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Chinese regional cooking styles are as manifold as they are complicated and distinct. When approaching this gastronomic beast, one must first become familiar with the “Big Eight”—Sichuan, Hunan, Cantonese, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Shandong—commonly known as the major Chinese regional cuisines. Even among the “Big Eight,” some cuisines are better known, and better represented, than others. Fujian cuisine, in particular, is experiencing a moment in the limelight: In December 2024, the first Michelin Guide dedicated to the Fujian province was unveiled, adding new dimensions to modern Chinese fine dining. <a href="https://www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/islandshangrila/dining/restaurants/ming-pavilion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ming Pavilion</a> at <a href="https://www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/islandshangrila/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong</a> is part of this movement, and the restaurant has staunchly continued its mission of shedding light on the refined aromas and traditions of Fujian cuisine.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803530" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



All of this in no small part thanks to the guidance of head chef Jack Lam, whose deep understanding of the delicate flavours and refined traditions of Fujian cuisine drives the concept forward, carving out a rightful place for this intricate cooking style in today’s dining landscape, often dominated by more popular regional fare. Ming Pavilion marries culinary heritage with modern sophistication, preserving time-honoured techniques with contemporary nuance, inviting diners to discover the essence of Fujian’s seafood-focused treasures.



“Fujian cuisine, hailing from the coastal Fujian province, is defined by its emphasis on fresh seafood, such as fish, shrimp, and oysters, prepared with techniques like stir-fried or braising to preserve natural flavours and textures,” Lam explains. “Its distinctive sweet-sour flavour profile, often achieved with ingredients like red wine lees, sets it apart from other Chinese regional cuisines, reflecting the province’s maritime heritage and culinary finesse.”



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803523" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Australia-Southern-Rock-Lobster-with-Red-Wine-Lees-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803523" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Australia-Southern-Rock-Lobster-with-Red-Wine-Lees-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Australia-Southern-Rock-Lobster-with-Red-Wine-Lees-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Australia-Southern-Rock-Lobster-with-Red-Wine-Lees-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Australia-Southern-Rock-Lobster-with-Red-Wine-Lees-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Australia-Southern-Rock-Lobster-with-Red-Wine-Lees-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803522" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ming-Pavilion-Cereal-Prawn-with-Red-Lees-Sauce-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803522" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ming-Pavilion-Cereal-Prawn-with-Red-Lees-Sauce-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ming-Pavilion-Cereal-Prawn-with-Red-Lees-Sauce-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ming-Pavilion-Cereal-Prawn-with-Red-Lees-Sauce-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ming-Pavilion-Cereal-Prawn-with-Red-Lees-Sauce-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ming-Pavilion-Cereal-Prawn-with-Red-Lees-Sauce-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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As traditional boundaries blur, Lam brings Fujian cuisine into the spotlight, focusing on the uncompromising aspect of freshness while enhancing visual appeal. Elevating rustic plates with vibrant garnishes and minimalist design, using elegant ceramics as the canvas on which to paint the best picture of the dish’ natural colours—Lam’s approach to adapting Fujian’s culinary art for a modern audience embraces contemporary presentation and ingredient innovation. Incorporating local produce such as three-yellow chicken and live sea whelk not only supports farmers in the area, but nurtures authenticity in flavour.



Ming Pavilion’s Fujian appetiser platter, comprising five bite-sized morsels—five-spice bean curd pork roll, drunken razor clam, Fujian-style “pie” with hot and sour mud crab meat, jellyfish terrine, and pickled pumpkin—is a concise introduction to this new chapter of Fujian cooking. Lam enriches the menu with dishes such as Wuyi Mountains smoked goose to infuse the dining experience with “bold, authentic Fujian character” and imports ingredients, such as those for the braised shan su vegetable in tofu box, directly from Fujian to ensure traditional flavours. “Freshness, locality, and authenticity” are the three key tenets of Lam’s sourcing ethos.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Xiamen-Style-Popiah_1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803527" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Xiamen-Style-Popiah_1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Xiamen-Style-Popiah_1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Xiamen-Style-Popiah_1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Xiamen-Style-Popiah_1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Xiamen-Style-Popiah_1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Popiah, the famed spring roll of Xiamen origin, is given the deconstructed treatment under Lam’s supervision; its assortment of ingredients, from cabbage and carrots to pork and shrimp, are laid bare on a puzzle-like tray of small plates, served with thin pancakes for self-assembly. Red wine lees are used liberally to elevate Australian lobster, live sea whelk, and cereal prawns, celebrating the local delicacies and fresh flavour traditions of Xiamen and Fuzhou. Xiamen-style ginger duck, tea-smoked crispy chicken, sweet-and-sour lychee pork, and braised pork hock with shiitake continue the rich narrative of soulful flavours, proving that Fujian’s mountain specialities are just as impactful as the ones derived from the ocean’s bounties.



<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="683" data-id="1234803525" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Braised-Boletus-in-Tofu-Box-with-Shan-Shu-6_low-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803525" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Braised-Boletus-in-Tofu-Box-with-Shan-Shu-6_low-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Braised-Boletus-in-Tofu-Box-with-Shan-Shu-6_low-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Braised-Boletus-in-Tofu-Box-with-Shan-Shu-6_low-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Braised-Boletus-in-Tofu-Box-with-Shan-Shu-6_low-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Braised-Boletus-in-Tofu-Box-with-Shan-Shu-6_low-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803524" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Fujian-Red-Wine-Lees-Flavoured-Crispy-Eel-3_low-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803524" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Fujian-Red-Wine-Lees-Flavoured-Crispy-Eel-3_low-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Fujian-Red-Wine-Lees-Flavoured-Crispy-Eel-3_low-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Fujian-Red-Wine-Lees-Flavoured-Crispy-Eel-3_low-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Fujian-Red-Wine-Lees-Flavoured-Crispy-Eel-3_low-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Fujian-Red-Wine-Lees-Flavoured-Crispy-Eel-3_low-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803526" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Tea-Smoked-Crispy-Skin-Chicken-3_low-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803526" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Tea-Smoked-Crispy-Skin-Chicken-3_low-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Tea-Smoked-Crispy-Skin-Chicken-3_low-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Tea-Smoked-Crispy-Skin-Chicken-3_low-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Tea-Smoked-Crispy-Skin-Chicken-3_low-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MP-Tea-Smoked-Crispy-Skin-Chicken-3_low-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Among all of the creations on Ming Pavilion’s menu, Lam easily cites his favourite: the reimagined Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, a showcase that “captures the cuisine’s complexity,” he notes. Lam’s take on Fujian’s iconic soup demonstrates his skill; the labour-intensive dish, rich in umami, features an exquisite blend of abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw, and dried scallops simmered with chicken, pork ribs, and duck in a Shaoxing ceramic wine jar, resulting in a flavourful broth that lingers on the palate. (Delicious enough to convince a monk to break vows of vegetarianism, so the lore behind the name of this particular dish implies.) “I’m proud of it because it showcases Fujian’s mastery of balancing textures and flavours, creating a harmonious and unforgettable culinary experience,” the chef affirms.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 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="1234803517" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Fresh-Prawn-Dumpling-with-Pickled-Spicy-Yellow-Capsicum-Sauce-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803517" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Fresh-Prawn-Dumpling-with-Pickled-Spicy-Yellow-Capsicum-Sauce-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Fresh-Prawn-Dumpling-with-Pickled-Spicy-Yellow-Capsicum-Sauce-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Fresh-Prawn-Dumpling-with-Pickled-Spicy-Yellow-Capsicum-Sauce-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Fresh-Prawn-Dumpling-with-Pickled-Spicy-Yellow-Capsicum-Sauce-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Fresh-Prawn-Dumpling-with-Pickled-Spicy-Yellow-Capsicum-Sauce-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803518" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Dumpling-with-Agaricus-Blazei-Sugar-Pea-and-Spinach-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803518" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Dumpling-with-Agaricus-Blazei-Sugar-Pea-and-Spinach-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Dumpling-with-Agaricus-Blazei-Sugar-Pea-and-Spinach-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Dumpling-with-Agaricus-Blazei-Sugar-Pea-and-Spinach-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Dumpling-with-Agaricus-Blazei-Sugar-Pea-and-Spinach-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steamed-Dumpling-with-Agaricus-Blazei-Sugar-Pea-and-Spinach-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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Lam also leads Ming Pavilion’s distinct take on dim sum, following the Fujian tradition, offering a departure from the bustle of Cantonese teahouses. Cantonese dim sum is vibrant and varied, Lam notes; the Sunday dim sum brunch emphasises “a more intimate, seafood-centric experience.” On the menu, steamed fresh prawn dumplings are perked up with a bright pickled spicy yellow capsicum sauce, pan-fried taro dumplings are carefully filled with minced pork and lobster, and oyster pancakes with seaweed and baby leek are delicately fried, opening a window into the Fujian’s nuanced gastronomic heritage. Dishes like Xiapu seaweed soup with pork dumpling and stir-fried sea whelk with shiso leaves balance richness and freshness.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion0-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803531" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion0-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion0-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion0-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion0-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Interiors-Ming-Pavilion0-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Fortifying Lam’s nouveau approach to Fujian cuisine, interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán deviates from the norm for Ming Pavilion’s appearance, eschewing chinoiserie and the archetypal mood board of auspicious red hues for tropical greenhouse vibes and a jungle-green colour palette. Decidedly Western in silhouette and material choices, subtle Chinese influences and nods to Hong Kong’s native flora are woven into the elegant space—note the bamboo-shaped ribbing between narrow panels of custom wallpaper, for one. Marble and tilework add visual rhythm and depth, blending modern touches with a narrative of heritage.



<a href="https://www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/islandshangrila/dining/restaurants/ming-pavilion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ming Pavilion</a>



8/F, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong



Tel: (+852) 2820 8580



All images courtesy of Ming Pavilion.

Fujian Cuisine

Island Shangri-La

Ming Pavilion

Inside Ming Pavilion, a Vibrant Homage to Hokkien Flavours and Fujian Heritage

In the annals of history, the Salon des Refusés was famously known as an exhibition of Paris Salon rejects, a collection of works considered too avant-garde for the conservative tastes of the time. Its legend of nonconformism and attitude of experimentation now lives on—at least in spirit—in the unlikeliest of places: a quiet corner of Bridges Street in Hong Kong’s Soho, at an eponymous eatery under the Black Sheep Restaurants hospitality umbrella.



Except for those who know what a Black Sheep restaurant normally feels like, <a href="https://blacksheeprestaurants.com/restaurants/salon-des-refuses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salon des Refusés</a> presents decidedly as the opposite of that. Intimate, understated, and restrained in personality compared to its loud, larger-than-life siblings in town, Salon des Refusés walks a different path, one set by Luca Marinelli, formerly of Osteria Marzia at The Fleming hotel.



Hailing from the landlocked town of Varese in the north of Italy, swaddled by hills and gardens, a deep love for the ocean’s fresh bounties and salted breeze was nonetheless instilled into Marinelli from a young age, bolstered by frequent family excursions to coastal regions. It eventually sent him on a journey of culinary exploration and skill-honing that took him to Italian gastronomy pioneer Gualtiero Marchesi, Mauro Uliassi at Uliassi, and Jesús Sánchez Sáinz at Cenador de Amós. In 2010, Marinelli made his way to Hong Kong—a city that was meant to be temporary, good for a seasonal stint, but fate had other ideas in mind.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chef-Luca-Marinelli-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803496" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chef-Luca-Marinelli-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chef-Luca-Marinelli-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chef-Luca-Marinelli-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chef-Luca-Marinelli-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chef-Luca-Marinelli-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Luca Marinelli.</figcaption></figure>



“Salon des Refusés” evokes a rich history, harking back to a celebration of works rejected by the mainstream. In the culinary realm, Marinelli embraces this concept of rejection as a catalyst for creativity. “As chefs, we end up falling in love with the ‘no’s’ because they keep us hungry,” he muses. It’s this spirit of defiance that permeates the restaurant’s offerings. From the dishes that light up each table to the immersive dining experience that unfolds every night, Salon des Refusés is a celebration of cuisine that refuses to conform.



Much like the unorthodox art that defined the exhibition that lent the restaurant its name, the maverick cuisine of Salon des Refusés is not straightforward to pin down. “Mediterranean” is too generalised; “French-Italian-Japanese” doesn’t roll off the tongue. For simplicity’s sake, we must settle, then, on defining it as Marinelli’s unique interpretation of la cuisine du soleil, where the sun-kissed flavours of coastal France and Italy are reimagined through the use of fresh seafood from local and regional markets and the influence of Japanese ingredients.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-2-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803497" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-2-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-2-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



“On the surface, la cuisine du soleil is a type of cuisine that celebrates flavours touched by the sun, from sea to land. My mentor, chef Mauro Uliassi, taught me how pristine seafood needs little more than sea and sun to shine—a sprinkle of sea salt here, a drizzle of olive oil there. It encompasses not only the vibrant tastes of the seafood we source but also the feeling of warmth and community that comes with sharing meals and discovering something new,” Marinelli shares with Robb Report Hong Kong. “Each night is an opportunity to showcase the beauty of this cuisine, offering a unique dining experience that evolves with the tides.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-5-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803501" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-5-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-5-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-5-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-5-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-5-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



Located in a city that thrives on its coastal identity, Salon des Refusés draws a powerful parallel between Hong Kong’s rich marine tapestry and the Mediterranean’s time-honoured fishing traditions. “It is a very specific part of the Mediterranean that we draw our inspiration from, but this connection to the sea is fundamental to both their world and ours here in Hong Kong, and we emphasise this at Salon des Refusés by sourcing our seafood daily from the markets,” Marinelli states. Each day, he and his team, including protégé Gabe Chan, venture to the bustling seafood market in Ap Lei Chau in pursuit of the freshest catches. His daily pilgrimage is more than routine; it is an essential ritual that informs the ever-evolving menu. Marinelli elaborates that “this practice allows us to honour the sea itself, showcasing ingredients that reflect the local identity while embracing traditional Mediterranean techniques.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-4-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803499" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-4-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-4-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-4-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-4-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-4-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



His culinary philosophy pulses through the menu, which features dishes designed to highlight sun-drenched ingredients. In Marinelli’s hands, the concept of la cuisine du soleil transforms into more than mere culinary technique; it embodies a feeling of warmth, community, and discovery. At the heart of this is the emblematic Hokkaido scallops, seared to perfection and topped with Sicilian pistachios. It captures the ethos of Salon des Refusés: a commitment to celebrating freshness while showcasing seafood in its most radiant form.



Among the concise but diverse offerings on the menu, Marinelli’s personal favourite is the wonderfully simple iwashi sardine on toast. “We serve it with aioli, confit Japanese fruit tomato and Cantabrian anchovies, which provides a wave of umami,” he explains. It’s a dish that transports him directly to the coast; the textures and flavours unite seamlessly, representing a journey through Mediterranean influences infused with local, vibrant ingredients.



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At Salon des Refusés, dishes adhere to a small form factor, so expect bite-sized enjoyment, allowing for the sampling of more offerings. Order the Hokkaido uni on brioche toast, with a hint of lime for brightness and moreish seaweed butter, and the creamy cod tarama with French radishes and toasted croutons to start as a toe-dip into the world of this eccentric restaurant. Next, the Petrosian caviar spaghetti “alla Marchesi” with chive and Menton lemon zest is a quiet, elegant tribute to the late Marchesi, father of Italian nouvelle cuisine, while the ma yau threadfin fish, prepared in “alla tuba” style with capers, anchovy, and brown butter, speaks much louder with its crisped skin and tender meat, atop a bed of lightly acidic, tomato-led sauce vierge. A spiny lobster tagliatelle, dressed in tomato and preserved lemon, or the special of red prawn carbonara continues the symphony of indulgent flavours, and finds a sweet finale with the golden-coloured, powdered-sugar-dusted torta “Aurora” sponge cake.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-6-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803500" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-6-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-6-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-6-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-6-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-6-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



Is it challenging for Salon des Refusés to maintain the authenticity of Mediterranean flavours while adapting to local seafood catches? Marinelli embraces this as a happy problem, viewing it as an essential part of the restaurant’s narrative. After all, Salon des Refusés, in nature, disregards conventionality. It’s a delicate balancing act between respecting Mediterranean traditions, sourcing hyperlocal ingredients, and resisting conformity. “While we honour Mediterranean traditions, working with freshly caught local seafood allows us to create dishes that resonate with both cultures,” he says. Every dish is crafted to tell a story, weaving together the rich culinary heritage of the Mediterranean with the vibrant flavours of Hong Kong, and the restaurant is a bridge between these two worlds, inviting diners to explore the nuances of both.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-Interior-2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803502" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-Interior-2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-Interior-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-Interior-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-Interior-2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-Interior-2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Salon des Refusés’ atmosphere and interiors, too, defy stereotypical characterisation. Marinelli might even say that being contrarian is the cornerstone of this new restaurant concept: “As the Salon des Refusés, we were always going to be different.” Designer Melissa Collison was instrumental in creating a space that communicated that divergence. Collison and Marinelli wanted to capture the essence of coastal life, and the result is a dramatic, nostalgic dining room that feels like a moment frozen in history, a snapshot captured in amber. Kitchen notes are liberally scribbled on the cocoa-coloured wall tiles, checkered marble flooring and mosaics evoke Art Deco inspirations, and everywhere you turn, the seashell motif is embedded. Marinelli shares that “the seaside tones are there, you have dark wood and plush velvet, [and] the idea is to create a warm and intimate space with a focus on connection and hospitality.”



One distinct feature of the restaurant is the “beautiful bar counter,” an inviting focal point that allows for direct interaction between chefs and diners; this dynamic invites guests into the culinary process, creating an intimacy that enhances the dining experience—something Marinelli cherishes. As a chef, it is really special to have that connection, he affirms.



<a href="https://blacksheeprestaurants.com/restaurants/salon-des-refuses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salon des Refusés</a>



9 Bridges Street, Central, Hong Kong



Tel: (+852) 2154 6106



All images courtesy of Salon des Refusés.

French

Hong Kong

Italian

Luca Marinelli

Restaurant

Salon des Refusés

Inside Salon des Refusés, an Intimate Celebration of Coastal, Seafood-Driven Cuisine

In a move set to redefine luxury in sport, <a href="https://www.realmadrid.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> hosted an extraordinary evening alongside <a href="https://liquidicons.com/the-golden-vines" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Golden Vines</a> at Bernabéu’s presidential suite. The world-renowned fine wine enterprise has been chosen to curate the wine, spirits, and events programme for the Bernabéu 1947 Private Members Club, due to open for the 2026–2027 season. The alliance unites the world’s most iconic football venue with a leading curator of fine wine, rare spirits and money-can’t-buy experiences, creating a new benchmark for stadium hospitality.​



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Bernabéu 1947 Vision​​</h2>



Named for the year the original stadium was inaugurated, the Bernabéu 1947 Club distils Real Madrid’s values of heritage, ambition and excellence into a private members’ space. Following its astonishing transformation, the stadium is now much more than a venue for 90 minutes of football; it is evolving into a year-round destination for culture, gastronomy, and entertainment.​



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Stadium Debut Like No Other​​</h2>



The partnership was unveiled with what many guests regarded as the most exclusive fine wine and Michelin‑level dinner ever held in a football stadium. On Tuesday, 9 December, 35 VVIP guests, including senior Real Madrid figures such as José Ángel Sánchez Periáñez and select international collectors, gathered in the Palco de Honor, the club’s spectacular presidential suite overlooking the pitch.​



Two Michelin-star chef Ramón Freixa created a one‑night‑only menu, paired with an extraordinary line‑up of wines curated by The Golden Vines: Dom Pérignon P2 2004, Domaine Bonneau du Martray Corton‑Charlemagne 2018, Domaine Fourrier Clos St Jacques 2019 and Griotte‑Chambertin Grand Cru 2019, Château Angélus 2016, Liber Pater 2007, and Château d’Yquem 1998. Estate principals including Jean‑Marie Fourrier, Stéphanie de Boüard‑Rivoal, Loïc Pasquet, Lorenzo Pasquini, and Thibaut Jacquet were present to introduce their wines in person.​



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Haute Cuisine Above the Hallowed Turf​</h2>



The setting was conceived as haute couture rather than corporate hospitality. Guests dined at a single, dramatically elongated table in the Palco de Honor, dressed with sculptural florals and candlelight, with uninterrupted views onto the presidential seats and the pitch below.​



Freixa’s menu showcased both technical precision and playful luxury: Terciopelo de Coliflor with jamón gelée and Caviar Paris 1925 alongside Bonneau du Martray; Bogavante Wellington with Champagne sauce paired with the two Fourrier cuvées; Jarrete de Ternera with truffled parmentier and glazed onions served with Angélus and Liber Pater; and an autumnal ode of almond, quince and chestnut for dessert with Yquem. For many, it was the most memorable dining experience they had ever had in a sporting arena, underscoring the level at which Bernabéu 1947 intends to operate.



In this fusion of transformation and legacy, the Bernabéu is not merely raising the bar for stadium experiences; it is actively defining a new category of elite lifestyle and unique experiences that inspires awe.​



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Golden Vines: Best of the Best​​</h2>



Behind the programme stands Lewis Chester, financier, celebrated collector, founder of The Golden Vines and Liquid Icons, Honorary Lifetime President of the Gérard Basset Foundation, and fine wine &amp; rare spirit columnist for&nbsp;Robb Report. Liquid Icons is the organiser of The Golden Vines Awards, which has just celebrated its fifth edition in Miami and will return to London between 6–8 November 2026, reinforcing the brand’s status as a global convenor for the world of fine wine and rare spirits.​



Under Chester’s stewardship, The Golden Vines has become one of the most influential names in fine wine, known for the Golden Vines Awards and the Golden Vines Report, both regarded as global reference points for the industry and independently verified by Deloitte. The brand is equally recognised for its philanthropic mission: through the Gérard Basset Foundation, it funds scholarships and work placements for talented individuals from financially disadvantaged or under‑represented backgrounds, helping them enter the worlds of wine, spirits and hospitality.​



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreportmonaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/555_GV_AwardsNight_8.11.25-1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-113170"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lewis Chester, founder of The Golden Vines.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Golden Vines Connoisseur Programme​​</h2>



The Golden Vines partnership with the Bernabéu 1947 Club sits within the Golden Vines Connoisseur Programme, a tailored offering designed to elevate fine wine within the wider realm of luxury experiences. At its core, the programme brings together remarkable experiences and products that meet only the most exceptional standards of quality and prestige, aligning seamlessly with partners whose values centre on excellence, authenticity and global stature, such as Real Madrid.​



Far more than a traditional hospitality upgrade, the Connoisseur Programme is designed to educate and inspire guests to explore the highest expressions of fine wine and rare spirits—transforming appreciation into true connoisseurship. By deepening their knowledge and passion across a meticulously assembled portfolio, the programme encourages guests to trade up and discover pinnacle cuvées and bottlings, while delivering unique, unforgettable luxury experiences that feel entirely at home in the world of elite sport and travel.​



Golden Vines has already deployed the Connoisseur Programme in some of the most high‑profile sporting and travel environments in the world. Recent collaborations include the Brooklyn Nets at the Crown Club in the Barclays Center, an ultra‑intimate locker‑room experience with the Los Angeles Chargers at the SoFi Stadium, and a major‑league activation with the New York Mets, with the concept now also being introduced across all shuttle flights, charters and fractional‑ownership jets operated by SLATE Aviation in the United States.​



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Arsenal Fan to Madrid Pinnacle​</h2>



Chester’s long‑standing passion for both fine wine and football, and in particular his devotion to Arsenal, makes his partnership with Real Madrid all the more resonant. “This partnership with Real Madrid is the pinnacle of my fine wine career to‑date,” he says. “To create experiences for the most successful club in the history of world football, in one of the most iconic stadiums ever built, is an incredible privilege.”​



The Bernabéu 1947 Club will function as far more than a match‑day perk. Open throughout the week, it is conceived as a fully-fledged private members’ club, hosting tastings, verticals, rare‑spirit nights and collaborations with leading chefs, all with the pitch as a constant backdrop.​



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stadia: The Last Frontier of Luxury​​</h2>



Chester sees stadium hospitality as one of the great untapped frontiers of luxury. “Modern sport attracts fans from every economic background, but at the very top end, some of the most sophisticated and wealthy supporters still don’t receive the level of hospitality they expect elsewhere,” he notes.​



For a venue as iconic as the Bernabéu, he argues, it is “inevitable” that it should become a destination for fine dining and the world’s greatest wines. With The Golden Vines overseeing fine wines, rare spirits and unique events under the Connoisseur banner, Real Madrid is positioning itself as the first major club to fully leverage this potential, turning its stadium into a cultural and gastronomic hub as well as a footballing one.​



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">An “Impossible” Opening: Vintage 1947​​</h2>



To mark the full opening of the Bernabéu 1947 Club, The Golden Vines is planning an inaugural dinner built entirely around the legendary 1947 vintage, echoing the year of the stadium’s foundation. The vintage is one of the most coveted and scarce in wine history, making it a natural focal point for the club’s first great chapter.​



“The 1947 vintage is among the most highly regarded and rarest you can find,” says Chester. “As part of the opening, we will create an extraordinary dinner around the greatest wines of that year, including the mythical Château Cheval Blanc 1947. It will be an ‘impossible’ dinner of unicorn wines.” For serious collectors, such an event would be a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity, weaving Real Madrid’s history directly into the fabric of the wine list.​



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Real Madrid: Greatness Beyond the Pitch​</h2>



Real Madrid’s record gives context to the scale of the collaboration: since 1902, the club has amassed 36 La Liga titles, 15 European Cups/Champions Leagues and 20 Copa del Rey trophies, alongside a formidable haul of domestic and international silverware unmatched in world football. The Bernabéu 1947 Club extends that culture of winning beyond sport, using the renovated stadium’s new infrastructure of luxury suites and multifunctional spaces to host global entertainment and elite events.​



With The Golden Vines shaping its wine and spirits programme as part of a broader Connoisseur strategy across sport and luxury travel, Bernabéu 1947 ensures that the standards of its hospitality match those of the football the stadium hosts. The Bernabéu is now confirmed as the ultimate stage for creating moments of extraordinary new luxury, setting the global benchmark for what a destination venue can achieve.

Real Madrid

The Golden Vines

El Clásico of Luxury: Real Madrid Hosts The Golden Vines at the Bernabéu

In the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany’s Maremma region, where verdant vineyards cascade down to meet the shimmering sea, <a href="https://www.monteverro.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monteverro</a> stands apart as a distinguished boutique estate forging a new path in fine winemaking. Dedicated to excellence, sustainability, and organic craftsmanship, Monteverro answers the call put forth by the evolving consumer landscape, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to terroir and artistry.



Monteverro was brought to life in 2003 by Georg and Julia Weber as the result of an ambitious dream: to craft exceptional wines that not only resonate with the palate but also celebrate the unique characteristics of Tuscany’s distinctive winegrowing regions. Chancing across what would become the Monteverro estate in Maremma gave the entrepreneurial couple all the conviction they needed to pursue the project. Spanning approximately 60 hectares, the vineyard is nestled between the historic towns of Capalbio and the enchanting coastline, providing an exceptional backdrop for viticulture. Amidst the mineral-rich red clay soils, enriched by biodiversity, the vines flourish, embodying authenticity and sophistication.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC06669-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803448" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC06669-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC06669-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC06669-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC06669-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC06669-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As the world grows increasingly attuned to the demand for sustainability, Monteverro has taken its role to heart. Its winery is certified organic and limits its cultivated hectares to only 30, reserving the remaining land for olive trees and the aromatic Mediterranean scrub that nurtures a thriving ecosystem. It enhances the quality of the grapes and ensures that each bottle of Monteverro wine tells a story—a narrative steeped in respect for the land that nurtures it.



As the winery’s flagship product, the eponymous Monteverro is an exquisite blend of classic Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It captures the essence of Tuscany through meticulous craftsmanship, boasting aromas of dark berries, herbs, and spices, and enchanting hints of vanilla and liquorice. Tinata, crafted from Syrah and Grenache, represents an homage to the great grape varieties of the Rhône—the 2020 vintage in particular offers a richly rewarding complexity. But Monteverro’s allure is not just limited to its reds: Stunning Chardonnays from the brand, especially the 2022 vintage, strike a harmonious balance between Burgundy roots and a distinct Tuscan sensibility.



2011 was an especially memorable year for Monteverro in birthing an influential vintage, which earned 100 points from Decanter and a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards. In the footsteps of this success, a decade later, Monteverro unveiled a new chapter defined by balance and elegance. Its 2021 vintage boasts a soft entrance that seamlessly transitions into a vibrant mid-palate, accentuating notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry, and black olive.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Matthieu-Taunay-Monteverro-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803450" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Matthieu-Taunay-Monteverro-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Matthieu-Taunay-Monteverro-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Matthieu-Taunay-Monteverro-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Matthieu-Taunay-Monteverro-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Matthieu-Taunay-Monteverro-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Monteverro winemaker Matthieu Taunay.</figcaption></figure>



Hong Kong’s discerning connoisseurs are increasingly prioritising wines that reflect both terroir and ethical production methods. As the city continues to embrace outstanding quality and sustainability, the demand for organic, responsible choices makes Monteverro a natural fit for this robust luxury market. Demonstrating commitment to Hong Kong, Monteverro recently hosted an event at Estro in October. In the presence of local enthusiasts and media, winemaker Matthieu Taunay led an introduction to the brand, not only through words but also through tastings of select wines, including highly lauded vintages and Monteverro 2011.



As Monteverro charts its course in this new era and reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, it invites Hong Kong’s dynamic drinkers to join the celebrated estate on this journey, explore its acclaimed wines, and deepen their appreciation for artisanal wine production.



All images courtesy of Leif Carlsson and Monteverro.

Monteverro

Tuscany

Wine

This Legendary Tuscan Winery Is Ushering in a New Era of Organic Winemaking

In the wild northern reaches of the Scottish Highlands, where North Sea winds rattle barley fields and ghosts of distillers past seem to linger, two brothers are quietly orchestrating a whisky revolution. Simon and Philip Thompson have, in little more than a decade, turned a local legend into a living experiment—one that has captured the devotion of collectors, connoisseurs and industry insiders alike. <a href="https://www.thompsonbrosdistillers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dornoch</a>, and its ambitious offshoot Struie, are not merely distilleries: they are laboratories for flavour, heritage and innovation—stories savoured dram in hand, with the brothers narrating one cask at a time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Family, Hotel and Heritage</h2>



Born on the Black Isle and settled in Dornoch for more than twenty years, Simon (b. 1984) and Phil (b. 1986) are the second act in the Thompson family saga. Their parents, Colin and Ros Thompson, who played a pivotal role in developing the Dornoch Castle Hotel and its renowned medieval-tower bar—now recognised as one of Scotland’s foremost whisky sanctuaries—remain involved in the business, offering guidance and support. From these stone ramparts, the brothers have built a constellation: distillery, independent bottling house, retail shop and award-winning castle bar.



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Dornoch Distillery employs nine full‑time staff across its distilling and bottling operations, remaining a family‑scale enterprise stitched with warmth and audacity . As Simon remarks with a grin, “Nepotism worked—we made our own jobs.”​&nbsp; On the contrary, it was hard work, a devotion to whisky and a joint decision to carve out a niche distilling business which brought them success.



To take a dram in the castle bar with either brother is to share not only conversation but a story for every cask.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Crowdfunders to Co‑Conspirators</h2>



The journey began not with investors but with enthusiasts. More than two hundred backers from around the world funded what would become one of Scotland’s smallest legal distilleries, formed in 2016 inside a restored 1880s fire station beside the Castle . That belief yielded Dornoch Distillery’s first spirit the same year—a centrepiece of old‑style whisky reborn through modern hands. Many of those early crowdfunders remain allies still, rewarded with allocations of Dornoch’s precious liquid.​



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Artisan Ethos – Flavour Over Yield</h2>



If Dornoch has a dogma, it is flavour before efficiency. Heritage barleys Plumage Archer,  Maris Otter,  Orkney Bere — are sourced from Scottish farms and floor‑malted. Fermentations stretch a full week or more, enlivened by lactic bacteria and wild yeasts carried over from previous batches. Washbacks are manually cleaned but never sanitised, retaining what the brothers describe as a “living memory” of every yeast strain they’ve cultured.



Distillation is guided by nose and intuition rather than automation. The spirit emerges oily, wax‑textured and florally layered—a sensorial echo of 1960s‑ and 1970s‑era whiskies once cherished at their bar. Production remains minute—roughly a single hogshead each week—but every drop passes the brothers’ hands.



“Floor malting is inefficient and wonderfully inconsistent,” Phil says. “That inconsistency is a positive for flavour creation.”



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Personality in Every Bottle – Enhanced Version</h2>



Since 2017, more than 500 independent bottlings and over 100 original Dornoch releases have cemented the Thompson Brothers as cult icons within modern Scotch. Signature ranges include the Mystery Malt blind-bottle series, TBBSW Blended Scotch and SRV5 Vat 5—now regarded as modern benchmarks—and regional expressions such as North Highland and Sutherland Blended Malts.​



What truly distinguishes the Thompson Brothers is their deliberate, values-driven approach to pricing and allocations. Their model—in stark contrast to most major houses—prioritises fair, accessible pricing so that their whiskies remain within reach of a much wider circle of enthusiasts. Many single cask bottlings and bespoke blends retail at £65–£100 for 50cl, well below the category norm despite the rarity and craftsmanship involved. Extreme, anti-scalping transparency and ballot allocations favour genuine lovers over profit-seeking speculators or brand-driven hype.



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As Phil Thompson puts it, “Even if we lose money on something insanely rare, the overall value given to the consumer and the fair price paid to the supplier is what counts.” This democratic stance, upheld even when bottling precious old distillates, has won Dornoch both collector loyalty and industry goodwill. In their words, whisky is about storytelling, connection, and creating opportunities for more people to experience rare flavour—not just about maximising margins.​



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tasting with the Thompson Brothers</h2>



Sampling Dornoch whiskies is a seminar in patience and process. During my recent tasting, four bottlings showcased the spectrum of style and innovation at work in the hands of Simon and Philip Thompson:



Cask 137&nbsp;2019, 5 Year Old, 58.3% ex-Oloroso Octave brings sweet fruit, spice and a silky, creamy texture.​ Cask 140&nbsp;2019, 5 Year Old, 52.2% 100L ex-Pedro Ximénez offers a caramelly, salted caramel vibrancy with balancing herbal seam and a subtle, saline finish.​ Cask 113&nbsp;2018, 6 Year Old, 53.8% Bourbon Octave, aged six years, displays almond and acetone notes, attributed to a deeper heads cut and enhanced by the small 55-litre cask’s influence.​ Cask 245&nbsp;2020, 5 Year Old, 55.7% Bourbon Octave, recalls the beeswaxed structure, furniture polish and complex layered florals of classic, old-style Speyside whisky—a spirit made for slow appreciation.​



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For the Thompson Brothers, the best flavours in whisky lie right on the edge of heads and tails. By narrowing the spirit cuts, “we’d lose that—conservatism misses where the magic happens,” notes Philip. It is a philosophy evident in every dram—a persistent devotion to complexity and the unpredictable joys of heritage spirit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Mystery Malt – Innovation That Flies Off Shelves</h2>



A standout example of the Thompson Brothers’ inventive approach is the Mystery Malt series—a striking, opaque black bottle emblazoned with a bold question mark, its liquid identity concealed until the seal is broken. This innovative bottling was designed to stimulate curiosity and experimentation among whisky lovers, encouraging them to “risk their luck” at a time when the wider market was subdued and buyers were cautious. Mystery Malt’s format is equally clever for the trade, as it deliberately sidesteps direct brand competition on the shelves; distilleries participating in the programme do not have to see their distillate priced far below their standard expressions.​



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Each release offers buyers a percentage chance of discovering anything from a young, five-year-old Dornoch to an ultra-rare, 33-year-old single malt from distilleries that often never allow independent bottlings at all—including, notably, Wolfburn, Harris, Kingsbarns, and the current Tormore regime. Bottled at 48.5% ABV and typically priced at £65 per bottle, the series has become an instant phenomenon, with recent batches selling out in hours and ongoing demand from buyers worldwide. “Everyone in the chain wins—supplier, bottler, and consumer. That’s why this product has gone a bit wild,” Phil notes, adding that production is scaling fast to keep pace with demand. The Mystery Malt is not just a new bottling—it’s the democratisation of rare whisky, an invitation to experience surprise and value in every pour.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Struie – Scotch’s Net‑Zero Frontier</h2>



The brothers’ latest venture, Struie Distillery, rises south of the town near the Dornoch Firth next to one of the courses at the famed Royal Dornoch golf club—a blueprint for sustainability and scale . Set close to the soon-to-be restored nineteenth‑century gasworks which is assigned to be the distillery’s future guest centre, Struie blends industrial heritage with environmental science, partly funded by a government grant: solar generation, battery storage, and the latest generation heat pump system with a&nbsp;patent‑pending lynchpin condenser design which should allow the Thompson brothers to break energy consumption records for any distillery worldwide.



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Planned capacity is 250,000 litres of alcohol per year, scalable to 400,000 litres, with production due to begin by late 2026 . This ambitious expansion is being underpinned by an ongoing £5 million capital raise designed to secure the full funding required for construction and commissioning. To date, £4 million has been committed toward the round through a combination of private and existing investors, as part of a Series A initiative overseen by the Thompson Independent Traders group—the parent company encompassing Dornoch Distillery, Thompson Bros Independent Bottlers, and Dornoch Castle Hotel. The remaining £1 million is being sought from additional investors to complete the round, which will lay the final foundations for Struie’s distillery infrastructure and visitor facilities.



In parallel, the project has received confirmation of a government-supported green energy grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Combined, these funds will enable the Thompsons to deliver Scotland’s most energy‑efficient and environmentally responsible distilleries—an operation driven as much by innovation as independence, with capital allocation closely tied to sustainability milestones and community benefit.



Simon frames it succinctly: “Our vision is to create a distillery that not only produces exceptional spirits but sets a new standard for environmental responsibility. Everything we’ve done has been building towards that.”​



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Community and Continuity</h2>



Dornoch remains as much a civic mission as a commercial enterprise. Each year a cask is donated to local charities ; employment has expanded in tandem with tourism, and Struie alone is expected to at least double the local workforce. Partnerships with Highland farmers and small‑scale suppliers reinforce a supply chain rooted in proximity and trust.​



Transparency, in pricing, provenance and production, endures as their keystone—a ground‑level integrity rare in super‑premium spirits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Challenge and Balance</h2>



Ambition begets its own question: can agility alongside artisanal practice survive growth? By 2025 the Thompsons oversee a portfolio that spans independent bottlings, hospitality and soon to be dual distilleries. What keeps them steady, says Phil, is focus. “If we can’t taste every cask ourselves, we’ve gone too far.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Philosophy and Dream Drams</h2>



For the brothers, meaning matters more than metrics. “Stay independent, keep experimenting, and fill Dornoch with the kind of spirit collectors miss from yesteryear—a whisky as much about heritage as community,” Simon concludes.



Asked for their desert‑island bottles, as trophied whisky collectors, they scarcely hesitate: Laphroaig 10 Bonfant Import﻿ (1970s): “Tropical fruit and peat perfection”; 1924 Glenlivet: “Pre‑war flavours—liquid history”; and 1969 Jura (Lord Astor Cask): “Balance and sherry brilliance from another era.”



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Step Inside Dornoch</h2>



Travel north to Dornoch, wander its castle walls, nose through sleeping casks or watch Struie’s copper stills begin their song, and you discover not just a distillery but a philosophy. Here, craft is heritage reborn; community is currency; and every bottle a story told in liquid.



Where others see limits, the Thompson Brothers find possibility—proof that in Scotch’s next chapter, the bold, the artisan and the agile still win.



Lewis Chester DipWSET is a London-based wine &amp; rare spirit collector and writer, member of the Académie du Champagne and Chevaliers du Tastevin, co-founder of <a href="https://liquidicons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liquid Icons</a> and, with Sasha Lushnikov, founder of the <a href="https://liquidicons.com/the-golden-vines" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden Vines® Awards</a>. He serves as Honorary President and Head of Fundraising for the Gérard Basset Foundation, supporting diversity and education in wine and hospitality worldwide. Golden Vines® 2025 takes place in Miami from 7–9 November 2025. Register at liquidicons.com/work/golden-vines-awards.



Images © Elliot Roberts<a href="https://robbreportmonaco.com/motors/aviation/bombardier-global-8000-private-jet-launch-london/"></a>

Dornoch

Thompson Brothers

Dornoch and The Thompson Brothers: Where Whisky’s Past Meets Its Future

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

The new age of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/space-tourism/">space tourism</a>&nbsp;hasn’t arrived quite yet.



Richard Branson’s <a href="https://www.virgingalactic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virgin Galactic</a> is delaying the launch of its <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/virgin-galactic-delta-spacecraft-first-flight-planned-1236263298/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">much-anticipated Delta spacecraft</a>, a vessel for both tourists and research opportunities to reach suborbital flight. The craft was set to debut in summer 2026 but is now slated for the fall of that year, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-06/virgin-galactic-spce-to-delay-first-spaceplane-flight-to-fall-2026?srnd=homepage-americas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg</a> reported.



The British American company has paused all commercial operations since June 2024 in anticipation of the Delta commercial flight’s launch next year, after which tourism trips will resume. The updated timeline follows quarterly financial results that fell short of analysts’ expectations.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/virgin-galactic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virgin Galactic</a> reported about US$410,000 (approximately HK$3,192,690.50) in revenue for the second quarter, slightly below the US$420,000 (around HK$3,270,561) forecasted by analysts polled by <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-06/virgin-galactic-spce-to-delay-first-spaceplane-flight-to-fall-2026?srnd=homepage-americas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg</a>. The company also reduced the size of its in-house engineering team and overall workforce by 7 percent as it fights to bring to market the upgraded Delta spaceplane.



While Virgin Galactic stock has been down roughly 35 percent for the year, shares rose 2.1 percent in US post market trading this week—a relief for investors who expected a greater loss per share of US$2.34 (HK$18.22) compared to the actual US$1.47 (HK$11.45) dip.



Prior to the halt in operations, Virgin Galactic had been selling seats on the Delta spacecraft for around US$600,000 (HK$4,672,230), and said it plans to raise prices when ticket sales resume at the start of 2026, according to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-06/virgin-galactic-spce-to-delay-first-spaceplane-flight-to-fall-2026?srnd=homepage-americas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg</a>.



The company’s current focus is on developing the upgraded spaceplane, which is being optimised for reusability and faster turnaround time between flights—perhaps an effort to compete with rival commercial space tech companies like Jeff Bezos’s <a href="https://www.blueorigin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Origin LLC</a> or Elon Musk’s <a href="https://www.spacex.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX</a>. In all cases, flights are sold as short trips to space for sightseeing or research.



Virgin Galactic told Bloomberg that it burned through roughly US$55 million (approximately HK$428.29 million) in cash during the second quarter, down from around US$79 million (HK$615.18 million) during the same period last year. It had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of US$508 million (around HK$3.96 billion) as of the end of June.



Hopefully, Virgin Galactic can unveil a groundbreaking Delta spaceplane next fall in the wake of ongoing delays. While it’s unclear what the availability and pricing of the commercial flights will be, one thing is certain: We can’t hop on just yet.

aviation concept

concept

space

Spaceplane

Virgin

virgin galactic

Virgin Galactic Is Delaying the Launch of Its Delta Spaceplane

<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

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>
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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 a groundbreaking event for wine connoisseurs, Bonhams Hong Kong is set to unveil the first-ever Middle Eastern private wine collection at a live auction on 24 May 2025. Entitled&nbsp;The Oasis Collection, the headline auction showcases over 13,000 meticulously curated bottles, reflecting the refined palate and commitment to provenance of its unique collector. Accompanying this notable collection is&nbsp;The Vault of Legacies, another private collection that highlights the exceptional depth of an Asian collector’s acquisition.



The&nbsp;Oasis Collection&nbsp;represents a significant milestone in the global wine market, shedding light on the sophistication of the Middle East’s oenophile culture for the first time in the city. Each bottle has been stored under optimal conditions, thanks to the expertise of MMI, the exclusive fine wine importer in the region. Careful preservation ensures that the wines retain their integrity and quality, setting a new standard for private collections entering the scene.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798184" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-2048x1364.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spirits of Distinction Whisky &amp; Cognac Rarities</figcaption></figure>



Among the auction highlights are 10 vintages of the illustrious Château Pétrus, including a 2000 vintage estimated between HK$55,000 and HK$80,000, alongside a 1996 Magnum valued at HK$28,000 to HK$42,000. Additionally, there are 37 lots featuring the prestigious Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, with the Echézeaux 2002 Magnum estimated at HK$38,000 to HK$55,000, and the Richebourg 2015, with an estimate of HK$110,000 to HK$160,000.



The Vault of Legacies is a testament to decades of dedication by its Asian collector, who has sourced only the finest wines in pristine condition. It includes 43 lots from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and features other sought-after wines, such as d’Auvenay Mazis-Chambertin 1996 and Leroy Chambertin 2001, complemented by an impressive selection of Italian wines, notably Gianfranco Soldera and Masseto, adding further depth to the offerings.



In addition to the live auction, Bonhams will hold an online sale,&nbsp;The Oasis Collection &amp; Grand Cru Collective, from now till 27 May, providing enthusiasts with additional opportunities to acquire rare wines. Its online auction will feature a diverse selection, ensuring that collectors can engage with the collection from anywhere in the world.



<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="819" height="1024" data-id="1234798054" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-819x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798054" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" data-id="1234798053" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-819x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798053" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
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For spirits aficionados, Bonhams will also present the&nbsp;Spirits of Distinction: Whisky &amp; Cognac Rarities auction, running from 16 to 27 May. It will showcase rare Japanese whiskies, including the coveted Hanyu Ichiro Malt “Four Aces.” Estimated between HK$360,000 and HK$550,000, this limited release reflects the distillery’s artisanal craftsmanship and the rarity of its casks, ceasing production in 2000.&nbsp;



Collectors can further explore a selection of high-age-statement Scotch whiskies, highlighted by Brora’s 40-Year-Old, with an estimate of HK$110,000 to HK$160,000. Cognac enthusiasts will not be disappointed, as the also auction features the Rémy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl, a rare blend crafted from one of the oldest casks in the house’s reserve. It is expected to fetch a sum between HK$90,000 and HK$140,000.



As Bonhams continues to elevate its offerings in such high spirits, the debut of The&nbsp;Oasis Collection&nbsp;marks a key moment for the auction house and the fine wine market in Asia. With an impressive array of wines and spirits, the auction promises to be a highly anticipated event for the city’s collectors, curators, and epicureans, celebrating the growing sophistication and global reach of wine culture in the region.



All images courtesy of Bonhams Hong Kong.

Auction

Bonhams

Bonhams Hong Kong

Hong Kong auction

Whiskey

Whiskey auction

wine auction

A Rare Middle Eastern Private Wine Collection Featuring Pétrus and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Vintages Is Heading to Auction at Bonhams Hong Kong

A ski home has been a favourite getaway for the ultra-rich ever since people started strapping sticks to their feet, but over the past two decades, they’ve become a lot more than just seasonal escapes—they’re serious lifestyle investments that increasingly offer year-round activities. According to the latest <a href="https://www.savills.co.uk/research_articles/229130/382092-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Savills Ski Report</a>, which marks 20 years of tracking the global ski <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">market</a>, prices for prime ski properties have jumped a whopping 150 percent since 2006.



Switzerland has stayed steady through it all. Ski homes in the Alpine country are up seven percent in the past year and 20 percent over the last five, and over 20 years they’ve nearly doubled in value. Resort towns long popular with aristocrats and jet-setters, such as Gstaad and St Moritz, still draw buyers looking for privacy and stability, with ultra-luxury chalets in Gstaad selling for around €51,500 per square metre—about US$55,000/HK$468,870 per square foot.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ski-property-prices-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803309" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ski-property-prices-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ski-property-prices-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ski-property-prices-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ski-property-prices.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prime ski property prices have surged 150 percent over the past 20 years. Image courtesy of Don &amp; Melinda Crawford/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The US market is equally dramatic. Short-term numbers may look flat, but over 10 years, values have jumped 84 percent, and over 20 years, they’ve soared by 228 percent. <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/aspen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aspen</a> continues to lead the pack, with prime homes averaging roughly US$3,750 (approximately HK$29,170) per square foot and ultra-prime homes going for around US$7,400 (HK$57,565) per square foot. 



To put that into perspective, a contemporary log cabin on what’s known as Aspen’s Billionaire Mountain hit the market earlier this year <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/aspen-contemporary-home-red-mountain-1236320940/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for US$45 million</a> (approximately HK$350.06 million), while a 6,180-square-foot home sold last year for<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2024/07/04/this-66-million-aspen-ski-outpost-is-2024s-priciest-home-on-record-heres-the-full-list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> a record US$66.5 </a>million (HK$517.31 million), or US$10,761 (HK$83,710) per square foot. As it turns out, the most expensive home currently on the US market is in Aspen: Stewart and Linda Resnick’s Little Lake Lodge, a 74-acre compound with a 19,000-square-foot mansion <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhochman/2025/08/28/most-expensive-home-in-america-hits-the-market-at-300-million/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">listed for US$300 million</a> (HK$2.33 billion), an amount that breaks down to a staggering US$15,790 (HK$122,835) per square foot.



Even with a brutal 10 percent dip last year, France is also seeing strong growth. Five-year gains are still a solid 31 percent, and 10-year gains are 58 percent, while the 20-year growth figures skyrocketed by 197 percent. High-altitude resorts like Val d’Isère and Courchevel 1850 are especially popular, thanks to reliable snow and international prestige. 



Luxury listings in Courchevel 1850 illustrate the scale. They include a 3,123-square-foot chalet on the market for €8.4 million (about <a href="https://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/A16255?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$9.5 million</a>/HK$76.46 million), which translates to US$3,043 (HK$23,670) per square foot, and an enormous 10-bedroom spread listed for €36 million (<a href="https://www.jamesedition.com/real_estate/courchevel-france/exceptional-five-bedroom-chalet-with-swimming-pool-in-the-heart-of-courchevel-1850-14939324?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$41.8 million</a>/HK$327.71 million), or US$6,934 (HK$53,940) per square foot.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ski-homes-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803310" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ski-homes-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ski-homes-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ski-homes-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ski-homes.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aspen remains the global leader for ultra-prime ski homes, with average prices topping US$7,400 per square foot. Image courtesy of JARRY/TRIPELON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Even with some ups and downs, prime-property values are still 27 percent above pre-pandemic levels, and demand is surging as wealthy individuals look for lifestyle escapes that double as investments, remote work makes mountain living more practical, and high-altitude, snow-reliable resorts offer long-term resilience against climate volatility. 



“Despite continued economic uncertainty, prime ski property markets have proven resilient,” says Kelcie Sellers, associate director at Savills World Research. With more than 366 million skier visits worldwide in the 2024–25 season, owning a luxury ski home in Aspen, Val d’Isère, or Gstaad isn’t just about the perfect powder—it’s also about securing a prime piece of property in a market that just keeps climbing.

Aspen

Gstaad

Luxury Ski Homes

Savills

Savills Ski Report

Luxury Ski Home Prices Jumped 150% in 20 Years, a New Report Says

Vineyard living and modern luxuries go hand-in-hand at&nbsp;<a href="https://stanlyranchnapa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Napa’s Stanly Ranch</a>. Part of Auberge Collection, the 700-acre-plus property is home to a winery, resort, and spa, as well as 40 turnkey villas and 70 vineyard homes. We gave readers a&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/new-construction/auberge-residences-napa-valley-1234642014/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first look at its residences</a>&nbsp;back in 2021, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/stanly-ranch-launches-villas-1234895838/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an exclusive peek into its villas</a>&nbsp;two years later. Now, we have yet another scoop.



The hospitality group recently announced it is teaming up with <a href="https://www.kendallwilkinson.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kendall Wilkinson Design</a> (KWD) to help buyers further customise their vineyard homes. The San Francisco-based interior design firm, founded by Kendall Wilkinson in 1992, blends classic and modern styles to create spaces that are not only beautiful and comfortable but also evocative. That is no doubt why Auberge enlisted KWD for this particular endeavour. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Auberge_StanlyRanch_Napa_7.jpg-2-1024x684.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802942" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Auberge_StanlyRanch_Napa_7.jpg-2-1024x684.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Auberge_StanlyRanch_Napa_7.jpg-2-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Auberge_StanlyRanch_Napa_7.jpg-2-768x513.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Auberge_StanlyRanch_Napa_7.jpg-2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The living room of the first vineyard home staged by KWD. Image courtesy of Paul Rollins</figcaption></figure>



Featuring simple but elegant exteriors by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foreststudio.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Studio</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://ebta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EBTA Architects</a>, the vineyard homes range from 2,300 to 5,600 square feet and offer between three and six bedrooms. Wilkinson and her team can work on single rooms or completely reimagine the entire interior, originally designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.edmondslee.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edmonds + Lee Architects</a>.



“For us, collaborating with Stanly Ranch Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a natural extension of the work we do with our clients who seek that same elevated, intimate lifestyle,” Wilkinson said in a statement.



With ties to galleries, artists, and international suppliers, as well as 30 years of industry experience, KWD is able to fully realise a buyer’s vision and inject their personality into a space. The studio is also hoping to capture “the spirit and understated luxury of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/napa-valley/">Napa Valley</a>’s Wine Country” within the respective four walls.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="606" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Auberge_StanlyRanch_Napa_10.jpg-2-1024x606.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802943" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Auberge_StanlyRanch_Napa_10.jpg-2-1024x606.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Auberge_StanlyRanch_Napa_10.jpg-2-300x178.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Auberge_StanlyRanch_Napa_10.jpg-2-768x454.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Auberge_StanlyRanch_Napa_10.jpg-2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Out under the covered patio, where handcrafted outdoor furniture sits by the private pool. Image courtesy of Paul Rollins</figcaption></figure>



The first vineyard home staged by KWD (pictured) demonstrates the chic touch buyers can expect. Sitting beneath a soaring cathedral ceiling with exposed beams, the main living area is adorned with contemporary furnishings by <a href="https://www.ironies.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ironies</a> via <a href="https://kneedlerfauchere.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kneedler Fauchère</a> and a rug from <a href="https://www.tonykitzgallery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tony Kitz Gallery</a>. The nearby dining table is anchored by a striking onyx vessel from San Francisco’s <a href="https://www.sloanm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sloan Miyasato</a>, and over in the kitchen, a <a href="https://www.desousahughes.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">De Sousa Hughes</a> light fixture hangs above a wood-panelled island. Outside, handcrafted, aluminium outdoor furniture by <a href="https://www.mckinnonharris.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McKinnon &amp; Harris</a> sits by the pool.



Beyond the home itself, residents can access the resort’s award-winning spa, a trio of dining venues, and a range of other “immersive experiences.” Not to mention, there is the rest of Napa to explore.&nbsp;



Vineyard homes start at US$4.5 million (approximately HK$34.98 million). Owners will have to pay an additional fee to work with Wilkinson and her team, with KWD’s design services starting at US$250,000 (around HK$1.94 million). You can find out more on <a href="https://stanlyranchnapa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanly Ranch’s website</a>.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/gallery/stanly-ranch-napa-auberge-residence-photos-1237317126" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more images of the Napa Valley home.

Auberge

Investment

Napa's Stanly Ranch

property

Real Estate

Stanly Ranch

Vineyard Homes

Auberge’s Stanly Ranch Is Giving Its Vineyard Homes a High-Design Twist. Here’s a Look Inside.

Giuseppe <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/cipriani/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cipriani</a> is betting that Uruguay’s Punta del Este—long a secluded playground for A-listers from Shakira and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/leonardo-dicaprio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leonardo DiCaprio</a>—is ready for an upgrade. The hospitality magnate has launched US sales for Cipriani Punta del Este Resort, Residences &amp; Casino, a US$600 million (approximately HK$4.66 billion) oceanfront development representing the largest investment in the city’s history. Robb Report has the exclusive on the launch, providing American buyers first access to one of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/south-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South America</a>’s most ambitious luxury residential projects.



Designed by the late Uruguayan-born architect Rafael Viñoly, the spread will include three towers along the coast, including South America’s second-tallest. Phase one, set for completion in 2026, will introduce a Monte Carlo-style casino, upscale dining and entertainment venues, a 27,000-square-foot event space, and a private beach club. The historic San Rafael Hotel, a local landmark, will also undergo a reconstruction as part of the resort. The first residential tower scheduled for delivery in 2028.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-Restaurant-Interior.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802930" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-Restaurant-Interior.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-Restaurant-Interior.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-Restaurant-Interior.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-Restaurant-Interior.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There will be a Cipriani restaurant on-site. Image courtesy of Vinoly Architects</figcaption></figure>



Punta del Este, often likened to a blend of Hamptons exclusivity and Miami Beach-style high rises, has long drawn the continent’s wealthy with its sun, privacy, and political stability. In the wake of the pandemic, the city has seen a surge of international buyers—from the US, Europe, and across South America—attracted by favourable tax policies and Uruguay’s growing reputation as an investor-friendly haven amid widespread economic uncertainty.



International interest has been strong. One of the three penthouses within the development has <a href="https://www.bloomberglinea.com/2025/01/24/cipriani-sells-us17-million-penthouse-in-punta-del-este-luxury-complex-as-construction-advances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">already sold for US$17.1 million</a> (approximately HK$132.95 million) to a European buyer, signalling demand for Cipriani’s combination of design, location, and brand heritage. US buyers now have the opportunity to purchase residences starting at US$1.9 million (approximately HK$14.76 million), marking the first time Cipriani Punta del Este has opened its doors to the American market.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-PDE-Terrace.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802929" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-PDE-Terrace.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-PDE-Terrace.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-PDE-Terrace.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cipriani-PDE-Terrace.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Residences will start at US$1.9 million. Image courtesy of Hassen Balut Studio</figcaption></figure>



The residences were conceived by interior architect Hassen Balut. Units are designed to maximise ocean views, with 11-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors that frame panoramas of Playa Brava and Playa Mansa. The half- and full-floor homes also feature scenic private terraces. Each residence includes custom kitchens with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, Neolith countertops, Italian cabinetry, backlit mirrors, and smart interfaces controlling concierge, valet, and security services. You can also expect marble floors throughout the kitchens and bathrooms.



The Cipriani brand brings nearly a century of history to the project. Founded in 1931 with the opening of Harry’s Bar in Venice, the family-owned company has since expanded into residential and luxury hotels, private membership clubs, and resorts globally, including<a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/home-design/cipriani-residences-in-miami-1234740139/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Cipriani Residences in Miami</a>. The US sales launch marks a new chapter for Punta del Este, connecting American buyers with one of South America’s most prominent luxury coastal developments and cementing Cipriani’s footprint in the region.



Click&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/new-construction/gallery/cipriani-punta-del-este-photos-1237321904">here</a>&nbsp;to see more photos of these new residences in Uruguay.

Cipriani

urugua

Cipriani’s Uruguay Residences Are Now Up For Grabs at HK$14.76 Million a Pop

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 dinner

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

Steeped in history and tradition since its inception in 1895, Gordon &amp; MacPhail is the family-owned independent bottler that has become synonymous with the meticulous art of whisky maturation and single malt excellence. At the helm of this illustrious legacy stands Richard Urquhart, the sales director of Gordon &amp; MacPhail and a proud member of the fourth generation of the Urquhart family, which has deftly navigated the evolving landscape of whisky production while remaining steadfastly true to its Scottish roots.



As we sit down with Urquhart in the vibrant heart at Restaurant Petrus, mere minutes before an exclusive <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/gordon-macphail-85-year-old-whisky-private-dinner-hong-kong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RR1 Hong Kong dinner</a> with the brand and an exclusive guest list made up of RR1 Hong Kong members, he exudes a calm passion that is palpable. His journey with Gordon &amp; MacPhail began at the tender age of 14, working in various roles that have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the whisky-making process. From crafting boxes to engaging in management training, Urquhart’s hands-on experience has equipped him with a unique perspective on the business and its heritage. “I’ve worked in every part of the business,” he says, reflecting on his formative years, “and this deep connection to every aspect of the company fuels my commitment to upholding its values.”



<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="Leaders of Luxury: Richard Urquhart, Sales Director of Gordon &amp; MacPhail" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7FO7Y9-_IVg?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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Urquhart’s role today is multifaceted, encompassing global sales and strategic direction, yet he remains deeply attuned to the ethos of Gordon &amp; MacPhail: a commitment to producing exceptional single malt whiskies that stand the test of time. “What defines us is our unwavering dedication to quality,” he explains. “We were pioneers in the world of single malt whisky when most of the industry was focused on blending. My great-grandfather and grandfather had the foresight to lay down casks for future generations, a decision that has allowed us to offer some of the oldest and rarest whiskies available today.”



Gordon &amp; MacPhail’s philosophy revolves around maturing whisky to its fullest potential, an art that requires both patience and expertise. Urquhart elaborates on the intricate process: “We carefully select the types of casks we use, whether sherry butts or hogsheads, ensuring that each whisky achieves the right balance and maturity.” Meticulous attention to detail is the cornerstone of the Gordon &amp; MacPhail approach, and has garnered the company accolades from whisky connoisseurs worldwide, particularly with the recent release of the <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/oldest-scotch-whisky-gordon-macphail-glenlivet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">85-year-old Glenlivet single malt</a>, which has been lauded for its exceptional quality.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803368" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gordon-MacPhail-85-Years-Old-from-Glenlivet-Distillery-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery.</figcaption></figure>



As we delve deeper into the conversation, Urquhart highlights the importance of sustainability in the luxury spirits industry. “We recognise our responsibility to the environment,” he asserts. Gordon &amp; MacPhail has committed to sustainable practices, aligning with the Scotch Whisky Association’s regulations and investing in initiatives aimed at preserving natural resources. Its partnership with American Forests, which includes auctioning a decanter from the 85-year-old release to support reforestation efforts, exemplifies the company’s dedication to giving back. “It’s essential that we not only create extraordinary products but also ensure that future generations can enjoy them,” Urquhart shares, underscoring Gordon &amp; MacPhail’s holistic approach to luxury.



Our conversation naturally shifts towards the future of Gordon &amp; MacPhail. Urquhart teases upcoming projects that promise to surprise whisky enthusiasts, including the return of some beloved older labels. “We aim to tell our story through every bottle we release,” he explains, reflecting on the brand’s commitment to innovation while respecting its storied past. Its ethos—showcasing the finest expressions of whisky craftsmanship that embody both heritage and modernity—resonates deeply around the world.



In an industry often tempted by market trends and corporate partnerships, Urquhart reaffirms the importance of family ownership. “We’ve always wanted to retain that family connection,” he states confidently, and the Urquhart family’s direct lineage from founder James Urquhart serves as a steadfast reminder of the values that have shaped the company. “It’s about passing on a legacy in a stronger position for the next generation,” he adds, illustrating a commitment to not just the whisky but to the family’s heritage as a whole.



As we discuss the luxury of whisky, Urquhart reflects on what this term means to him. “Luxury is something that is earned over time,” he states thoughtfully. “It’s about doing the right things consistently, allowing your customers to recognise and appreciate that commitment.” His perspective is integral to the Gordon &amp; MacPhail identity, where every drop of whisky encapsulates decades of expertise, patience, and passion. “It’s a privilege to share these extraordinary whiskies with people all around the world,” he says, “and the best part of the job? I get to travel the world and share a whisky with it.” And with that, Urquhart carries the enduring spirit of a family dedicated to excellence.

Richard Urquhart

Gordon & MacPhail’s Richard Urquhart on the Enduring Legacy of Exceptional Whisky Craftsmanship and Telling Stories Through Single Malt

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

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

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/porsche/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porsche</a> just unveiled its <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/porsche-cayenne-ev-wireless-charging-1237014828/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-awaited new all-electric Cayenne</a>, and the surprise isn’t faster charging or a bigger range, but enormous speed. The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/porsche-confirms-electric-cayenne-model-fouth-generation-1235787148/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cayenne Electric</a> makes 1,139 horsepower, the marque says says, and can go from zero to 60 in 2.4 seconds, which is faster than a Bugatti Veyron. That means the new model can haul groceries and also outdrag almost any other car on the road.



Porsche’s electric ambitions have run <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/porsche-quarter-three-2025-loss-ev-delays-1237318687/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">into some speed bumps lately</a>, as have the EV goals of every other automaker, but, as <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/review-2025-porsche-taycan-turbo-gt-1235583052/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with the Taycan</a>, the German automaker seems determined to pursue a slow-and-steady strategy. Porsche will continue to make, market, and design new EVs, and when the dust settles, it might just have some of the very best on the market, like the Taycan.



The new Porsche Cayenne Electric certainly feeds into that ambition. There are the speed and raw power numbers, which are impressive, but so are the charging times: The Cayenne Electric is capable of getting to 80 percent in less than 16 minutes. The new car can also charge wirelessly, the first Porsche to do so—charging floor plate not included. Porsche’s latest model will be one of three flavors of Cayenne offered, including internal combustion and hybrid models, meaning that the company is hedging its bets for now, though the Cayenne Electric seems like a pretty good one.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="577" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-cayenne-electric-6-e1763567380683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803221" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-cayenne-electric-6-e1763567380683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-cayenne-electric-6-e1763567380683-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-cayenne-electric-6-e1763567380683-768x433.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Porsche Cayenne Electric in profile, climbing a hill. Image courtesy of Porsche</figcaption></figure>



The 1,139 HP version is the Cayenne Electric Turbo, while the base model makes 435 horsepower. Even the comparatively underpowered base model will get to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, which, a generation ago, was almost unthinkably fast. Porsche did not say what the all-electric range of either car would be, but our guess is that it won’t small enough to be a dealbreaker.



On the inside, there are multiple screens, including a 14.25-inch OLED screen for the driver, and an optional 14.9-inch screen for the passenger, in addition to an 87-inch “display” that, visually, appears several feet in front of the car.



The Cayenne Electric will start at US$109,000 (approximately HK$848,410), while the Cayenne Electric Turbo will start at US$163,000 (approximately HK$1.26 million), not including shipping charges. The car will start to reach customers next summer as a 2026 model. The Cayenne Electric is also the fourth-generation Cayenne, beginning with a lineage that started in 2002. The ICE and hybrid versions Porsche plans to sell in parallel will remain the third-generation car, meaning that if you want the latest and greatest, the Cayenne Electric will have to do.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/porsche-cayenne-electric-photos-1237368382/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Porsche Cayenne Electric.

Porsche

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche’s New 1,139 HP SUV Is Its Most Powerful Production Car Ever

There may still be three races left on the 2025 <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/formula-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Formula 1</a> calendar, but <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/audi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audi</a> is ready for the 2026 season to get underway.



The German marque unveiled an unusual concept called R26 on Wednesday. No, the low-slung, stretched out vehicle doesn’t offer up a glimpse of a future road car. Instead, it previews the automaker’s first F1 car, which is set to start competing in the championship next year.



Audi has plenty of experience in motorsports, but 2026 will mark the first year it’s competed in F1. The competition’s cars don’t change much season to season, and because of this the R26 <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/first-look-every-formula-1-car-racing-in-1236260321/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doesn’t look radically different</a> from those that will be competing for the checkered flag in Las Vegas on Saturday, 22 November. It features a louvred front wing, extended nose box, curvaceous body, a halo device protecting the open-air cockpit, and an adjustable rear wing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audi-r26-concept-f1-race-car-7-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803006" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audi-r26-concept-f1-race-car-7-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audi-r26-concept-f1-race-car-7-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audi-r26-concept-f1-race-car-7-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audi-r26-concept-f1-race-car-7.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audi R26 concept. Image courtesy of Audi</figcaption></figure>



The vehicle’s general shape and profile may not hold any surprises, but its livery does. Audi makes clear that R26 previews its new “Formula 1 identity.” The design, which is defined by precise geometric cuts, consists of three colours: Titanium up front, Audi Red on the side pods, and Carbon Black in the rear. The brand’s iconic logo can also be seen in Audi Red on the tip of the nose, on the sides of the engine intake, and on top of the rear wing. The finished car, which will be officially unveiled in January, will also be littered with sponsor decals, but this is more or less what to expect from the brand’s first F1 car.



“We are implementing a unifying design language that draws together every aspect of our organisation,” the company’s chief creative officer, Massimo Frascella, said in a statement. “This makes the Formula 1 project a pioneer for the new brand identity, which will be rolled out in the future both for the F1 team and Audi as a whole.”

audi

Formula 1

Audi Just Revealed Its First Formula 1 Concept Car

<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/fascinating-facts-mclaren-1235611308/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McLaren</a> has been mulling whether to join <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/porsche-cayennes-ranked-1235657089/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porsche</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferrari-purosangue-four-door-revealed-1234747591/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ferrari</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/lamborghini-suv-history-lm002-urus-1236734349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamborghini</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martin-dbx-highest-selling-marque-vehicle-1234645743/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin</a>, and basically every other automaker in the world in making an <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/suv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUV</a>, and now we have a date, according to a new report. The marque’s SUV will launch in 2028, part of a few new cars planned for the British brand that built its reputation on racing.



The SUV was partially unveiled at a dealer meeting in the United Kingdom this week, and by that we mean in clay model form, according to <a href="https://www.autonews.com/mclaren/an-mclaren-first-4-door-model-1112/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automotive News</a>. The new SUV is codenamed P47 and will not only be the first <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mclaren/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McLaren</a> SUV but also the first McLaren to have four doors and five seats.



The powertrain is said to include a V-8 engine in a hybrid setup and be all-wheel-drive. The SUV has 24-inch wheels, and those in attendance told Automotive <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">News</a> that it had a similar profile to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cayenne-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802998" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cayenne-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cayenne-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cayenne-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cayenne.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. Image courtesy of Porsche</figcaption></figure>



The McLaren SUV will not be a plug-in hybrid, but a milder hybrid, with the electric power meant to complement the gas engine. The car will have a rear spoiler and aerodynamics that look “sculpted and muscular,” which is surely what McLaren is going for.



The SUV will not be a surprise, unless you’ve been living under a rock for a couple of decades. SUVs have come to dominate nearly every aspect of the automotive industry in North America, home to the second-biggest car market in the world, a.k.a. the US. For McLaren, the question has not been if it would build an SUV, but when.



The supercar maker is also under new ownership since April, when Abu Dhabi-based investors acquired it. McLaren has new leadership, too, with <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/mclaren-luxury-brand-electric-suv-1237000673/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CEO Nick Collins taking over then</a>. There had been some reports that the marque was developing an all-electric SUV, to the horror of some purists, but a hybrid SUV seems like a decent compromise, since supercar makers are now relying on SUVs to keep themselves afloat and keep the supercars coming.



Purists were also aghast when Ferrari started <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferrari-purosangue-suv-official-image-1234670519/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">selling the Purosangue SUV</a>, though after that happened the world did not end. McLaren also has some more fun cars coming in addition to the SUV, including the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mclaren-w1-hypercar-revealed-1235895890/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">W1 hypercar</a> next year, a coupé in 2027, a replacement for the 750S, and a replacement for the GTS. McLaren’s kitchen is cooking.

McLaren

McLaren’s First SUV Is Coming in 2028: Report

The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/toyota-ft-se-electric-concept-porsche-718-cayman-rival-1235392170/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Motor Show</a>, which has been rebranded the Japan Mobility Show, opened this week with a more muted presence than in years past, with Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Mazda, and others unveiling new cars, concepts, and, sometimes, mobility fantasies in an attempt to explore the cutting edge of moving around and stir the emotions of attendees.



The show, which has run since 1954 on an annual or biannual basis, is the most important auto show in Asia, and, probably, the world, now that the glory days of the auto shows in Detroit, Frankfurt, Geneva, Los Angeles, and other once-vibrant venues are well and truly behind them. The motor show in Tokyo is also said to be the most interesting—a mix of futuristic concepts, Japanese design, and a huge variety of vehicles that are simply never sold in Europe or North America, often smaller cars that are judged not to be viable in the lands where enormous SUVs are dominant.



This year was no exception, with new cars from every major Japanese automaker, in addition to a few Korean and Chinese automakers as well. Toyota had the biggest presence, occupying an enormous space in one of the Tokyo International Exhibition Center’s exhibition halls, which is not surprising for the biggest automaker in the world by volume. That space included sections for Toyota-branded cars as well as those from its luxury division Lexus, the small-volume brand Daihatsu, and the new ultra-luxury brand Century, which Toyota thinks can take on Rolls-Royce and Bentley.



Honda’s space was not much smaller than Toyota’s, but commensurate with its place in the world of Japanese automaking, along with the space for Subaru, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki. Among the non-Japanese manufacturers, BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai, and BYD made the biggest impressions. The Tokyo Motor Show used to be better, several attendees remarked, though it is still pretty great.



Here are 7 of the best cars here this year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Toyota Century Coupe Prototype</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-e1761709137702.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802791" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-e1761709137702.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-e1761709137702.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-e1761709137702.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/toyota-century-e1761709137702.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Erik Shilling</figcaption></figure>



The Century Coupe prototype is the car that Toyota thinks can take on Rolls-Royce and Bentley, along with a&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/toyota-says-century-suv-is-not-suv-1235331243/">Century (not) SUV&nbsp;</a>unveiled a couple of years ago. That, alone, is a pretty bold vision, since automakers as esteemed as Mercedes have attempted to take on Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the ultra-luxury space—Mercedes does so with its Maybach sub-brand—and gotten mixed results. But it’s also hard to count out Toyota, since people also discounted Lexus after its debut over three decades ago. Whatever happens, the Century coupe prototype Toyota showed in Tokyo is extremely slick.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hyundai Insteroid</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hyundai-project-e1761709360576.jpg?w=800" alt="Hyundai Insteroid"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Erik Shilling</figcaption></figure>



The Hyundai Insteroid is a very silly car that, in many ways, is what the Tokyo Motor Show is all about. The four-wheeler, first unveiled earlier this year, is a version of the Hyundai Inster EV, a compact crossover SUV that is sold in parts of Asia and Europe. Except this Inster is on steroids, hence the name, with fat rear tires, a ridiculous rear wing, roll cage, stripped-down interior, and a look that appears to be something out of a video game. Hyundai will not confirm what kind of power it makes. The car is delightful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lexus LS Concept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LS_Concept_9_s-e1761708478805.png?w=800" alt="Lexus LS concept"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Lexus</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2018-lexus-showcases-japanese-artistry-2728157/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lexus LS sedan</a> will be discontinued after next year, ending a run of nearly four decades as the marque’s flagship vehicle, and the car that took on the S-Class way back in the heady times of the Japanese bubble and proved it could not only compete but win. Lexus isn’t quite sure what to do next, but one thing that seems for sure is that the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lists/lexus-ls-history-japanese-luxury-cars-1237286175/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LS name</a> is sticking around, though it won’t stand for “luxury sedan” anymore, but perhaps “luxury space,” like in the six-wheeled <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lexus-ls-van-concept-luxury-limousine-1237327477/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lexus LS Concept</a>. The LS Concept wants to be the nicest van ever made, with four wheels in the rear for packaging purposes (so the car can sit lower) and an interior that is supposed to make passengers feel enveloped in luxury and safe from the world. It’s possible that the LS Concept will never be seen again, but you probably wouldn’t have seen a six-wheeled luxury van at the Detroit show to begin with.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honda Alpha</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/honda-alpha-e1761709497208.jpg?w=800" alt="Honda Alpha"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Honda</figcaption></figure>



Honda debuted the new 0 Series EVs at CES earlier this year, and they are sleek-looking cars that are meant to capture the eye of sleek-looking EV buyers, and also, a bit of a dunk on brands like Tesla, whose EVs are looking increasingly dated. The Honda 0 Series barely stands out, though, at the Tokyo Motor Show, given the presence of other EV-forward&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/yangwang-u9-xtreme-worlds-fastest-production-car-1237086187/">brands like BYD</a>. The Honda Alpha, part of the 0 Series, first being unveiled in Tokyo, is a new “global” EV that is actually mostly for Japan and Indonesia and, unlikely, for North America. That’s a shame, because it’s the kind of workaday-but-special-looking EV that some American buyers have long pined for.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Daihatsu Copen</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/daihatsu-kopen-e1761709588888.jpg?w=800" alt="Daihatsu Copen"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Erik Shilling</figcaption></figure>



The old Daihatsu Copen is dying, but the marque showed a new one in Tokyo, a rear-wheel drive tiny sports car or convertible that is radical in its simplicity and viscerally exciting, since it almost looks like a toy. But, as a Toyota executive said in Tokyo during a presentation, making a small car is quite difficult given all the safety tech required these days, which is another excuse automakers have to not even try. If they did, they could make something as good as the Copen, which is two seats of pure excitement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honda Prelude</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/honda-prelude-e1761709412147.jpg?w=800" alt="Honda Prelude"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Erik Shilling</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/japanese-collector-cars-1980s-1990s-2843842/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prelude</a> that Honda showed in Tokyo is not new, having debuted earlier this year, but it is a welcome play at nostalgia for the old Prelude, a small sports car that was discontinued in 2001 but lived on in the parking lots of high schools across America for many a year after. The new one is a hybrid and intended for Europe and Japan. The styling is a little pedestrian, and the hybrid-ness is a little pedestrian, too, but sometimes, it’s good just to see an old friend again, after all this time



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lexus LS Mobility Concept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://robbreport.com/"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/lexus-mobility-concept-e1761709241594.jpg?w=800" alt="Lexus LS Micro Concept"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo : Lexus</figcaption></figure>



The Lexus LS Mobility Concept is the third LS concept at Tokyo this year, and also the most far out, which is saying something because one of the other concepts is a <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lexus-ls-van-concept-luxury-limousine-1237327477/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">luxury six-wheeled van</a>. The LS Mobility Concept is designed for one person, and opens as a jewelry box might, and ferries one around an urban environment in a space that keeps you safely sealed off from the world among many screens. There is little to no chance the LS Mobility Concept ever sees the light of day, but it’s safe to assume that Lexus designers had fun making it, and, for now, it’s fun to look at and imagine.

Honda

Japan Mobility Show

Leux

Lexus Van

Tokyo Motor Show

The 7 Best Cars at the Tokyo Motor Show, From a Honda EV to a Bonkers Lexus Van

In the business of hotels, where nothing happens by coincidence, every effort is connected to facilitate smooth operations and a superior guest experience, and no cog in the proverbial machine is too small to matter, everyone has an important role to play. It is exactly this human aspect of the hospitality realm that <a href="https://stelliers.com/stelliers-greater-china-2025-hoteliers-of-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stelliers</a> has set out to honour, most recently with the 12th edition of its Greater China Awards.



On 12 December 2025, the leading hotelier awards platform co-founded by Stéphane de Montgros, announced the results of the Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards at a fabulous ceremony held at the Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, attended by more than 300 guests who eagerly awaited the announcement of winners. Peers of the hotel industry—including hospitality professionals, industry leaders, and partners—came together to toast and uplift the winners of this year’s edition, celebrating the remarkable individuals who meaningfully and passionately shape the hospitality landscape.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-81 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="1234803542" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803542" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803546" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305892-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803546" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305892-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305892-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305892-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305892-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305892-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803543" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR302158-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803543" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR302158-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR302158-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR302158-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR302158-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR302158-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803544" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803544" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803545" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305271-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803545" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305271-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305271-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305271-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305271-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305271-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</figure>



24 winners were honoured across 24 categories, selected through a meticulous judging process that involved individual interviews and much deliberation. A panel of five judges—made up of industry veterans and business leaders Rainer Burkle, former area vice present, luxury for Marriott International Greater China; May Wong, CEO of DONG Luxury Travel Collection; Kevin Tan, vice president of American Express Global Business Travel; William Mackay, former president of operations at Four Seasons Hotels &amp; Resorts, Asia-Pacific; and Sarah Chen, former senior vice president, sales &amp; marketing for Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality Group—voted on the final decision for each award.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-82 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="1234803537" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803537" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stelliers Greater China 2025 General Manager of the Year Hugo Montanari, managing director at Rosewood Hong Kong.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803536" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803536" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stelliers Greater China 2025 Chef of the Year Jan Ruangnukulkit, executive chef at Banyan Tree Macau.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



Among those honoured in some of the most highly anticipated categories were Hugo Montanari of Rosewood Hong Kong, who was awarded General Manager of the Year; Vittorio Dincao of Galaxy Macau, who was recognised as the Butler of the Year; Jan Ruangnukulkit of Banyan Tree Macau, who won Chef of the Year; and Helen Jiang of Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, who picked up the Unsung Hero of the Year award.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803538" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stéphane de Montgros, co-founder of Stelliers.</figcaption></figure>



“This evening was a celebration of people who pour their hearts into what they do. Many of the professionals we met started in the most junior roles and have worked their way forward through sheer dedication. Their stories remind us that hospitality is built by individuals who truly care about the guest experience and about their teams,” says de Montgros of the event. “We are thankful to everyone who participated this year: the nominees, the finalists, the judges, our partners, and the hotels that continue nurturing their talent. The emotion we saw on stage was genuine, and it reflects the pride these individuals take in their craft. If tonight helped them feel seen and valued—even for a moment—that is what we are honoured to be a part of.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-83 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="1234803539" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR10620-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803539" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR10620-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR10620-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR10620-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR10620-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR10620-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803540" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11344-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803540" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11344-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11344-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11344-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11344-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11344-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803541" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR13724-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803541" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR13724-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR13724-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR13724-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR13724-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR13724-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</figure>



Here is the full list of winners of the Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards:



<ol>
<li>Butler: Vittorio Dincao, executive manager – hotel operations, Galaxy Macau</li>



<li>Chef: Jan Ruangnukulkit, executive chef, Banyan Tree Macau</li>



<li>Concierge Hotelier: Sofia Metello, chief concierge, Londoner Grand, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Macao</li>



<li>Corporate Hotelier: Cheryl Chi, group director CRM, loyalty &amp; partnerships, Wharf Hotels Management Limited</li>



<li>CSR Hotelier: Ada Ng, director of impact and sustainability, Rosewood Hong Kong</li>



<li>Engineering Hotelier: James Li, director of engineering, The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin</li>



<li>Finance Hotelier: Jane Lao, vice president, finance, Melco Resorts &amp; Entertainment</li>



<li>Food &amp; Beverage Hotelier: Kevin Chan, executive assistant manager – food &amp; beverage, MGM Shanghai West Bund</li>



<li>Front Office Hotelier: Eric Si Tou, director of rooms, MGM Macau &amp; MGM Cotai</li>



<li>Hotel Manager / Resident Manager: Stephan Van Tilburg, hotel manager – The Universal Studios Grand Hotel, Universal Beijing Resort</li>



<li>Hygiene &amp; Food Safety Hotelier: Carmen Wong, senior manager – hygiene, Rosewood Hong Kong</li>



<li>General Manager: Hugo Montanari, managing director, Rosewood Hong Kong</li>



<li>Green Hotelier: Justin Li, assistant vice president – sustainability &amp; technical services, Galaxy Macau</li>



<li>Human Resources Hotelier: Winfynn Xiao, senior director – human resources, Atlantis Sanya</li>



<li>Housekeeping Hotelier: Mavis Lai Ka Woon, executive housekeeper, City of Dreams, Macau</li>



<li>Information Technology Hotelier: Xavier Yeh, director of information technology, Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen</li>



<li>Marketing &amp; Communications Hotelier: Jairo Ortiz, director of marketing communications, The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai</li>



<li>Mixologist: Frederick Ma Ming Hong, resort master mixologist, Grand Lisboa Palace Macau</li>



<li>Owner: Tom Tai, co-general manager, hotel and service apartment department, Yuexiu Commercial, Guangzhou Yuexiu Commercial Real Estate Management Co., Ltd</li>



<li>Revenue Management Hotelier: Christina Zhang, director of revenue management, Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen</li>



<li>Sales Hotelier: Peter Wang, director of global sales, China, Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai</li>



<li>Sommelier: Dirk Chen, director of wine, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong</li>



<li>Unsung Hero: Helen Jiang, dormitory attendant, Mandarin Oriental, Sanya</li>



<li>Wellness &amp; Spa: Miya Zhang, senior director of spa, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake</li>
</ol>



Robb Report Hong Kong was honoured to be part of this significant celebration as the official media partner for the Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards. Visit <a href="https://stelliers.com/stelliers-greater-china-2025-hoteliers-of-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stelliers.com</a> for more information on the Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards.

Stelliers

Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards

Winners of Highly Anticipated Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards Revealed

In Asia, the iron horse is all about velocity—the region’s swiftest operational trains include the Shanghai Maglev, Indonesia’s Whoosh, and Japan’s Shinkansen.



In Hong Kong, the MTR whisks commuters from workplace to hearth (and back) with minimal fuss and immaculate carriages. If you’ve endured the New York City Subway or London Underground, the contrast is cause for celebration. Luxury is an empty cabin and a seat that isn’t damp. We seldom spare a thought for railways unless a delay derails the day.



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Leaders of Luxury: Paolo Barletta, Founder and CEO of Arsenale" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qq9PACk7_6I?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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Enter Paolo Barletta, the visionary founder and CEO of Arsenale, intent on persuading us that slow travel is the ultimate indulgence. In a world where haste eclipses panache, the romance of the rails has receded into the shadows of modern frenzy. Barletta, however, is resolute in resurrecting this timeless conveyance, lavishing it with luxury and refinement. In an exclusive conversation with Robb Report Hong Kong, he unveiled his audacious blueprint to redefine travel, drawing on his family’s storied legacy in hospitality and real estate.



Arsenale emerged from a craving to craft something extraordinary—a venture that transcends convention. Barletta’s vision rests on the conviction that travel ought to be cherished, not endured. With an exacting eye and an unswerving pursuit of excellence, he positions Arsenale as the vanguard of luxury rail travel, fusing the pinnacle of hospitality with the poetry of the rails. His odyssey began with a precise ambition: to erect Italy’s most iconic and exquisite hotels. With the newly opened Orient Express La Minerva, he moves one step closer. Yet Barletta’s aspirations soared beyond bricks and mortar; he sought to reimagine the entire voyage. With La Dolce Vita Orient Express in the Arsenale portfolio, the glamour of slow travel had returned. Inspired by the elegance of land cruising, he intends to export this pioneering model from Italy to the world stage, and there are already notable projects in the pipeline: Dream of the Desert, the first luxury train to cruise Saudi Arabia, is expected to launch in late 2026. Arsenale stands as a trailblazer, marrying real estate mastery with profound hospitality acumen to forge a synergy unrivalled in the luxury sphere.





But what does luxury rail travel signify in an era where convenience reigns supreme? Barletta contends that the soul of travel lies not in arrival but in the passage itself. Post-Covid, a palpable shift has emerged: the tumult of contemporary existence has kindled a longing for slower, more resonant encounters. Trains, with their measured tempo and panoramic vistas, offer an antidote to our accelerated age. Barletta eloquently extols the alchemy of rail journeys. Unlike aeroplanes or ships, trains afford an intimate communion with the terrain, as landscapes unfurl like a living tapestry. It is not merely about the endpoint; it is the privilege of traversing the land, imbibing its beauty and culture en route. On board, guests savour regional gastronomy, immersing themselves in the culinary heritage of each locale. Barletta believes that this ethos will strike a chord with discerning travellers, particularly in Asia.



The resurgence of luxury trains is no fleeting fad; it heralds a deliberate renaissance in global exploration. Historically, railways have connoted the quotidian—commuting, efficiency, haste. Barletta insists this narrative is ripe for reinvention. The age of the luxury train is upon us, blending sublime comfort with intrepid discovery. As Barletta observes, the travel terrain is in flux. With rail networks proliferating worldwide, the canvas for lavish journeys expands exponentially. In the decades ahead, he foresees seamless odysseys unburdened by repacking, airport rigmarole, or logistical labyrinths. Luxury rail travel promises repose, reflection, and genuine engagement with the surroundings—all within carriages of meticulous splendour.





His ambition spans continents. From Asia to the Americas, the allure is universal. Barletta likens it to the cruising sector’s metamorphosis: once utilitarian, now synonymous with extravagance on the high seas. Rail travel, he argues, is primed for parallel elevation. Innovation, however, is the crucible. Forging a new paradigm demands precision and unflagging excellence. Arsenale must deliver not only breathtaking itineraries but also an onboard symphony and destinations that exceed the exacting standards of today’s elite.



Gazing forward, Barletta remains buoyant. With harmonious rail infrastructure and sublime locales, train journeys could reclaim their place in the travel pantheon. Arsenale’s formula is elegantly simple: mesmerising scenery, peerless service, and an abiding pledge to etch indelible memories. In an epoch defined by ephemera and instant gratification, Barletta’s vision for Arsenale revives the noble art of travel—grandeur, glamour, and a life-affirming creed that it is the journey, not the destination, that truly matters, both philosophically and literally. Luxury rail journeys beckon as an escape from the mundane, urging travellers to decelerate and relish the moment savour. As Arsenale embarks on this exhilarating odyssey, it vows to reshape the luxury travel landscape, marrying yesteryear’s elegance with tomorrow’s ingenuity. For those craving a reimagined escapade, the train may well be the most sumptuous conveyance on the horizon. If space is the final frontier, the first was unmistakably set in motion by gilded locomotion.

Arsenale’s Paolo Barletta on the Resurgence of Luxurious Rail Journeys, the Joys of Slow Travel, and the Elegance of Land Cruising

In the business of hotels, where nothing happens by coincidence, every effort is connected to facilitate smooth operations and a superior guest experience, and no cog in the proverbial machine is too small to matter, everyone has an important role to play. It is exactly this human aspect of the hospitality realm that <a href="https://stelliers.com/stelliers-greater-china-2025-hoteliers-of-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stelliers</a> has set out to honour, most recently with the 12th edition of its Greater China Awards.



On 12 December 2025, the leading hotelier awards platform co-founded by Stéphane de Montgros, announced the results of the Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards at a fabulous ceremony held at the Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, attended by more than 300 guests who eagerly awaited the announcement of winners. Peers of the hotel industry—including hospitality professionals, industry leaders, and partners—came together to toast and uplift the winners of this year’s edition, celebrating the remarkable individuals who meaningfully and passionately shape the hospitality landscape.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803542" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803542" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11521-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803544" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803544" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304150-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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24 winners were honoured across 24 categories, selected through a meticulous judging process that involved individual interviews and much deliberation. A panel of five judges—made up of industry veterans and business leaders Rainer Burkle, former area vice present, luxury for Marriott International Greater China; May Wong, CEO of DONG Luxury Travel Collection; Kevin Tan, vice president of American Express Global Business Travel; William Mackay, former president of operations at Four Seasons Hotels &amp; Resorts, Asia-Pacific; and Sarah Chen, former senior vice president, sales &amp; marketing for Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality Group—voted on the final decision for each award.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 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="1234803537" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803537" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR305642-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stelliers Greater China 2025 General Manager of the Year Hugo Montanari, managing director at Rosewood Hong Kong.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803536" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803536" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR304294-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stelliers Greater China 2025 Chef of the Year Jan Ruangnukulkit, executive chef at Banyan Tree Macau.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



Among those honoured in some of the most highly anticipated categories were Hugo Montanari of Rosewood Hong Kong, who was awarded General Manager of the Year; Vittorio Dincao of Galaxy Macau, who was recognised as the Butler of the Year; Jan Ruangnukulkit of Banyan Tree Macau, who won Chef of the Year; and Helen Jiang of Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, who picked up the Unsung Hero of the Year award.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803538" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AR11731-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stéphane de Montgros, co-founder of Stelliers.</figcaption></figure>



“This evening was a celebration of people who pour their hearts into what they do. Many of the professionals we met started in the most junior roles and have worked their way forward through sheer dedication. Their stories remind us that hospitality is built by individuals who truly care about the guest experience and about their teams,” says de Montgros of the event. “We are thankful to everyone who participated this year: the nominees, the finalists, the judges, our partners, and the hotels that continue nurturing their talent. The emotion we saw on stage was genuine, and it reflects the pride these individuals take in their craft. If tonight helped them feel seen and valued—even for a moment—that is what we are honoured to be a part of.”



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Here is the full list of winners of the Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards:



<ol>
<li>Butler: Vittorio Dincao, executive manager – hotel operations, Galaxy Macau</li>



<li>Chef: Jan Ruangnukulkit, executive chef, Banyan Tree Macau</li>



<li>Concierge Hotelier: Sofia Metello, chief concierge, Londoner Grand, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Macao</li>



<li>Corporate Hotelier: Cheryl Chi, group director CRM, loyalty &amp; partnerships, Wharf Hotels Management Limited</li>



<li>CSR Hotelier: Ada Ng, director of impact and sustainability, Rosewood Hong Kong</li>



<li>Engineering Hotelier: James Li, director of engineering, The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin</li>



<li>Finance Hotelier: Jane Lao, vice president, finance, Melco Resorts &amp; Entertainment</li>



<li>Food &amp; Beverage Hotelier: Kevin Chan, executive assistant manager – food &amp; beverage, MGM Shanghai West Bund</li>



<li>Front Office Hotelier: Eric Si Tou, director of rooms, MGM Macau &amp; MGM Cotai</li>



<li>Hotel Manager / Resident Manager: Stephan Van Tilburg, hotel manager – The Universal Studios Grand Hotel, Universal Beijing Resort</li>



<li>Hygiene &amp; Food Safety Hotelier: Carmen Wong, senior manager – hygiene, Rosewood Hong Kong</li>



<li>General Manager: Hugo Montanari, managing director, Rosewood Hong Kong</li>



<li>Green Hotelier: Justin Li, assistant vice president – sustainability &amp; technical services, Galaxy Macau</li>



<li>Human Resources Hotelier: Winfynn Xiao, senior director – human resources, Atlantis Sanya</li>



<li>Housekeeping Hotelier: Mavis Lai Ka Woon, executive housekeeper, City of Dreams, Macau</li>



<li>Information Technology Hotelier: Xavier Yeh, director of information technology, Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen</li>



<li>Marketing &amp; Communications Hotelier: Jairo Ortiz, director of marketing communications, The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai</li>



<li>Mixologist: Frederick Ma Ming Hong, resort master mixologist, Grand Lisboa Palace Macau</li>



<li>Owner: Tom Tai, co-general manager, hotel and service apartment department, Yuexiu Commercial, Guangzhou Yuexiu Commercial Real Estate Management Co., Ltd</li>



<li>Revenue Management Hotelier: Christina Zhang, director of revenue management, Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen</li>



<li>Sales Hotelier: Peter Wang, director of global sales, China, Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai</li>



<li>Sommelier: Dirk Chen, director of wine, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong</li>



<li>Unsung Hero: Helen Jiang, dormitory attendant, Mandarin Oriental, Sanya</li>



<li>Wellness &amp; Spa: Miya Zhang, senior director of spa, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake</li>
</ol>



Robb Report Hong Kong was honoured to be part of this significant celebration as the official media partner for the Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards. Visit <a href="https://stelliers.com/stelliers-greater-china-2025-hoteliers-of-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stelliers.com</a> for more information on the Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards.

Welcome to Checking In, a review series in which our editors and contributors rate the best luxury hotels based on a rigorous—and occasionally tongue-in-cheek—10-point system: Each question answered “yes” gets one point. Will room service bring you caviar? Does your suite have its own butler? Does the bathroom have a bidet? Find out below.



Describe the hotel in three words: Tranquil. Opulent. Arty.



What’s the deal?



Sometimes, the best hotels in the city are just outside of it. Case in point: Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection. This spacious gem, set a corkscrew thoroughfare away from Florence’s tourist hub, sits above the Le Cure neighbourhood in the city’s north—but is within easy reach of the Uffizi Galleries, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the other box-tick imperatives. In other words, it’s the crowd-averse Florence visitor’s default choice.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_DetailsfromAbovejpg-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803425" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_DetailsfromAbovejpg-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_DetailsfromAbovejpg-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_DetailsfromAbovejpg-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_DetailsfromAbovejpg-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_DetailsfromAbovejpg-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Part of the Auberge Collection, and set within a 16th-century property, Collegio alla Querce (as the name implies) has spent most of its life as an elite boarding school. It opened in March after a four-year revamp which was an exercise in conservation, restoration, and renovation all in one: always a tricky path to negotiate, especially in ancient, storied metropolises. Original frescoes and coffered wood ceilings have been not just preserved but replenished, for example, likewise the chapel and theatre, which helps retain the building’s scholarly ambience, while sensitive structural upgrades were applied to many of the vast public spaces. Esteva i Esteva, a Spanish father-son architectural firm, executed the makeover, with interiors—a kind of slick, pristine spin on the rustic Tuscan aesthetic, with hues which echo those very surrounds—carried out by local Florentine studio ArchFlorence. Essentially, though, ArchFlorence’s task has been to provide a suitably unobtrusive backdrop for the owner Analjit Singh’s penchant for modern art.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Conservatorio-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803421" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Conservatorio-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Conservatorio-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Conservatorio-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Conservatorio-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Conservatorio-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Wander through the vast lumen-bathed conservatory—essentially an open courtyard, encased in glass during the makeover—and other public areas and you’ll find enough contemporary pieces to fill an Assouline tome you could stop a bullet with, the vast majority South African in origin and curated by Everard Read. Deborah Bell’s large-scale bronze sculptures and drypoint etchings, Guy du Toit’s hare sculptures, and Gerhard Marx’s mischievous works with maps are worth seeking out, but that barely scratches the surface. The South African-Tuscan dichotomy continues outside, where terraced, cypress-dotted gardens have been designed by acclaimed Cape Town-based landscape designer Franchesca Watson.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SantaMariadelFiore_DiningRoom-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803423" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SantaMariadelFiore_DiningRoom-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SantaMariadelFiore_DiningRoom-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SantaMariadelFiore_DiningRoom-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SantaMariadelFiore_DiningRoom-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SantaMariadelFiore_DiningRoom-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The best room?



There are 83, all bathed in abundant light, and all boasting splendid views, either of Florence, or the Tuscan landscape. Parquet wood floors, standalone baths, ceramics by Studio Ceramica Giusti, and custom furniture made by Milan-based Paolo Castelli&nbsp;mingle elegantly with hand-painted wallpaper depicting the much-vaunted surrounding countryside.



As for the choice keys, the Santa Maria del Fiore Suite, with its heritage-rich interiors, hand-painted walls, and eye-catching artworks, is surely one of Italy’s most sybaritic hospitality hideouts. Collegio alla Querce’s ultimate eyebrow-hiker, though, is the Penthouse La Quercia: 213 square metres of opulence, with a 100-square-metre rooftop terrace, private wine cellar curated with wine by Piedmont Barbaresco and Barolo specialists Gaja, and king-size wrought-iron canopy bed with views over Florence.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SuiteGiardino_Bedroom-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803424" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SuiteGiardino_Bedroom-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SuiteGiardino_Bedroom-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SuiteGiardino_Bedroom-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SuiteGiardino_Bedroom-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_SuiteGiardino_Bedroom-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Did they greet you by name at check-in?



Yes—my entire family, impressively—and our opening interactions became an hour of cordial conversations with various staff members talking us through the hotel, the renovation, and the locale.



Was a welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived?



We were offered a glass of something cold and fizzy by Franciacorta-based maker Bellavista, but this being 9 am, opted for a zero-proof cocktail made with Seedlip Grove—a citrus-based distilled spirit, with sugar syrup, citric acid, and ginger beer. A sweet buffet also awaited us in our vast suite, the centrepiece of which was a traditional, orange-scented sponge cake with a Florentine lily or giglio, depicted on it in icing. Sweet, in more ways than one.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Copy-of-Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_23-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803420" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Copy-of-Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_23-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Copy-of-Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_23-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Copy-of-Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_23-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Copy-of-Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_23-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Copy-of-Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_23-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Private butler for every room?



It would be unconventional at a hotel of this ilk. Besides, we could dish out bonus points aplenty for an approach to service here, which is attentive but never cloying. If you like staff to anticipate and attend to your every whim, but ultimately treat you like a friend (and go that extra mile to make special things happen—see below under the question about the swimming pool) then this is a home away from home for you.



Is the sheet thread count higher than 300?



Yes. Rivolta &amp; Carmignani are the producers of the double-twisted cotton linens, crafted to combine softness, durability, and refined comfort, as well as duvets and large pillows. The smaller pillows and mattresses are supplied by Dorelan, an Italian company renowned for its ergonomic design and superior shuteye.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_72-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803419" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_72-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_72-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_72-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_72-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_February-2025_72-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Is there a heated floor in the bathroom? What about a bidet?



Only by the balmy Florentine climate, when it comes to the former. And no—that curious receptacle invented in France in the late 17th century is also absent. But it would be beyond stingy to dock points, given that the room does have a walk-in closet. And a powder room. And views of the Duomo. And a general calming ambience that is the perfect foil for a day in Florence’s hectic tourist hub. And tasty premixed bottles of Negronis, as well as moreish truffle chips, in the minibar.



Are the toiletries full-sized?



Yes indeed, courtesy of Italian supplier of skincare and haircare ablution treats to the luxury hospitality industry, La Bottega.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_above-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803418" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_above-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_above-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_above-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_above-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Pool_above-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Is there a private pool for the room’s exclusive use? How are the spa and gym?



That’d be unusual in an urban-ish bolthole like this, but a bonus point is deserved for the fact that the pool—Florence’s largest outdoor one at 35 metres,&nbsp;having been converted into an ice rink during our visit as part of Collegio alla Querce’s Winter Wonderland celebrations—was given over to my two daughters for the first hour of its opening.



Over at the Aelia spa, plunge pools and steam showers are on offer, as well as treatments which involve—over to the hotel—“nourishing infusions sourced from organic gardens and olive groves.” Yup, olive oil massages. Collegio alla Querce is also a pioneer when it comes to a new emerging trend in luxury travel: spa and wellness experiences becoming child- and family-friendly. Yoga classes specially designed for kids aged five to 12 are on offer, and a Tibetan-style sound-bath workshop can—and did, in our case—involve the whole family.



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Is the restaurant worth its salt?



Yes. The hearty fare at La Gamella sees Tuscan culinary traditions merged with head chef Nicola Zamperetti’s favoured Sicilian cuisine. The results—from the charcoal-grilled yet succulent rock octopus with Tuscan bean cream to Mediterranean bluefin tuna tartare—are delectable during our visit. The same congenial space is the site of an afternoon tea experience, as well as the daily epicurean bonanza that is the breakfast buffet table.



In the summer, Café Focolare and pool bar is where to wash down crudos, paninos, and pizzas with aperitif-style cocktails or, for non-daytime drinkers, sparkling juices.



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Do you want to spend Friday night in the lobby bar?



Of the two bars, one is where you call in for pre-prandials between a 20-minute saunter through the vast Conservatorio—effectively an art gallery—and La Gamella.



The other, and the grander of the two, is Bar Bertelli. It used to be the headmaster’s office, and now boasts a cocktail menu based on history and geography textbooks found during renovation. A Canestrini, for example, contains Ginarte (a dry gin distilled in Italy from wild juniper berries), Mancino Secco (a clear, dry Italian vermouth), and cherry yoghurt, and celebrates an Italian biologist and champion of Charles Darwin’s, Giovanni Canestrini (it “evolves with every sip,” quips the menu). Rare premium whiskies from around the world, including India, feature heavily elsewhere.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Hotel-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803417" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Hotel-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Hotel-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Hotel-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Hotel-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Collegio-alla-Querce_Hotel-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Would you buy the hotel if you could?



Ownership of such a storied, deftly renovated property would be tempting, but with Collegio alla Querce having only been acquired—for an undisclosed fee—by Leeu Collection (the Indian hospitality company founded by Singh) in 2017, and the revamp only completed this year, purchase seems unrealistic for now. Besides, accumulating an art collection as worthy of filling it as the currently one would take decades…



Score: 9.5



What Our Score Means:



1–3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here.



4–6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch.



7–8: Very good. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms.



9–10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?



All images courtesy of Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection.

Collegio alla Querce

Florence

Hotel Review

italy

What It’s Like to Stay at Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection, An Old-Meets-New Gem in Florence’s Rural Orbit

Something new, sophisticated, and effortlessly chic has made its bold debut in the heart of the Lion City, and its raison d’être is, quite simply, to promote the art of living well.



<a href="https://www.metthotelsandresorts.com/singapore/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mett Singapore</a> has opened its doors after much anticipation, revealing a modern and refreshing urban sanctuary set in the bones of a grand colonial-era building. With the unveiling of Mett Singapore, the Dubai-based Sunset Hospitality Group has successfully introduced its brand to Asia-Pacific, growing a portfolio that already includes hotels in Marbella, Bodrum, and Barcelona. It’s one step closer to future properties in the region, though no specific, Asia-focused details surrounding Mett’s active expansion plans have been released thus far. Still, for a hotel group that’s been around for all of five years tops, the rapid movement is impressive.



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Equally impressive is the new product in Singapore, situated on the grounds of Fort Canning Park, in a stately landmark that once housed another hotel. With the baton now passed to Mett Singapore, the brand is embracing the city’s colonial heritage while filtering it through dimensions of lush nature, heightened respect for well-being and longevity, and social energy.



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Designer Jeffrey Wilkes played an indispensable role in shaping the spatial experience, reimagining the cultural landmark into something more akin to a country club in the woodlands. 84 rooms and suites weave together historical charm and modern comforts, simple and refined but never austere. Mett Singapore’s unique perch—in lush gardens in city centre—offers an enviable vantage points for guests to experience the city from a new perspective.



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Health and wellness are key pillars of Mett Singapore’s identity, and the promise of rejuvenation awaits in the expansive fitness centre, where state-of-the-art strength and cardio machines stand at the ready. Mett Singapore’s two outdoor pools beckon for leisurely afternoons under the Singapore sun, while padel and pickleball courts call to those who crave activity. Instructors lead classes on Reformer Pilates, Barrecore, HIIT, TRX, and aerial yoga. Post-workout, find balance and recover through the sauna, steam rooms, and cold plunge pools.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/METT-Singapore-The-Longevity-Suite-Singapore-Render-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803401" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/METT-Singapore-The-Longevity-Suite-Singapore-Render-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/METT-Singapore-The-Longevity-Suite-Singapore-Render-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/METT-Singapore-The-Longevity-Suite-Singapore-Render-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/METT-Singapore-The-Longevity-Suite-Singapore-Render-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/METT-Singapore-The-Longevity-Suite-Singapore-Render-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



For that next-level well-being perk that sets Mett Singapore apart from the rest, look to Madison House, a new private members’ club that puts community and connection first. Probably the most exciting feature of the upcoming Madison House is the Longevity Suite, a pioneering wellness haven that integrates cutting-edge biohacking technologies with holistic practices. From cryotherapy to science-driven spa and aesthetic treatments, experiences are designed and delivered by specialists with vitality and longevity goals in mind.



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Dining can make or break any destination, but Mett Singapore is in good hands—those of Daniele Sperindio. Living well, in the lexicon of Mett, means bringing people together and fostering connection. Four gastronomic concepts, to be opened gradually as the hotel settles into its new home, are designed to do just that. L’Amo Bistrò del Mare is an homage to Italian coastal cuisine, sun-drenched in atmosphere and comforting in flavour. Canning Bar &amp; Lounge is the social hub of Mett Singapore, inviting togetherness over coffees and cocktails. Soon to come are Hanu, a tempting take on the traditional Korean grill, and Art di Daniele Sperindio.



All images courtesy of Mett Singapore.

Mett Singapore

Singapore

Sunset Hospitality Group

This New Heritage-Inspired Hotel in Singapore Is Focused on the Art of Living Well

Welcome to Checking In, a review series in which our editors and contributors rate the best luxury hotels based on a rigorous—and occasionally tongue-in-cheek—10-point system: Each question answered “yes” gets one point. Will room service bring you caviar? Does your suite have its own butler? Does the bathroom have a bidet? Find out below.



Describe the hotel in three words: Homely. Eclectic. Sybaritic.



What’s the deal?



“A five-star gem, set in rural surrounds, overlooking the city skyline…” It’s a phrase that is unlikely to appear in a Hong Kong guidebook any time soon. From the terrace of Il Salviatino, though, the birth of the Renaissance seems to unfurl, carpet-like, in the middle distance, with the iconic Brunelleschi cupola atop the Duomo roughly at eye level.



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Set within 12 hectares of private parkland, about five kilometres northwest of Florence’s (not-so) dead centre, Il Salviatino—a 15th-century villa built by the family after whom it is named—is a testimony to the tastes, passion, and diligence of its owner, Milanese entrepreneur Alessandra Rovati Vitali. It’s a place where classic, mid-century, and modern furnishing—Gio Ponti chairs, Mario Bellini sofas, pieces acquired at a Ritz Paris auction—are set amongst a profusion of plants, perennials, and flowers, and every hideaway, every nook, cranny, and stretched alcove has its own aesthetic identity: some harmonious, some offering a masterclass in discordant harmony.



Getting from your room to the public spaces, a faintly ecclesiastical scent follows you down the medieval staircases and corridors, the church-like ambience supplemented by the echo of far-off staff exchanges. You find yourself slowing your pace, hands behind your back, as you take in the artworks, 19th-century frescoes, and neo-Gothic vaulted ceilings. Outside, an enchanting, tiered garden has been planted and tended by Vitali and her team with unfussy diligence; stay elsewhere if soulless, sharp-angled topiary is your preference. A saunter down said garden, meanwhile, leads to a development that put this property in the news recently: the new €3 million (approximately HK$27.47 million) Aquae Vitali Spa (more on that 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/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803435" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The best room?



There are 39 keys, in all, with all guest quarters featuring their own whimsical flourishes. (Ours has an entire wall which appears to be shimmering drapes but is actually a cunningly applied modern fresco—vastly cooler than it sounds in prose.)



The Dalì Suite nods at the surrealist Spanish master’s aesthetic (he stayed here once) but not too overtly. The Grand Greenhouse Suite is a two-bedroom retreat, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, in which guests are immersed in Il Salviatino’s gardens. But for something to literally write home about, consider the Presidential Suite, a grand statement space whose wow factor is bolstered by an impressive marble fireplace and original oil canvases by Dutch Golden Age landscape painter Gabriel van der Leeuw.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Library-Seating.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803436" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Library-Seating.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Library-Seating.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Library-Seating.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Library-Seating.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Library-Seating.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Did they greet you by name at check-in? Yes. Several smartly attired staff members approached their introductions to my family as if we were distant relations, just arrived from New Jersey having made a “ritorno alle radici” pilgrimage to the motherland.



Was a welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived?



Yes, a local fizz whose bouquet of green apple, wisteria, and herb complimented the glorious botanical surrounds outside. Kicking off with a decent drop set the tone for what was to come, wine-wise. Check out their house expressions of Brunello di Montalcino and Bolgheri—the latter a young but prestigious appellation located in the Maremma on the Tuscan coast. As one staffer put it to me: “About 80 to 85 percent of the wine we serve is from the Tuscan region—in my opinion, 70 of the best wineries in the world are within a 50-kilometre radius of where we are talking.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greenhouse-Suite-Internal.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803433" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greenhouse-Suite-Internal.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greenhouse-Suite-Internal.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greenhouse-Suite-Internal.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greenhouse-Suite-Internal.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greenhouse-Suite-Internal.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Private butler for every room?



That’d be quite an ask, off-season, so a bonus point for how unobtrusively attentive all staff—including a bountifully informative concierge—were throughout our stay.



Is the sheet thread count higher than 300?



Yes. Cotton satin, to be exact, in an ultra-light pink hue that has been specially created to “harmonise perfectly with the natural light filtering through our windows,” as Vitali puts it. Premium Italian brand Rivolta Carmignani made the bed linen, whilst small artisanal Italian brand Dorelan was selected to provide mattresses.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites-Bathroom.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803434" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites-Bathroom.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites-Bathroom.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites-Bathroom.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites-Bathroom.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Duomo-View-Suites-Bathroom.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Is there a heated floor in the bathroom? What about a bidet?



When it comes to the latter, yes—prompting a mirth-filled explanatory conversation with the younger members of my family. As for the former, when it comes to the marble used throughout Il Salviatino, Vitali and her team did some serious homework before selecting, from local provider <a href="https://www.henraux.it/">Henraux</a>, two different marbles.



Versilys—a rare Tuscan stone, light grey in tone, with ochre, gold, and white veining—was chosen for its aesthetical suitability to the spaces. Altissimo, a classic of Italian architecture ever since Michelangelo discovered it in Monte Altissimo in 1517, was chosen for its thematic relevance to the area. Call me a soft touch, but when this much thought has gone into the bathroom floor, docking a point for their not heating it from underneath—in a city where temperatures rarely dip below seven degrees Celsius—would be a tad harsh.



Are the toiletries full-sized?



Indeed, in keeping with today’s tenets of ecological priorities. Diptyque, known for its nature-inspired aromas and an abundant celebrity client list it refuses to elaborate on, is the provider.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Aquae-Vitali-Spa-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803431" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Aquae-Vitali-Spa-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Aquae-Vitali-Spa-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Aquae-Vitali-Spa-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Aquae-Vitali-Spa-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Aquae-Vitali-Spa-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Is there a private pool for the room’s exclusive use? How are the spa and gym?



During our visit, yes. Not a single other soul was seen in the vicinity of the split-level, cabana-flanked outdoor infinity pool, found via a short walk down lichen-pocked steps through those enchanting gardens. But—as mentioned above—the big news from this property is the Aquae Vitali Spa, which opened in the summer. A seductive, subterranean space with a Greco-Roman feel to it,&nbsp;set within the original villa’s greenhouse and accessed by a pleasant stroll further down that wisteria-filled gradient in the direction of Florence, it can be booked out for an hour of couple or family time.



It contains a traditional sauna plus hammam, steam room, heated plunge pool, ice bath, and Vichy shower. Aromatherapeutic relaxation and signature massages entail products by local perfumiers and cosmetologists, whilst restorative facials feature award-winning skincare by Professor Augustinus Bader, a German biomedical scientist and physician known for his work in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Giacomo-al-Salviatino.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803432" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Giacomo-al-Salviatino.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Giacomo-al-Salviatino.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Giacomo-al-Salviatino.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Giacomo-al-Salviatino.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Giacomo-al-Salviatino.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Is the restaurant worth its salt?



Emphatically so. Usually, Da Giacomo al Salviatino—the Florence outpost of a much-lauded Milan eatery—is served in areas of the hotel including the expansive terrace, with its soul-stirring vista, and the hotel’s cosy library between April and October. From 2026 though—bolstering Il Salviatino’s creds as a winter retreat, which is when this writer advises visitors to visit Florence—it will open all year round. Expect a generous, folksy take on Italy’s fresh seafood, enhanced by seasonal ingredients sourced from Il Terzo Paradiso, the property’s botanical permaculture garden. Turbot fillet with celeriac and onions in a zesty sauce is especially recommended. The breakfast experience, too—think breezeblock-size helpings of buttery scrambled eggs with delectably cured bacon, and equally delectable aromas thanks to the patisserie and bakery items all fresh-baked in-house—is worth a bonus point.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rosa-Bar.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo--1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803438" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rosa-Bar.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo--1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rosa-Bar.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo--300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rosa-Bar.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo--768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rosa-Bar.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo--1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rosa-Bar.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo--2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Do you want to spend Friday night in the lobby bar?



Yes, preferably running up a vast bill while chatting to a knowledgeable bar staff member about Tuscany’s prolific craft-based approach to booze. Try the Bibi Graetz Bollamatta Rosato—an Italian sparkling red—before moving onto a local spirit repertoire, the highlights of which include Florentis (Tuscan malt whisky, aged in ex-red wine casks, with a mix of wheat, rye, and barley) and vodka by Chianti-based brand Winestillery.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Italian-Garden-View.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803439" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Italian-Garden-View.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Italian-Garden-View.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Italian-Garden-View.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Italian-Garden-View.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Italian-Garden-View.jpg-credit-to-Dario-Garofalo_-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Would you buy the hotel if you could?



Yes—but only in the realms of fantasy. It would take a soulless speculator to remove Il Salviatino from the hands of such a doting and adoring owner as its present one. The hotel is so much an expression of Vitali’s character, passion, and perspicacity that you’d end up either emulating her efforts in vain or being responsible for a regrettable shift in its character. You might retain its intrinsic financial worth (nine figures in Euros, by my back-of-a-beermat estimation), but its emotional value would likely wither.



Score: 9.5



What Our Score Means:



1–3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here.



4–6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch.



7–8: Very good. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms.



9–10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?



All images courtesy of Dario Garofalo and Il Salviatino.

Il Salviatino

What It’s Like to Stay at Il Salviatino, a Converted 15th-Century Florence Villa With a New Roman-Bathhouse-Inspired Spa

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-84 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.

2025 new watches

A. Lange & Söhne

Breguet

Breitling

Chaumet

Chinese New Year

exclusive watches

Franck Muller

Harry Winston

Hublot

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.

Gold Rolex

Gold Watches

Rolex

Watches

Rolex’s Gold Watches Just Got More Expensive

A <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/grand-sonnerie/">grand sonnerie</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/petite-sonnerie/">petite sonnerie</a>, and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/minute-repeater/">minute repeater</a> with proprietary sapphire crystal gongs plus a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/tourbillon/">tourbillon</a>, stop-seconds function, and COSC and Poinçon de Genève certifications comprise <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/chopard/">Chopard</a>‘s latest tour de force timepiece. Unveiled today at Dubai Watch Week, it marks the most complicated chiming watch from the Swiss watchmaker and the first time Chopard has done a grand sonnerie. The L.U.C Grand Strike required 11,000 hours of research and development, of which 2,500 hours were invested in fine adjustments during the prototyping phase alone to ensure the many components work together. Its dial-less display puts this horological expertise front-and-centre where many of the 686 components—all packed into a 43 by 14.08 mm 18-karat ethical gold case—can be seen in action.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803187" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-1-300x168.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-1-768x431.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike.</figcaption></figure>



Despite its obvious complexity, the Grand Strike is thoughtfully constructed for ease of use. Case in point: The slider, typically used to activate the minute repeater, has been upgraded so the user can easily change between three modes from one touch point. Here, you can switch between “G” for the grand sonnerie to “P” for the petite sonnerie to “S” for silence—all shifting via an openworked disc. Just beneath is the fluted bassiné-style crown where you can activate the minute repeater via a button in the center or wind up the barrel for the movement on one side and the barrel for the sonnerie mechanism on the other side. On the lower half of the dial lies the 60-second tourbillon at 6 o’clock with a small seconds on the cage which comes with a stop seconds function for precise time setting.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-5.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803186" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-5.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-5-300x168.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-5-768x431.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



But what makes this watch really sing are its sapphire crystal gongs operating with two steel hammers (pictured top left between 9 and 11 o’clock). The manufacture worked with the Haute Ecole du Paysage, d’Ingénierie et d’Architecture (HEPIA) for the analysis and nuances of its signature chime with notes tuned to emit a C#-F♮ chord. Traditionally, a sonnerie chime emits sound via hammers that strike steel gongs which transmit acoustic energy through vibrational waves traveling through the dial crystal and creating sound through the air, which can result in energy loss via the gong attachments, movement, and case, thereby decreasing the effect of the sound. Here, Chopard combines the gongs and the dial crystal which are machined from a single monobloc of sapphire crystal, so that when they are struck by the hammers they vibrate in concert with the dial crystal directing the sound toward the exterior and avoiding the usual loss of acoustic energy through the movement and case. The result is a crisper, clearer sound.



Furthermore, the sapphire crystal gongs use a square cross-section to maximize contact with the hammers and channel vibrations into distinct, layered modes, yielding a richer and more textured chime than traditional round steel gongs. Combined with the material’s monocrystalline hardness—which resists deformation and produces an ethereal, resonant tone—this construction gives Chopard’s sonneries their unmistakable symphony.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-4.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803185" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-4.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-4-300x168.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-4-768x431.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike.</figcaption></figure>



Chopard developed five new patents to support and safeguard its exceptional sonnerie: two ensure intuitive, worry-free use by allowing the chime to be activated or modes to be switched at any time without harming the movement, while three focus on performance, including an energy-efficient clutch that reduces torque and extends the sonnerie’s power reserve (a minimum of 12 hours in grand sonnerie mode), a safeguard that blocks activation when torque is insufficient to prevent incomplete chimes, and a redesigned hammer geometry that minimises shock to the sapphire gongs without compromising sound quality.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803184" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-2.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-2-300x168.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-2-768x431.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike.</figcaption></figure>



Beyond its extensive technical achievements, which have a total of 10 patents (some of which are still pending), its Poinçon de Genève certification is the icing on the cake. The prestigious hallmark is awarded to watches assembled and regulated in the Canton of Geneva meeting the strictest standards of craftsmanship, quality, construction integrity, durability, and finishing. The components have been hand finished with the main plate and bridges in German silver. The same material can be found in&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/chopard-l-u-c-full-strike-sapphire-1234673460/">Chopard’s Full Strike watches</a>&nbsp;and is only used in their exceptional creations. And, while the maison considered using sapphire for the tourbillon bridge, it ultimately landed on stainless steel, which they felt was more impactful.



Despite the incredible amount of haute horology packed inside, the movement manages 70 hours of power reserve. It is both a work horse and a work of art. Furthermore, it is proof that, Chopard’s manufacture in Fleurier, Switzerland is positively flourishing.



The piece is not a limited edition, but will be limited in production to the tune of approximately just 3 pieces a year.

Chopard

LUC Grand Strike

Chopard Just Unveiled Its Most Complicated Watch Yet at Dubai Watch Week

The introduction of a new collection of watches is often met with a mix of anticipation and scepticism, particularly when it promises to redefine conventions. Atelier Wen, a brand that has steadily carved its niche in the luxury watch market, has done just that with its latest offering: the Inflection, that launched earlier this week in Hong Kong. With a novel range of hues and ideation, well, colour us intrigued. 



This innovative collection marks a significant milestone not only for the brand but for watchmaking connoisseurs and collectors. Atelier Wen, renowned for its dedication to marrying traditional&nbsp;craftsmanship&nbsp;with contemporary design, brings to the table with Inflection an ambitious new standard, utilising 99.9% pure tantalum—a metal rarely seen in watchmaking outside the most elite brands.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802838" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Duo_Permanent_1_RS-2048x1364.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Inflection collection&nbsp;comprises&nbsp;three variants, each showcasing tantalum&#8217;s unique properties. This rare metal, known for its remarkable corrosion resistance and striking bluish-grey hue, is not merely a choice of material but a visual statement. The watch&#8217;s case and bracelet are crafted entirely from tantalum, a feat that underscores Atelier Wen&#8217;s commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary haute horology.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Tantalum matters on the wrist for three clear reasons,” explains Robin&nbsp;Tallendier, co-founder of Atelier Wen. “It is dense,&nbsp;more or less like&nbsp;18k gold, so it feels&nbsp;substantial&nbsp;and has real presence. Its natural colour is a distinctive bluish grey that is unlike anything else. It is extremely difficult to machine, since the metal is gummy, slow to cut, and unforgiving of tolerances.” Historically, full tantalum bracelets have been extremely rare, existing solely as&nbsp;pièces&nbsp;uniques.&nbsp;Inflection changes that with a complete bracelet in pure tantalum, where every link and clasp&nbsp;component&nbsp;meets tight tolerances in a material that resists every operation.&nbsp;



The collection features a grand feu enamel dial created by the esteemed Kong&nbsp;Lingjun&nbsp;workshop, a name synonymous with exquisite enamel&nbsp;craftsmanship&nbsp;in China. The collection features a grand feu enamel dial created by the esteemed workshop of Kong&nbsp;Lingjun, a name synonymous with exquisite enamel&nbsp;craftsmanshipin China. This collaboration highlights not only the beauty of the material but also the cultural heritage that Atelier Wen&nbsp;seeks&nbsp;to celebrate. “We began with a principle, not a palette: balance,”&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;says of the colour scheme. “Inflection is about duality, expressed through material, geometry, and finish, so colour had to support that idea and sit naturally with tantalum’s bluish grey. It also had to work with grand feu enamel, which builds tone through multiple firings and can easily tip into harshness if pushed the wrong way. We chose tones that invite a closer look, serve the architecture, and age well, rather than colours that dominate the object.”&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/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802837" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Inflection collection is available in three distinct variants: the limited launch edition&nbsp;Yōu, which features a&nbsp;fumé&nbsp;enamel dial transitioning from pale green to deep viridian; the&nbsp;Mò, an obsidian black variant; and the&nbsp;Yuān, which&nbsp;showcases&nbsp;a stunning midnight blue hue. Each dial is not only a testament to the skill of the artisans involved but also highlights the intricate and labour-intensive process of creating grand feu enamel. The enamelling process, which involves multiple firings at extreme temperatures, results in a surface that is both glossy and durable, providing a perfect canvas for the watch’s unique design elements.&nbsp;



Yōu&nbsp;is calm and inward-looking. “The enamel sits on a hand-hammered 925 silver base, so light breaks subtly across the surface and the gradient gains a quiet sense of movement,”&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;notes. “It is a demanding colour to execute because a broad, balanced gradient in green is unforgiving during firing. When executed correctly, the dial looks even and composed, and the colour supports the case and bracelet instead of competing with them.”&nbsp;



Mò&nbsp;is tuned to be a profoundly deep black that absorbs light instead of returning it. “That depth creates a very pure stage for the case and bracelet, sharpening the read of concave and convex surfaces and making each transition in brushing, frosting, and polishing register with maximum clarity,” he adds. “On a&nbsp;925 silver&nbsp;base, a black of this intensity requires careful preparation to avoid milkiness and micro-bubbling through repeated firings. The result is restraint, precision, and legibility without noise, which is the clearest expression of the design language.”&nbsp;



Yuān&nbsp;takes midnight blue and aligns it precisely to tantalum. “The metal carries a natural bluish tint, and&nbsp;Yuān&nbsp;extends that temperature onto the&nbsp;dial&nbsp;so the piece reads as a single composition rather than a metal plus a colour,”&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;explains. “The enamel opens gently under changing light, revealing depth without pulling focus from the overarching blueish tint of tantalum. The challenge here is consistency: if the blue drifts warmer or colder, the harmony with the metal breaks.” Traditional “lucky” reds or golds were avoided because, as&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;puts it, “those&nbsp;colors&nbsp;would dominate the object and reduce the watch to a statement about colour. We intended to let colour support narrative and craft, and to allow tantalum, geometry, and finishing to carry the conversation.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



At the heart of Inflection is the customised Girard-Perregaux&nbsp;movement, calibre 03300, a powerhouse renowned for its precision and finishing. This partnership with a prestigious Swiss manufacture speaks volumes about Atelier Wen’s aspirations. The support from the prestigious Swiss manufacture speaks volumes about Atelier Wen’s aspirations. The movement is adorned with features that pay homage to traditional Chinese aesthetics, including sweeping lines inspired by motifs of wind found in historical paintings. This attention to detail embodies a philosophy of harmony and balance, echoing the yin and yang dichotomy intrinsic to Chinese culture. Each&nbsp;component, from the ruthenium-plated bridges to the meticulously designed rotor, reflects a commitment to high-end finishing that is both functional and visually captivating.&nbsp;



Inflection removes flat planes from the case and bracelet, using alternating concave and convex forms with long, sharp transitions. “We did not simplify the design to make production easier; we increased its complexity to fully embrace our design vision,”&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;emphasises. “That makes manufacturing harder, then finishing harder again: vertical brushing must stay straight on curves, polished mid-links must remain clean, and long mirror-polished chamfers must be sharp without rolling edges.” On the wrist, the result is a character distinct from gold, platinum, titanium, or steel—delivering gravitas with a cooler, contemporary blue sheen. “Inflection is not a one-off experiment; it is a continuous collection in pure tantalum, manufactured and finished to an&nbsp;unheard of&nbsp;standard,” he says.&nbsp;



Given the complexity of tantalum manufacturing and limited production capacity—only 100 pieces of Inflection will be available in the first year—this collection is poised to become highly sought after. The by-application sales process further emphasises exclusivity, ensuring each piece finds a home with someone who&nbsp;truly appreciates&nbsp;its artistry.&nbsp;



Atelier Wen’s founders, Robin&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;and Wilfried Buiron, have long dreamed of creating a watch that transcends boundaries. With Inflection, they have achieved that, infusing high horology with Chinese cultural elements. You might have heard ‘East meets West’ ad nauseum, but&nbsp;here’s&nbsp;an accessory that encapsulates the phrase in form. Inflection promises to be more than a watch; it will be&nbsp;a lasting legacy, a conversation starter, and a celebration of artistry.&nbsp;



Regarding&nbsp;the market,&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;offers perspective: “It offers a clue, but does not give the full picture on its own. In Hong Kong, watch demand tends to move with cross-border travel and overall liquidity&#8230; For us, the situation is&nbsp;very different. Our orders for Inflection are driven&nbsp;mainly by&nbsp;committed collectors, through applications and allocations&#8230; Demand is global and tied to the work itself.” Inflection stands apart, a masterpiece in full tantalum.&nbsp;



For more information log on to&nbsp;<a href="https://atelierwen.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor0_SaIRPSxNsQV0TwMpnpxMKETzAyb1DitufMow7dzrFnIarbK" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AtelierWen.com</a>&nbsp;

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Atelier Wen

Watch

Atelier Wen Unveils Inflection Wristwatch Collection: A Masterpiece in Full Tantalum 

Looking for something a little different than the usual Swiss fare for your wrist? <a href="https://vieren.co/?srsltid=AfmBOoqu_ftMM7mPJ3-xMA_gbsFdkfDXwhVHKw7d10ZG6bpim-PRs9cV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vieren</a>, a brand founded by Jess Chow (a daughter of two watchmakers) and Sunny Fong (an award-winning designer), is celebrating its 5th birthday with unique watches created by five different artists. <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/james-goldcrown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Goldcrown</a> from California, Roberta Boffo from Italy, Cosmodernism from Poland, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/kelly-violet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelly Violet</a> from England, and Sébastien Preschoux from France has all lent their hand to creating the funky dials for the the 41.5 × 27 × 9.2  mm timepieces.



<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/2025/09/VIEREN-V-Collection-Hero.jpg-2-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801586" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIEREN-V-Collection-Hero.jpg-2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIEREN-V-Collection-Hero.jpg-2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIEREN-V-Collection-Hero.jpg-2-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIEREN-V-Collection-Hero.jpg-2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/vieren/">Vieren</a> V Collection Vieren</figcaption></figure>



But these are not just timepieces featuring the artists’ existing work. Each piece features a unique hand-painted creation specifically created for Vieren. “We were drawn to artists who inspired us,” Chow tells&nbsp;Robb Report. “Each of them was self taught and followed their passions to reach where they are today. From London to Paris to LA, these visionary creatives were able to tell a story through their unique artistry and meticulous hand-painted details. None of them had designed a luxury timepiece before, and seeing them translate their work onto our one-of-one miniature canvas was truly remarkable.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vieren-V-Collection-3.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801587" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vieren-V-Collection-3.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vieren-V-Collection-3.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vieren-V-Collection-3.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vieren-V-Collection-3.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vieren V Collection caseback signed by James Goldcrown Vieren</figcaption></figure>



The artists were challenged to create their own interpretations of time. As you might imagine, none were too literal about it. Street artist James Goldcrown used his signature Bleeding Hearts motif to evoke, perhaps, that time is love. Tattoo artist Kelly Violet painted a haunting floral, while Cosmodernism did a composition inspired by microscopic chemical patterns. Roberta Boffo and Sébastien Preschoux went more abstract with various shapes and patterns. Each comes with a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback engraved with the artists signatures.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="674" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vieren-V-Collection-2.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801589" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vieren-V-Collection-2.jpg.webp 1200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vieren-V-Collection-2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vieren-V-Collection-2.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vieren-V-Collection-2.jpg-768x431.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vieren V Collection Art Crate Vieren</figcaption></figure>



All five pieces, made in Switzerland and powered by bespoke ETA 2671 automatic movements, will be available in a one-of-one V Collection Art Crate (US$42,000/approximately HK$326,760) in case you want to display them in your home or individually for US$9,000/approximately HK$70,020 each. All are one-of-a-kind and purchases will be honored in order of request.

Jess Chow

Swiss Watchmaker

Vieren

Swiss Watchmaker Vieren Enlists Artists to Create 5 Hand-Painted Watches