured on David Guetta’s super-hit Love is
Gone, will be singing live. We always pick acts that really add to
the party and this Saturday the champagne will be flowing and the
atmosphere is going to be incredible.
As part of the Amber Lounge experience, we also offer dining at
Le Meridien Beach Plaza hotel, where guests can look out over the
harbour and see all the boats moored there. We normally tender
people from the hotel to Monte Carlo and it’s amazing to be on one
of those little boats – when you gaze ahead, you can see all the
yachts in the harbour, with the glitzy scene of Monte Carlo behind
you and the hills beyond that. It’s a spectacular sight that will
make you come away thinking you’ve had the best time in Monaco and
you can’t wait to come back again.
Sonia’s tips for Monaco Grand Prix weekend
Description
View from the Amber Lounge Yacht
Where to watch the race
I’ve lived in Monte Carlo for 16 years and when the Grand Prix
comes to Monaco, it completely takes over – there’s an amazing
buzz. I think the best place to watch the action from is a boat
close to the trackside. We run an Amber Lounge Yacht and it caters
for everything, as there’s an amazing view of the track and there’s
also a big screen that you can watch the race on. If you just want
to take in the sun, relax, socialise, meet people, do business,
have drinks and nice food, and watch a little of the race, you can
do it all on a boat.
Description
Hotel de Paris
Where to stay
I usually travel around Monaco on my scooter, but Monte Carlo is
extremely busy during the Grand Prix and I don’t want to have to
walk too far or have the stress of getting anywhere. I just want to
go outside the hotel and be there, and the only way you can do that
in Monaco is by boat, so I recommend people stay at Le Meridien
Beach Plaza hotel or the Monte Carlo Bay hotel, where guests can
walk down to the jetty and get on a tender that will take them to
the port, where they can either get on to a boat or go into the
Paddock Club. You also have Hotel Hermitage and Hotel de Paris
close to the main square – two beautiful hotels that are very
centrally located.
Description
Le Meridien
Where to eat
I always go to classic Italian restaurant La Saliere, because
it’s elegant yet relaxed, with a fantastic view and lovely service.
They have a set menu and a lot of Formula 1 drivers go there too.
There’s another place I like called Anjuna Beach, which is a bit
further out near the picturesque village of Eze, but it’s worth the
drive, as the restaurant is nestled in a secret bay and it feels
like you’re on a private island when you dine there. If you want a
proper brunch in Monte Carlo, Le Meridien is my place of choice on
a weekend, as you can’t beat sitting on the terrace overlooking the
Mediterranean Sea.
SONIA IRVINE has worked in Formula 1 for 20 years and
founded Amber Lounge, the world’s most exclusive night and day
Grand Prix Lifestyle experience, in 2003. Amber Lounge is also
hosting events in Singapore, Mexico and Abu Dhabi this year, with
Amber Summer opening at Le Meridien Beach Plaza hotel in Monaco on
8 June; amber-lounge.com
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