ILONA LEE

08/01/2026

Surrounded by the sea, historic architecture, and a maritime heritage that has endured for centuries, Newport reminds us that the most extraordinary places are shaped over generations - through vision, stewardship, and a quiet commitment to preserve what matters.

It was a pleasure to return as a media partner for the Opal Group Family Office & Private Wealth Management Forum and spend a few inspiring days among founders, investors, families, and friends who share a long-term perspective on the future they are creating.

Some of the best conversations happened along the waterfront - reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and exchanging ideas with people who understand that lasting value begins with relationships, trust, and purpose.
Because the most enduring legacies are never built alone.

Looking forward to continuing the conversation at the Hamptons edition next month.



https://www.instagram.com/p/DbbSugPDurn/?igsh=ajRrbHExdXpiMnFl

06/17/2026

During Monaco Grand Prix week, it is easy to focus on speed, prestige, and performance.

Yet one of the most meaningful displays I came across in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was a Formula car supporting Race Against Dementia.

Founded by Formula 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart after his wife Helen’s diagnosis, the initiative brings the innovation mindset of Formula 1 to one of humanity’s greatest challenges: accelerating research toward a cure for dementia.

It was a reminder that the greatest races are not always those measured in lap times.

Some are measured in lives improved, families supported, and futures protected.

As we think about legacy, perhaps one of the most important questions we can ask is:

How can the worlds of sport, capital, philanthropy, and innovation come together to solve the challenges that matter most?

06/09/2026

What kind of Mediterranean do we want to leave behind for future generations? At the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, while attending the Monaco Blue Initiative, I had the opportunity to experience the new Mediterranean 2050 exhibition and attend an evening reception among the museum’s remarkable aquariums.

Perched above the Mediterranean and founded by Prince Albert I - an explorer, scientist, and visionary - the museum is itself a reminder that stewardship begins with a long-term vision.

The Mediterranean represents less than 1% of the world’s ocean surface, yet supports extraordinary biodiversity, cultures, communities, and economies.

The exhibition poses powerful questions:

What if the future of the Mediterranean was defined not by decline, but by regeneration?

What if economic growth, coastal development, hospitality, yachting, tourism, and conservation worked together rather than against one another?

Full story in the upcoming edition of ÎLE MAISON Magazine. Subscribe on our website to receive it first.

Institut océanographique, Fondation Albert Ier, Prince de Monaco

06/09/2026

Off the coast of Cannes, I was reminded that perspective changes everything.

For centuries, the Mediterranean has connected cities, cultures, ideas, commerce, and people. Many of the world’s great stories began along these shores.

Perhaps that is why we are drawn to places where heritage meets horizon—where the relationship between land and sea continues to shape identity, stewardship, and what comes next.

Some perspectives can only be found from the water.

06/02/2026

An island is not defined by the land it occupies, but by the ocean that surrounds it. One of the meaningful conversations I had during the Blue Economy & Finance Forum in Monaco was with Hon. Dr Arvin Boolell GOSK, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries of the Republic of Mauritius.

As someone who has spent years building ÎLE MAISON, I have often reflected on the meaning of islands.

Whether Mauritius, Malta, Manhattan, Long Island, Palm Beach, Monaco, or countless coastal communities around the world, their identity is shaped not only by their culture, history, and people, but by their relationship with the sea.

The ocean connects us. It carries our stories, our commerce, our heritage, and increasingly, our future.

Perhaps that is why the conversations at the Blue Economy & Finance Forum felt so relevant. They were not only about finance, investment, or sustainability. They were about stewardship—how we preserve the places, communities, and ecosystems that define who we are.

At ÎLE MAISON, we speak about home, identity, heritage, legacy, horizons, and belonging.

The ocean may be one of the greatest expressions of them all.

06/01/2026

“Invest in the Ocean now. Invest in it at scale. Invest in it as what it truly is - not a risk to be managed, but the defining opportunity of our time.” - HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco

I left the Blue Economy & Finance Forum (BEFF) 2026 in Monaco inspired by the vision, leadership, and collaboration taking place across sectors.

Under the leadership of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Forum—co-organised by Princier de Monaco, Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, and Institut océanographique, Fondation Albert Ier, Prince de Monaco - brought together leaders from finance, government, science, philanthropy, industry, and innovation to explore how capital can accelerate a regenerative ocean economy.

With participants from 47 nations, 60% private sector representation, and more than $25 billion in existing investments highlighted, the message was clear: solutions exist, momentum is growing, and the opportunity is significant.

The discussions reinforced several themes that align closely with the future direction of ÎLE MAISON - one I look forward to exploring further in the months ahead.

Full coverage in the upcoming ÎLE MAISON Summer Edition. Subscribe on our website.

05/27/2026

Honored to be part of today’s Monaco Blue Initiative - a powerful gathering bringing together global leaders around the future of our oceans and our world.

Grateful for the opportunity to attend alongside HSH Prince Albert II and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco and learn more about the inspiring work of their foundations and long-term commitment to ocean preservation and global impact.

More from Monaco soon. ❤️🤍

12/24/2025