Some of the finest supercars ever built, driven on some of the most spectacular roads around the world, parked overnight at unique hotels chosen for their “character and personality,” while the participants are treated to the finest cuisine and entertainment. This is, in a nutshell, the premise on which ‘The Run To’ experiences are curated.
The signature ‘Run To’ event each year is ‘The Run To Monaco,’ which next year will start in Rome, on May 19. It will then make its way through Tuscany and Portofino, before ending on May 25 in Monaco, the weekend of the F1 Grand Prix.
The ‘Run To Monaco 2020′ will begin with the entrants assembling at Rome’s historic Hotel Eden – a 130-years old elegant venue that reopened recently after an eighteen-month refit, making it one of the best luxury hotels of the Eternal City. It sits at the top of the Spanish steps with the Borghese gardens just behind. Its rooftop bar offers an excellent vantage point to soak up the charm of Rome. The event begins, following a day of check-in formalities, with an opening night party for the entrants, possibly at one of Rome’s famous old landmarks, with performers from across the continent.
The next morning, the cars are polished and valeted on to the starting grid at a specially designated location. Previous years’ set-off events have featured rock bands, flames, banners, and even “grid cows” to create an exceptional atmosphere. The route heads in a North-easterly direction through Umbria and to the southern border of Tuscany; through some of the best driving roads anywhere, graced by rolling hills, cypress trees, and vineyards.
That evening, the road ends at Castello di Reschio, a sprawling private estate set among acres of olive groves, vineyards and chestnut woods. The tenth-century castle is being converted to a luxury boutique hotel with distinctive Italian interiors. Next year’s ‘Run To Monaco’ will be the first group of guests to pass through its ancient wooden doors. At dinner, duck stuffed Tortelli and deep red wine from the surrounding vines will be served as the sun sets behind the mountains.
In the morning, the group heads in a north-westerly direction through the backroads of Tuscany, through the gorgeous valley of the river Elsa, through the famed cities of Florence and Pisa, through the dramatic roads of Apennine mountains, and then swinging south towards the coastline and Portofino.
Originally an Italian seaside fishing village, Portofino is today renowned for its picturesque harbour and colourful shoreline buildings. It has been a magnet for celebrity and artistic visitors over the years, with the likes of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor even considering it a second home. The group will stay at The Hotel Speldido; a former monastery set up on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. Its flowers, palm trees and greenery cascading down the building, its grounds, and all the way to the coastline.
On day four, the final day of driving, the group heads north from the Genovese coastline and into the Piemonte, a region famous for its food and wine. The drive ends at the Hotel Royal Riviera in St. Jean Cap Ferrat, just south of Monaco. The group’s home for the weekend, the hotel is a relaxed and stylish palace by the sea with its own private sandy beach.
Berthed next to the track at Port Hercules in Monaco will be The Run To Monaco superyacht, offering a premium up-close vantage point to the weekend’s high-octane action. A live grill staffed by Michelin starred chefs from Mauritius, will serve up Lobsters and other delicacies, while cocktails and champagne are served on each deck. Sleek 38-foot Wajer Osprey tenders will be on standby to take the entrants on the short journey between the hotel and the superyacht.
On Saturday is the Formula One qualifying, one of the most fiercely contested on the F1 calendar. Following which, the yacht will be transformed into one of the best party venues in Port Hercules. The event has in the past included live bands made up of Formula one drivers, animals, breakdancers, and even liquid nitrogen.
Sunday witnesses the 91st running of the Grand Prix de Monte Carlo. Following the race, the tenders are available to take the entrants back to Cap Ferrat if they choose to have a quiet dinner by the sea. They may, alternatively, attend some of the best parties in town.
On Monday morning, the adventure draws to a close and entrants return home. Their beloved automobiles, meanwhile, will be looked after and transported home under the stewardship of ‘The ‘Run To’ team.
