Haute Secrets: Nataliya Cola On Splitting Her Time Between London And Monaco

Arts pundit Nataliya Cola is stepping away from the limelight of her multimillionaire husband Azad Cola, hotelier and owner of the prestigious Westbury Hotel in London, to enter the art commentary foray at a time of seismic shifts within the industry.  

Born in Kyiv, Nataliya finished studies in the faculty of Philosophy out of the Kiyv National University of Taras Shevchenco. It was here that she obtained a Doctorate Degree in Philosophy, with a thesis devoted to the study of religion art. Nataliya later studied at the Art Academy of Smirnova-Lastochkina in Kyiv, listening and learning to distinct voices in the regional ‘industry’ and learning more on art’s rich history during her four-year tenure at the institution. Experience is vital in the art world so Nataliya worked professionally in Kyiv at art galleries alongside Ukrainian artists on a regular basis.

Photo Credit: Nataliya Cola

Before her arrival in Monaco, she lived in London (where she today regularly commutes); it was in London where she attended programs held by Sotheby’s and completed a one-year contemporary art course. Art is not just a passion for her; it is a calling and she seeks to delve in to the motivations of some of history’s finest artists (past and present), drawing inspiration from what drove them to break the mold and create works truly second to none. 

Her personal motivation? To help analyze and explain to audiences regionally and around the world the goings on in the art industry today; she feels her contributions as a contemporary art analyst and beyond are to help make art accessible to everyone.

Where were you born: Kiyv

How long have you been living in London and Monaco, respectively: I’ve been living between London and Monaco for  the past11 years.

Neighborhood: In London it’s Kensington Palace, in Monaco it’s Avenue Princess Grace.

Occupation: Contemporary art analyst.

Favorite Restaurant: in Monaco it’s Joel Robuchon and Coya, in London it’s Annabel’s and Zuma.

Best place for a romantic date: In Monaco Eze and Chèvre D’or in Royal Opera House in London.

Best Sunday brunch: Restaurant Le Deck at the Beach Club in Monaco.

Best place for a business meeting: Metropol Hotel in Monaco and Polo Bar in London.

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Westbury Mayfair in London, Hotel de Paris in Monaco.

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Harrods in London; in Monaco it’s the Avenue de Monte-Carlo and Jardin du Casino-Pavillon.

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Old Bond Street in London and Place du Casino in Monaco.

Best Art Gallery: Serpentine Galleries.

Favorite Charity Event: Red Cross Ball in Monaco

Favorite Cultural Event: Frieze art fair in London and Art Monaco in Monte-Carlo.

Favorite Cultural Institution: Royal Academy of Art and Tate Modern

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: KX in London and Club 39 in Monaco.

Best Museum/Exhibit: National Gallery

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Japan

All-around favorite spots in London and Monaco: Arts club, Hyde Park, Holland Park in London and Beach Club in Monaco, boating in Côté D’Azur.

Best Aspects of London and Monaco: London is truly international, culturally diverse. Amazing restaurants and shopping. Great art scene. Monaco is extremely safe. Long summers and mild winters. 3 hours by car to Milan and 1 hour to the nearest ski resort in winter.