Urbanologist, Italian business man and restauranteur Flavio Briatore shares with U his perfect day...

How do you start your day?

Whether I am at home or on my travels, I always start my day with exercise preferably on the treadmill in the gym and if I am in Monte Carlo with a brisk walk in the open air. I get up early and I make good use of this time! By 9.30am I am in the office or starting my first meeting of the day.

Leisurely lunch go to?  

In Monte Carlo I go to Beef Bar with my son Falco, he absolutely loves their hamburgers and the atmosphere is laid back and simple. Cova is good for a quick business lunch or a relaxed weekend lunch.

Favourite way to pass the time in London and Monaco? 

Whether in Monaco or London, if not busy, I spend most of the time with Falco, so all activities are around him. In Monaco we go bowling or I take him to watch soccer games at the stadium or often I go to see him playing sports. He is very good at soccer but also tennis and swimming. Monaco is really perfect for kids, with all sorts of activities and good weather. In London, we love to go to the many parks. I am always amazed at how well kept and beautiful they are, in any season, how much they offer and are always full of life. Falco’s favourite is Hyde Park, he loves cycling around the Serpentine.

Favourite London and Monaco landmarks, and why? 

In London, the Natural History Museum for Falco, who loves animals and history, and then my absolute favourite is Chelsea Bridge. I lived nearby for many years and my flat had a great view of the bridge,  simply stunning, especially at night! 

In Monte Carlo the beautiful combination of old and new, like the Rocher with the Royal Palace, the small charming streets, and then the ultramodern buildings like the Odeon Tour.      

Tipple of choice and favourite cocktail hangout? 

Twiga in Monte Carlo in the summertime, the only place in the centre of Monaco set directly on the water.        

Favourite dining destinations, and why? 

In Milan Il Baretto, it’s discreet and quiet, great for a business lunch. Cafe China in New York and in London it’s always Cipriani or Sumosan Twiga.

Final stop for a nightcap, and why? 

I usually end my evening out at a restaurant. If I travel, maybe the nightclub or the bar of the hotel where I’m staying like the Bulgari in London or the Principe di Savoia in Milan.

Best hangover remedy?

Easy: try to never get to that point... think beforehand and do not go over your limit.

Where next on your travels?

Dubai, where we have opened two new restaurants Crazy Fish and Beef Bar.

Italian businessman Flavio Briatore’s roots in hospitality started in the fashion industry with Luciano Benetton and later Formula One management, of which he is most renowned. With a vision to resurrect good old fashioned glamour in Costa Smeralda, a region of northern Sardinia close to Briatore’s heart, he launched the first ‘Billionaire’ club in 1998. Now, his ventures include: Billionaire Mansion Dubai, Sumosan Twiga London, Twiga Beach Club Versilia, Twiga Sumosan Monte Carlo, Dubai, Crazy Fish and Crazy Pizza Monte Carlo, Porto Cervo, Dubai, Cipriani Monte Carlo, Cova Monte Carlo, Billionaire Resort and Lion in the Sun, Kenya and Billionaire Couture. Picture credit: Gianluca Santoro. 

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