One of Japan’s top steakhouses is coming to town for three nights only.



From 12 to 14 March 2025, <a href="https://hongkong.regenthotels.com/dining-destination/the-steak-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Steak House</a> at Regent Hong Kong will host Osaka’s acclaimed Kitan In for an exclusive four-hands dinner showcase. “A Celebration of Wagyu” will see The Steak House head chef Amine Errkhis and Kitan Group CEO and chef-owner Takeshita Hiroyuki presenting a menu centred around the prized beef ingredient.



Kitan In, part of the Kitan Group, specialises in seasonal aged Wagyu dishes served in an omakase format, and counts such honours as ranking No. 4 on the Top 20 Japan list by World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants and repeat appearances on Yakiniku Top 100 among its accolades. Bookings are hard to come by, with reservations often snapped up months in advance.



Both Kitan In and The Steak House are recognised on the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list, making this special collaboration an especially exhilarating treat. “Since being awarded one of the World’s 101 Best Steakhouses, The Steak House at Regent Hong Kong has initiated a series of collaborations with fellow awardees on this prestigious list. We are excited to share with our guests a bespoke collection of exceptional cuts from around the world,” says Errkhis.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795821" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chef-hiroyuki-takeshita-the-ceo-and-owner-chef-of-the-kitan-group-3_54370433980_o-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Takeshita Hiroyuki of Kitan In.</figcaption></figure>



On the menu, diners can expect such courses as the Miyazaki Wagyu with black truffle tartare, smoked bone marrow with Oscietra caviar, mini dry-aged Wagyu bites, beef consommé, dry-aged Wagyu sushi, aged Miyazaki Wagyu steak with seasonal garden garnish, USDA Prime rib-eye cap with thousand-layer potato beef drippings, and more.



“Growing up as the son of a Wagyu cattle farmer, my deep connection to Wagyu was established early on,” Takeshita shares. “Born in Miyazaki prefecture, I was surrounded by the Wagyu industry in my hometown of Miyakonojo. From a young age, I spent time on my relatives’ farms, many of whom were involved in farming; this connection inspired me to become a chef so I could contribute to sharing the incredible ingredients created by my family and friends.”



Armed with expertise in cooking with top-quality ingredients and respect for their provenance, as well as the dry-ageing know-how that Kitan In brings to the table, the chefs believe that the collaboration will be an ideal platform to show the nuanced flavours and textures of Wagyu.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795820" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-steak-house_head-chef-amine-errkhis_tomahawk_landscape_52663655657_o-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Amine Errkhis of The Steak House.</figcaption></figure>



Errkhis explains that “[our] styles complement each other in a showcase of creativity and a celebration of Wagyu prepared in a myriad of cooking styles [to] reveal the different textures, flavours and versatility of Wagyu, with each dish crafted using diverse cooking techniques that reflect our respective culinary traditions and expertise as well as the finest ingredients.



“Sourcing premium ingredients is key; the best beef from around the world is essential to our craft. When it comes to preparing steak, our foremost goal is to let the beef be the star of the plate. Our approach to cooking is rooted in simplicity and authenticity. We prepare the steak in a way that highlights its natural qualities, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of its flavour. We intentionally avoid overpowering the palate with excessive seasonings or complex sauces. Instead, we want our guests to fully appreciate the authentic taste of the steak itself.”



“In my culinary approach, I combine my expertise in French techniques with an intimate knowledge of Wagyu and a dedication to innovation,” Takeshita describes. “In our restaurants, we embrace a Japanese philosophy by utilising seasonal ingredients and sourcing Japanese beef from my hometown; the menu reflects this commitment with a twist on traditional Japanese essence, featuring dishes like mini dry-aged Wagyu bites and dry-aged Wagyu sushi.”



“Chef Amine and I are curating a rare culinary journey that reveals the different textures, flavours and versatility of Wagyu, with each dish crafted using diverse cooking techniques that reflect our respective culinary traditions and expertise as well as the finest ingredients,” affirms Takeshita. “Our goal is to honour the rich heritage of Wagyu while pushing culinary boundaries, ensuring that every steak served is not just a meal, but a memorable experience.”



With the chefs working together to create a harmonious connection between the two restaurants’ culinary methodologies, this collaboration sounds like a meal to remember.



For booking enquiries, click <a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/rhksteakhouse/101-best-steak-restaurant-collaboration-a-celebration-of-wagyu-with-japan-s-acclaimed-kitan-in-and-the-steak-house-at-regent-hong-kong-6675147738857472" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<a href="https://hongkong.regenthotels.com/dining-destination/the-steak-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Steak House</a>



Lower Level, Regent Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong



Tel: (+852) 2313 2313



All images courtesy of Regent Hong Kong.

Kitan In

Regent Hong Kong

The Steak House

Wagyu

Acclaimed Osaka Steakhouse Kitan In Is Coming to Hong Kong For a 3-Night Collaboration

Regent Hong Kong has been our go-to spot in the city&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/robb-report-hong-kongs-best-of-the-best-2023-launch-gala-highlights" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">since we launched&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;and the hotel even lifted the veil long before it officially opened to the public to host the&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;inaugural gala dinner in its grand ballroom. Since then, we have been hooked on the promises that the hotel has delivered on every turn.&nbsp;



Like a slow reveal, from the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/the-7-most-luxurious-presidential-suites-in-hong-kong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lavish new Presidential Suite</a>, a taste of the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/four-plates-at-the-regent-hong-kong-inside-the-steak-house-harbourside-the-lobby-lounge-and-lai-ching-heen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">excellent cuisine</a>&nbsp;at its various restaurants, a&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/inside-nobu-hong-kong-nobu-matsuhisas-return-to-the-iconic-regent-hong-kong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">return of a culinary legend</a>,&nbsp;or a first look and tasting at Qura Bar, every few months, the curtains part on one new magical experience after another.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="565" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-1_53441569631_o-1-1024x565.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783852" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-1_53441569631_o-1-1024x565.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-1_53441569631_o-1-300x166.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-1_53441569631_o-1-768x424.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-1_53441569631_o-1-1536x848.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-1_53441569631_o-1-2048x1131.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Qura Bar’s drawing room.</figcaption></figure>



In the cloak of night,&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;was among the first to officially step into Qura Bar, an elegant drinking spot featuring rare whiskies, fine wines, exquisite spirits, and a delectable menu. A picture-postcard view of Hong Kong with plush, maximalist interiors and bemusing artefacts (look for the emerald-green parrot lamp and the monkey motif holding parasols and gilded candles), the layered rooms segue into another to create entirely new experiences as you move from drawing room to bar, and dining lounge to cigar lounge. Each room has a different feel, vibe, and texture, all warm and welcoming. Walled with floor-to-ceiling glass windows to show off that famed view of Hong Kong Island studded with well-lit skyscrapers, this is the place to flaunt the best of the city’s infinite offerings. Regent Hong Kong’s prime location in Tsim Sha Tsui, right on the edge of the harbourfront with uninterrupted views, allows for front-row enjoyment of the city lights, shining just for you.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-2_53441569801_o-1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783853" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-2_53441569801_o-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-2_53441569801_o-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-2_53441569801_o-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-2_53441569801_o-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_drawing-room-2_53441569801_o-1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Qura Bar’s drawing room.</figcaption></figure>



Curation is the key to Qura Bar. Led by the encyclopaedic guide, curator, and drink historian Gennaro Pucci, the Italian accent lures you into cocktail experiences like no other. Illuminating on the discovery and adventures of several rare vintages and bottles that are on display in the large, beating heart of the opulent new bar. Qura Bar’s library of libations and decanters holding such adventure and refined taste is waiting to be opened.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_bar-area-2_53440641557_o-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783854" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_bar-area-2_53440641557_o-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_bar-area-2_53440641557_o-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_bar-area-2_53440641557_o-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_bar-area-2_53440641557_o-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_bar-area-2_53440641557_o-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Qura Bar stocks a large selection of rare spirits.</figcaption></figure>



Offering a palette exploration, Pucci is deft at finding a rare spirit or defining year to indulge guests. He points to a vintage cask that was made entirely by a group of women in the 1930s (as the men had gone to war) and he pulls out a curious Uniting Nations #3—a rare blend of Japanese and Scottish whisky traditions, where East meets West in a bottle. Ferrand Distilled Before 1914 is a sample of pre-World War I craftsmanship.&nbsp;



It’s not all just wines and whiskies—tease your tastebuds with the rich legacy of Barbadian rum-making with the Foursquare Shibboleth, a 16-year-old Barbados single-blended rum. By the time he pulled out a jug of Armagnac from a hidden shelf behind the bar counter, a battle of biceps and burden, we should have tapped out, but the proof stinging our eyes and searing our gullet as the Madeira inched its way down ignited all our senses. If you really want to test your platinum card, ask for the HK$17,000 shot and let Pucci lead the discourse on the vintage’s rarity and sublime journey. (For the record, we didn’t partake in this indulgence).



Of course, there are classic and traditional cocktails to quench your thirst, but if you’re going to make the trip, why not make it a memorable one with an exploratory drink that’s been painstakingly acquired from port, auction, and region so far beyond our salubrious shores? Qura Bar’s exclusive wine programme features a partnership with Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, showcasing the best of Burgundy to take you on a sublime journey.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_dining-room-1_53441569616_o-1024x640.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783855" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_dining-room-1_53441569616_o-1024x640.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_dining-room-1_53441569616_o-300x188.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_dining-room-1_53441569616_o-768x480.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_dining-room-1_53441569616_o-1536x960.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/qura-bar_dining-room-1_53441569616_o-2048x1280.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Qura Bar’s dining room.</figcaption></figure>



We would be remiss to ignore the fine plates that made their way to our tables on every turn. Bar cuisine in Hong Kong is often perfunctory, but at Qura Bar, it’s a refined, leather-bound menu in a font that means serious business, as chef Rajiv Chowdhoory, trained under Alain Ducasse, sent out from the cavernous kitchens in hand-painted ceramics. Plate after plate, we tuck into the raging bright marinated red bell peppers with Santonia anchovies,&nbsp;Black Angus peppered tenderloin&nbsp;drenched in black pepper sauce at the table, and a side of creamy mashed potatoes.&nbsp;While we dipped a third silver spoon into the mush, a friendly neighbour pointed out, “You know, it’s the generous dollop of French butter that makes it so heavenly!” Of course it is. As Anthony Bourdain famously said in&nbsp;Kitchen Confidential, “If you eat at any good restaurant, assume you’ve eaten a stick of butter.” Worth it.&nbsp;



In the great order and hierarchy of annually changing “Best Bars of Hong Kong” compendiums, there’s a new order afoot. A new player has entered the game, and Qura Bar is no mere curiosity, but a serious contender.



<a href="https://hongkong.regenthotels.com/dining-destination/qura/">Qura Bar</a>



Lobby Floor, Regent Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui



Tel: (+852) 2313 2313



<a href="https://www.instagram.com/qurahongkong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/qurahongkong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>



All images courtesy of Regent Hong Kong.

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Qura Bar

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First Look: Qura Bar at Regent Hong Kong, Where You Can Enjoy Rare Spirits and Sophisticated Bistronomy

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Reaching Rome or Venice out of Europe’s high summer can be as heavenly as going either place in July or August is often as near to hell as is possible on Earth. Stories abound of getting near to the Trevi Fountain in the company of thousands of summer tourists, or the impossibility of taking any photos of gondolas because half of Europe seems to be trying to do the same thing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hôtel-Martinez-PRINT-1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783111" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hôtel-Martinez-PRINT-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hôtel-Martinez-PRINT-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hôtel-Martinez-PRINT-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hôtel-Martinez-PRINT-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hôtel-Martinez-PRINT-1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hôtel Martinez Image courtesy of Hyatt</figcaption></figure>



Add to this recipe two other ingredients: climate change, or at lease global warming, has meant soaring sauna-like summer temperatures throughout southern Europe. Lastly, luxury increasingly requires nature—and space. You are more likely to see wildflowers and be able to take long solitary walks in winter, and this is not a new phenomenon. “In the middle of the 19th century, the French Riviera was a winter destination, then it shifted between the wars to a summer hangout,” says amateur historian and GM of Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, Michel Cottray. He is so passionate about this region of the Riviera that he bought a house here long before moving here for work two years ago.



The northern Mediterranean is ready once again to be year-round. Windstar, the ultra-luxury yacht company owned by billionaire entrepreneur Philip Anschutz—AEG, Coachella, the Los Angeles Lakers, and so on—is already in on the act. Windstar’s just-refurbished 310-passenger Star Legend is well into a season plying between Barcelona and Rome, with week-long sailings through end of March. Its festive season cruise started off with midnight mass at the Vatican and culminated in ringing in the new year by Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia.



Honestly, some of the best hotels in Europe, if not the world, are here, and open year-round. In Barcelona, Hotel Arts, a Ritz-Carlton hotel, dominates the beach. To tap into the fashion world, choose Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, entered via a sloping catwalk that honestly makes one feel like a supermodel. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Facade-with-mountains-©Carlton-Cannes-Richard-Haughton-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783116" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Facade-with-mountains-©Carlton-Cannes-Richard-Haughton-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Facade-with-mountains-©Carlton-Cannes-Richard-Haughton-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Facade-with-mountains-©Carlton-Cannes-Richard-Haughton-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Facade-with-mountains-©Carlton-Cannes-Richard-Haughton-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Facade-with-mountains-©Carlton-Cannes-Richard-Haughton-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel Image courtesy of Richard Haughton / Carlton Cannes</figcaption></figure>



In Cannes, it’s essential to be on La Croisette, with only that between you and the ocean. The newly reopened Carlton, now a Regent hotel with Tristan Auer interiors, has winter-long outdoor skating. Two blocks east, the 1929-vintage Hôtel Martinez, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, is Pierre-Yves Rochon doing seductive pastels. Both hotels also attract the stars of today, even away from the film festival. Whichever, choose an ocean-facing room and be prepared for some of the most sensational and Instagrammable buffet breakfasts in the world. Both also have year-round on-the-sand beach clubs—temperature-controlled, wood dance floors, and super food and music. The Carlton is admittedly five minutes closer to Dior, Gucci, Hermès, and the dozens of other Croisette boutiques. But in May, Palm Beach, handy for the Martinez, does a Lazarus-like reappearance. As well as its legendary casino, expect a new invitation-only exclusive global members’ club, and restaurants and designer boutiques galore.



Talking of boutiques, there are 53 designer names within a stone’s throw of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, says the iconic hotel’s GM, Olivier Thomas. He cites some of the principality’s other year-round attractions—fine dining, memorable gaming, and shows at the adjacent Casino de Monte-Carlo, and, typically, 300 days of sunshine a year. Add to this motor-racing: the all-electric Monaco E-Prix, on 27 April 2024, will be followed by the classic car Historic Grand Prix de Monaco on 10–12 May 2024 and Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco on 23–26 May 2024.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/roman-baths-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783112" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/roman-baths-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/roman-baths-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/roman-baths-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/roman-baths-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/roman-baths-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Roman baths at Six Senses Rome. Image courtesy of Six Senses</figcaption></figure>



In Rome, Six Senses, a conversion of Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, opened on 16 March 2023 and, led by GM Francesca Totti, it’s getting rave reviews for its 60-minute Roman bathing circuit, with calidarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium. Among the many significant Rome hotels coming up within the next two years are Bulgari, Corinthia, and Orient-Express, all conversions of historic buildings. There will also be an Orient-Express in Venice. Both are masterminded by Accor’s partner Paolo Barletta, also doing the forthcoming Dolce Vita train. But then, Venice is also expecting Four Seasons, a reflag of the historic Danieli, evolved from the late 14th-century Palazzo Dandolo. Langham is similarly scheduled, but on an island handy for Murano glassblowers—thoughtfully, Langham will have a mainland club facility where you can wait, any time of the year, for your water-borne transfer home.



Yes, think northern Mediterranean, now, year-round.

The Northern Mediterranean Is Experiencing a Travel Revival Thanks to New Luxury Hospitality Projects

Regent Hong Kong celebrated its grand reopening last month. On its return to Victoria Harbour, it brought another icon along for the ride: the no-introductions-needed Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, Nobu, which had been a cornerstone of the InterContinental Hong Kong and remained in business until the hotel underwent a full renovation three years ago.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sushi_5-min-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782420" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sushi_5-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sushi_5-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sushi_5-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sushi_5-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sushi_5-min-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sushi</figcaption></figure>



As a concept, Nobu Hong Kong is not new—it builds upon years and years of success that the now-famous chef has achieved the world over. It has operated at the InterContinental Hong Kong for 14 years. But when it first opened in late 2006, it was only Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa’s sophomore effort in Asia, which seems unthinkable now, considering the veteran chef has over 50 locations of his singular Nobu concept spread across the world.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chef-Nobu_2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782425" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chef-Nobu_2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chef-Nobu_2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chef-Nobu_2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chef-Nobu_2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chef-Nobu_2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa</figcaption></figure>



A household name like Matsuhisa’s needs little preamble, but a brief review of his life’s achievements so far feels like an apt tribute to the man who has endeavoured, and succeeded, to bring Japanese cuisine into the modern age through a delicate injection of different cuisines. Hailing from Saitama, Japan, Matsuhisa began his training and career in Tokyo before opportunity took him to Peru, leading him to Nikkei cuisine and the beginnings of his signature style of cooking—Japanese cuisine married with Peruvian influences.



Matsuhisa’s exciting cuisine brought A-listers to his door and still feeds a dedicated following of gourmands many decades later, but it was not an easy climb to the top. Nobu is now recognised as a status symbol, but it demanded a gruelling journey of trials and tribulations. Matsuhisa left Peru after a disagreement with his business partner, completed a stint in nearby Argentina, and eventually went back to Japan with his family, where opportunity found him again—this time in Alaska. His restaurant in Anchorage was short-lived, and it was not until 1987 that he finally stood on solid ground with the opening of the eponymous Matsuhisa in Los Angeles. Soon after, the celebrities came knocking—leading to Nobu in New York, founded jointly with Robert De Niro, among others. A year later, in 1995, a James Beard award for Best New Restaurant followed, and the rest is history.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="623" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Interior_1-min-1024x623.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782424" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Interior_1-min-1024x623.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Interior_1-min-300x183.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Interior_1-min-768x467.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Interior_1-min-1536x934.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Interior_1-min-2048x1246.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nobu Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



Among his many restaurants, however, “Nobu Hong Kong is close to my heart, as it was only my second opening in Asia. I was dismayed when we made the decision to close the restaurant, but I always had the goal to reopen,” said the chef in an official statement. “I am thrilled to reopen such an iconic location and am looking forward to its growth.”



Nobu regulars returning to the restaurant at Regent Hong Kong will be familiar with the menu; all the signature dishes that cemented the Nobu name in our lexicon have returned—and there is a reason why they have become mainstays of the restaurant all these years later.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/New-Style-Sashimi_2-min-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782419" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/New-Style-Sashimi_2-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/New-Style-Sashimi_2-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/New-Style-Sashimi_2-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/New-Style-Sashimi_2-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/New-Style-Sashimi_2-min-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New-style sashimi</figcaption></figure>



“Most of my signature dishes have a personal story behind them. When I first served sushi in Los Angeles 30 years ago, a lot of people liked their fish cooked, not raw. I once had a customer send back a sashimi dish because she would not eat raw fish,” the veteran chef tells Robb Report Hong Kong. “I wanted to find some way to salvage the dish, so I grabbed hot oil that was sitting on the stove and poured it over the fish, searing it on contact.” Even then, he says, “the customer was hesitant when I asked her to try it, but she ate every bite.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Black-Cod-Miso_1-min-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782418" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Black-Cod-Miso_1-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Black-Cod-Miso_1-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Black-Cod-Miso_1-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Black-Cod-Miso_1-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Black-Cod-Miso_1-min-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Black cod with miso</figcaption></figure>



And the dish that is the centrepiece of this story is none other than the new-style sashimi that now appears on the menu of every Nobu around the world. Other items that the chef is world-renowned for are the black cod with miso, a classic that is synonymous with the Nobu concept and is even served on VistaJet private flights, and the Nobu ceviche, a creation stemming from his time spent in Peru. Another well-recognised dish on the menu is the yellowtail jalapeño, a happy accident that was born out of a staff meal of leftover ingredients. Matsuhisa admits to the dish’s simplicity, but “the heat of the jalapeño enlivens the milder yellowtail” over a bed of yuzu soy sauce and fresh coriander topping.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Toro-Tartare-with-Caviar_1-min-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782421" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Toro-Tartare-with-Caviar_1-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Toro-Tartare-with-Caviar_1-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Toro-Tartare-with-Caviar_1-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Toro-Tartare-with-Caviar_1-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Toro-Tartare-with-Caviar_1-min-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Toro tartare with caviar</figcaption></figure>



Next-wave Nobu dishes, such as the pan-fried scallops with yuzu truffle, umami Chilean sea bass, and baby spinach salad with dry miso with grilled shrimp with crispy yuba bean curd skin, exemplifies Matsuhisa’s continuous experimentation with Japanese and Peruvian flavours and produce. Furthermore, what also sets the Nobu experience apart is its attention to pairing beverages— the Matsuhisa Chardonnay and Matsuhisa Cabernet Sauvignon from California and Nobu Champagne were designed to harmoniously complement the food, while Hokusetsu was tapped to brew the exclusive sake for the restaurants worldwide.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yellowtail-Jalapeño_3-min-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782422" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yellowtail-Jalapeño_3-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yellowtail-Jalapeño_3-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yellowtail-Jalapeño_3-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yellowtail-Jalapeño_3-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Yellowtail-Jalapeño_3-min-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yellowtail jalapeño</figcaption></figure>



“Return guests can expect the consistency that is the foundation of our brand, [while] diners new to Nobu can expect quality ingredients, exceptional service, and inspired cuisine. Our chefs will start by executing our signature dishes, while developing an understanding of the Nobu vision and philosophy. We will source ingredients from local vendors in order to make the Hong Kong experience unique,” Matsuhisa continues, when asked about how the reopening will bring new things to the table for a seasoned audience.



In terms of the restaurant design, Nobu Hong Kong has retained many of the signature interior accents of the brand with some new surprises thrown in, the chef reveals, but “the original design is still very much a part of the space.” A small Zen garden has been added to the entrance and the “sea-urchin ceiling” has been updated to a deep blue.



It has been almost three decades since Matsuhisa founded the restaurant with his business partners, but the brand remains strong in the international market. New openings are scheduled in Madrid, New Orleans, Bangkok for 2024, to mention a few, so there must be a secret to his success in keeping Nobu brand relevant, even after all these years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Suntory-Whisky-Cappuccino_1-min-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782423" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Suntory-Whisky-Cappuccino_1-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Suntory-Whisky-Cappuccino_1-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Suntory-Whisky-Cappuccino_1-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Suntory-Whisky-Cappuccino_1-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Suntory-Whisky-Cappuccino_1-min-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Suntory whisky cappuccino</figcaption></figure>



“Our expansion into hotels has played a major part in the brand staying relevant. It has allowed us to open in some of the most amazing cities around the world,” the chef reveals. “Another reason is our Nobu teams around the globe. We promote from within—dishwashers, bussers, waiters, and prep cooks become executive chefs and managers. Just like a family, it grows, and this kind of teamwork is vital to our success.”



Hong Kong’s executive chef Jason Au is a prime example of this theory in practice. Au joined Nobu 57 in 2007, trained with Matsuhisa, and was part of the opening teams in Dubai and Beijing as well as Nobu when it was still at the InterContinental Hong Kong. Now, he heads up the team at Nobu Hong Kong and puts Matsuhisa’s culinary vision on the table.



Meanwhile, Matsuhisa’s list of achievements continues to grow. Next year marks Nobu’s 30th anniversary. While the septuagenarian chef is no doubt looking ahead at what the next decade has in store, one thing he can take pride in now is that Nobu Hong Kong has been restored as a jewel in his empire’s crown—just in time for the restaurant’s pearl jubilee.



<a href="https://hongkong.regenthotels.com/dining-destination/nobu-hong-kong/">Nobu Hong Kong</a>



2/F, Regent Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong



Tel: (+852) 2313 2313



All images courtesy of Nobu Hong Kong.

Japanese Cuisine

Nobu Hong Kong

Inside Nobu Hong Kong, Nobu Matsuhisa’s Return to the Iconic Regent Hong Kong

Adrian Cheng has long been a face of investment, jewellery, and retail, and the K11 shopping experience in Hong Kong far exceeds what such icons as Neiman Marcus and Harrods, or even Hong Kong-owned Harvey Nichols, can offer. But the CEO of New World Development was impressively speaking as the founder of the WEMP Foundation at Bloomberg Wealth Asia Summit on 9 May. WEMP, he explained, stands for well-being, EQ, mental wellness, and parenting.



Communication with kids is also a message put out by American singer John Legend—he had his own kids at the launch of his Loved01 wellness brand. Interestingly, he believes that families bond in the bathroom—perhaps fighting over Loved01’s sea buckthorn and rosehip oil-infused toning mist? He even talked male face-care at The Business of Beauty: Global Forum 2023, streamed on 30 and 31 May from Stanly Ranch, Napa Valley.



The one-year-old Stanly Ranch, by the way, is part of Auberge Resorts Collection—it was originally conceived as St Regis, but that’s another story. Stay in one of the 40 villas or 135 rooms to have access to the 288-hectare ranch, overseen by general manager Avi Haksar. As well as obvious wine tastings, design a Hampui hat while you are there. Designer Willee Roberts helps plan a hat that incorporates, perhaps vine branches or other embellishments, then handmade in Hampui’s Berkeley studio and sent to your home.



For more on the fashion front, go Tiffany blue—the Nike x Tiffany Air Force 1 1837 is black suede with a Tiffany swoosh. It’s interesting that Charles Lewis Tiffany was only 25 when he opened a boutique on New York’s Broadway in 1837. Next time in the Big Apple, visit Tiffany’s current flagship, on Fifth Avenue. Breakfast at Tiffany’s with Petrossian caviars. Later in the day, try Tiffany’s Blue Box Café’s CLT, a chicken club sandwich named for the founder.



Zanzibar is becoming really hot on the world map, possibly because of Freddie Mercury—born Farrokh Bulsara, he was brought up on the island. In 2019, the must-visit Freddie Mercury Museum was established there ocean-side by his band, Queen, and two childhood friends (stay three minutes away, at Park Hyatt Zanzibar, preferably in its 450-square-metre Zamani Suite). In London, Sotheby’s is selling Mercury memories from 6 to 13 September. He left everything to his one-time girlfriend Mary Austin, who has been living in his Kensington home, Garden Lodge, since his death in 1991. Prior to the auction—which includes a Picasso—a display, Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own, is currently at Sotheby’s London. It will travel to Hong Kong sometime late August.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Nellie-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234775790" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Nellie-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Nellie-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Nellie-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Nellie-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Nellie-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nellie Image courtesy of Cape Sidecar Adventures</figcaption></figure>



Combine a trip to Zanzibar with a tour of South Africa’s justly famous Constantia and Franschhoek vineyards, travelling in the sidecar of a baby-pink 1960s motorbike, Nellie. It has an 18hp Boxer-style side-valve CJ750, influenced by BMW’s R71, which was introduced in 1935. Owners Cape Sidecar Adventures, who provide both vehicle and rider-guide, have named Nellie for Cape Town’s Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, which had its exterior painted to symbolise joy and peace at the end of WWI. Mount Nelson is part of the sprawling LVMH portfolio, and as well as standard bedrooms there are charming just-modernised two-suite cottages in historic Sydenham Terrace, 200 metres from the main 1899 building.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Mount-Nelson-Hotel-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234775788" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Mount-Nelson-Hotel-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Mount-Nelson-Hotel-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Mount-Nelson-Hotel-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Mount-Nelson-Hotel-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Mount-Nelson-Hotel-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mount Nelson Hotel Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



Today’s luxury travellers relish at least a hint of history. Way back in the mid-1970s, Orient-Express owner James Sherwood and The Peninsula’s parent company, Hong Kong &amp; Shanghai Hotels, both wanted a development on Victoria Harbour, but Bob Burns triumphed and the Regent Hong Kong opened in 1977. It’s now magnificently re-opening. Three floors of the 497-key beauty are already fully operational, says managing director Michel Chertouh (don’t miss the bath experiences, with Perricone toiletries and more—soak and look, at designer Chi Wing-lo’s bamboo wall, adding a sense of nature). 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Regent-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234775796" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Regent-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Regent-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Regent-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Regent-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RRHK-June-2023-Travel-Column-Regent-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Steak House Image courtesy of the Regent Hong Kong</figcaption></figure>



Michelin-starred Lai Ching Heen and that eternal favourite Steak House, with its dedicated buffet room, are full of Hong Kong gourmets. Nobu re-opens in September, along with a new travel-themed bar. The legendary 700-square-metre duplex, the Presidential Suite, will, of course, be open in time before the grand opening in the second week of November.

Wellness Is the Word, Family Comes First, Freddie Mercury’s Going On Tour Again, and Other Things to Bookmark This June

Regent

By Michael Verdon, Julie Boatman, and Jen Paolini



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next-Gen Piloting Is Here</h2>



The fast-approaching era of electric aircraft will transform intracity and regional travel for passengers, but it will also fundamentally change the pilot experience. The new crop of electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) craft are smaller than most helicopters and conventional planes, but also potentially more complex, with multiple rotors that tilt for hovering and forward motion. That’s supplemented by the need to constantly assess flight conditions in what promise to be busy urban airways, all while managing prop and rotor pitch and adjusting ailerons, rudders, elevators, and landing gear.



How does one lessen the pilot’s burden without compromising safety? The answer, eVTOL leaders Archer and Joby agree, involves unified flight controls, adopted from military programmes such as the F-35B fighter jet. The fly-by-wire systems used by Dassault, Gulfstream, and Bombardier operate on the same principle, with a flight control computer (FCC) linked to a multi-servo digital autopilot. Unlike mechanical systems of older aircraft, where a pilot controls every aspect of flight, here the computer takes over once the pilot inputs commands.



The next generation of unified flight controls are significantly faster, smaller, and more sophisticated. BAE Systems has designed controls that relay pilot input every few milliseconds but are 40 per cent more compact than five years ago. This customised technology is designed to be intuitive for fixed-wing or rotorcraft pilots and far more simplified. 



Joby’s inceptor, or the stick that controls speed, for example, recentres after an input, maintaining the airspeed set by the pilot—similar to cruise control in a car. “If I want to go to 100 knots, I’ll kind of peg the stick,” says Joby’s Greg Bowles. “The number reaches 100, you let go, and it’s going to stay at 100. If you continue to accelerate, it’ll get to a maximum safe top speed and stop.”



“The pilot doesn’t control power,” adds Archer’s Brian Gump. “The pilot commands acceleration or deceleration, a climb or descent, or a heading change, and the FCCs allocate power as required to meet that command.” Archer’s controls include two sticks: the left regulates velocity while the right handles vertical speed and direction. 



These advances signal a new chapter for not only the eVTOL world, but also how pilots train. Flight is not so automated that the aviator is entirely removed from the equation—the pilot still dictates the direction and navigation of the aircraft’s path—but it is a fundamentally new way of flying. Not exactly a magic carpet, but closer than aviation has ever been before.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796192" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Speed</h3>



Gulfstream



G700



Breaking one record for rapid transit is remarkable enough, but what about two? Gulfstream’s ultra-large-cabin G700 did exactly that on recent trips from Savannah to Honolulu, covering the distance in eight hours and 52 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.9 using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel, and Los Angeles to Sydney in just 14 hours and 26 minutes—that’s two more performancebased honours to swell the G700’s growing tally of city-pair speed records.



Add to that the numerous features that make Gulfstream a commanding presence in its sector—whisper-quiet noise levels, the most spacious cabin in business aviation, 100 per cent freshair ventilation technology, natural-light design with panoramic windows, layout configuration flexibility, the lowest cabin altitude in the industry, and a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935—and the G700 stands for not only the fastest aircraft in the company’s fleet, but also the most comfortable, providing an unrivalled experience for passengers. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796193" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jet Card</h3>



Sentient



SJ25+



If there’s a gold standard for jet cards, Sentient, which launched the industry’s first in 1999, can claim the title. Despite the onslaught of competitors, its 25-hour card has remained at the top of the pack even as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The differentiators: Sentient’s new app allows clients to quote prices and book flights in under 60 seconds via text, its preferred aircraft fleet is top-tier, and the card is backed by a multi-tiered safety structure for its clients, including an independent safety advisory board. Or just consider the numbers over the past 25 years: more than one million passengers flown to over 2,500 destinations; 6,700 active card owners; and revenue growth of 549 per cent. Not to mention the company’s expanding partnerships with luxury hotels and events, which in 2024 offered perks valued at US$225,000 (HK$1.74 million), and its sustainability programme that offsets emissions 300 per cent from each flight with no cost to clients (to date, Sentient has offset 1.34 million metric tons of carbon). 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796194" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Super-Midsize Jet</h3>



Textron Aviation



Citation CJ3 Gen2



While it was no surprise that Textron Aviation would sequence through one of its most successful models for next-gen treatment, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 update still rocks, making it our pick for the best of the super-midsize fleet. Inside, the revised CJ3 looks and feels like a bigger jet than its predecessor, with an interior that its engineers are justifiably proud of—from the articulating seats to the use of eco-friendly materials throughout. On the flight deck, the updated Garmin G3000, coupled with the new GDL 60 data link, transforms the pilot’s suite into a connected cockpit. The jet has a max cruise of 416 knots true airspeed, a max range of 2,040 nautical miles, and a landing distance of 2,770 feet. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796195" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Exclusive Experiences</h3>



VistaJet



A global leader in private and business aviation, now with two decades under its belt, VistaJet knows better than most that getting travellers to and from their destination is only one part of the journey. As the demand for tailored experiences continues to rise, the company is reinforcing its commitment to its exclusive Private World programme, creating even more opportunities for VistaJet members to unlock a wealth of unparalleled adventures across the planet. 



From exploring the beautifully restored Bottega Veneta residence in Venice, witnessing spectacular wildlife on a luxury safari in the Serengeti National Park, and cruising through Costa Rica’s waters to discover humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles to highly coveted access to Formula 1 racetracks through Ferrari, VistaJet’s Private World collaborations with diverse partners are designed to offer members an everchanging calendar of activities that are personalised, unique, and exciting—not to mention completely unforgettable.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796196" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Large Cabin</h3>



Dassault



6X



Dassault recently delivered its first long-range 6X, completing a circle that began after the French aerospace firm cancelled its four-year-old 5X programme in 2017 without delivering any aircraft. It stretched the 5X’s fuselage by 20 feet to get the 6X, creating its debut wide-body configuration, which has a wider floor and taller cabin than its competitors. Despite the extra girth, the 6X’s stats are impressive: 5,500-nautical-mile range (delivering nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Geneva or S.o Paulo to London), 16-passenger capacity, and maximum speed of Mach 0.9. The customisable cabin, divided into three zones, has 30 extra-large windows, a full galley, and features such as a low-altitude pressurisation system and circadian-rhythm lights to mitigate jet lag. Fly-by-wire controls and an advanced situational awareness system called Falcon Eye are the cockpit differentiators. Plus, the 6X has paved the way for an even larger wide-body, the ultra-long-range 10X, scheduled for delivery in 2027. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796199" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Light Jet</h3>



Embraer



Phenom 100EX



Embraer leans into the big E with its evolution of the Phenom 100EX. Choose your word: Efficiency, environment, experience—they all play a part to make it the biggestfeeling light jet on the market, which is a particularly crowded segment. Up front, the optional Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS) that enhances stabilised approaches adds an extra layer of protection during a critical phase of flight, while the Flight Stream 510 allows the pilot to connect portable electronic devices to the aircraft avionics, thus reducing workload. In the cabin, Embraer’s design team has revised every element—opening up the space, upgrading the seats, increasing workspace by 30 per cent by repositioning tables, and using new combinations of leather, Ultraleather, and veneer to dress up the interior. Stats remain best in class: a top speed of Mach 0.7, a 1,178-nautical-mile range, and a takeoff distance of 3,190 feet.

Aviation

Best of the Best

Best of the Best 2025

Dassault

Gulfstream

Private Jet

Sentient

Textron Aviation

VistaJet

The Best in Wings 2025, From Gulfstream’s G700 and Dassault’s 6X to Textron Aviation’s Citation CJ3 Gen2

Why settle for a seat when you can have a suite?&nbsp;



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London</a> Heathrow’s private terminal, the Windsor, once a well-kept secret among royals and celebrities, has undergone a major renovation unveiling eight lavish lounges and a host of exclusive amenities from British brands. The first phase of the terminal’s three-year refurbishment offers up suites by Oliver Burns Studio, in addition to door-to-plane chauffeur service, a special menu by celebrity chef Jason Atherton, and private security screenings. To get in, you’ll need to be departing or arriving either business or first class on any airline. You’ll also have to pay a one-way entry fee of £3,812 (about US$4,795/HK$37,290) for up to three guests or £7,624 (US$9,648/HK$59,290) if you want round-trip access.  



Unlike the typical airline or credit-card-affiliated lounges, Heathrow’s Windsor terminal is directly owned and operated by the airport itself. You’ll be escorted from their front door directly to the plane in an all-electric <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a> i7, with pickup available within a 25-mile radius. A personal porter will meet you at the entrance to take your checked luggage. If you’re travelling internationally, a dedicated Border Force will be present to manage private immigration services. Then, just hand over your passports and documents to your host, and the rest is taken care of. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795730" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Members of the Windsor get shuttled to and around the airport in a private BMW. Image courtesy of the Windsor by Heathrow</figcaption></figure>



Each suite is named after a prestigious London neighbourhood, such as <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/chelsea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelsea</a> and Kensington, and sport bespoke furnishings, soft-hued Axminster carpets, Commune toiletries, and August&amp;Piers fragrances. The private terminal doesn’t currently offer showers or beds; however, each suite comes with a private bathroom and there are plans to add showers in the future, Burns told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-20/inside-heathrow-s-private-terminal-for-vips-the-windsor?srnd=homepage-americas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg</a>. The high-end art on display, which changes every two months, includes pieces from Banksy and Andy Warhol and are available for purchase via a QR code.  



When it comes to the food, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/michelin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin</a>-starred chef Jason Atherton has crafted a selection of exclusive dishes for the Windsor, including English butter shortbread with praline cream, Earl Grey tea ice cream, custard sauce, and charred mandarin. There’s also a traditional tea trolley that rolls through carrying everything from Champagne to Victoria sponge cakes.  



“The Windsor by Heathrow is more than just a rebrand, it’s a testament to our heritage in pioneering luxury travel,” Charlotte Burns, VIP lead at Heathrow, said in a press statement. “From our carefully curated interiors to our exceptional service, we provide our guests with an unparalleled experience that reflects the finest of British hospitality.”&nbsp;



Sounds like quite the upgrade.

Heathrow

London

Private Terminal

The Windsor

Inside the Windsor, the Private Terminal at London’s Heathrow Airport

<a href="https://www.tcsworldtravel.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">TCS World Travel</a>&nbsp;is taking the air cruise to new heights.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/slideshow/take-these-private-jet-trips-lifetime/tcs-world-travels-around-the-world-culinary-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle-based travel company</a> just unveiled its “most ambitious itinerary to date,” which will allow travellers to visit all seven continents in a month.



The 29-day itinerary, aptly named Seven Continents by&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/private-jet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Private Jet</a>, includes stops in 12 iconic destinations, from Machu Picchu, Peru, to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Travellers will also embark on some truly incredible experiences, such as walking the otherworldly ice tunnels of Antarctica, trekking across Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, and exploring the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo.



“Visiting all seven continents in a single journey has long been a dream for TCS World&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travel</a>, and now it’s a reality,” TCS president Shelley Cline said in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_1.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801241" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The itinerary includes stops in Cairo and Luxor. Image courtesy of TCS World Travel</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/air-cruise-1235786817/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Air cruises</a> have taken off in the past few years, with several firms now offering incredible <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/round-the-world-trip-plan-1235865827/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private jet expeditions</a> that enable high-fliers to live out Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days at a far greater pace. TCS has carried out 300 jet expeditions to more than 200 destinations over the past 30 years, but has never before offered a seven-continents-in-one adventure.



“Seven Continents is the pinnacle of global adventure—a bucket list experience delivered with comfort, ease, enriching cultural encounters, and the exceptional service our guests know they can expect,” Cline adds.



TCS has also teamed up with White Desert—one of the few companies with commercial jet access to the Antarctic interior—to bring jet-setters even closer to icy tundra. Guests will depart from Cape Town and land on a striking blue-ice runway, before spending a full day immersed in Antarctica’s untouched beauty. Parkas and Baffin boots will, of course, be provided to keep you nice and cosy. As the jaunt will take place during the Antarctic summer, you’ll enjoy 24 hours of sunlight, too.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_4.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801242" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_4.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_4.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_4.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_4.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Travellers will take a trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania, which was not a part of previous Around the World Trips. Image courtesy of TCS World Travel</figcaption></figure>



That isn’t the only new experience TCS has added, either. Travellers will also have the opportunity to visit the spice markets and white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania, and take a deeper, end-to-end dive into Africa. Overnight stays will take place at luxury hotels and resorts by One&amp;Only, Belmond, Four Seasons, &amp;Beyond, Raffles, and other hospitality heavyweights.



As for the plane itself, TCS has created a custom Airbus A321 with a spacious cabin that offers leather flatbed seats for up to 52 guests, large lavatories, and full-length mirrors. The aircraft is manned by a crew of 18, including a dedicated chef and an onboard physician, meaning fliers will be taken care of from takeoff to landing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_2.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801243" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_2.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TCS_Seven_Continents_2.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Guests will be flown in a TCS-branded Airbus A321. Image courtesy of TCS World Travel</figcaption></figure>



The Seven Continents expedition costs US$205,000 (approximately HK$1.596 million) per person based on double occupancy. The itinerary is all-inclusive, with everything from private flights to ground transportation covered in the initial fee. Guests can also request optional suite upgrades.

TCS World Travel

Travel

This New Private Jet Expedition Lets You Explore All 7 Continents in 29 Days

It’s that splendid time of year again to embrace Mid-Autumn festivities in grand style. As the full moon ascends, casting a serene glow over the autumn night, the Mid-Autumn Festival invites families across Asia to gather in celebration, and this cherished occasion calls for indulgent feasts, heartfelt moments, and the warm embrace of tradition. In a remarkable fusion of culture and luxury, <a href="https://www.vistajet.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VistaJet</a> unveils an extraordinary mooncake and mixology experience designed to elevate this festive period to new heights—quite literally.



From 22 September to 7 October, VistaJet Members may savour an exclusive selection of artisanal mooncakes, crafted in collaboration with the renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group for selected departures in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Singapore City. Signature cocktails and mocktails that pay homage to the vibrant spirit of key Asian cities will be curated to pair with the range of delicacies. With each sip and bite, passengers embark on a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary, transforming their in-flight experience into an unforgettable celebration of heritage and craftsmanship.



“With sophisticated cocktails for toasting, playful mocktails for children’s enjoyment, and decadent mooncakes for all, we ensure every passenger partakes in the festive spirit,” says Crystal Wong,&nbsp;president,&nbsp;Asia-Pacific.&nbsp;



VistaJet’s emphasis on inclusivity fosters a sense of togetherness high above the clouds, and members departing from major hubs in Asia will enjoy an exquisite selection of mooncakes, each paired with a beverage that encapsulates the essence of its respective city. In Hong Kong, for instance, the Torii cocktail offers a distinctive twist on the classic Negroni, featuring sweet potato&nbsp;shochu&nbsp;and the delicate, fruity aromas of lychee to mirror the tranquil beauty of Hong Kong, where nature and urban life coexist harmoniously.



In Shanghai, the Memory cocktail pays tribute to the city’s rich heritage, blending osmanthus-infused gin with mellow yellow rice wine. Accented by vanilla syrup and a hint of lemon, this layered concoction evokes the elegant charm of autumn evenings along the Bund, transporting passengers to the heart of the vibrant culture of Shanghai.



In Beijing, the Palace Turret cocktail captures the golden silhouette of the Forbidden City’s iconic towers at dusk. A harmonious blend of jasmine, peach, gin, and Champagne allows passengers to savour a taste steeped in six centuries of history. For those preferring a non-alcoholic option, the Kirin mocktail reflects the sophistication of the auspicious Chinese beast, combining layers of pineapple, mango, coconut, and lemon for a refreshing delight.



In Singapore, the Reclaimed Sling reimagines the city’s iconic gin-based cocktail, incorporating pomegranate and herbal liqueur for a smooth, flavourful sip that showcases the region’s culinary prowess. The Gao Lak mocktail, named after beloved roasted chestnuts, pays homage to childhood nostalgia and Singapore’s vibrant hawker culture with its rich blend of black-bean vinegar, water chestnut syrup, and non-alcoholic malt.



Beyond the curated cocktails and mooncakes, VistaJet Members can explore a selection of fine wines through the exclusive Wine in the Sky programme, ensuring every sip complements the exquisite in-flight dining experience. With access to a global network of over 7,000 suppliers, private chefs, and Michelin-starred restaurants, VistaJet guarantees a meticulously crafted culinary journey from take-off to landing.



For those eager to deepen their appreciation of mixology, VistaJet offers an exclusive workshop at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and&nbsp;Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Guided by expert mixologists, families can engage in an interactive session to uncover closely guarded recipes and master the art of crafting signature cocktails and mocktails, creating lasting memories and instilling a sense of pride in the art of mixology as families unite in Mid-Autumn celebrations.



As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, VistaJet stands poised to deliver an unparalleled experience that transcends convention. With guaranteed access to a fleet of over 270 aircraft, VistaJet Members can embark on the ultimate journey to reunite with loved ones amid the luxurious amenities and services that define the brand. For those seeking the pinnacle of comfort, the Global 7500—with four distinct living spaces, including an entertainment room and a permanent stateroom—offers an extraordinary setting for a memorable celebration.&nbsp;



VistaJet not only elevates the experience of flying this Mid-Autumn Festival but redefines it, allowing passengers to savour the rich tapestry of Asian culture and tradition at 45,000 feet. As the moon illuminates the night sky, let VistaJet guide you on a luxurious adventure through the firmament, capturing the spirit of togetherness in every unforgettable moment.



All images courtesy of VistaJet.

Reach For the Skies This Mid-Autumn Festival With VistaJet’s Luxurious Mooncake & Mixology Adventure

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/archer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archer</a> Aviation’s flagship air taxi just passed another major milestone on the road to launch.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/archer-midnight-evtol-first-2024-certification-1234769778/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Midnight eVTOL</a> has completed its first piloted test flight, according to a <a href="https://news.archer.com/archer-showcases-piloted-midnight-flight-as-it-advances-to-next-phase-of-flight-test-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a> shared by the Silicon Valley firm on Monday. The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/archer-aviations-midnight-evtol-successful-transition-flight-1235654497/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">five-person craft</a> notched more than<a href="https://news.archer.com/archer-surpasses-400-test-flights-this-year-achieving-company-milestone-four-months-ahead-of-schedule" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> 400 test flights</a> in 2024 alone, but this is the first time a pilot has been at the controls.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Midnight Piloted Flight with CTOL | Full Flight Video" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gmz5yjmeZQ8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



With Archer’s chief test pilot, Jeff Greenwood, at the helm, Midnight cruised at speeds up to 125 mph and reached a maximum altitude of over 1,500 feet. The craft also completed a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) rather than executing both vertically. Midnight already showcased a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) in the latter half of 2023.



“Flying Midnight felt just like flying the simulator—everything responded exactly as we trained for, which is exactly what you hope for during a test flight,” Greenwood said in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800118" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight1.jpg.webp 1200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Archer pilot Jeff Greenwood inside Midnight. Image courtesy of Archer Aviation</figcaption></figure>



Archer says government regulators and customers have stressed the importance of being able to take off and land both conventionally and vertically in Midnight. Having an aircraft that is capable of both results in greater operational flexibility and also increases safety, according to Archer.



“Midnight’s VTOL and CTOL capabilities are a strong differentiator for us as they are critical for delivering an aircraft that can integrate into a wide range of operational scenarios while also providing enhanced safety,” added Archer CEO and founder Adam Goldstein.



Equipped with 12 wing-mounted tilting propellers and six battery packs, Midnight will be able to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 150 mph. Weighing roughly 6,500 pounds, the aircraft will have a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds and can be charged in minutes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight2.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800116" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight2.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Archer_Midnight2.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Midnight <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/evtol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eVTOL</a>. Image courtesy of Archer Aviation</figcaption></figure>



During the next phase of testing, Archer will focus on things like the control responsiveness and stability of Midnight. The firm is also working to get the aircraft certified and into commercial service in both the US and the UAE. The plan is to eventually launch an <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/archer-first-electric-air-taxi-network-new-york-1236478225/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air-taxi network</a> in New York, providing fliers with the ability to zip from Manhattan to New York’s largest airports in five to 10 minutes for about US$200 (approximately HK$1,570). Rival eVTOL builder <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/joby-toyota-investment1235893105-1235893105/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joby Aviation</a> is also hoping to get its <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/joby-demonstrates-its-quiet-electric-mini-chopper-for-the-first-time-1234599351/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">S4 electric aircraft</a> flying around the Big Apple. The timing of Archer’s stateside rollout is still, well, up in the air, but the team expects to start a commercial service in Dubai by the end of this year. Stay tuned.

Air Taxi

Archer Aviation

Electric Air Taxi

eVTOL

Midnight eVTOL

test flights

This 5-Person Electric Air Taxi Just Completed Its First Piloted Flight

The Paris Air Show had some interesting records broken this year, including the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/bombardier-global-7500-transatlantic-record-1236362828/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bombardier Global 7500</a>’s record flight between Montreal and Paris at five hours, 30 minutes. Not to be outdone, competitor <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/gulfstream/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gulfstream</a>’s flagship <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/gulfstream-business-jet-700th-speed-record-g700-1236507408/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G700</a> made its own record run from San Francisco to Paris Le Bourget in nine hours and 26 minutes.



Otto Aviation also had a big announcement in the City of Light. If the brand can make its proposed new record stick, its Phantom 3500 business jet would achieve net-zero carbon emissions about two decades before the rest of the industry. The company plans for its super-midsized Phantom 3500 to enter service in 2030, about 20 years before private aviation has made a collective pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions.



The clean-sheet Phantom still has some way to go. The futuristic-looking aircraft was highlighted at a press conference in Paris announcing a new manufacturing facility in Florida. Otto describes the Phantom as an “AI-supported clean sheet design, with transonic super-laminar flow architecture and cutting-edge aerodynamics.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.-Phantom-05.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234799422" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.-Phantom-05.jpg.webp 1200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.-Phantom-05.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.-Phantom-05.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.-Phantom-05.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The unusual shape of the fuselage and smaller wings reduces drag by 35 per cent compared to competitors’ designs.  Image courtesy of Otto Aviation</figcaption></figure>



The startup says the business jet will fulfill these descriptors by using a laminar-flow design that smooths airflow over its raked wings and fuselage, thereby reducing drag. The aircraft also does away with conventional windows and instead uses high-definition digital displays Otto calls “Super Natural Vision.” An introductory <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlOK6mhzvs4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a> shows views of the sky overhead and landscape along the sides of the aircraft via the screens. The 3500 will be powered by two Williams FJ44 turbofan engines mounted at the rear of the fuselage.



Testing of a Phantom 3500 prototype is planned for 2027, with FAA certification and entry to market projected to happen about three years later. “By achieving carbon neutrality 20 years ahead of the 2050 target, we’re not just meeting expectations—Otto is redefining what’s possible in aviation,” said founder and CEO Paul Touw, who made the announcement about a new production facility that will open next year at the Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida.



Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who was at Sunday’s press conference at the Paris Air Show, said that Otto will receive a nearly US$500 million (HK$3.92 billion) incentive package from state and local authorities to create its headquarters in Jacksonville. The facility will be on an 100-acre parcel with an 850,000-square-foot manufacturing plant. Touw said Otto intends to build up to 1,600 Phantom 3500s between 2030 and 2040.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.Interior-Otto.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234799420" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.Interior-Otto.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.Interior-Otto.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.Interior-Otto.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.Interior-Otto.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Phantom’s interior uses video screens along the sides and ceiling instead of windows. Image courtesy of Otto Aviation</figcaption></figure>



The Phantom 3500 will burn 60 per cent less fuel than similar-sized jets. “The laminar flow design also allowed us to reduce the aircraft weight by half compared to competitors like the Citation 10 or Praetor 500,” Scott Drennan, Otto’s chief operating officer, told Robb Report. “The design’s efficiency means that all the components can be reduced. The engines and wings are smaller, and the fuselage is also much lighter.”



By burning sustainable aviation fuel, it will reduce emissions by 90 per cent, adds Drennan. The 3500 is a super-midsized business jet for space with nine passengers, with a cabin height of 6’5”, length of 23 feet and width of 7’6”. It will have a max cruise speed of 600-plus mph, cruise altitude of 51,000 feet, and maximum range of 3,500 nautical miles. Drennan says operating costs will be 50 per cent less than its competitors’ super-midsized business jets, thanks to the smaller Williams engine.



The Phantom 3500 follows Otto’s earlier <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/otto-aviation-zeppelin-shaped-celera-500l-1234583229/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Celera 500L</a> prototype, which completed testing in 2019. “That was a great demonstrator aircraft that proved our laminar airflow was practical,” says Drennan, noting the Phantom’s preliminary test phases will conclude in October. A sub-scale design has gone through wind-tunnel testing at both low and high speeds. “The tests matched our predictions within five per cent,” he says. “The laminar-flow technology will cut drag by 35 per cent compared to other aircraft.” Most of its tier-1 suppliers for major components like engines, avionics, and landing gear are in place, he adds, so Jacksonville will be more of an assembly hub, rather than manufacturing every component from scratch.



“The Atlanta FAA office told us that they see ‘nothing new or novel’ about our aircraft, which stung for a few seconds,” says Drennan. “But it also meant a clear path to certification.”

Business jet

Otto Aviation

This Bonkers New Business Jet Is Aiming for Zero-Emissions Flight by 2030

An extraordinary evening awaits the most discerning palates on 22 October 2025. In partnership with the venerable whisky specialist <a href="https://www.gordonandmacphail.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gordon &amp; Ma</a><a href="https://www.gordonandmacphail.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cPhail</a>, Robb Report Hong Kong is hosting a by-invitation-only dinner for RR1 Hong Kong members and VIP guests to embark on a profound odyssey into the artistry of whisky maturation. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Gordon &amp; MacPhail | The World&#039;s Oldest Single Malt Scotch Whisky" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6KtkTxwqELk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Held at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong’s Michelin-starred Restaurant Petrus, the special evening promises an exceptional encounter with the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/oldest-scotch-whisky-gordon-macphail-glenlivet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old</a>—a masterpiece hailed as the oldest single malt Scotch whisky, a liquid testament to patience, heritage, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Gordon &amp; MacPhail stands as a titan in the realm of Scotch whisky, a brand whose legacy spans 130 years and commands reverence among connoisseurs worldwide. Founded in 1895 in the Speyside heartland of Elgin, Scotland, this independent bottler and distiller has elevated the art of whisky to sublime heights. What sets Gordon &amp; MacPhail apart is its unwavering commitment to maturation—casks are procured from distilleries across Scotland and diligently nurtured, allowing time to weave its magic far beyond the haste of commercial production. Its portfolio boasts some of the rarest expressions ever released, including vintages that whisper tales of bygone eras.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801772" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-x-Decanter-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jeanne Gang with Decanter, Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery.</figcaption></figure>



Acclaimed for its expertise in cask selection and blending, Gordon &amp; MacPhail owns the Benromach distillery, where the brand revives traditional methods to produce whiskies of exceptional depth and character. It is this dedication to quality over quantity that has earned Gordon &amp; MacPhail a reputation as guardians of Scotch heritage, with releases often fetching astronomical sums at auction. In an industry dominated by giants, Gordon &amp; MacPhail proves that true greatness lies in the slow, deliberate embrace of nature’s rhythms.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801775" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.-Jeanne-Gang-Sketching-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jeanne Gang sketching at Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery.</figcaption></figure>



Robb Report Hong Kong’s private dinner embodies that ethos, transforming a simple repast into a celebration of sensory indulgence. Under the guidance of Restaurant Petrus’s masterful chefs, a curated menu will harmonise with the evening’s liquid stars, each dish crafted to accentuate the nuanced profiles of the whiskies on offer. Guests will embark on a tasting journey beginning with Gordon &amp; MacPhail vintages. Drawn from casks that have slumbered for decades, these drams offer glimpses into whisky evolution—notes of rich oak, subtle spices, and ethereal fruits that dance on the tongue like forgotten memories revived.



Yet the true crescendo arrives with the unveiling of the Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old. Distilled in 1940 at the Glenlivet and bottled in 2025 after an astonishing 85 years in a single cask, this whisky is a rarity without parallel. Only 125 decanters exist, each a bespoke creation born from a collaboration with the celebrated American architect and designer Jeanne Gang. Her visionary touch infuses the presentation with architectural poetry: crystal decanters that evoke the fluidity of time and the strength of nature, housed in cases that blend modern minimalism with organic forms. It’s an a homage to the inexorable forces that shape excellence—the whisper of wind through Highland glens, the patient seep of wood into liquid gold, and the human artistry that shepherds it to perfection.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801771" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3.-Stephen-Rankin-@-Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery_CREDIT-GORDON-MACPHAIL_RS-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stephen Rankin, Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery. </figcaption></figure>



For the fortunate invitees, this is an opportunity to partake in history and savour a dram that encapsulates nearly a century of quiet transformation. In a world of fleeting trends, such occasions remind us of the enduring value of heritage, where every sip is a bridge to the past and a toast to the future. It’s the perfect time to raise glasses to the artistry of Gordon &amp; MacPhail, celebrating a legacy that continues to redefine the boundaries of Scotch whisky. In this intimate setting, time stands still, allowing the essence of 85 years to unfold in a single, transcendent taste. Such evenings are the stuff of legends, reserved for those who seek not just indulgence, but enlightenment of the senses.



Learn more about the Gordon &amp; MacPhail dinner in Hong Kong&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/gordon-macphail-dinner-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. 



All images courtesy of Gordon &amp; MacPhail.

Gordon & Macphail

Whiskey

whiskey dinner

Gordon & MacPhail Unveils World’s Oldest Whisky at an Exclusive Robb Report Hong Kong Dinner For RR1 Hong Kong Members

Let’s set the scene. The host: Robb Report Hong Kong. Our partner: Edrington. The location: The Garden Suite at The Peninsula Hong Kong. The occasion: The grand unveiling of The Glenrothes 51, a rare and exceptional bottle so precious that only one (of five total in all of Hong Kong) was in the room, guarded by the sharpest of eagle eyes. 



Anyone with HK$363,000&nbsp;to spare for The 51 would join an elite club of just 100 worldwide, and be invited to fly down to Scotland, welcomed at the distillery, and learn about how this liquid gold is created in the finest casks for an unforgettable pour, swivel, sniff, and sip.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797201" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797201" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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It was an exceptional evening as&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;played host to just a handful of VIP guests and distinguished RR1 Hong Kong members as a remarkable whisky, which has been meticulously matured for more than half a century,&nbsp;made&nbsp;its first appearance in Hong Kong, following successful unveilings in San Francisco, New York, and London.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797211" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by the breathtaking panorama of Victoria Harbour and the newly launched Best of the Best 2025 annual magazine by&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, setting the tone for a night steeped in sophistication. Our by-invitation-only guests assembled, each eagerly anticipating the celebration of this extraordinary release.



Tak Man, CEO and publisher of&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, began the evening with a warm welcome. “It is an honour to have you all here tonight for a very special occasion: to unveil the&nbsp;Glenrothes&nbsp;51, a whisky that not only boasts an incredible 51 years of maturation but also introduces a world’s-first in whisky packaging design,” he remarked to the gathering. 



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797203" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797203" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Laurie.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" data-id="1234797431" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797431" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797466" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-1024x684.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797466" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-768x513.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-2048x1367.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797204" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797204" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797212" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797212" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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While the highlight of the evening was, undoubtedly, the unveiling of The Glenrothes 51, the reveal of the highly anticipated whisky was preceded by a spirited (pun intended) talk and engaging fireside chat led by Tak Man, featuring three esteemed whisky connoisseurs: Kam Daswani of Dram Good Stuff, Benjamin Po of Edrington, and John Laurie, head of global partnerships and private client management at The Glenrothes, who had flown in from Scotland specifically for the event. Together, they delved into the nuances of whisky appreciation, sharing insights that resonated with the gathered aficionados.



Guests raised their glasses&nbsp;to toast the occasion, and the selection of welcome drinks curated for the evening featured a range of exquisite Glenrothes, including the 18-, 32-, and 42-year-old variants—each a testament to the artistry and dedication behind every bottle.&nbsp;



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797207" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797207" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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In anticipation of the excellent pours, the fine folks at The Peninsula Hong Kong crafted a menu that complemented the notes of the fine whisky. Guests started the meal with appetiser options of either Boston lobster avocado roulade or Hokkaido scallops with cauliflower and seaweed beurre blanc. For the main course, a slow-roasted Wagyu beef striploin was a solid option, and for those preferring lighter fare, there was a crispy&nbsp;amadai&nbsp;fillet with razor clam and young leek ragout. Cooling off the evening with a palate cleanser, dessert naturally had to be a Dulcey whipped ganache with the piquant tastes of mango marmalade and ginger madeleines.



This special gathering&nbsp;was not merely about unveiling a whisky—it was an homage to the shared love of exquisite craftsmanship, heritage, the bonds forged over fine spirits, and the indomitable spirit of fine whisky-making. As guests departed, they carried with them memories of an exceptional evening and the spirit of The Glenrothes and its enduring legacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;



All images shot exclusively for Robb Report Hong Kong.

RR1 event

The Glenrothes

Robb Report Hong Kong and RR1 Hong Kong Members Celebrated the Grand Unveiling of The Glenrothes 51 in Hong Kong

Our exclusive contacts at&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/brands/sothebys/stories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sotheby’s</a>&nbsp;Maison hinted weeks ago at an undeniably surprising and curious exhibition at their elegant <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/sothebys-new-maison-landmark-chater-hong-kong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hong Kong address</a>. When the curtains parted, the collective gasp was audible. Sotheby’s has unveiled its latest exhibit, Eros/Thanatos—Gesamtkunstwerk II, running from 13 to 26 September.



A remarkable showcase offering an immersive exploration of the dualities of human experience,&nbsp;Eros/Thanatos&nbsp;delves into the intricate dance between desire (Eros) and death (Thanatos) through diverse artistic mediums. A sequel to the recent success of&nbsp;Corpus—Three Millennia of the Human Body, which captivated audiences, this exhibition positions Sotheby’s Maison as the talk of the town, an epicentre of cultural engagement in the region.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801518" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6DNc2dhg_RS-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Curated to ignite the imagination—some exhibits more provocative than others—Eros/Thanatos&nbsp;presents a meticulous selection of works spanning centuries and styles. Iconic artists such as Francis Bacon, Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jeff Koons are showcased alongside lesser-famed yet profoundly impactful figures.&nbsp;Eros/Thanatos&nbsp;invites visitors to journey through the depths of human emotion, illuminating themes of love, passion, transgression, and, ultimately, mortality. Here, art transcends mere aesthetic appreciation, becoming a vessel for profound reflection on life’s most complex questions as the pendulum swings high and wide, from the erogenous to the fatal.



<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Op0ReS3tc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicolas Chow</a>, chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, articulates the ambition behind the exhibition: “Since opening our doors last year, our aim has been to stage exhibitions that ignite wonder and elevate the experience of all who visit.” His curatorial approach draws on the rich tapestry of mythology, psychoanalysis, and art history, suggesting that the exploration of Eros and Thanatos is not merely an artistic showpiece but a fundamental aspect of the human condition set to spotlight.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801523" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZXErXglg_RS-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The exhibition’s premise is masterfully underscored by an eclectic mix of artworks. From Bacon’s unsettling&nbsp;Version No. 2 of Lying Figure with Hypodermic Syringe&nbsp;to the ethereal beauty of Dalí’s&nbsp;Rose Meditative, each piece resonates with the tensions of existence, a mortal coil unravelled under the aegis of the famed auction house. Visitors will encounter not only celebrated modern and contemporary works but also Old Master paintings, ancient sculptures, and rare manuscripts, creating a Gesamtkunstwerk—an all-encompassing artistic experience. The juxtaposition of contemporary pieces with historical artefacts highlights the timelessness of these themes, a running thread inviting contemplation on how the human experience has evolved yet remains constant.



A standout work is Yoshitomo Nara’s&nbsp;Can’t Wait ‘til the Night Comes, featuring a mischievous girl with an ambiguous, vampiric smile. One of Nara’s largest and most significant works, this canvas reflects the artist’s nocturnal inspirations while embodying the playful yet dark themes of desire and fear. The exhibition also includes Zao Wou-ki’s&nbsp;12.02.2004—Vague rouge blanc bleu, a testament to the artist’s mastery of colour and form, created during a pivotal moment in his career.



The immersive experience is further enriched by a specially crafted soundtrack that complements the visual feast—a signature touch from Chow that we’ve come to appreciate. This auditory element transforms the exhibition space into a holistic environment, encouraging visitors to reflect deeply on the artworks. The resonance of music with visual art creates an emotional landscape that mirrors the complexities of Eros and Thanatos, amplifying the exhibition’s impact.



In addition to the main exhibition, Sotheby’s Maison is concurrently showcasing works from its upcoming Modern and Contemporary Art sales series, featuring luminaries such as Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein. These works will be on view from 22 to 28 September, just ahead of the highly anticipated Modern &amp; Contemporary Evening and Day Auctions on 28 and 29 September. This strategic overlap enriches the visitor experience and underscores Sotheby’s commitment to fostering a dynamic dialogue between past and present artistic expressions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="684" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS-684x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801519" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS-684x1024.jpeg 684w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS-768x1151.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS-1025x1536.jpeg 1025w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Butg42lw_RS.jpeg 1068w" sizes="(max-width: 684px) 100vw, 684px" /></figure>



Jasmine Prasetio, managing director of Southeast Asia and interim head of modern and contemporary art, remarks, “We invite everyone to experience art from a fresh perspective through the&nbsp;Eros/Thanatos&nbsp;exhibition.” Her words highlight the significance of the dialogues created through the juxtaposition of diverse works.



An open invitation to engage with the elemental questions that define our existence—a mélange of desire, death, and dreams spliced together—this season, Sotheby’s Maison beckons one and all to explore the sublime contradictions of love, life, and mortality, reminding us that art, at its finest, is a mirror reflecting the myriad facets of our shared humanity.&nbsp;



For more information, log on to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/digital-catalogues/eros-thanatos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sothebys.com/en/digital-catalogues/eros-thanatos</a>.



All images courtesy of Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Auction

HK exhibit

Hong Kong

Sotheby's

Sotheby's Asia

Sotheby's Hong Kong

Death and Desire Converge at Sotheby’s Maison’s ‘Eros/Thanatos’ Exhibition

Over the past few weeks, whisky collectors, connoisseurs, and the curious have been part of a fine whisky experience, launched on a luxury yacht in Monaco, at an all-villa resort in Singapore, and at one of the swishest clubs in Hong Kong (where we at&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;were the only press invited to the event). How could we possibly say no?



Particularly to the familiar charms of James Mackay—no stranger to Hong Kong—who may have left our post-typhoon-Wipha-whipped shores years ago for the bucolic adventures of village life in Edinburgh, but the city’s gritty fibres remain in his arteries.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800422" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/James-Mackay-Private-Client-Director-of-Artisan-Spirits-Company-at-the-global-launch-of-Artisan-Casks-in-Monaco-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James Mackay.</figcaption></figure>



Mackay, a rare whisky and fine spirits specialist with three decades of independent consultancy and positions with industry leaders, is an easily recognised and award-winning figure. He once had a popular drinks column in Hong Kong when he was a resident. His in-depth features read like a friend explaining the glories of vine, wine, wood, and cask as he took more than a passing interest in the exquisite drinks that arrived in the city. He left some time ago but stayed in the news: In 2022, he was made a Keeper of the Quaich, a lifetime honour recognising outstanding contributions to the Scotch whisky industry, and in 2023, he became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers.



But Hong Kong is like a habit he can’t break, so he returns with a bag of tricks and trinkets—or rather, what looks like a trunk fully furnished with armour, but within its protective, sponge-cast interior lies the rarest liquids of amber and gold. He wheels into view and unloads three of the finest whiskies known to cask and country. We sampled Macallan 1993 Artisan Cask, Bowmore 2004 Artisan Cask, and “Ancient Alba” 1972 Artisan Cask while Mackay expounded the raison d’être of Artisan Casks and how it all came to be.



<a href="https://artisanal-spirits.com/artisan-casks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artisan Casks</a> was launched by the <a href="https://artisanal-spirits.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artisanal Spirits Company</a>, and it’s an exquisite new private cask programme that offers discerning individuals the opportunity to acquire a selection of exceptional, aged Scotch whisky casks, each with a story as rich as the liquid it holds. It is not about owning one bottle, but an entire fleet, and this initiative is not merely a purchasing opportunity—it is an invitation to immerse oneself in the intricate artistry and heritage of whisky, joining an elite club of like-minded individuals who prize exclusivity, experience, and erudition—well, not exactly in that order—and in having their name and indeed legacy imprinted for posterity, one bottle at a time. Apart from the art of procuring, there’s the F-word that doesn’t often percolate in the refined circles of connoisseurship: fun.



Owning these casks is, quite frankly, for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, the one percent who are looking for something beyond a rare bottle at auction. Artisan Casks epitomises the artisanal spirit of whisky production, allowing connoisseurs to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship that defines this revered spirit. Each cask, aged a minimum of 20 years, is primed for immediate bottling but also offers the potential for further maturation, tailored to individual preferences in consultation with the company’s expert whisky-makers.



Each year, only a limited number of casks will be made available, with this inaugural selection featuring illustrious names such as Laphroaig, The Macallan, Mortlach, and Bowmore. Prices for these exquisite offerings range from £50,000 (approximately HK$530,615) to £600,000 (HK$6.36 million), reflecting the cask’s age, provenance, and size, ensuring that each acquisition is as unique as the whisky it contains.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234800423" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800423" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234800424" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800424" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image_RS.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234800425" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800425" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-whisky-image-during-Asia-launch_RS.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="682" height="1024" data-id="1234800426" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-682x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800426" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-768x1153.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-1023x1536.jpeg 1023w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS.jpeg 1066w" sizes="(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /></figure>
</figure>



As mentioned, the programme was unveiled to a select audience at the Presidential Villa at Raffles on Sentosa in Singapore, marking the Asia launch after a spectacular debut aboard the 125-year-old classic sailing yacht,&nbsp;The Black Swan, in Monaco. For good measure, we had the exclusive first look under the aegis of Club Bâtard. Further events are slated for New York and Dubai, indicating global interest in this remarkable initiative.



At the helm of this innovative programme, Mackay, the newly appointed private client director for the Artisanal Spirits Company, brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as global private client director and head of rare &amp; exceptional spirits for Diageo. His expertise is instrumental in guiding clients through the unique journey of cask ownership without delving into the tedious notions of numbers, return-on-investment figures, pie charts, or graphs to indicate the fiscal state of the owner’s prized portfolio. What can be discussed is quality and rarity—value, not cost. “[Artisan Casks] unites the core elements that make single malt Scotch whisky extraordinary: authentic craftsmanship, technical artistry, and unwavering attention to detail,” he says, articulating the essence of Artisan Casks. “Owning a cask is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am eager to share with fellow enthusiasts.”



The Artisanal Spirits Company prides itself on the individuality of each cask, underscoring a commitment to superior cask management and an artisanal vision. Its dedication to nurturing each cask ensures that it reaches the zenith of its potential, with regular assessments and meticulous attention to the interplay between spirit and wood. Whisky-makers meticulously select and pair each spirit with the appropriate wood, regularly monitoring its maturation to maintain a harmonious balance, often sourcing casks from the finest cooperages and sherry bodegas, ensuring that no expense is spared in the pursuit of excellence.



Cask owners will be welcomed into an elite circle, sharing an appreciation for the finest craftsmanship and lavish experiences. Collaborations with the company’s esteemed partners will allow them privileged access to some of the most celebrated distilleries in Scotland, exclusive bottlings, and invitations to private events, all designed to deepen their connection to whisky culture. Over the past four decades, the Artisanal Spirits Company has sourced an exceptional assortment of casks from more than 100 renowned single malt Scotch whisky distilleries, curating and selling limited-edition whiskies that celebrate craftsmanship and heritage. Housed in a state-of-the-art facility in Scotland, each cask is matured with the singular aim of achieving peak quality at bottling and the bespoke approach to cask care necessitates an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and precision.



Among the Artisan Casks being showcased are: • The Macallan 1993 Artisan Cask No. #305118 • Bowmore 2004 Artisan Cask No. #161217 • Laphroaig 1998 Artisan Cask No. #151785 • Caol Ila 1992 Artisan Cask No. #180965 • Highland Park 2005 Artisan Cask No. #160821 • Mortlach 1991 Artisan Cask No. #304589 • Bunnahabhain 2004 Artisan Cask No. #903350 • Glen Grant 1994 Artisan Cask No. #305100



In addition to its cask programme, the Artisanal Spirits Company owns the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), further enhancing its capability to provide some of the world’s finest whisky experiences through its beautifully appointed clubhouses in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. Artisan Casks is an entry into the world of whisky craftsmanship, inviting aficionados to partake in an extraordinary journey of flavour, artistry, and heritage.



For more information, visit <a href="https://artisanal-spirits.com/artisan-casks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artisanal-spirits.com</a>.



All images courtesy of Artisan Casks.

Artisan Casks

Whisky

Artisan Casks Presents a Curated, Exclusive, and Exquisite New Era in Luxury Whisky Ownership

In the world of whisky, where tradition reigns supreme, a new independent bottler has emerged to challenge the status quo: Expedition Whisky.&nbsp;



Founded in 2023 by father-and-son duo Garth and Dave Dooley, this pioneering brand arrives with a fresh perspective, inviting connoisseurs and newcomers to embark on a journey of whisky exploration, storytelling, and the joy of discovery.



Expedition Whisky’s inaugural release, the Macallan Aged 33 Years, distilled in 1990 and matured in a PX Sherry Hogshead cask, is a remarkable introduction to this adventurous spirit. Bottled at 47.7 percent ABV, only 249 bottles will be available worldwide, making this expression not just a drink, but a rare piece of liquid history.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800774" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Macallan Aged 33 Years is more than just whisky; it embodies rarity and heritage, setting the stage for what Expedition Whisky aims to achieve. “When setting up Expedition Whisky, we wanted it to be an independent bottler that explores Scotland in search of exceptional spirits,” says Dave Dooley. Its Macallan release serves as a tangible symbol of the brand’s commitment to unearthing hidden gems and crafting stories that resonate with every sip.&nbsp;



Expedition Whisky’s portfolio is thoughtfully divided into three distinct collections: Pinnacle, Chronicles, and Meridian. Pinnacle represents the apex of the brand, featuring rare and highly coveted releases like the Macallan Aged 33 Years, catering to the discerning drinker who appreciates not just the spirit, but the rich tapestry of its story. Chronicles encompasses premium, hand-selected expressions that celebrate adventure and storytelling, evoking a sense of timeless exploration. Each bottle tells a tale, inviting drinkers to savour the whisky and the experiences it represents. Meridian serves as a welcoming entry point for those new to whisky. Named after the prime meridian, this collection invites Spirits enthusiasts to step into the world of Expedition Whisky and embark on their own adventure of discovery.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-3-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800775" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-3-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-3-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-3-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-3-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-3-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Bringing depth and expertise to this vision is commercial director Bonnar Fulton, a seasoned figure in the world of whisky with a career spanning some of the industry’s most respected names, including Chivas Brothers and Johnnie Walker. His work across a broad spectrum of the industry, from cask sales to brand development, brings a sharp, intuitive edge to Expedition Whisky’s approach. His passion lies in unearthing rare and remarkable single malts, selecting each cask for its character, provenance, and potential. With an expert eye and a profound respect for tradition, Fulton is helping guide Expedition Whisky into its most exciting chapter yet—ensuring that each bottle is not only exceptional in taste but meaningful in story.&nbsp;



Expedition Whisky’s product design further enhances this narrative of exploration. The Macallan Aged 33 Years is housed in a bespoke illuminated display case that highlights its Speyside origins. Each hand-blown crystal decanter features a compass-inspired stopper. This attention to detail reflects the brand’s commitment to artistry and craftsmanship, ensuring that each release is not just a drinking experience but a celebration of the journey behind it. &nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-4-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800776" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-4-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-4-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-4-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-4-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-4-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As Garth Dooley explains, “We chose The Macallan 1990 as our inaugural release because it symbolises more than just a spirit—it’s a masterpiece, an opening chapter.” It is this ethos that resonates strongly throughout the Expedition Whisky brand, reinforcing the idea that whisky should be an invitation to explore, discover, and connect.&nbsp;



Expedition Whisky seeks to shift the perception of whisky from a traditional spirit to a canvas for exploration. In an age where the whisky landscape is evolving, the Dooley duo brings a refreshing lens to this age-old craft, inviting drinkers to think beyond the bottle and to embrace the stories and experiences that each whisky embodies.&nbsp;



Dave Dooley’s personal journey into whisky began with a fascination sparked by his father’s love for the spirit, and this passion has now blossomed into a mission to create a whisky brand that resonates with the curious and discerning drinker. “Each release, bottled at peak maturation, tells a unique story of character, place, and time,” he says.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-5-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800777" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-5-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-5-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-5-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-5-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ExpeditionWhisky-5-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As Expedition Whisky prepares to launch its inaugural bottling, the brand invites readers to register their interest on their website. It is not just about securing a rare bottle—it’s about joining a community of explorers eager to delve into the world of exceptional whisky. With future releases already in the pipeline, including a 30-year-old Springbank within the Pinnacle collection, Expedition Whisky promises to keep whisky enthusiasts engaged and intrigued. The Macallan Aged 33 Years is a statement piece that marks the beginning of something special, and for those who appreciate the finer things in life, this inaugural release offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of whisky history. 



As the whisky landscape continues to evolve, Expedition Whisky stands at the forefront, merging heritage with modern exploration. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this brand invites you to rethink how independent bottlers curate and share whisky.&nbsp;



If you’re ready to begin your own journey of whisky discovery, visit <a href="https://expeditionwhisky.com/products/acquire" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expeditionwhisky.com</a> to register your interest for the inaugural release, and exclusive updates on those to follow. Join Expedition Whisky as they chart a course through the rich and varied landscape of whisky, where every bottle is an invitation to explore and savour the stories that lie within.&nbsp;



All images courtesy of Expedition Whisky.

Dave Dooley

expedition

Expedition Whisky

Garth Dooley

Macallan

Expedition Whisky Presents a Bold New Chapter in Whisky Exploration 

It’s been a huge year for <a href="https://robbreport.hk/brands/aman/stories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aman</a>, with new <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/aman-rosa-alpina-hotel-italian-dolomites-opening" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">openings</a> and <a href="https://www.aman.com/new-developments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announcements</a> galore to keep the travel schedules of its devoted “Aman Junkies” busy, but the hotel group is far from done, especially when it comes to expanding across Southeast Asia—the birthplace of the brand.



In a move that brings the hotel group to even more urban centres of the world, Singapore will soon receive a lion’s share of “Aman magic” with the opening of <a href="https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-singapore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aman Singapore</a>. Comprising a hotel, branded residences, and a global private members’ club—a concept first introduced at the New York property in 2022—Aman Singapore will reside within the forthcoming Skywaters skyscraper in the Central Business District, soon to be the tallest building in Singapore. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801710" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Living-Area-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Living area of Aman Residences, Singapore.</figcaption></figure>



Aman Singapore will join Aman’s growing portfolio of cosmopolitan properties, closely followed by launches in global cities such as Dubai, Miami, and Beverly Hills—a dramatic shift from the remote, nature-driven resorts that have long been considered the hallmarks of the brand. With Aman Singapore, the hotel group continues to test the theory that its blueprint for elevated, personalised hospitality can flourish anywhere.



Kerry Hill Architects—no stranger to the aesthetic of the Aman brand, having been involved in the planning and design of numerous properties in the past, present, and foreseeable future—has been tapped to bring Aman’s instantly recognisable, effortlessly elegant, and tastefully minimalist interior design philosophy to the Singapore outpost. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801709" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aman Spa House pool.</figcaption></figure>



Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s colonial black-and-white bungalows, the design language will highlight natural materials, textural nuances, and local island influences. Besides an Aman Club and a limited number of Aman Residences, the space will be home to spacious hotel suites, multiple signature dining concepts, and an expansive Aman Spa, featuring what will no doubt become Singapore’s most Instagrammed and sought-after infinity pool.



At this time, Aman is keeping mum on the official opening date for Aman Singapore. Bearing in mind that the 63-storey Skywaters is pencilled in for a 2028 completion date, we imagine the launch of Aman’s debut offering in the Lion City will not trail far behind.



All images courtesy of Aman.

Aman

Aman Singapore

Branded Residences

Kerry Hill Architects

Singapore

Aman Is Opening a New Hotel in Singapore’s Soon-to-Be Tallest Skyscraper

Avoca

Bars

Best Bars

Club Batard

Cruise

Dr Fern

Dr Fern's Gin Parlousk

Drink Scene

drinks

Hong Kong Bars

What’s Happening in Hong Kong’s Drink Scene? The 11 Hottest Bars to Try Right Now

best of experiences

Best of Hospitality

Best of the Best 2026

Best of Travel

Travel Luxury

Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences & Hospitality Edition: Recognising Our Special Guests

For nearly five decades,&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;has been the definitive authority on luxury, curating the finest experiences for those who seek the extraordinary. In honour of this legacy,&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;presents not only the return of the Leaders of Luxury Summit 2025 on 23 October 2025, but also the Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences &amp; Hospitality Edition, a special awards celebration recognising transformative journeys and authentic adventures, showcasing a meticulous selection of destinations, properties, and innovations that redefine the boundaries of opulence in some of the most celebrated locations in the world.&nbsp;



From breathtaking eco-luxury sanctuaries nestled in pristine landscapes to expert-led expeditions unveiling hidden gems, to towering city hotels scraping the skies and divine destinations of breathtaking serenity, each honouree of the Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences &amp; Hospitality Edition represents the pinnacle of excellence in global hospitality, reflecting a commitment to excellence and offering guests a seamless fusion of authenticity, sustainability, and indulgence that resonates with the modern luxury traveller. 



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Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;has scoured the globe to identify properties and services that embody this ethos of excellence, from divine destinations with sweeping vistas to innovative travel companies pushing the boundaries of experiential exploration.&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;collaborated with global&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;editions and industry professionals to ensure a discerning evaluation, underscoring a meticulous process that not only highlights the trailblazers of today but also influences the future of ultra-luxury travel, setting a standard for what it means to deliver unforgettable experiences. On 23 October, we will present the fruits of this labour: a curated collection of destinations and services that inspire wanderlust and elevate the art of travel to new heights. Our selection offers readers an exclusive “behind-the-red-rope” glimpse into the most exciting developments in the travel and hospitality industry.



Set against Hong Kong’s skyscrapers in the heart of the city, this event at The Murray, Hong Kong promises an evening of elegance, inspiration, and celebration, uniting industry luminaries, passionate travellers, and visionaries who share a love for life’s most exquisite moments.&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong’s Leaders of Luxury Summit 2025 will begin the day with thought-provoking panels and insightful spotlight, leading into the highly anticipated Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences &amp; Hospitality Awards Presentation, where this year’s winners will be revealed in a setting as extraordinary as the honourees themselves.



As the sun goes down, esteemed VIP guests will flow into the ballroom at The Murray, Hong Kong for the Best of the Best 2026 Black-Tie Gala Dinner for a night of celebration, a sensorial delight filled with gourmet cuisine, world-class wines, whiskies, and Champagnes, and entertainment. Hosted by&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;for the fourth consecutive year, this glittering gala dinner promises an atmosphere of elegance and anticipation as attendees raise a toast to the winners who have redefined and bolstered luxury travel. Fireside chats and international guest speakers will add depth to the evening, offering insights into the trends and innovations fuelling the luxury hospitality and travel industry forward.



Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences &amp; Hospitality Edition promises to be a testament to the enduring allure of luxury travel, where the pursuit of the extraordinary is both an art and a privilege. Join us for an evening that honours the trailblazers who have elevated the industry to new heights. Whether it’s the eco-luxury sanctuary that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings or the bespoke expedition that unveils a destination’s true soul, these honourees remind us that travel is not just about where you go but how you experience it. Not only will the evening honour the best in travel, but also the best in life. It’s a fitting tribute to the joy of discovery and luxury without compromise—all part of the ethos of&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;for nearly fifty remarkable years.



For more information, visit <a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/lolux-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rr1hongkong.com</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="543" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOLUX-Sponsors-1910-543x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802371" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOLUX-Sponsors-1910-543x1024.jpg 543w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOLUX-Sponsors-1910-159x300.jpg 159w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOLUX-Sponsors-1910-768x1450.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOLUX-Sponsors-1910-814x1536.jpg 814w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOLUX-Sponsors-1910-1085x2048.jpg 1085w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOLUX-Sponsors-1910-scaled.jpg 1356w" sizes="(max-width: 543px) 100vw, 543px" /></figure>

Hospitality

Leaders of Luxury

Leaders of Luxury Summit 2025

Robb Report Hong Kong

3 Days to Go Until Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences & Hospitality Edition & Leaders of Luxury Summit 2025

Candlelight flickered across the glassy heights of Marylebone Square’s newly unveiled penthouse, London’s vibrant heart sprawling below. Here, an intimate assembly of wine and spirits connoisseurs, industry leaders, and guests gathered for a singular celebration:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gordonandmacphail.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gordon &amp; MacPhail</a>—Scotland’s legendary custodians of whisky heritage—unveiling a spirit shaped by more than a century of patient vision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inside The Event</h2>



“Tonight is about the pursuit of perfection—a phrase made tangible in the architecture, hospitality, and, above all, these extraordinary whiskies Gordon &amp; MacPhail have brought to Marylebone,” remarked Gavin de Klerk, Development Director of Concord London, as Opus 11’s cuisine, led by CEO Joshua Karlsen, set the stage for an evening where history would be poured by the glass.



At the heart of the gathering stood Stephen Rankin, fourth-generation Urquhart and family torchbearer. Raising a glass, he set the tone: “Whisky is a wonderful catalyst—it unites us at special moments. For us, it has always been about the pursuit of perfection. Perhaps you’ll find a little of that in these glasses tonight.”



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234801931" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM00666-copy-2.jpg-683x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801931" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM00666-copy-2.jpg-683x1024.webp 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM00666-copy-2.jpg-200x300.webp 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM00666-copy-2.jpg-768x1152.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM00666-copy-2.jpg-1024x1536.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM00666-copy-2.jpg.webp 1181w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234801932" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM01303-copy-3.jpg-683x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801932" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM01303-copy-3.jpg-683x1024.webp 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM01303-copy-3.jpg-200x300.webp 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM01303-copy-3.jpg-768x1152.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM01303-copy-3.jpg-1024x1536.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GAM01303-copy-3.jpg.webp 1181w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Liquid Legacy</h2>



The tasting commenced with rare cask samples, each chosen to honour an anniversary, birth year, or treasured milestone. Strathisla 1976, celebrating the founding year of Robb Report, dazzled with ripe apricot and polished oak. Longmorn 1968—drawn from a first-fill sherry cask—saluted both this author’s birth year and the launch of Connoisseur’s Choice, a pioneering range that preserved single malts from obscurity. Mortlach 1988, the “Beast of Dufftown,” offered three decades of waxy power, echoing Robb Report UK CEO Adam Fox’s earliest F1 memories at Silverstone and recalling the 2010 launch of the legendary 70-year-old Mortlach.



Rankin’s passion for whisky selection came alive: “Pairing spirit with cask is a bit like a dating app—you want characters who can spend a long, happy life together. Selecting the right cask is an art—a balance of spirit, wood, and patience. Time is the rarest gift we possess—and sharing it over whisky is truly special.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1280-x-800-v-1@2x.jpg-1024x640.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801947" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1280-x-800-v-1@2x.jpg-1024x640.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1280-x-800-v-1@2x.jpg-300x188.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1280-x-800-v-1@2x.jpg-768x480.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1280-x-800-v-1@2x.jpg-1536x960.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1280-x-800-v-1@2x.jpg-2048x1280.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Philosophy in Practice</h2>



Between pours, Rankin reflected on Gordon &amp; MacPhail’s role as imaginative Scotch pioneers. “In the nineteenth century, John Walker, Chivas Brothers, Dewar’s, Bell’s, Ballantine’s—all began as grocers. Our shop in Elgin, the ‘Harrods of the North’, set new standards for excellence.” Across wars, depressions and Prohibition, the Urquhart family laid down casks, building what became a “liquid library” unrivalled in Scotch.



What truly sets Gordon &amp; MacPhail apart is their discipline in selecting casks and filling them with new make spirit from partner distilleries—guaranteeing provenance, consistency, and unmatched quality. This practice, unchanged for over a century, shifted in 2023 as the family focused exclusively on family-owned Benromach and The Cairn Distilleries, bringing every stage of production under their personal stewardship and writing a bold new chapter in Scotch heritage.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" data-id="1234801939" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GordonsMacphail_Bottle_Detail_Bottom_F3-1-2048x2048-1-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801939" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GordonsMacphail_Bottle_Detail_Bottom_F3-1-2048x2048-1-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GordonsMacphail_Bottle_Detail_Bottom_F3-1-2048x2048-1-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GordonsMacphail_Bottle_Detail_Bottom_F3-1-2048x2048-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GordonsMacphail_Bottle_Detail_Bottom_F3-1-2048x2048-1-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GordonsMacphail_Bottle_Detail_Bottom_F3-1-2048x2048-1-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GordonsMacphail_Bottle_Detail_Bottom_F3-1-2048x2048-1.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Miracle in Oak</h2>



The evening’s crescendo arrived with Glenlivet 1940—an 85-year-old single malt, distilled as the world stood on the brink of war, and now the oldest of its kind ever bottled. “We didn’t know what flag would fly over Scotland by year’s end. By rights, this whisky shouldn’t exist—but here it is,” Rankin shared. That February, sherry casks arrived from Jerez to Elgin, filled and safely stored as conflict raged. Through wartime rationing and decades of evaporation, survival was nothing short of miraculous.



The whisky’s decanter, “Artistry in Oak,” is itself an objet d’art—a mouth-blown crystal designed by architect Jeanne Gang, supported by four bronze branches to honour generations of Urquhart stewardship. Just 125 decanters exist; the first reserved for charity, supporting reforestation in the UK and US. Each comes with an acorn carved from the original cask’s oak—a living link to four centuries past.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="731" height="1024" data-id="1234801943" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_0564.jpg-731x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801943" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_0564.jpg-731x1024.webp 731w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_0564.jpg-214x300.webp 214w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_0564.jpg-768x1076.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_0564.jpg-1097x1536.webp 1097w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_0564.jpg.webp 1181w" sizes="(max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jeanne Gang.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="731" height="1024" data-id="1234801942" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_1529.jpg-731x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801942" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_1529.jpg-731x1024.webp 731w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_1529.jpg-214x300.webp 214w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_1529.jpg-768x1076.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_1529.jpg-1097x1536.webp 1097w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250416_GordonMacphail_Gang_1529.jpg.webp 1181w" sizes="(max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px" /></figure>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tasting the Past</h2>



When Glenlivet 1940 was finally poured, reverence filled the room. The nose revealed apricot compote, soft leather, cinnamon, orchard fruit, and autumnal plum. The palate defied its age: vibrant and persistent, at 43.7% ABV. “It doesn’t crumble; it’s elegant and enduring. Everything about this defies logic,” marvelled Rankin. Of the 125 “Artistry in Oak” decanters, only fifteen remain, each priced at £125,000 and accompanied by exclusive tastings and a personal invitation to experience Gordon &amp; MacPhail’s Speyside heartland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lasting Impact</h2>



As the last golden drops lingered and conversation subsided, Rankin reflected: “For 130 years, Gordon &amp; MacPhail has quietly shaped Scotch—a family at the heart of single malt. Our aim isn’t merely to create history, but to pay it forward—auction proceeds support forestry and rewilding, ensuring these oaks stand tall for generations to come.”



In whisky, as in life, legacy is carved from endurance and skill. “Artistry in Oak” is not just a bottle, but a testament to the time, patience and imagination that define both a family and the finest Scotch.



Lewis Chester DipWSET is a London-based wine and rare spirit collector and writer, a member of the Académie du Champagne and Chevaliers du Tastevin, co-founder of Liquid Icons, and, with Sasha Lushnikov, founder of The Golden Vines® Awards. He is also Honorary President and Head of Fundraising at the Gérard Basset Foundation, supporting global diversity &amp; inclusivity in wine, spirits and hospitality. The Golden Vines® 2025 will take place in Miami, USA, 7–9 November 2025. Register your interest at Liquid Icons.

Gavin de Klerk

Joshua Karlsen

Stephen Rankin

Urquhard

Artistry in Oak: Whisky, Time, and the Unveiling of History

Experiences

HK event

Hong Kong event

speakers

Meet the Distinguished Speakers of the Leaders of Luxury Summit 2025 at Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences & Hospitality Edition

Aston Martin

Bentley

Hypercar

Lamborghini

luxury car

motors

Rolls-Royce

The Best in Wheels 2025, From the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II and Aston Martin Vantage to Porsche 911 S/T

It has taken its time, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martin-reveals-production-valhalla-supercar-1234624583/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin Valhalla</a>&nbsp;has finally made it to the finished line.



The British marque just unveiled the production version of its eagerly anticipated&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/plug-in-hybrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;supercar. The futuristic speed machine will launch as part of the automaker’s 2026 model class and is somehow more impressive than what was originally promised.



The Valhalla made its debut way back in 2019 in the guise of the AM-RB 03 concept. Five years is a significant chunk of time and it should come as no surprise that the supercar has evolved in that time, even since the production version was first teased in 2021. Sure, the finished version of the car may look about the same, but thanks to the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martins-formula-1-team-helped-develop-valhalla-supercar-1235041677/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">help of the automaker’s Formula 1 team</a>&nbsp;the hardware is different—and more powerful.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794261" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2026 <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/aston-martin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin</a> Valhalla. Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



The big story with any supercar is bound to be the powertrain, and the Valhalla is no different. At the centre of the plug-in hybrid setup is a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8. It’s similar to the mill found in the DBX707 but has a flat-plane crank, dry-sump lubrication system, reworked pistons, and bespoke ignition system. Thanks to these changes the engine, which is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, makes 817 hp, which is 77 hp more than the brand said it was targeting in 2021.



That figure alone would make the Valhalla potent, but its powertrain also includes three electric motors, one more than was supposed to be present in 2021. Two of the motors are positioned on the front axle (which gives the car all-wheel drive) and the other is integrated into the transmission and acts as a starter generator. The trio gets its juice from a 6.0-kWh battery pack that can be recharged while decelerating. Thanks to the motors the vehicle can also operate in EV mode, in which it can cover 8.6 miles at speeds of up to 80 mph.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794262" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



When the engine and all three motors are working together output comes to a combined 1,064 hp and 811 ft lbs of torque. The first figure is 127 hp more than the number quoted in 2021 (937 hp), meaning the powertrain is nearly 14 per cent more powerful than expected. Performance numbers remain the same, but it’s hard to imagine anyone complaining. Aston Martin says the Valhalla can rocket from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph.



That last number is helped by the Valhalla’s rather aggressive aero kit. The vehicle, as is increasingly common in its class, looks like a LMDh prototype racer with slightly cleaner, more attractive lines. It sits low to the ground, has a wide-mouth grille, sculpted curves, and an active rear wing that can elevate up to 10 inches up into the air. These elements combine to produce 1,323 pounds of downforce once you reach 149 mph, helping keep the car glued to the road. It’s also equipped with a set of forward-hinted dihedral doors that open up to reveal a surprisingly minimalist interior. The cabin lacks the flare of the exterior, but the flat-bottomed steering wheel and simplified digital screen setup are nice touches.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794263" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



The Valhalla is a 2026 model and because of that it won’t go into production until the latter half of next year. The marque plans to build just 999 examples of its electrified supercar, which will likely sell quick. No final price has been announced, but it’s previously been speculated that it would cost between US$800,000 (approximately HK$6.21 million) and US$1 million (approximately HK$7.77 million).



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-production-ready-2026-aston-martin-valhalla-1236116968" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the 2026 Aston Martin Valhalla.

hybrid

Supercar

Aston Martin Just Unveiled Its First Plug-In Hybrid Supercar

The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/drive-1932-maybach-zeppelin-ds8-1235849622/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maybach Zeppelin</a>&nbsp;was first shown in 1928 with a 7.0-litre V-12 that made 150 horsepower, a stunning figure for the time, and still impressive 50 years later. Nowadays, the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/how-mercedes-maybach-came-back-from-the-dead-1235696422/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-Maybach</a>&nbsp;S680 has a 6.0-litre V-12 engine making over four times that amount of power. The marque just released a new V12 Edition of the car to celebrate the legacy.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes</a>–<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/maybach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maybach</a> V12 Edition debuted on Tuesday in Italy and has details like 24-carat gold in places and special badging, including an emblem that is inspired by that of the hood ornament on the Maybach Zeppelin. The two-tone paint, in colours of olive metallic and obsidian black metallic, takes 10 days to apply, the company says, which is double the time it takes to do the paint on an ordinary <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-maybach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-Maybach</a> S680.



Inside, there is a leather colored in “exclusive” saddle brown, as well as bespoke Champagne flutes, a handcrafted steering wheel, and various other emblems. The key box is also handcrafted, and the key ring is unique, which is a detail you can tell the person you may be gifting the car to.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="577" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25C0251_005-e1758726168693.jpg-1-1024x577.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801608" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25C0251_005-e1758726168693.jpg-1-1024x577.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25C0251_005-e1758726168693.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25C0251_005-e1758726168693.jpg-1-768x433.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25C0251_005-e1758726168693.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition badging. Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications &amp; Marketing</figcaption></figure>



The V12 Edition is powered by the aforementioned V-12, which sends the car from a stop to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds. That isn’t as fast as a supercar but is pretty quick for a vehicle that weighs over two-and-a-half tons. The top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph.&nbsp;



Mercedes said it will make just 50 examples of the V12 Edition. The brand did not share how much it will cost, but it will likely be more than a base C-Class. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class starts at around a quarter-million dollars, so we can also assume it’s more than that, too, and perhaps much more. Customers can expect to take delivery of the car this fall.



“As the embodiment of a high-quality travel and representation vehicle—as well as a sporty type for the passionate sportsman—the ʻMaybach-Zeppelinʼ is the ultimate automobile of wish fulfilment, characterised by distinguished elegance and power,” a brochure about the Maybach Zeppelin said at the time of its release. Almost a century later, Mercedes is still going for the same ideal.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/mercedes-maybach-v12-edition-photos-1237088997/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition.

Limited Edition

Maybach

mercedes

Mercedes-Maybach

Only 50 Mercedes-Maybach V12 Editions Will Be Made

Sure, you can drive the&nbsp;<a href="http://google.com/search?q=lamborghini+sterrato+robbreport&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;oq=lamborghini+sterrato+robbreport&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKABMgkIAhAhGAoYoAEyCQgDECEYChigATIJCAQQIRgKGKABMgkIBRAhGAoYoAEyBwgGECEYqwIyBwgHECEYjwLSAQg1OTAyajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato</a>&nbsp;off-road, but the latest Raging Bull can be taken off land completely.



The Italian supercar maker has teamed up with Cayago for a special edition of the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/best-water-gear-for-entertainment-1235821301/2-superyacht-seat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ubiquitous Seabob</a>. The German company says the latest version of its battery-powered <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/personal-watercraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personal watercraft</a> is also its most powerful model yet.



This isn’t the first time&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/lamborghini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamborghini</a>&nbsp;has built a supercar for the sea. Earlier this decade, the automaker teamed up with Tecnomar for a 4,000-hp sport yacht called the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/new-63-foot-lamborghini-yacht-supercar-1234624181/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamborghini 63</a>. The new Seabob Special Edition 63 (or SE63)—1963 was the year Lamborghini transitioned from making tractors to sports cars—isn’t anywhere near as powerful but is also a decidedly more accessible type of water toy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-3.jpg-1-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801660" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-3.jpg-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-3.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-3.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-3.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cayago Seabob SE63 for Automobili Lamborghini. Image courtesy of Lamborghini</figcaption></figure>



The collaboration is based on the current-generation Seabob F9, which was actually designed with the help of Studio F.A. Porsche, <a href="https://newatlas.com/boats-watersports/high-power-seabob-se63-jet-sled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Newatlas</a>. The newer watercraft features a subtly reworked look that includes nods to Lamborghini’s current crop of supercars, including an angular fascia inspired by that of the <a href="http://google.com/search?q=lamborghini+revuelto+robbreport&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;oq=lamborghini+revuelto+robbreport&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MgYIARBFGDzSAQg1Njg3ajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revuelto</a> and hexagonal headlamps similar to those found on the <a href="http://google.com/search?q=lamborghini+temerario+robbreport&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;oq=lamborghini+temerario+robbreport&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDzSAQgzNzA5ajBqNKgCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Temerario</a>. It also comes in a slew of bold colours that were dreamt up in Sant’Agata Bolognese, including Arancio Egon (orange), Verde Gea (bronze green), Grigio Lynx (grey), Verde Selvans (neon green), Giallo (yellow), and Bianco Siderale (white).



The SE63 also packs plenty of power, by Cayago standards. The electric motor in the latest Seabob makes 8.4 hp. That is nothing compared to the Temerario (907 hp) or Revuelto (1,001 hp), but neither of those can operate underwater. That figure is also significantly more than the other Seabobs currently on the market, the F9 and F9S, which make 3.5 hp and 4.8 hp, respectively. The bigger motor does mean that the SE63 weighs 20 pounds more than the rest of the Cayago lineup, but it can still reach a speed of up to 22 mph, dive to a depth of 25 meters (roughly 82 feet), and run for 60 minutes on a single charge.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-1.jpg-1-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801661" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-1.jpg-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-1.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-1.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lamborghini-cayago-seabob-se63-1.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The SE63 can reach speeds of up to 22 mph. Image courtesy of Lamborghini</figcaption></figure>



Intrigued? Neither Lamborghini nor Cayago has announced how much the SE63 will cost just yet. The F9 starts at US$10,725 (approximately HK$83,445) and the F9S at US$14,465 (approximately HK$112,565), so a price well north of the latter seems likely.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-lamborghini-cayago-se63-most-powerful-seabob-1237037862" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Cayago Seabob SE63 for Automobili Lamborghini.

Scooter

underwater scooter

Lamborghini’s First Underwater Scooter Is One of the Most Powerful Ever

A&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mansour-ojjeh-orange-mclaren-collection-1236857390/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collection of 20 pristine McLarens</a>&nbsp;owned by the late&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/mclaren-formula-one-owner-sells-his-california-ranch-for-110-million-2842941/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mansour Ojjeh</a>&nbsp;has found a buyer—but who it is is anyone’s guess for now.



Ojjeh, who died in 2021, was a French-Saudi billionaire and former CEO of the TAG Group who spent decades building the collection after a chance meeting with former&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mclaren/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McLaren</a>&nbsp;CEO Ron Dennis following the Italian Grand Prix.



Ojjeh encouraged Dennis and legendary designer <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gordon-murray-easier-win-f1-le-mans-1236196912/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gordon Murray</a> to develop a road-going car, too, which ended up being the F1, one of the greatest cars ever built. Ojjeh’s 20-car collection includes a 1998 F1, in addition to numerous cars from McLaren history, ending with a 2023 Elva. Nearly all of them are in a colour now known as “Mansour Orange,” but originally named for a dessert wine. 



Only two of the cars have actually been driven, including the F1, which has around 1,100 miles on the odometer, and a P1 GTR that was run on the track. Lewis Hamilton drove Ojjeh’s kids around in that latter car,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedrive.com/news/worlds-greatest-mclaren-collection-scooped-by-single-undisclosed-buyer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to&nbsp;The Drive</a>. The rest of the cars are in “factory-delivered condition.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ojjeh07.jpg-1-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801285" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ojjeh07.jpg-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ojjeh07.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ojjeh07.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ojjeh07.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Tom Hartley Jnr</figcaption></figure>



When the collection was put up for sale earlier this year, it seemed likely that it might be sold for parts, since a collection of this size and provenance was <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/formula1/single-buyer-snaps-up-ojjehs-mclaren-collection-2025-08-27/#:~:text=A%20value%20of%20more%20than,come%20off%20the%20production%20line." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said to be worth at least US$70 million</a> (approximately HK$544.63 million), which disqualifies all but the wealthiest buyers. Now, though, the broker working on the sale said the entire collection has been sold to one person.



“I am very pleased to share the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">news</a> that we have agreed a sale of the Mansour Ojjeh McLaren Collection in its entirety to a single buyer,” Tom Hartley, Jr, the broker on the sale, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DN2-Re2WAmW/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said on Instagram</a>. “Despite receiving several world-record offers for individual chassis, both the Ojjeh family and our team were committed to keeping this remarkable collection together as one complete and historic ensemble.”



The name of the buyer was not disclosed, nor was the price. The collection includes the aforementioned F1, P1 GTR, and Elva, in addition to a 2021 Sabre, 2021 Speedtail, 2015 P1, three 2020 Sennas, 2021 620R, 2016 650S Can-Am Spider, two 2016 675LTs, 2016 688 MSO HS, two 2020 600LTs, 2022 765LT Coupe, 2023 765LT Spider, 2015 650S Le Mans, and 2022 720S Le Mans.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-mansour-ojjeh-mclaren-collection-for-sale-1236857654/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of Mansour Ojjeh’s McLaren collection.

Mansour Oijeh

McLaren

McLaren Collection

The World’s Greatest McLaren Collection Was Just Snapped Up by an Anonymous Buyer

Yangwang just set a new top speed record with its&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/byds-electric-yangwang-u9-supercar-1235525797/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">all-electric U9 hypercar</a>, going 293.5 mph in a speed test and making it what the Chinese marque says is the world’s fastest EV.



The U9 costs something like a quarter-million dollars, and it originally&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/byd-yangwang-u9-244-mph-top-speed-faster-than-thought-1235993208/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">set out to go just 192 mph</a>&nbsp;when it was first announced. That number was clearly lowballing it a little bit, as&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/yangwang-u9-233-mph-worlds-third-fastest-ev-1235811600/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the car went 233 mph</a>&nbsp;within months. Then the hypercar&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/byd-yangwang-u9-244-mph-top-speed-faster-than-thought-1235993208/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">went 244 mph</a>&nbsp;later last year, behind, among EVs, only the Aspark Owl, which has gone 272.6 mph, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rimacs-all-electric-nevera-r-new-world-record-1236876767/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rimac Nevera R</a>, which has gone 268 mph.



The U9 has now surpassed those cars during a run at a track in Germany earlier this month. The 2,959 horsepower (you read that right) U9 Track Edition did the run powered by its four electric motors on 8 August, with Yangwang <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiDflyT95E0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">publishing a video to prove it</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="577" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pic-3-20250808_Yangwang-4-1-e1756304893926.jpg-1024x577.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801326" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pic-3-20250808_Yangwang-4-1-e1756304893926.jpg-1024x577.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pic-3-20250808_Yangwang-4-1-e1756304893926.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pic-3-20250808_Yangwang-4-1-e1756304893926.jpg-768x433.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pic-3-20250808_Yangwang-4-1-e1756304893926.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Yangwang U9. Image courtesy of Yangwang</figcaption></figure>



The hypercar achieved that 293.5 mph with a torque-vectoring system that, impressively, can change the amount of torque to each individual wheel up to 100 times per second. That is fast enough to be almost continuous, meaning the car is constantly monitoring grip and optimising power to change wheel speeds virtually instantaneously to go ever faster.



A separate system does something similar for the suspension, Yangwang says, performing “rapid, independent vertical adjustments to the suspension at each corner of the vehicle during aggressive acceleration and cornering, or on uneven surfaces.” When it comes to extreme speeds, having the right tires is just as important, and Yangwang teamed up with the Indonesian tire company Giti on a semi-slick tire specifically for the test.



It’s a little complicated when it comes to actual EV speed records, with Guinness&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/497665-fastest-electric-car-non-fia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recognising</a>&nbsp;the Venturi Buckeye Bullet 3 as the current holder. The Venturi Buckeye Bullet 3 went 341.3 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2016, though that Buckeye Bullet 3 isn’t a road-going car so much as a vehicle expressly designed to break land speed records. The U9 also apparently only did its run in one direction,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a65899841/yangwang-u9-top-speed-record-293-mph/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as&nbsp;Car and Driver&nbsp;pointed out</a>, when record runs typically go once in opposite directions. Still, the U9 is indisputably fast.



“Last year, I thought I’d peaked,” Marc Basseng, the German driver who previously took the U9 to 244 mph,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bydukmedia.com/en/news-articles/yangwang-u9-track-edition-sets-new-global-ev-top-speed-record-472.41-km/h.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said in a statement</a>. “I never expected to break my own record so soon—but here we are, at the same track, with new technologies that have made it possible.”

Fastest EV

Yangwang

Yangwang’s 2,959 HP Hypercar Just Became the World’s Fastest EV

<a href="https://www.kempinski.com/en/bali" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Apurva Kempinski Bali</a>, a luxury resort celebrated for its dedication to showcasing Indonesia’s vibrant cultural tapestry, is set to unveil <a href="https://www.kempinski.com/en/the-apurva-kempinski-bali/luxury-spa/special-offer/mauna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mauna–The Art of Silence</a> this October. Nestled where emerald rice terraces meet the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, this groundbreaking wellness experience redefines the essence of silence and tranquillity. Drawing inspiration from Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence, this innovative, holistic programme invites guests to embark on a journey of mindfulness and spiritual reconnection.



Mauna, derived from the Sanskrit word for “silence,” transcends the concept of a mere wellness retreat. It is an immersive experience that encourages participants to step away from the clamour of daily life and embrace deep introspection. Rooted in traditional Balinese practices, where the Day of Silence fosters self-reflection, purification, and spiritual renewal, the island pauses, allowing inhabitants and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a day devoid of sound, light, and activity—an environment primed for inward exploration.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS-1024x768.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801125" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Apurva Spa.</figcaption></figure>



Ira Maharani, director of the <a href="https://www.kempinski.com/en/the-apurva-kempinski-bali/luxury-spa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apurva Spa</a>, articulates the vision behind Mauna, explaining that “Mauna is an opportunity for us to inspire the world by sharing Bali’s spiritual depth.” By weaving together gentle breathwork, guided meditation, and mindful movement, Mauna equips participants with the necessary tools to achieve emotional balance, clarity, and a deeper connection to their authentic selves, as the programme is meticulously crafted to create a sanctuary where guests can discover the restorative power of silence.



Upon arriving at the Apurva Spa, guests are greeted by breathtaking vistas of the serene ocean, setting the stage for a holistic retreat that marries luxury with spirituality. Apurva Spa itself is a haven dedicated to wellness, embodying the Indonesian proverb “rupasampat wahyabiantara,” which underscores that true beauty arises from harmony between our outer and inner selves. Every element of the Mauna experience is curated to align mind, body, and spirit, ensuring participants depart not only rejuvenated but also enriched with a deeper understanding of themselves and their surroundings.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801124" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Apurva-Kempinski_Apurva-Spa_RS2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Apurva Spa.</figcaption></figure>



Guided by seasoned practitioners, Mauna sessions blend local wisdom with contemporary mindfulness techniques, honouring Balinese cultural heritage while elevating the wellness experience. Unlike conventional wellness programmes that often prioritise physical exertion, Mauna invites participants to engage with silence as a pathway to inner realignment, allowing guests to explore their thoughts, confront their emotions, and ultimately find peace within.



Vincent Guironnet,&nbsp;general&nbsp;manager of <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/what-its-like-to-stay-at-the-apurva-kempinski-bali-where-majesty-meets-the-divine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Apurva Kempinski Bali</a>, echoes Ira Maharani’s sentiments, expressing hope that guests will forge a profound connection between Bali’s sacred essence, the transformative powers of Nyepi, and their personal journeys. “It’s about more than silence; it’s about discovering meaning and harmony within,” he says, and this philosophy resonates deeply with the ethos of the Apurva Spa. Every treatment and ritual honours the island’s spiritual legacy while offering a luxurious escape, aligning seamlessly with the growing global demand for transformative wellness experiences, reflecting a shift in how individuals prioritise mental and emotional well-being.



Mauna is not merely a fleeting retreat funnelled from what’s trending on the spa scene. It provides a portable framework for inner peace that extends far beyond one’s stay,&nbsp;based on the rich cultural heritage of the land and the seas. Participants leave equipped with mindfulness practices and breathing techniques to integrate into their daily lives, fostering a lasting commitment to wellness and self-discovery.



In an era where the noises of modern life can feel overwhelming, Mauna serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of stillness, quietude, and reflection. It invites guests to disconnect from devices and the hustle of everyday responsibilities, focusing instead on their inner landscapes. As Mauna prepares for its debut, anticipation for this innovative wellness experience is palpable. By intertwining a commitment to wellness with a dedication to preserving Indonesia’s rich heritage, this novel concept offers guests an opportunity to embark on a sacred journey that honours the past while embracing the present.



As the programme launches, Mauna promises to become a cherished cornerstone of Bali’s wellness offerings, reflecting the island’s spiritual depth and the universal human need for introspection and peace. In the embrace of silence, where the world’s cacophony fades, a sacred sanctuary unfolds, nurturing inner peace and profound, soulful wellness.



For more information on the Mauna retreat programme and bookings, click <a href="https://www.kempinski.com/en/the-apurva-kempinski-bali/luxury-spa/special-offer/mauna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.

Bali

Bali resort

Kempinski

Luxury Travel

Mauna

Resort

wellness

Discover the Art of Silence and Embrace Serenity With Mauna, a Holistic Wellness Experience at The Apurva Kempinski Bali

Arsenale Group

Best of the Best 2026 Travel Experiences & Hospitality Edition

Leaders of Luxury Summit

Luxury Summit

Paolo Barletta

Robb Report

Summit

Robb Report Hong Kong Celebrates the Winners of Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences & Hospitality Edition and the 2nd Edition of Leaders of Luxury Summit

This October, The House Collective is reborn as <a href="https://www.upperhouse.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upper House</a>, a bold global rebrand that unifies all existing and upcoming properties under the single brand while amplifying its resonance and remaining steadfast to its “Houses not Hotels” ethos.



Upper House has long epitomised luxury hospitality, its very name conjuring refined living spaces that feel intimate, like cherished homes rather than transient hotels. This philosophy has cemented its place in the rarefied world of high-end travel, where discerning guests seek sanctuaries woven with personal narratives.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="962" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02_Upper-House-Hong-Kong_RS-1024x962.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801877" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02_Upper-House-Hong-Kong_RS-1024x962.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02_Upper-House-Hong-Kong_RS-300x282.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02_Upper-House-Hong-Kong_RS-768x721.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02_Upper-House-Hong-Kong_RS-1536x1442.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02_Upper-House-Hong-Kong_RS.jpeg 1704w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Upper House Hong Kong.</figcaption></figure>



Leading this charge is&nbsp;Upper House Hong Kong, a beacon of architectural ingenuity and heartfelt service. Ranked among the World’s 50 Best Hotels—securing a top-five spot for two consecutive years—and adorned with two prestigious Michelin Keys, it sets the tone for the brand’s global ambition. Upon entering, guests are enveloped in a sensory embrace, invited to unwind, savour, and feel utterly at ease.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-172 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234801832" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03_Upper-House-Chengdu_RS-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801832" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03_Upper-House-Chengdu_RS-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03_Upper-House-Chengdu_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03_Upper-House-Chengdu_RS-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03_Upper-House-Chengdu_RS-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03_Upper-House-Chengdu_RS.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Upper House Chengdu.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234801836" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/04_Upper-House-Shanghai_RS-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801836" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/04_Upper-House-Shanghai_RS-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/04_Upper-House-Shanghai_RS-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/04_Upper-House-Shanghai_RS-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/04_Upper-House-Shanghai_RS.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Upper House Shanghai.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



The rebrand unifies a stellar portfolio, encompassing existing Houses in Hong Kong, Chengdu, and Shanghai, now seamlessly integrated under the Upper House marque. Upper House Chengdu, with its One Michelin Key, channels Chengdu’s ancient Sichuanese heritage through a contemporary lens, while Upper House Shanghai, also holding a One Michelin Key, blends Shanghai’s Art Deco elegance with modern sophistication. These accolades underscore the brand’s commitment to authentic, refined experiences across diverse markets. The rebrand also extends to serviced apartments—now Upper House Apartments—and fuels an ambitious pipeline of future openings, fostering synergy across all properties.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-173 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="443" data-id="1234801856" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_Upper-House-Xian_Rendering-01_RS-1024x443.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801856" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_Upper-House-Xian_Rendering-01_RS-1024x443.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_Upper-House-Xian_Rendering-01_RS-300x130.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_Upper-House-Xian_Rendering-01_RS-768x332.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_Upper-House-Xian_Rendering-01_RS-1536x665.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_Upper-House-Xian_Rendering-01_RS-2048x887.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Upper House Xi’an.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234801829" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/05_Upper-House-Shenzhen_Rendering-02_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801829" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/05_Upper-House-Shenzhen_Rendering-02_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/05_Upper-House-Shenzhen_Rendering-02_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/05_Upper-House-Shenzhen_Rendering-02_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/05_Upper-House-Shenzhen_Rendering-02_RS-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/05_Upper-House-Shenzhen_Rendering-02_RS-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Upper House Shenzhen.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



Marking a pivotal phase of international growth with the debut of Upper House Residences Bangkok, set for 2029. This venture reflects the surging demand for branded residences tied to trusted luxury names, offering buyers a seamless fusion of world-class amenities, services, and property management. Upper House Residences will embody the brand’s unscripted hospitality, extending its signature guest experience into residential living. Further debuts include Upper House Shenzhen in 2027, Upper House Xi’an in 2028, and Upper House Tokyo in 2029, each weaving the brand’s intuitive elegance into new cultural tapestries.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/07_Upper-House-Tokyo_Rendering_RS-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801830" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/07_Upper-House-Tokyo_Rendering_RS-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/07_Upper-House-Tokyo_Rendering_RS-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/07_Upper-House-Tokyo_Rendering_RS-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/07_Upper-House-Tokyo_Rendering_RS-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/07_Upper-House-Tokyo_Rendering_RS-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/07_Upper-House-Tokyo_Rendering_RS.jpg 1599w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Upper House Tokyo.</figcaption></figure>



At the heart of Upper House’s allure lies its devotion to authenticity. No two Houses are alike; each is a bespoke reflection of its locale’s spirit. Hong Kong’s minimalist elegance pulses with the city’s dynamic energy, Chengdu’s offering marries heritage with modernity, and Shanghai’s fuses a modern contemporain flair with cosmopolitan polish. This philosophy permeates cuisine, wellness, and design, where local artisans infuse warmth, transforming guests into residents of a moment. Upper House’s unscripted approach shuns rigid protocols, favouring intuitive, personal interactions that anticipate desires with quiet grace.



“The rebrand heralds a new chapter for Upper House as a singular, iconic brand, bringing our philosophy to new cities with the same passion, precision, and remarkable people who’ve shaped our vision for nearly two decades,” says Dean Winter, managing director of Swire Hotels. “Our Houses embody luxury living—unexpected, personal, and unforgettable—where thoughtful design and genuine hospitality converge to create lasting memories.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/08_Upper-House-Residences-Bangkok_Rendering-02_RS-1024x576.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801831" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/08_Upper-House-Residences-Bangkok_Rendering-02_RS-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/08_Upper-House-Residences-Bangkok_Rendering-02_RS-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/08_Upper-House-Residences-Bangkok_Rendering-02_RS-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/08_Upper-House-Residences-Bangkok_Rendering-02_RS-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/08_Upper-House-Residences-Bangkok_Rendering-02_RS-2048x1152.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Upper House Residences Bangkok.</figcaption></figure>



The narrative’s most exhilarating chapter unfolds in Southeast Asia with Upper House Residences Bangkok, slated for 2030. Marking the brand’s regional debut and its first foray into residential offerings, these residences expand the “Houses not Hotels” mantra into permanent abodes. These perfectly appointed residences are available for outright purchase, granting owners access to Upper House’s world-class hospitality.



Upper House’s expansion signals an ambition to redefine luxury beyond transient stays, inviting individuals to invest in lifestyles as personal as they are prestigious. In an era where authenticity reigns supreme, Upper House Residences stands as a testament to the brand’s vision: raising the bar of&nbsp;everyday existence through unscripted elegance. As the portfolio grows across the region, one promise endures—experiences that rise above.



Learn more at <a href="https://www.upperhouse.com/en/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.upperhouse.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">upperhouse.com</a>.

Expansion

House not Hotel

Upper House

Upper House Redefines Luxury Hospitality with a Unified Rebrand, Steering Towards International Expansion

As the Lunar New Year approaches, this is not just a time for celebration, but also for the most prestigious watchmakers in the world to unveil their exclusive, carefully crafted, limited-edition snake- and serpent-themed timepieces—an annual affair that we have come to embrace as artisans and craftspeople of note exercise their deft skillsets in creating absolutely striking (pun intended) timepieces.



Lunar New Year is always a special occasion in the world of luxury timepieces, with watchmakers unveiling exclusive designs that celebrate the rich symbolism of the Chinese zodiac. As the spotlight falls on the Year of the Wood Snake, precision meets artistry in a series of breathtaking creations. From intricate engravings to masterful enamel work, these watches embody not just a celebration of tradition but also a daring exploration of modern craftsmanship.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794971" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Franck Muller</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Franck Muller</h3>



Silhouette CX Snake



Paying homage to the transformative power of the snake, Franck Muller’s Silhouette CX Snake is a striking creation that blends serpentine allure with cutting-edge technical innovation. Its unmissable ophidian influence is complemented by the debut of the Silhouette CX case, making this piece an instant standout. With only 28 pieces available in Asia-Pacific, the watch promises to be as rare as it is captivating.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794969" style="width:841px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Breitling</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breitling</h3>



Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Cobra



Breitling’s latest release, the Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Cobra, features a bold take on the Year of the Snake with a striking cobra motif, with just 200 pieces available. Find the hidden-in-plain-sight snake on the nine o’clock subdial, paired with a conspicuous yellow, black, and red colour scheme. A true statement of power with a perfect fusion of watchmaking mastery and striking design, this distinctive timepiece conveys both personality and prominence.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794975" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of A. Lange &amp; Söhne</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A. Lange &amp; Söhne</h3>



Lange 1 Moon Phase



Not a snake in sight but nevertheless a special edition launched ahead of the Lunar New Year, we had to embrace this gorgeous release from A Lange &amp; Söhne. Its unique design is such that the watch captures the spirit of the new year perfectly with its off-centre design—a Lange signature, based on the golden ratio—and moon-phase display.&nbsp;Imagine experiencing this masterpiece, where the moon-phase display unfolds before one’s eyes, with a celestial disc gracefully rotating every 24 hours.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794967" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of IWC Schaffhausen</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">IWC Schaffhausen</h3>



Portofino Automatic Moon Phase



IWC Schaffhausen celebrates the Lunar New Year with a limited-edition Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake, available exclusively at the newly reopened boutique in IFC Mall in Hong Kong. Its 37 mm stainless-steel case is paired with a vibrant burgundy dial, symbolising the colour of fire, while the golden moon and stars create a stunning contrast. Limited to just 500 pieces, this elegant timepiece is a perfect fusion of tradition and sophistication for the festive season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794973" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Hublot</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hublot</h3>



Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake



Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake is a captivating tribute to the wisdom, transformation, and allure of the snake in the Chinese zodiac. Limited to just 88 pieces—a lucky number denoting good luck, fortune, and blessings in Chinese culture—this remarkable timepiece features an intricate, gold-plated snake integrated into the open dial. With the snake motif extending across the engraved bezel and strap, it flawlessly combines horological craftsmanship and artistic expression.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794977" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Parmigiani Fleurier</h3>



Tonda PF Xiali Chinese Calendar in Rose Gold



Parmigiani Fleurier’s intricate Tonda PF Xiali Chinese Calendar made waves as the first-ever mechanical watch capable of displaying the complexities of the complete Chinese calendar, seamlessly merging Swiss watchmaking with Chinese&nbsp;cultural heritage. Now available in rose gold, the timepiece celebrates the heritage, innovation, and artistry of Chinese history, and its powerful relationship with the cosmos.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794968" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Breguet</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breguet</h3>



Classique 7145 Lunar New Year 2025



Breguet’s latest creation honours the elegance and enigmatic symbolism of the serpent, showcasing trademark artisanal mastery through a gold-engraved dial in bas-relief to transform the dial into a stunning miniature sculpture. Open-tipped hands and a delicate profile make this an instantly recognisable Breguet timepiece, revealing the depth and brilliance of the&nbsp;maison’s mastery and horological expertise.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794976" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Longines</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Longines</h3>



Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake



Conquest Heritage gets a timely new appearance for the Year of the Snake. Chinese artist Wu Jian’an collaborated with Longines on this project to create a design appropriately dressed in red and gold. On the caseback, the intricate engraving shows a serpent holding a&nbsp;lingzhi&nbsp;mushroom in its mouth, symbolising longevity.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234794974" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794974" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234794983" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794983" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jaeger-LeCoultre</h3>



Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake”



Jaeger-LeCoultre is back with another instalment of its festive Lunar New Year timepiece series, a fine addition for collectors looking to complete the zodiac. Using hand-engraving and enamelling techniques, the Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake” features a pink-gold case with Art Deco-inspired detailing. A coiled snake motif, enveloped by clouds, stands as the main highlight, powerfully projected off the black&nbsp;grand feu&nbsp;enamel background that has become a signature for the collection.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794972" style="width:823px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Harry Winston</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Harry Winston</h3>



Chinese New Year Automatic



Harry Winston observes the arrival of the Year of the Snake with a pair of extremely limited, 36 mm timepieces in 18-carat rose and white gold. Featuring a green-and-red colourway with a diamond-studded rose-gold case, and a blue-and-red colourway for the equally sparkling white-gold design, the mother-of-pearl dial is decorated with a lacquered snake and painted metal leaves, paired fittingly with a red leather strap.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794970" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Chaumet</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chaumet</h3>



Espiègleries Tresors d’Afrique



Not strictly a Lunar New Year watch, but certainly bearing a serpent motif, Chaumet’s Espiègleries Tresors d’Afrique celebrates Africa’s lush flora and fauna, highlighting the snake as the centrepiece of the dial. It features a golden snake set with brilliant-cut tsavorite garnets and yellow sapphires, decorated with enamel and enhanced with a yellow-gold frog and leaves, completing its vivid design.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794978" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Vacheron Constantin</h3>



The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac—Year of the Snake



In honour of its historic ties with China, Vacheron Constantin recently unveiled&nbsp;the latest addition to its Legend of the Chinese Zodiac series to herald the Year of the Snake. An annual exercise to commemorate Lunar New Year, the timepiece features an exquisite dial decoration crafted by a master artisan, who delicately applies enamel powder using a fine brush. Each layer of colour is fired at high temperatures to create a stunning gradient of hues from the centre to the edge.

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Lunar New Year 2025: 12 Luxury Watches to Celebrate the Year of the Snake

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a>&nbsp;is rolling into 2025 hot with a price hike on its&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/gold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a>&nbsp;models. For those who bought new models at retail last year, that’s good news, but for those still on the Crown’s seemingly eternal waitlists, that could mean paying more when the time comes to collect on your long-awaited timekeeper.&nbsp;



Hard-to-get and expensive references are becoming even more out of reach. <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/all-of-rolexs-new-watches-from-watches-wonders-1235575848/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last year’s gold releases </a>saw price increases of around nine to 11 per cent. The Rolex Deepsea—the company’s shockingly heavy dive watch with an equally hefty price to match—went up from US$52,100 (approximately HK$405,049) in 2024 to US$58,000 (approximately HK$450,918) today for an 11.33 per cent climb. Meanwhile, Everose models, such as the Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228235 and the Sky-Dweller Ref. 336935, rose 11.57 per cent and 9.26 per cent, respectively, for new price tags of US$46,300 (approximately HK$359,957) for the Day-Date and US$57,800 (approximately HK$449,363) for the Sky-Dweller. That’s almost US$5,000 (HK$38,872) more for each and that doesn’t factor in taxes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794616" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



It’s not a price hike just because they’re Rolex, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-certified-pre-owned-program-shorting-watch-market-1235779745/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and they can</a>…although they could certainly get away with it. This is due to the continuing rise of the precious metal industry globally. In 2024, gold prices rose by nearly 40 per cent with both consumers and countries betting on the investment due to varying factors from worldwide instability. At the beginning of last year, gold was roughly US$2,000 (approximately HK$15,549) per ounce and was up to US$2,800 (approximately HK$21,768) by the end of the year. According to some jewellers we’ve spoken with, they expect the price of gold to continue to rise and, given Rolex is, on its own, a pretty steady value riser, getting in on its gold models, even at higher prices than last year, is probably a pretty good idea. That is if you can get your hands on them. Pre-owned Rolex expert <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-paul-altieri-bobs-watches-2723552/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Altieri</a> of <a href="https://www.bobswatches.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAj9m7BhD1ARIsANsIIvDdxplWFHPCPwqGJk2OHAUP8fVClqoGhcjQ72i-8OiZwqNvb-gZxgcaAg1IEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bob’s Watches</a> sees it for what is typically the driving factor in the watch world: rarity. “The Rolex price increases aren’t just an economic reaction,” he tells Robb Report. “It’s a recalibration of value in a world where craftsmanship and scarcity remain timeless currencies.” As suspected, he adds that a price increase at Rolex nearly always equates to an increase in demand.



In other words, it may be high time to follow up with your Rollie AD&#8230; again.

Rolex’s Gold Watches Just Got More Expensive