St Regis’s latest opening will have you dreaming of island breezes. 



The renowned hospitality company has just debuted the St Regis Aruba Resort, its first property on the island. The 252-key hotel—including 52 suites—was designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates and gives visitors to Aruba a luxe new option when it comes to accommodations.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/St.-Regis-Aruba-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795216" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/St.-Regis-Aruba-1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/St.-Regis-Aruba-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/St.-Regis-Aruba-1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The property is surrounded by blue waters. Image courtesy of St Regis Aruba Resort</figcaption></figure>



Along with the well-appointed rooms, the St Regis Aruba offers a host of amenities that could keep you on property throughout your vacation. The two pools have private cabanas for all-day lounging, while the St Regis Spa includes treatments inspired by the island setting. There’s a state-of-the-art fitness centre for getting some reps in, as well as the Children’s Club for families travelling with young kids. Plus, the Aruba hotel features the first St Regis casino.



“Aruba is one of the most remarkable islands in the Caribbean, and we are proud to unveil the St Regis Aruba Resort on the pristine shores of Palm Beach, further expanding our global portfolio of legendary <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hotels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hotels</a> and resorts,” George Fleck, the senior vice president and global brand leader for St Regis, said in a statement. “As we continue to celebrate 120 years of timeless elegance, we remain deeply focused on growing our resort portfolio and solidifying St Regis as the ultimate symbol of luxury leisure destinations and one-of-a-kind experiences.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/St.-Regis-Aruba-Cocktail.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795215" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/St.-Regis-Aruba-Cocktail.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/St.-Regis-Aruba-Cocktail-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/St.-Regis-Aruba-Cocktail-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Bon Bini Mary. Image courtesy of St Regis Aruba Resort</figcaption></figure>



When it comes to dining, the St Regis has upped the ante with six different culinary destinations on site. The marquee offering is an eponymous rooftop restaurant from chef <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/akira-back-lumi-san-diego-interview-2874908/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Akira Back</a>, serving up Japanese- and Korean-inspired cuisine. There’s also Caribbean restaurant Eskama and Aruban-inspired beachside spot Nuba. For a quick coffee, you can stop by Grano Café, or linger at one of two bars—Ventura and the St Regis Bar. At the latter, you can get a taste of the property’s signature Bon Bini Mary, a play on the Bloody Mary with papaya, lime, habanero chilli, and aromatic spices.



“Aruba has long been a haven for travellers seeking exceptional escapes, and St Regis’s legendary vanguard spirit and traditions are a perfect fit for this extraordinary destination,” Brian King, the president of Caribbean and Latin America for Marriott International, St Regis’s parent company, said in a statement.



Soaking up the sun from the St Regis Aruba’s beachside locale doesn’t sound too shabby to us.

Aruba

Hotels

Resorts

St Regis

St Regis Aruba Resort

The St Regis Just Opened Its First Hotel in Aruba

Robert De Niro’s hospitality empire is welcoming its newest member.



Besides the recent debut of his second <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/locanda-verde-hudson-yards-robert-de-niro-1235991352/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Locanda Verde restaurant</a> in NYC, the actor is opening a luxury inn in the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/caribbean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caribbean</a> later this year, The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/travel/robert-de-niro-nobu-hotel-barbuda.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>. Called <a href="https://www.nobubeachinn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nobu Beach Inn</a>, the property will be welcoming guests to Barbuda, an island around 38 miles north of Antigua.



Being built on the former K Club resort site (a vacation spot of Princess Diana), the new hotel will be home to 17 bungalows for a total of 36 bedrooms, priced from US$2,500 (approximately HK$19,460) per night for a one-bed option. The property’s 25 privately owned beachfront villas, meanwhile, can be rented out as the owners see fit. These accommodations will cost buyers US$12 million (approximately HK$93.41 million) or more each, offering up anywhere from 4,500 to 6,000 square feet as well as 24 feet of landscaping on each side for privacy. Each room will have private swimming pools, too, and a personal staff member to cater to its guests’ whims.



Of course, there’s also a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/nobu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nobu</a> restaurant on the property. Open since 2020, it was the first part of De Niro’s foray into Barbuda, according to the Times. Previously, Nobu Barbuda’s clientele mostly included day-trippers from other isles, though the locale can expect a wave of new customers once the hotel opens its doors.



<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/nobubeachinn2.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794948" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/nobubeachinn2.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/nobubeachinn2.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/nobubeachinn2.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/nobubeachinn2.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A snapshot of Nobu Beach Inn’s reception. Image courtesy of Nobu Beach Inn</figcaption></figure>



De Niro has been in the hospitality game for quite some time. The Goodfellas star founded Nobu Hospitality in 1994 alongside Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa—named one of Robb Report’s<a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/lists/50-most-powerful-people-american-fine-dining-2024-ranking-1235980759/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> most powerful people</a> in American fine dining—and film producer Meir Teper. Today, the brand has over 42 <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hotels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hotels</a> (including those in the pipeline), 12 residential developments, and 56 restaurants in its domain worldwide.



Nobu Beach Inn is the only hotel De Niro has a direct ownership stake in via his Paradise Found Barbuda LLC, the Times reported. The actor’s latest entity was formed in collaboration with Australian billionaire James Parker and international hotelier Daniel Shamoon. The trio acquired the Nobu Beach Inn grounds, which span 392 acres, for a cool US$5.2 million (approximately HK$40.48 million) a decade ago. They hold a 99-year lease on the property.



“I always thought it was something special,” De Niro told&nbsp;The New York Times. “And I said, ‘This is the spot if we can get it.’”



And soon enough, guests will be able to see just how special Nobu Beach Inn is for themselves.

Caribbean

Nobu

Nobu Beach Inn

Travel

Robert De Niro Is Opening a Nobu-Branded Inn in the Caribbean

South <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Africa</a>’s newest <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/safari/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safari</a> resort wants to give you a bird’s-eye view of the bush. 



Travel outfitter Far &amp; Few just unveiled its first sustainable safari eco-lodge, set to open this month in South Africa. Called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fewandfarluvhondo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Far &amp; Few Luvhondo</a>, the property spans 100,000 hectares (about 400 square miles) in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo with six cliffside suites that place you right within nature’s folds. Better still: The new accommodations, located in one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth, the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, focus on biophilic features, regenerative tourism, and various conservation efforts to create an eco-friendly experience for all.



That experience begins with the lodge’s design, courtesy of South African–based Nicholas Plewman Architects&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ohkre Collective. The duo took cues from the landscape’s grand baobab, sycamore fig, and shepherd trees to craft the property’s architecture, such as the expansive, towering dining area. Inside, patterns and textures reminiscent of flora, fauna, and rock formations are blended with custom furniture and artwork, like in the bright, open-air suites. Here, expect breezy linens as well as hues inspired by the region’s rich clay, orange foliage, and blue skies. Of course, you can always step outside onto the suite’s expansive terrace overlooking the stunning views or take a dip in the room’s private plunge pool.



<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/Few-Far-Luvhondo_dining.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794957" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Few-Far-Luvhondo_dining.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Few-Far-Luvhondo_dining.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Few-Far-Luvhondo_dining.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Few-Far-Luvhondo_dining.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A peek inside the dining space. Image courtesy of Jemma Wild</figcaption></figure>



Off property, Far &amp; Few Luvhondo offers up game drives, as you’d expect, where you can explore the lush terrain and (hopefully) spot giraffes, leopards, zebras, and over 600 bird species. Guided nature walks and hikes are also on the table, as well as a day trip to track down Samango monkeys. The best activity, though, may be Solfari, a solar-powered aerial safari that brings you soaring above the landscape in a cable car, a first-of-its-kind experience.



Once you’re done exploring the bush, the resort will have plenty of food to fill your plate. The culinary team, led by chef Nhalkanipho Soxhela, is offering up farm-to-table dining experiences that celebrate South African cuisine. Chow down on a traditional&nbsp;boma braai&nbsp;barbeque, try multiple courses at dinner in the bush, or enjoy drinks and snacks under the stars. And speaking of spirits, sommelier Erica Taylor is on hand to pair your meals with local wines from sustainable producers—including the region’s ever-popular&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/gallery/best-chenin-blanc-wines-2024-guide-1235858986/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chenin Blancs</a>.



<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/Few-Far-Luvhondo_cliffsuiteterrace.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794958" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Few-Far-Luvhondo_cliffsuiteterrace.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Few-Far-Luvhondo_cliffsuiteterrace.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Few-Far-Luvhondo_cliffsuiteterrace.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Few-Far-Luvhondo_cliffsuiteterrace.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Cliff Suite’s terrace.</figcaption></figure>



As for Far &amp; Few Luvhondo’s sustainability practices, the lodge is powered by renewable energy and was built with a zero-waste model. It takes things even further by making a pledge to sequester over 100,000 tons of carbon annually, as well as regenerate over 100,000 hectares via reforesting and other methods within the next 10 years, to protect the Soutpansberg Mountains’ future. The new property also has a carbon-offset programme and partners with local artisans and farmers to create sustainable jobs.



“In a post-pandemic world, luxury travel has evolved to encompass sustainability, authenticity, and a deeper purpose, and Few &amp; Far Luvhondo represents a bold new approach to this, offering travellers opportunities to engage with local cultures and landscapes while leaving a positive impact,” Sarah Dusek, cofounder of Few &amp; Far, said in a statement.



The commitment to local engagements extends to the resort’s other on-site offerings. At the spa, you can enjoy a massage or facial complete with locally sourced organic ingredients. Other wellness practices include a meditative labyrinth walk and that old-travel favorite, outdoor yoga.



Pricing at the lodge is US$3,600 (approximately HK$28,023) per night for double occupancy.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/gallery/few-far-luvhondo-in-photos-1236164690" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see more photos of Few &amp; Far Luvhondo.

Far & Few Luvbondo

Safari

South Africa

South Africa’s Newest Eco-Conscious Safari Lodge Gives You a Bird’s-Eye View of Its Verdant Forest

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/michelin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin</a>-starred chefs are hopping aboard the British Pullman.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/belmond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond</a>’s luxury <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sleeper-train/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleeper train</a> just announced a new <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/chef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chef</a> dinner series that’s launching this spring. The culinary adventure will kick off in April and feature four journeys spearheaded by a rotating lineup of acclaimed UK-based icons, each bringing their take on the country’s gastronomic scene to the table. During the round-trip voyage, guests will enjoy a seasonal five-course tasting menu, paired with a Champagne reception and fine wines hand-selected by a sommelier.



The series will start on 18 April 2025, with chef Theo Randall returning to the Belmond train. Best known for his rustic Italian fare and for being awarded a Michelin star at the River Café in London, Randall will be serving up a five-course menu highlighting the best springtime ingredients. Then he’ll be handing the torch over to chef Phil Howard on 22 May. Howard, whose held two Michelin stars for nearly 20 years, has a more modern French cooking style. So, expect lots of technique complemented by balanced flavours and pristine plating.  



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1890" height="1417" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794930" style="width:837px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png.webp 1890w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png-300x225.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png-1024x768.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png-768x576.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png-1536x1152.webp 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1890px) 100vw, 1890px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Four Michelin-starred UK chefs will lead a new dinner series aboard The British Pullman. Image courtesy of The British Pullman, a Belmond Train</figcaption></figure>



The British Pullman will depart for a third time on 13 June with <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/a-wong-london-michelin-2-star-chinese-restaurant-1234595914/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chef Andrew Wong</a> at the helm. Wong, a Michelin two-star chef, has made a name for himself by combining regional Chinese cuisine with local British ingredients that celebrate his cultural heritage. After making his debut, Indian chef Atul Kochhar will join the train for its final departure on 24 October. Kochhar, the chef-patron of the first Indian restaurant to earn a Michelin star, blends British flavours with regional Indian cuisine.



“We are excited to launch a new chef series which showcases the various facets of the British culinary landscape on the British Pullman, with internationally acclaimed chefs expanding its presence into new destinations and new fusion cuisines,” British Pullman general manager Craig Moffat said in a press statement. “The series is a true celebration of the fine-dining experience that has made the train a cherished icon, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with the dynamic evolution of modern British cuisine.”



Prices for the celebrity chef dinner series start at £565 (or US$689, approximately HK$5,364) per person.

Belmond

Michelin chefs

sleeper train

train

train journey

The British Pullman Train Just Unveiled a New Dinner Series With Michelin-Starred Chefs

Since last year’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/total-solar-eclipse-jsx-flight-1235575745/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar eclipse</a> cause a <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/total-solar-eclipse-travel-spending-1235561928/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive travel boom</a>, it’s never too early to start thinking about 2027’s celestial event and where in the world you want to experience it.



Luxury&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">travel</a>&nbsp;operator Geographic Expeditions has unveiled a new itinerary aimed at just that: The company, which specialises in curated adventures, will be taking guests to the&nbsp;best vantage points&nbsp;across ancient&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/egypt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Egypt</a>&nbsp;to witness the solar eclipse in 2027. As previously mentioned,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.geoex.com/trips/egypts-eclipse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the 10-day journey&nbsp;</a>doesn’t kick off for another two years, however, that’s because it’s scheduled to align perfectly with the phenomenon, which is expected to peak in Luxor, a city on the east bank of the Nile River.&nbsp;



<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/egypt.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794792" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/egypt.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/egypt.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/egypt.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/egypt.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The itinerary includes stops at ancient villages and temples.  Image courtesy of Getty Images/Geographic Expeditions</figcaption></figure>



Joining the voyage will be certified Egyptologists in addition to Ed Krupp, the long-time director of the Griffith Observatory in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/los-angeles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles</a> and the resident astronomer for the trip who can shed some light on the relationship between ancient Egyptian civilisation and the cosmos. The adventure will begin in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/cairo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo</a> on 26 July 2027, where guests will jet off to Aswan before boarding a private dahabeya—a traditional wooden river boat that sails up and down the Nile—for four nights.



During the cruise, expect beachside dinners under the stars, stops at under-the-radar villages, and visits to temples. For example, in Edfu, you’ll get to check out the Temple of Horus, dating back to 55 BCE. There are also rows of tombs at El Kaab to explore and exclusive plans to tour lesser-known heritage sites such as Jebel Silsilah and the Speos of Horemheb. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/egypt-trip.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794793" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/egypt-trip.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/egypt-trip.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/egypt-trip.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Geographic Expeditions</figcaption></figure>



Once travellers arrive in Luxor, they’ll be stationed on a private rooftop overlooking the Valley of the Kings for the main celestial event, which is estimated to last nearly six-and-a-half minutes. Additional luxury accommodations along the way include the five-star InterContinental Citystars Cairo and Hotel Al Moudira.



“This journey is a testament to GeoEx’s commitment to delivering unparalleled travel experiences that blend exploration, education, and wonder,” said CEO Brady Binstadt in a statement. “From the cultural richness of Egypt’s ancient sites to the awe-inspiring solar eclipse, this itinerary is designed to inspire and transform.”&nbsp;



GeoEx’s “Egypt’s Eclipse: Ancient Sands &amp; Cosmic Stories” itinerary is priced at US$22,250 (around HK$173,230) per person. The official dates are 26 July to 4 August 2027, and the booking link will be live on operator’s website on 11 February. And if 2024’s solar eclipse is anything to go by, it’s better to snag a spot sooner rather than later.

2027

egypt

Solar Eclipse

Travel 2027

This 10-Day Adventure Will Take You Through Egypt During the 2027 Solar Eclipse

Taylor Swift has finally ended her Eras tour, so the question is, how long will she remain at the top of any entertainment list? For now, she’s unbeatable. Fashion-wise, she’s known to wear Zimmermann, and that Aussie brand seems to excite more interest than ever. Founded by Sydneysider sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann in 1992, they will only issue gear you can dance in. Since 2023, it’s been partly owned by US private equity giant Advent International, who must be dancing all the way to the bank. Zimmermann has 56 stores worldwide, including such locations as Shanghai and Shenzhen and London’s Bond Street. Looking at its current website, by the way, you might be convinced that anything all black, with gold accessories, is absolutely right for chic events. (Remember how many all-black outfits there were at the Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024 in Hong Kong last November?)



This particular column could well be called the Aussie special. Let’s switch from looking good to good-looking, as in wearable timepieces. Take note of Andrew McCutchey’s Watch Discovery Studio. He’s made watches his life forever, it seems, and now he has set up a watch discovery studio in Melbourne. It’s part of his Time and Tide empire. The discovery studio is to see what watches he’s got; have a look, and generally network with other watch collectors.



Some say that watches are the Shangri-La when it comes to alternative investments for the young: 28-year old Charles Tian, founder of Texas-based WatchCharts, estimates the CPO—certified pre-owned—market is worth US$27 billion a year



CPO, or already-loved—never “second-hand”—can apply to tangible assets but not to experiences. The newest river-boat cruiser in Southeast Asia could well be called a 13-cabin air-conditioned private yacht. The 50-metre-long Bohème by Mekong Kingdoms’ best cabin is the 60-square-metre Royal Suite, with private sundeck. Bohème has an onboard crew of 20 for a maximum 26 guests so you could theoretically have massages daily, at least; tourist excursions include the Elephant Conservation Centre at Sayabouri, and the two Pak Ou caves, both containing hundreds of statues of Buddha in various positions.



Bohème started its maiden voyage 9 December 2024, sailing from Luang Prabang and the Laotian capital, Vientiane. It makes sense for a pre-cruise layover at the Avani+ in Luang Prabang, which has the same ownership as the boat—both are managed by Bangkok-based Bill Heinecke’s Minor International, which, in his quest to be asset-light, means he has no equity in either the hotel or the boat.



Those who prefer faster travel, or at least watching it, will have to wait for 16 March for the first full-scale F1 of the year in Melbourne (get your Zimmermanns out…). Those who really are suffering petrolhead panic, of course, can head for re-season testing from 26 to 28 February, but what might entice even more is a two-hour F1 evening show at London’s 02 on 18 February. All 20 drivers and all 10 team principals will be among the central players and it’s a good chance to try one of London’s two newest luxury hotels. The boutique Mandarin Oriental London Mayfair is right next to Bond Street while the classic-style Peninsula, London is under 10 minutes’ walk to Hong Kong-owned Harvey Nichols—add a further five minutes to Harrods.

Mekong Kingdoms

Watch Discovery Studio

Zimmermann

Cruise the Majestic Mekong River on Bohéme, Discover Luxury Timepieces at Melbourne’s Watch Discovery Studio, and Other Things to Bookmark this January

The private-jet world seems to be <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/private-aviation-declining-newcomers-leaving-1234792248/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">levelling off</a> from its record highs during the Covid years. The fractional and jet-card segments are still above pre-Covid sales levels, while others such as used aircraft sales and on-demand charter have declined from giddy highs in 2021 and 2022.



Sentiment for the near-term of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/business-aviation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">business aviation</a> was positive at last week’s <a href="https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Corporate Jet Investor (CJI) </a>conference in Miami, in an industry known for its cyclical highs and lows. Aircraft company CEOs, jet-card executives, aviation attorneys, aircraft brokers, and private equity reps examined different sectors of the industry during three days of interviews and panel discussions. They agreed, with some exceptions, that <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/private-jet-market-outlook-fall-2024-1235963576/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the market remains strong</a>, following those unprecedented pandemic highs.



“We’re happy as clams,” said Don Dwyer, a principal with Guardian Jet, a brokerage firm specialising in consulting and used aircraft sales. “We’re seeing an underlying optimism in people buying and selling aircraft. The market remains strong. This is our biggest year ever.”



<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/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-85642743.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794823" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-85642743.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-85642743.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-85642743.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-85642743.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">High-net worth clients have largely remained in business aviation since Covid, while the sector has also seen a return of corporate travelers.  Image courtesy of Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The re-election of Donald Trump seems to have had an immediate beneficial impact. “Our market indicators have gone up 35 points since the election,” says Rollie Vincent, director of JetNet IQ, which tracks business aviation in industry surveys. “There are a lot of signs right now that things aren’t going to slow down, at least not for the short term—barring a black-swan event.”



Business aviation is broken down across different categories, between new and used aircraft sales, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/fractional-ownership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fractional ownership</a> (where a company or individual buys an ownership stake in a jet for three to five years), on-demand charter, and jet cards.



“It’s nuts. We saw our spring being extended beyond its usual season and then summer was really busy,” says Alan Walsh, senior vice president of client management and operations for Sentient, a jet-card maker. He explains that the company expects to sell US$100 million (around HK$778.50 million) worth of flights by the end of the year, and expects a strong year next year, “barring any unforeseen larger issues.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794824" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fractional ownership firms like <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/flexjet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flexjet</a> are seeing growth and making investments in new aircraft and infrastructure. Flexjet’s new US$50 million (around HK$389.25 million) headquarters.  Image courtesy of Flexjet</figcaption></figure>



Sentient’s sister company, Flexjet, has seen its fractional business grow during the Covid years and beyond. The company reported an 11 per cent year-to-date sales growth compared to last year, with a waiting list.



For the entire fractional segment, including fractional’s largest firm, NetJets, Flexjet, and nearly a dozen smaller companies, the number of flights was up 59 per cent in the second quarter of 2024, compared to the same quarter of pre-Covid 2019. A mix of whole aircraft owners, now selling their jets and moving into fractional, charter users, and corporate flight departments are driving the increase.



“Surprisingly, our fractional customer profile has gotten about 10 years younger,” said Kenn Ricci, the principal of Directional Aviation Capital, during the keynote address. “That’s a good thing because they’ll be with us longer. We’re also selling shares in four times as many mid- and super-mid aircraft than we do light jets. So, the jets are getting bigger. The other big change is our international growth.”



<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/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-582758850.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794825" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-582758850.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-582758850.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-582758850.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-582758850.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bizav’s weak links are shortages of repair facilities, technicians and spare parts. Some aircraft can be grounded for weeks.  Image courtesy of Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The used-aircraft market, which softened after frenzied sales activity in 2021 and 2022, seems to be stabilising in the second half of this year, according to Vincent. “Values are holding up higher and longer than we expected, and we expect values to increase in the fourth quarter of this year,” he said. Because of US tax, the fourth quarter sees a surge of business jet sales.



New business jet deliveries were valued at about US$700 million (around HK$5.5 billion) this year, said Vincent, noting there is also a backlog of unbuilt, ordered aircraft valued at about $51 billion. “It’s enough for several years of production,” he said. “That leaves the aircraft manufacturers in good shape.”



On-demand charter is the only segment of the market that is softer, according to industry analyst Argus, which reported a 5.2 per cent drop in total hours during the first half of 2024, compared to the first half of 2023. But the 14.7 per cent decline from the 2022 high is even a better indicator in the decline of on-demand charter.



<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/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-158315417-1.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794826" style="width:837px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-158315417-1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-158315417-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-158315417-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-158315417-1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An ongoing pilot shortage also continues to dog the industry, with many owners unable to find pilots to fly their jets.  Image courtesy of Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The shortage of aircraft repair technicians, and not enough Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centres, along with a continued supply-chain shortage of parts, is keeping many aircraft grounded for days, or even weeks. Ricci says a third of the Flexjet fleet is undergoing repairs at any given point. Most experts expect it to continue for several years.



The conference also had panels focusing on new connectivity technologies for aircraft cabins, the use of AI toward pilot-less aircraft, and the FlyHouse app that promises a seamless, Uber-like experience for people who want to book on-demand charters. Jack Lambert, FlyHouse’s founder, said the app lets potential charterers initiate a “reverse auction” among multiple charter firms and gain the best price. “On the low end, we expect this to be a US$3 (approximately HK$23.36 billion) to US$5 billion (around HK$38.93 billion) market in five years,” he said.

Aviation

Business jet

corporate jet

private

Private Jet

The Private-Jet World Is Optimistic About 2025, Despite a Post-Covid Slow-Down

It’s never too early to start planning a vacation. Just ask <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/four-seasons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Four Seasons</a>.



The hospitality giant just unveiled its <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private jet itineraries</a> for 2026, giving travellers a chance to book their next adventure a good two years in advance. Designed by a team of experts, the six journeys allow jet-setters to explore far-flung destinations in five-star luxury. You’ll fly the globe in the fully customised Four Seasons <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/airbus-new-acj320neo-jet-details-2898688/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airbus A321Neo</a> and stay in lavish Four Seasons hotels along the way. More importantly, guests can partake in curated experiences a cut above the typical tour.



“Our goal is to create connections with travellers of this generation and the next, fostering a legacy of transformative experiences that extend far beyond the journey,” Marc Speichert, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Four Seasons, said in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Taj_Mahal_Timeless_Encounters.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234788550" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Taj_Mahal_Timeless_Encounters.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Taj_Mahal_Timeless_Encounters-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Taj_Mahal_Timeless_Encounters-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">History connoisseurs can visit famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal. Image courtesy of Four Seasons</figcaption></figure>



The itineraries cater to a wide range of travellers, with differing lengths and routes. The 16-day <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/journeys/asia-unveiled-2026/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asia Unveiled</a> trip, for instance, takes guests on a deep dive into the East, with stops in Tokyo, Bali, Angkor Wat, Hoi An, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Bangkok. Other adventures, like the 21-day <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/journeys/international-intrigue-2026/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Intrigue</a> journey, cover many global destinations from the African savannah to the city of Paris.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Resort_Maldives.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234788549" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Resort_Maldives.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Resort_Maldives-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Four_Seasons_Resort_Maldives-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wellness enthusiasts can indulge at Four Seasons Resort Maldives. Image courtesy of Markus Gortz</figcaption></figure>



Similarly, the experiences on offer are designed to appeal to a myriad of personality types, from culture vultures and history nerds to thrill-seekers and gourmands. On the <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/journeys/african-wonders-2026/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">African Wonders</a> trip, fitness buffs can join a Maasai guide for a nature walk in the Serengeti and then chill out in a meditation session led by an expert yogi. During <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/journeys/timeless-encounters-2026/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timeless Encounters</a>, explorers can take a submarine scooter to Bora Bora’s renowned diving spots. With International Intrigue and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/asia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asia</a> Unveiled, wellness enthusiasts indulge in lavish treatments at the Island Spa within Four Seasons Resort Maldives. Asia Unveiled also allows foodies to embark on a sushi masterclass with a Michelin-starred chef in Tokyo, while International Intrigue gives gluttons the chance to craft six courses with celebrated chefs in Mexico City’s local markets. In addition, history connoisseurs can visit famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal on <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/journeys/timeless-encounters-2026/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timeless Encounters</a>. That is just a taste of the experiences on offer, too.



The 2026 itineraries range from 13 to 21 days and cost between US$159,000 and US$229,000 (HK$1.24 million to HK$1.78 million) per person. To start planning your trip, visit the <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/?source=pr_corporate_PrivateJet2026_Phase1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Four Seasons website</a> or email the team at fourseasonsjet@fourseasons.com.

Four Seasons

Private Jet Trips

Four Seasons’ Private Jet Trips Will Take You to Asia, Africa, and Beyond in 2026

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/delta/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delta</a>&nbsp;is stepping up to a new level of luxury.&nbsp;



In an effort to win over its top spenders, the airline is boosting its premium offerings both in the sky and on the ground. The Atlanta-based carrier has begun rolling out high-end perks for fliers including everything from <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/delta-new-cabin-seat-design-1235956235/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newly designed cabins</a> to a slew of swanky DeltaOne Lounges, The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/delta-doubles-down-on-luxury-to-attract-high-end-fliers-a53ca758?mod=hp_minor_pos7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> on Friday. The recent investments come amid a growing demand for upgraded services and an uptick in passengers who are willing to shell out extra for amenities while travelling. With this strategic push, Delta foresees its premium ticket revenue exceeding its main cabin by 2027 and says more than half of its current revenue comes from premium experiences.



As for what the airline has in store, it recently unveiled two exclusive new lounges in New York and Los Angeles. <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/delta-one-lounge-lax-1235936318/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">At LAX</a>, the 10,000-square-foot space has seating for nearly 200 guests and offers a year-round sushi bar, plus a wellness room with relaxation pods, massage chairs, Hyperice compression boots, and amenity kits from luxury brand <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/missoni/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Missoni</a>. Over on the East Coast, Delta opened its inaugural <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/delta-first-premium-lounge-jfk-june-opening-1235541384/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delta One Lounge at JFK</a> this summer and plans on launching two additional outposts in Boston and Seattle. Contrary to other airlines, the exclusive lounges are only accessible to those who opt for business class. “It’s drawing people to that ticket,” Delta’s chief financial officer Dan Janki told the newspaper.



In October, Delta also revealed new cabin designs and seating across its fleet ahead of its centennial anniversary. The Boeing 757 aircraft will be first in line to undergo a redesign with a focus on high-end finishes. The actual layout won’t change, but in Delta One business class, expect to find a more breathable wool-and-nylon blend instead of leather on lie-flat seats. Beyond that, the plane is installing mood lighting that coincides with cabin activity.



“Delta has a 100-year history of creating a customer experience that feels welcoming and thoughtful with intentional design elements woven into every aspect of a customer’s travel,” Mauricio Parise, the vice president of customer experience design at Delta, said in a <a href="https://news.delta.com/delta-unveils-new-cabin-interior-across-its-fleet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press statement</a> at the time. “As we embark on our next century of flying, this refreshed cabin interior infuses utility with beauty to create an atmosphere that feels fresh, elevated, and timeless while reflecting our customers’ evolving tastes and expectations.”



Delta is upgrading its in-flight dining and hospitality experiences, too. Last month, the airline announced a <a href="https://news.delta.com/now-boarding-delta-serve-shake-shack-burgers-flights" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">partnership with Shake Shack</a> on flights out of Boston in 2025. First-class passengers on routes over 900 miles will be able to order a Shake Shack cheeseburger on their flight, served with a side of chips, a Caesar salad, and a dark chocolate brownie. The company also levelled up its wine programme by partnering with master <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sommelier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sommelier</a> Andrea Robinson.



The next step, Delta chief executive&nbsp;Ed Bastian told the&nbsp;WSJ, is ramping up its strategy with&nbsp;private flights thanks to its investment in&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/private-aviation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private aviation</a>&nbsp;firm&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/wheels-up-reinvent-brand-1235415283/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wheels Up</a>. “We’ve got some work to do,” Bastian&nbsp;said. “But eventually, it’s going to be our next step on our premium ladder.”&nbsp;

delta

Delta airlines

Luxury Travel

Delta Is Pulling Out All the Stops to Woo Luxury Travellers

The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/starliner-spacecraft-launch-details-1235600665/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starliner spacecraft</a>&nbsp;hasn’t had the smoothest ride thus far, but it will soon attempt its return home.



The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/nasa-starliner-spacecraft-fly-international-space-station-april-1235487687/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing vessel</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to come back to Earth on Friday evening,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/04/science/space/boeing-starliner-space-station-nasa.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, parachuting into White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico six hours after undocking from the International Space Station. The return will take place a full three months after Starliner arrived at the ISS in June, but it will leave behind the astronauts it delivered to the space station.



“We have confidence in the vehicle,” Steve Stich, the manager of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>’s commercial crew programme, said during a news conference, according to the Times. “We’ve had two good landings with Starliner so far, and we’re expecting another one Friday.”



In the works&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/boeing-starliner-iss-launch-1234680879/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for years</a>, Starliner finally took off for the ISS with astronauts in tow earlier this summer. But as the craft approached the space station, it encountered propulsion system problems,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;noted. NASA officials said they’re still not sure what caused those issues, but they don’t expect them to reoccur upon Starliner’s return.



Still, NASA decided that the vessel should come back sans the astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore. The duo will stay on the ISS until February, the Times wrote, when they’ll return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. Dana Weigel, NASA’s programme manager for the space station, told the newspaper that Williams and Wilmore both trained for a longer mission, and that they know how to perform spacewalks and operate the ISS’s robotic arm.



“We had them well prepared to move into this role,” she said.



As for what will happen with Starliner after it returns to Earth, it’s not clear what NASA has planned. The most recent flight to the ISS was supposed to be the space agency’s last step in making sure that the craft could take astronauts to the space station once a year,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;reported. Now, NASA could ask&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/boeing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing</a>&nbsp;to undertake another crewed test flight before those more regular trips begin. (Last month, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that Kelly Ortberg, the new CEO of Boeing, had told him that the company would continue to work on Starliner.)



The first step, though, will be the craft’s return home tomorrow. If weather or technical issues force a delay, backup dates are set for 10, 14, and 18 September.

boeing starliner

starliner spacecraft return

Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft Is Coming Back to Earth—Without NASA Astronauts

Jet-setters just got a luxurious new way to travel between&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/italy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italy</a> and the dreamy islands of South Asia.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/beond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beond</a>, which markets itself as “the world’s first <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/beond-aviation-start-up-maldives-1235562349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">luxury leisure airline</a>,” recently <a href="https://flybeond.com/latestnews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">launched flights</a> between <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/milan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milan</a> and the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/maldives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maldives</a>. The new route connects Malpensa (MXP) and Malé (MLE), with a 45-minute refuelling break in Dubai in between. (Guests remain onboard during the brief stopover.) The flight takes roughly 12 hours and runs twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.



Milan is the third addition to Beond’s European network, which includes Munich, Germany, and Zurich, Switzerland. The airline recently decided to reduce flights to Munich (MUC) and Zurich (ZRH) due to seasonal demand and therefore could launch the new service.



<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/2024/08/Beond_1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790465" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The seats were designed by Optimares and upholstered by Poltrona Frau. Image courtesy of Matheen Faiz</figcaption></figure>



Beond enlisted Poltrona Frau to help glamorise the first aircraft on the Milan-Malé route. The renowned Italian furniture brand upholstered all 44 lie-flat <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/business-class/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">business-class</a> seats on the specially designed Airbus A319. Designed by Optimares, each seat was handmade by artisans using full-grain Pelle Frau leather from Poltrona Frau. They also feature unique quilting that ensures more comfort than the typical aircraft seat, according to Beond.



“Partners like Poltrona Frau and Optimares were instrumental in the design of our luxurious cabin,” Beond CEO Tero Taskila said in a statement. “They understood from the outset our vision for customer comfort.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790466" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The lie-flat seat.</figcaption></figure>



The cabin décor echoes the dark charcoal livery of the A319. The white leather seats and light walls are elegantly juxtaposed with dark flooring. Seats are in pairs on both sides of the aisle, with enough room in between that each passenger can stretch out and catch Zs. In the air, fliers can expect professional service, top-notch fare, iPads, and Bose headphones.



<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/2024/08/Beond_3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790467" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The iPad and Bose headphones.</figcaption></figure>



For the unversed, Beond offers three types of “experiences”: Delight, Bliss, or Opulence. Delight is the least expensive fare and offers the fewest perks. Bliss includes access to the airport lounges and premium seat selection. Opulence has those perks, plus a private chauffeur transfer, a more generous baggage allowance, free booking changes, and access to an&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/beond-maldives-apple-vision-pro-1235524165/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Vision Pro</a>&nbsp;headset.&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/beond-aviation-start-up-maldives-1235562349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently flew “Bliss”</a>&nbsp;from Zurich to the Malé, awarding the overall experience four stars out of five.



Beond recently took delivery of a second aircraft, with the Airbus A321 currently undergoing refurbishment. Look for more new routes soon, then.

Beond

italy

jetsetting

luxury aircrafts

luxury leisure

Maldives

Milan

Luxury Airline Beond Is Now Flying Between Milan and the Maldives

Egon Müller, the “Wein Keiser,” is a man who transcends not only his wine region, but his country. Twice winner of the Golden Vines® Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe (2021 and 2023), as voted by 1,000 fine wine professionals from 120 countries, there’s a good argument to say that Müller is consistently making the best fine wines on the planet. Once you have tried them, it’s hard not to fall in love.



Curious fact: Egon’s son is called Egon, his father was called Egon, his grandfather was called Egon, his great-grandfather was called Egon (and even his now-deceased Irish Wolfhound was called Egon). This highlights the importance of continuity at the estate and how winemaking is so deeply rooted in the Müller family over many generations.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_4174.jpeg-683x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794872" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_4174.jpeg-683x1024.webp 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_4174.jpeg-200x300.webp 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_4174.jpeg.webp 709w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



As a keen collector of Egon’s wines, I have often tried to work out why his wines are better than those of other German Rieslings. Of course, there are some amazing German wines, in particular, JJ Prum, Eva Fricke (the newest rising star), and the glorious dry Rieslings from Klaus Peter Keller. But none of these touch the heights and consistency of Egon’s wines. The answer probably lies in the Scharzhofberg hill that is immediately behind Egon’s house where the grapes for the majority of Egon’s wines come from.



As Egon’s father, Egon Müller III, famously stated: “There’s nothing more aristocratic than nature.” Scharzhofberg was always considered one of the top vineyards in all of Germany. South-facing, some distance away from the river Saar, the vineyard was considered a cooler site that has benefited from global warming.  Weathered slate above compressed clay soils, the grapes from Scharzhofberg produce a very concentrated, high acidity wine in good vintages.



Egon’s winemaking is no different in essence to that of his forefathers. He doesn’t use skin contact, and likes to cold settle (15 degrees centigrade) for 24-hours into stainless steel. The juice then goes into old fuders (large old barrels) or stainless steel tanks with fermentation finishing around Christmas time. The wines are then sulphured to stop fermentation, helped by the very low pH levels of the Scharzhofberger wines. The wines are left in the fuders untouched until January when the lees will have settled; after which they are racked and filtered, and bottled around March.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="533" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_7105.jpeg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794873" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_7105.jpeg.webp 800w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_7105.jpeg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-IMG_7105.jpeg-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



Egon makes a number of wines from entry level “Schwarzhof” Riesling QbA all the way to the mind-blowing, £10,000-plus-per-bottle (approximately HK$95,915) Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) sweet, botrytis (noble rot) wine that is one of the most ethereal pleasures life can ever give. The good news is that every wine is great, and the lower-end wines are very affordable and, frankly, too cheap for the quality you are getting.



To explain the German wine laws—undoubtedly the most complicated in the wine world—would bore you to tears. What you need to remember is that the sweeter the wine, the more expensive the wine as they are made in much smaller quantities. Higher sugar concentration wines in the same category are known as Goldkapsel: for instance, Egon sometimes makes an Auslese and an Auslese Goldkapsel. To add to the complexity, many of the best barrels of wines are sold off as Auktion wines in the annual Mosel Valley Auction, and are rarer and more expensive still.



If you’re put off by the fact that the wines are sweet, don’t be. They work wonderfully well with Indian and Asian food, and the acidity makes the sweetness less noticeable than you’d expect.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="622" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg-622x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794874" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg-622x1024.webp 622w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg-182x300.webp 182w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg-768x1265.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg-932x1536.webp 932w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Copy-of-Egon-Muller_Flaschenfotos-2021-Klein-Web-72-ppi-Egon-Muller_Scharzhofberger-6.jpg.webp 1243w" sizes="(max-width: 622px) 100vw, 622px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Best Wines from Weingut Egon Müller</h3>



Weingut Egon Müller, Scharzhofberger Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA), 2018: Tasted just after bottling, I was blown away by this heartstopper. The acidity overwhelms the sweetness such that it’s very moreish and easy to drink despite the “thickness” of the liquid. Golden, treacly textured and audaciously complex for such a young wine with just 5.5 per cent ABV, it was one of life’s great experiences to taste. 



Weingut Egon Müller, Scharzhofberger Beerenauslese (BA), 1988: A marvel of a wine. Ripe apricot notes, with hints of sweet spices, and wonderful fresh acidity that cuts the sweetness in half, with a long, glorious finish. 



Weingut Egon Müller, Scharzhofberger Eiswein, 1983: Viscous, deep copper-gold-coloured nectar with an incredible bouquet of treacle, flowers, and stone-fruit that is so thick, it does not easily fall back into the glass after swirling. The acidity fizzes on your tongue. The wine has 260 grams of sugar and a whopping 14 grams of acidity per litre. One of less than 300 bottles made from this legendary vintage that obtained the record price for a German wine at the time it was sold at the Mosel Valley Auction in 1984. The aftertaste is endless. One of the greatest wines I have ever tasted. 



The next edition of the Golden Vines awards will take place in Miami between 7–9 November 2025. <a href="https://liquidicons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquidicons.com</a>



Lewis Chester DipWSET is a London-based wine collector, member of the Académie du Champagne and Chevaliers du Tastevin, co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://liquidicons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liquid Icons</a>&nbsp;and, along with Sasha Lushnikov, co-founder of the Golden Vines® Awards.&nbsp;He is also the honorary president and head of fundraising at the&nbsp;<a href="https://gerardbassetfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gérard Basset Foundation</a>, which funds diversity and inclusivity education programmes globally in the wine, spirits, and hospitality sectors.

Best Fine Wine

Golden Vines

Wein keiser

Wine P:roduer

Meet “Wein Keiser” Egon Müller, One of the World’s Most Consistent Fine Wine Makers

More than a residential enclave, the Peak encapsulates the history of Hong Kong and serves as a symbolic pinnacle of its success and resilience.&nbsp;Rising majestically above the Victoria Harbour, the Peak has long been hailed as the pinnacle of luxury living in Hong Kong. Since the colonial era, this elevated haven has been reserved for society’s most privileged, offering a rare blend of exclusivity, prestige, and natural beauty.



It’s here that Hong Kong’s iconic skyline converges with serene, verdant greenery, granting a fortunate few breathtaking views of the city and the ocean beyond, cool mountain breezes, and an unrivalled escape from the frenetic energy below.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794406" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-2-2-2048x1364.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Peak’s timeless appeal stems from its blend of history, natural beauty, and architectural sophistication. Over a century of careful preservation and reinvention has solidified its reputation as Hong Kong’s most sought-after address and one of the world’s best-known residential locations—a legacy that Wheelock Properties has seamlessly woven into its portfolio of prime properties across this enclave.&nbsp;



As a subsidiary of the 150-year-old Wheelock and Company, Wheelock Properties has grown alongside Hong Kong, having shaped the city’s urban landscape and become one of its most respected names in real estate.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Storied Past</h3>



The Peak’s transformation into arguably Asia’s most luxurious residential address began in the mid-19th century when British colonial settlers sought refuge from Hong Kong’s tropical humidity. Rising over 500 metres above sea level, Victoria Peak—simply known as “the Peak”—offered a cool, verdant retreat that quickly became synonymous with privilege.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794467" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Craigieburn_Effect_2_C-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Grand mansions and sprawling estates soon dotted the landscape, creating a community that epitomised exclusivity. Access to the area improved dramatically with the construction of the Peak Tram in 1888, allowing wealthy expatriates to ascend with ease. In the 20th century, the Peak’s exclusivity transformed, no longer dictated by legislation but by the financial means required to attain it, ensuring its accessibility remained restricted to a privileged few.&nbsp;



Today, the Peak serves as a cultural and architectural time capsule, a place where heritage whispers through every tree-lined driveway and meticulously preserved estate. For many families, homes on the Peak are cherished legacies, passed down through generations.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Where Taipans Call Home</h3>



Among the prestigious addresses of the Peak lies Plantation Road, affectionately known as “Bankers Road.” Its storied history is tied to the financial elite, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when expatriate taipans and senior bankers of leading financial institutions such as HSBC and Standard Chartered established grand residences along this prestigious avenue.



“More than a residential enclave, the Peak encapsulates the history of Hong Kong and serves as a symbolic pinnacle of its success and resilience. Here, every street and home tell a story. Plantation Road, or as many know it—‘Bankers Road’—is iconic because it has always been home to some of the most influential figures in this city’s history,” says Ricky Wong, managing director of Wheelock Properties.



Perched on an elevated hillside, tucked away from the main road and accessible via a peaceful driveway, properties on Plantation Road offer unique vantage points overlooking either the tranquil greenery of the Peak or the iconic harbour. Some homes even boast the best views of both worlds.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1 Plantation Road: A Bespoke Masterpiece</h3>



One of Wheelock Properties’ newest jewels, 1 Plantation Road is a bespoke collection of 20 meticulously crafted residences. Each home is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of its owners, featuring expansive gardens and interiors adorned with handpicked materials, balancing aesthetics and functionality seamlessly.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794398" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-Plantation-Road-Edited-Selects-20-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



“Each home we build has its own identity. At 1 Plantation Road, no two houses are alike because we understand that discerning buyers seek unique residences that reflect their values—lifestyle, privacy, and harmony with their surroundings,” Wong adds, noting that sustainability is another priority for today’s discerning buyers. “That’s why 1 Plantation Road also incorporates advanced green building features, vertical greenery, and filtered water systems, to name a few.”&nbsp;



Even the private garage is designed to evoke the comfort of home. “When owners drive back, they aren’t greeted by a cold, utilitarian concrete box but by a warm, inviting space that feels like home sweet home,” he describes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Peak Collection</h3>



In addition to the 1 Plantation Road development, the company’s Peak Collection offers an array of equally remarkable residences, each uniquely embodying a commitment to innovation and heritage preservation.



A tribute to colonial elegance, 77/79 Peak Road comprises eight luxury houses that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. European-inspired interiors, enhanced by contemporary functionality, are set against a backdrop of verdant greenery, ensuring an atmosphere of exclusivity.



Widely celebrated as the “Crown Jewel of The Peak,” Mount Nicholson—a collaboration between Wheelock Properties and Nan Fung—offers a harmonious mix of apartments and houses. Architecturally designed by the world-renowned Robert A. M. Stern Architects, each residence is meticulously crafted with expansive layouts and breathtaking views, complete with the starchitect’s signature neo-classical stylings.



For those with an appreciation for nostalgia, Strawberry Hill captures the charm of The Peak’s mid-20th-century heritage. Originally built in the 1970s, this oceanfront townhouse development has been thoughtfully modernised, blending vintage allure with contemporary comforts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Crafting a Legacy</h3>



Not only are these developments super-prime homes, but they are also experiences, according to Wong, meticulously designed to honour the legacy of the Peak. At the heart of this approach is a dedication to preserving history, promoting sustainability and crafting timeless designs.



“It’s about crafting an ecosystem where people can thrive—families, nature, and history all co-existing harmoniously,” says Wong. This philosophy extends to preserving natural features, such as the century-old trees integrated into properties like 77 Peak Road. “These trees are not just features; they’re part of the history.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From the Peak with Love</h3>



For the select few who seek to become part of the Peak’s storied legacy, Wheelock Properties has a showroom in the heart of Central, an exclusive space that offers a peek into the design and craftsmanship of its prestigious residences and a panoramic overview of its Peak Collection.



“Matching the right home with the right owner is like courtship. It takes time to understand which home aligns with one’s lifestyle. Each home we create is distinct, and building a relationship of trust is equally important. Only through this mutual understanding can we move forward together to introduce a home where one reckons this is ‘the one,<a>’</a>” Wong tells&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong.



All images courtesy of Wheelock Properties.

Hong Kong Property

legacy property

property

VIctoria Peak

Wheelock Properties

A Legacy Lived, a Legacy Continued: Wheelock Properties Offers Prime Living on Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak

English billionaire Sir <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/richard-branson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard Branson</a> bought the 132-acre Moskito Island in the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/british-virgin-islands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Virgin Islands</a> in 2007. The Virgin Group founder tapped late Taiwanese architect and educator Dr Ken Kao, a former professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, to create a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/caribbean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caribbean</a> <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/private-island/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private island</a> community, which included the <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/resorts/moskito-island-paradise-adventure-1234658907/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Branson Estate</a> in addition to six <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/richard-bransons-moskito-island-the-village-estate-1234758208/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">custom homes</a>. Now, the last waterfront mansion to be completed before Kao’s passing has hit the market with Hamptons and can be yours for a cool <a href="https://www.coldwellbankerbvi.com/sales_listings/the-aerie-moskito-island/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$58 million</a> (approximately HK$451.02 million).



Known as The Aerie, the epic waterfront property is perched high on a hilltop offering sweeping 270-degree ocean, island, and sunset views. You can even spot the neighbouring <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/resorts/richard-bransons-necker-island-has-reopened-first-time-since-hurricane-irma-see-the-first-photos-here-2830501/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Necker Island</a>, Branson’s other BVI hideaway, which he purchased nearly 50 years ago. Altogether, The Aerie offers up 10 bedrooms and can accommodate around 20 people, making it ideal for big families and large groups of friends. For added privacy, the living spaces are split between a two-story main house and three detached guest dwellings, including a hillside <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/villa/">vill</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/villa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a</a> and two courtyard suites, each with their own private terraces. 



<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/A7405452-1.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794037" style="width:842px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A7405452-1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A7405452-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A7405452-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A7405452-1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The open-air great room overlooks the ocean. Image courtesy of Samuel Childs at Island Films/Coldwell Banker Real Estate BVI</figcaption></figure>



The main house’s open-air great room was designed in similar fashion to the estates at Necker, bringing the outdoors—and cooling tradewind breezes—inside. If you and your guests want to spread out, head up to the viewing platform one floor above as a bonus place to hang out and watch the sun dip beneath the crystalline blue waters. Additional highlights include a gourmet wood-clad chef’s kitchen, a communal dining area, and a bunk room where the kids can separate themselves from the adults. It also comes with a sprawling crescent-shaped infinity pool that has a swim-up bar and a hot tub, making it “simply the best place to soak in the breathtaking vistas,” according to the listing.&nbsp;



<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/A7404918.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794038" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A7404918.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A7404918.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A7404918.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A7404918.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The villa features a dining room, billiards area, and a bar.  Image courtesy of Samuel Childs at Island Films/Coldwell Banker Real Estate BVI</figcaption></figure>



Of course, for those looking to venture off property, the eco-resort has tons to do. Some of the shared amenities include three sandy beaches, two tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art gym. If you’re the more active type, you can take your pick of watersports from kayaking and paddleboarding to sailing, kite surfing, e-foiling, and snorkelling. Since its opening, Moskito Island has faced several hurdles, including severe damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017 and temporary restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, but has since made a full recovery. 



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/gallery/the-aerie-moskito-island-photos-1236112852" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see more photos of The Aerie at Moskito Island.

British Virgin island

Island

Moskito Island

private island

Real Estate

Richard Branson

Villa

villa for sale

Virgin Founder

Inside a HK$451 Million Villa on Richard Branson’s Moskito Island

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/toyota/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toyota</a>’s latest creation isn’t a new car—it’s an entire city. &nbsp;



The automotive manufacturer recently completed phase one of building a new futuristic community in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/japan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Japan</a>, Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-06/toyota-aims-to-open-its-futuristic-city-in-japan-later-this-year" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>. Officially dubbed Woven City, the project will be located at the base of Mount Fuji at a 175-acre former factory site in Susono. Slated to launch this autumn, the metropolis will welcome its first 100 residents in its initial phase, consisting mainly of Toyota employees and their families. The population is forecasted to expand to 2,000 once it’s open to the general public.



<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/Woven-City-Photo-03.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794761" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-03.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-03.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-03.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-03.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Phase one of construction is now complete. Image courtesy of Toyota</figcaption></figure>



Toyota tapped award-winning Danish architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bjarke-ingels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bjarke Ingels</a>&nbsp;Group (BIG) for the design, which was unveiled to the public at a consumer electronics show five years ago. In its first phase of construction, Woven City has already earned Japan’s first LEED for Communities Platinum certification.&nbsp;



According to the marque, the plan is to create a fully sustainable city that features advanced, innovative technologies such as self-driving cars,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a>, and even smart homes that can enhance mobility, connectivity, and well-being.&nbsp;The future citizens of Woven City, to be called Weavers, will be the ones who actually test out these technologies being developed by the automaker while living there and deliver feedback.&nbsp;



<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/Woven-City-Photo-01.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794762" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-01.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-01.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-01.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-01.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Woven City will start moving residents in this autumn. Image courtesy of Toyota</figcaption></figure>



“This year, residents will begin moving in as we slowly bring Woven City to life,” said Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda during a press conference on Monday. “We aim to accelerate the pace at which new technologies can be tested and developed at Woven City.” &nbsp;



The Japanese auto giant first announced the project back in 2020 and, at the time, envisioned the development as a “living laboratory” for researchers and start-ups. Similarly, in 2023, billionaire <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/elon-musk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk</a> announced that he was <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/elon-musk-texas-town-snailbrook-1234816845/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building his own town</a> in Texas to house <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/tesla/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla</a> and Space X employees. Last year, Tesla shareholders <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/elon-musk-tesla-shareholders-vote-multi-billion-pay-package-1235653510/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approved a proposal</a> to move the company’s corporate listing to the Lone Star State.



<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/Woven-City-Photo-10.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794763" style="width:841px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-10.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-10.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-10.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woven-City-Photo-10.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The self-sustaining city is LEED-certified. Image courtesy of Toyota</figcaption></figure>



Looking at the year ahead, Toyota has aspirations of launching an accelerator programme over the summer. The programme would invite entrepreneurs, universities, and research institutions from all over the world to Woven City to act as mentors for early start-ups.

City

Japan

toyota

Toyota Is Building a Bjarke Ingels-Designed City in Japan

In one of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London</a>’s first major deals of 2025, a Grade II-listed&nbsp;mansion asking £38 million (or US$46.5 million, approximately HK$362.04 million) has found a buyer.&nbsp;



Measuring just over 9,000 square feet, the eight-bedroom estate on Wilton Crescent was the original home of the Ponsonby family, the Earls of Bessborough, and dates back to 1827 when it was built by architects Thomas Cubitt and William Howard Seth-Smith. Most recently during the 1990s and early 2000s, the palatial pad belonged to former billionaire financier Glenn Maud. At the time, Maud tapped Robert Kline—decorator to&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/king-charles-iii/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Charles III</a>—to redesign the interiors of the house, which is reported to have cost £6 million&nbsp;(about US$7.3 million, or around HK$56.84 million).&nbsp;



The neo-classical residence, in addition to a mews house on nearby Kinnerton Street, was sold by Fairway Capital to an unidentified&nbsp;UK&nbsp;buyer. The investment firm acquired the abode in 2021 and put the place through yet another renovation with the help of Leconfield Property Group. By the time it hit the market, there were four other competitive bidders interested in the property. &nbsp;



<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/WiltonCrescentBelgraviadiningroom.jpg-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794846" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WiltonCrescentBelgraviadiningroom.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WiltonCrescentBelgraviadiningroom.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WiltonCrescentBelgraviadiningroom.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WiltonCrescentBelgraviadiningroom.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The dining room has herringbone parquet floors. Image courtesy of Alex Winship/Fairway Capital</figcaption></figure>



“We are delighted to confirm the sale of the turn-key mansion on&nbsp;Wilton Crescent&nbsp;in Belgravia, which we believe is London’s first super-prime residential deal of 2025,” says George Brooksbank,&nbsp;CEO of Fairway Capital. “It follows £120 million of resales that&nbsp;Fairway Capital&nbsp;secured over the last few months of 2024 to buyers from the UK, Middle East, and Asia.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



Post-renovation, the property now has a newly landscaped crescent-shaped garden designed by James Wyatt. In addition, the restored manse has a new lift in the main house that holds three large reception rooms and a kitchen on the ground and first floors with five bedrooms suites located on the upper levels. In terms of finishes, there are tons of details that recreate the home’s original character. Think reproduced Louis XVI fireplaces and custom-designed Versailles and herringbone-style parquet flooring.



<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/WiltonCrescentBelgraviafamilykitchen.jpg-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794847" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WiltonCrescentBelgraviafamilykitchen.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WiltonCrescentBelgraviafamilykitchen.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WiltonCrescentBelgraviafamilykitchen.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WiltonCrescentBelgraviafamilykitchen.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The kitchen features book-matched marble. Image courtesy of Alex Winship/Fairway Capital</figcaption></figure>



The most modern addition, however, is the lower ground floor, which has been transformed into a wellness centre complete with a gymnasium, an underground swimming pool, and a steam room. Elsewhere, the two-story mews house sports a garage, a&nbsp;kitchen, a reception room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom.&nbsp;



“With the UK general election and 2024 Autumn Budget out of the way there has been a noticeable return to the prime central London market of discerning buyers over the last few months,” Brooksbank adds. “Buyer confidence has returned, and we are looking forward to a successful and busy 2025.”&nbsp;



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/gallery/wilton-crescent-london-photos-1236155020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see more photos of Wilton Crescent. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/gallery/wilton-crescent-london-photos-1236155020/"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/wiltoncrescent.jpg-1-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794899" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/wiltoncrescent.jpg-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/wiltoncrescent.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/wiltoncrescent.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/wiltoncrescent.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>

Home

London

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This HK$366 Million London Mansion Is the City’s First Super-Prime Sale of the Year

As Valentine’s Day approaches, equestrian aficionados and families alike are poised for an exhilarating experience at the inaugural Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show (LHKIHS). Happening at the AsiaWorld-Expo, this three-day event, taking place from 14 to 16 February 2025, promises to be a spectacle of world-class equestrian talent, action-packed activities, culinary delights, and family-friendly entertainment.



Recognised as an “M” Mark event by the Major Sports Events Committee, the LHKIHS marks a significant addition to Hong Kong’s growing sporting calendar. With attendance expected to exceed 25,000 guests, it heralds a new era for equestrianism in the region, combining thrilling competitions with a cultural celebration that appeals to all ages. 



“We are delighted to be creating this new show for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area,” says Richard Ireland, CEO of Clarion Events. “Building on the success of the London International Horse Show, I am convinced that we can create a long standing and highly successful event for the region, bringing the best experience to the audiences.”



At the heart of the event lies a stellar line-up of international show jumpers. Over the course of the three-day programme, visitors will witness the awe-inspiring skills of 30 elite horse-and-rider combinations in a series of 5-Star International Jumping classes. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the competition will be the Longines Grand Prix, scheduled to excite and amaze audiences on the evening of Sunday, 16 February. Attendees can expect to see world-famous riders such as Max Kühner from Austria and Scottish showjumper Scott Brash, among others, competing for a staggering total prize fund of approximately HK$6.5 million.



<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/LHKIHS_Shetland-Pony-Grand-National-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795029" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Shetland-Pony-Grand-National-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Shetland-Pony-Grand-National-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Shetland-Pony-Grand-National-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Shetland-Pony-Grand-National-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Shetland-Pony-Grand-National-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shetland Pony Grand National.</figcaption></figure>



In addition to the main competitive events, the LHKIHS will feature the thrilling Shetland Pony Grand National, a delightful spectacle that introduces younger audiences to the excitement of equestrian sports. With jockeys aged eight to 14 guiding their ponies around a track filled with obstacles reminiscent of the famed Aintree Grand National, this non-competitive display also serves a noble cause, raising funds for cancer research.



<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/LHKIHS_Santi-Serra-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795044" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Santi-Serra-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Santi-Serra-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Santi-Serra-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Santi-Serra-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Santi-Serra-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Santi Serra.</figcaption></figure>



Among the many activities planned, one performance stands out—a captivating display of horsemanship by the world-renowned equestrian artist Santi Serra. In a masterclass that showcases the unique bond between horse and rider, Serra will perform with four Arabian horses at liberty, eschewing saddle and bridle; this stunning display of trust and communication promises to mesmerise audiences as the horses execute a series of intricate movements, demonstrating the deep connection that can exist between human and animal.



For those eager to delve deeper into the world of equestrianism, visitors will have the opportunity to engage with top riders and behind-the-scenes professionals, including grooms and farriers, through a series of insightful talks and interviews at the HKJC Live Zone. As a founding partner of the event, the Hong Kong Jockey Club promises an enriching experience that will enlighten attendees about the complexities and beauty of equestrian sports.



<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/LHKIHS_Kids-Zone-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795030" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Kids-Zone-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Kids-Zone-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Kids-Zone-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Kids-Zone-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Kids-Zone-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">LeMieux Kid’s Zone.</figcaption></figure>



Families will find ample entertainment in the Lifestyle Village, particularly within the LeMieux Kid’s Zone, a dedicated area offering young enthusiasts the chance to participate in hobby horse-riding competitions and real-life riding simulations through specially designed courses. With a focus on fun and engagement, the LeMieux Kid’s Zone aims to foster a love for horses and equestrianism in younger generations, making it enjoyable for all.



As one would expect from an event of this magnitude, culinary offerings will play a significant role at the LHKIHS. The Chef’s Theatre will host&nbsp;15&nbsp;interactive cooking shows, featuring renowned local chefs who will share their favourite recipes and culinary secrets. Guests can expect an array of gastronomic delights that showcase the best of local cuisine, ensuring that their taste buds are equally entertained.&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/2025/01/LHKIHS_Fashion-Runway_HKKFW-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795031" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Fashion-Runway_HKKFW-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Fashion-Runway_HKKFW-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Fashion-Runway_HKKFW-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Fashion-Runway_HKKFW-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LHKIHS_Fashion-Runway_HKKFW-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hong Kong Kids Fashion Week.</figcaption></figure>



In addition to equestrian and culinary highlights, the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show will feature a Fashion Stage, where local designers and brands will present their latest collections. From exclusive runway presentations to interactive styling tutorials, attendees can immerse themselves in the latest fashion trends. Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show has also partnered with Hong Kong Kids Fashion Week, ensuring this family-friendly fashion event is one for the ages—and all ages!&nbsp;



For those looking to indulge in a little retail therapy, the Lifestyle Village will offer a unique shopping experience with over 50 brands spanning equestrian, fashion, beauty, and culinary categories. From established names to independent artisans, visitors can browse a carefully curated selection of products, including lifestyle items packaged within stylish collectable wooden boxes. The Idea Box section will introduce 12 independent brands, each showcasing captivating products, making for an exciting shopping experience.



Tickets for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show are available through&nbsp;<a href="https://premier.hkticketing.com/shows/show.aspx?sh=HORSE2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HK Ticketing</a>&nbsp;starting at HK$560, which grants access to the Lifestyle Shopping Village, the Warm Up Arena viewing area, and a seat in the main arena. VIP tables are also available, providing an unparalleled hospitality experience with first-class views of the action. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hongkonghorseshow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hongkonghorseshow.com</a>.

Equestrian event

Hong Kong

Hong Kong event

LHKIHS

Longines

Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show

Be Dazzled at the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, an Equestrian Extravaganza Like No Other

Annually, we highlight Lunar New Year special-edition bottles from the finest brands in town. Last year, much was ballyhooed about the <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/lunar-new-year-2024-3-luxurious-spirits-to-celebrate-the-year-of-the-dragon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Year of the Dragon</a> and the designer bottles that dropped; before that, the <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/martell-celebrates-the-year-of-the-rabbit-with-a-limited-edition-of-its-lor-de-jean-martell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Year of the Rabbit</a> saw a very special bottle, and <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/ruinart-blanc-de-blancs-arrives-in-guangcai-painted-second-skins-at-the-k11-craft-guild-foundation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruinart</a> released a gorgeous artistic drop the year before that. Well, this Lunar New Year, artists and artisans have gone all out once again, collaborating with those who quench our thirst.



As the Lunar New Year approaches, the anticipation for exquisite offerings moves from slow sizzle to the full rage of red. Fine grapes are working overtime to deliver. It is the Year of the Wood Snake, after all, so tapping on those wooden casks and crates, we have found just the right timbre with Penfolds, Hennessy, and Rémy Martin.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795175" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-300x300.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-150x150.png 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-768x768.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PEN-2022-LNY-Snake-Bin707-CabSauv-750-Giftbox-Duo-Cork.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



Australian winery Penfolds uncoiled its 2025 Lunar New Year gifting range from the vast stable, celebrating the Year of the Snake. Its limited-edition collection epitomises sophistication and cultural significance, appealing to connoisseurs and collectors alike.&nbsp;



A symbol of elegance and transformation, the snake serves as the muse for this remarkable series. Each gift box is a visual delight, adorned with a unique gold-embellished design that features the snake gracefully traversing the surface in various angles—an artistic representation of its agility and allure. Such thoughtful design is not merely for aesthetics; it pays homage to the zodiac, enhancing the experience of gifting during this auspicious season.



Among the highlights of this collection are the flagship wines, including the revered Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 and the celebrated Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2022. Bin 707, a quintessential representation of Penfolds’s house style, is crafted from intensely flavoured fruit, matured in new oak to achieve a harmonious balance. First vintaged in 1964, this full-bodied Cabernet has garnered a reputation that places it firmly among Australia’s finest. Its limited availability adds to its allure, making it a coveted addition to any wine cellar.



Similarly, the Bin 389, often affectionately dubbed “Baby Grange,” showcases the best of both worlds by marrying the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz. Its roots trace back to 1960 when the legendary Max Schubert first crafted this wine, which has since become a benchmark for red wines. Presented in both 750 ml and magnum formats, the 2022 release is perfect for sharing during festive gatherings.



Another gem in the series is the RWT Bin 798 Barossa Valley Shiraz 2022, which redefines what Barossa Valley Shiraz can achieve at the highest quality level. Born from a project that began in the early 1990s, RWT, standing for “Red Winemaking Trial,” has evolved into a contemporary and opulent expression. With its aromatic qualities and plush texture, this wine promises a delightful experience, whether enjoyed upon release or savoured over the years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hennessy-X.O-1024x684.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795173" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hennessy-X.O-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hennessy-X.O-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hennessy-X.O-768x513.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hennessy-X.O-1536x1026.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hennessy-X.O-2048x1368.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



In celebration of Lunar New Year, Hennessy has unveiled a stunning limited-edition collection for 2025, honouring the Year of the Snake. A unique collaboration with Chinese fashion designer Qiu Shuting, this launch seamlessly marries tradition with innovation, encapsulating the essence of renewal and transformation that the snake symbolises. Titled “Reimagination,” the collection features striking, abstract representations of snakes that gracefully adorn the carafes of Hennessy’s iconic VSOP, XO, and Paradis Cognacs.



Drawing inspiration from her cultural heritage in Hangzhou, Qiu integrates vibrant colours and intricate patterns reminiscent of ancient Chinese brocade, expertly reflecting the texture of the snake’s scales.&nbsp;Hennessy’s Paradis edition emerges as a luxurious masterpiece, featuring a sculptural snake motif that embodies elegance and prosperity. Each bottle is exquisitely presented in a recyclable gift box, making it an ideal choice for festive gifting or as a centrepiece for New Year celebrations.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795174" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-300x300.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-150x150.png 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-768x768.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/remy-martin-xo-cny-25-front-800-desktop-packaging-glow-241105-01.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rémy Martin</h3>



Rémy Martin has collaborated with renowned Chinese artist Huang Yuxing to create a series of exquisite gift boxes for its Rémy Martin XO and Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal. Celebrated for his imaginative interpretations, Huang’s artwork, “Majestic Serpentine,” has just the right amount of regalia, and the bottle masterfully blends the new zodiac sign with the distinctive terroir of Cognac’s Grande and Petite Champagne.&nbsp;



Vibrant designs on the XO casing and carafe feature striking serpents and mountains, diverging from the traditional Lunar New Year palette of red and gold—simply the most auspicious of colours. The 1738 Accord Royal canister showcases Huang’s colourful motifs, perfectly complementing the long-barrel toasted Cognac. The full-bodied warmth that this smooth elixir provides is exactly what you need this winter.



All images courtesy of their respective brands.

Chinese New Year Drinks

Hennessy

Lunar New Year drinks

Penfolds

Remy Martin

special edition

Yay of the Snake

year of the snake drinks

Lunar New Year 2025: 3 Luxurious Spirits to Celebrate the Year of the Snake

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.

Aston Martin

hybrid

Supercar

Aston Martin Just Unveiled Its First Plug-In Hybrid Supercar

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/genesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genesis</a>&nbsp;is going after one of auto racing’s biggest prizes.



The Korean luxury marque has just launched a new&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/motorsports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">motorsports</a>&nbsp;team called Genesis Magma Racing. The outfit plans to enter its first prototype racer, the GMR-001 hypercar, in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026.



Genesis is following in the footsteps of other high-end marques, like Cadillac and Lamborghini, by focusing its attention on endurance racing first. The new team will be overseen by Cyril Abiteboul and intends to field two hypercars in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA (International Motorsports Association (IMSA) series, starting in 2026 and 2027 respectively. The team has already lined up two drivers for WEC races, current champion André Lotterer and Luis “Pipo” Derani, both of whom will contribute to the GMR-001 development.



<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/gmr02.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793987" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr02.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr02.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr02.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr02.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001 Image courtesy of Genesis</figcaption></figure>



“As we look to push the boundaries of our brand, motorsport allows us to bring the spirit of hyperspeed—which drives how we create and innovate—in a way that aligns perfectly with our core values: Audacious, Progressive, and Distinctly Korean,” Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis’s chief creative officer, said in a statement.



Genesis also offered up a first glimpse at the GMR-001. The all-new vehicle will compete in the Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) category and will feature a bubble cockpit, giant fenders over each wheel, and an even bigger rear wing. Technical details about the futuristic racer are all being kept close to the chest at this point, but class rules require it to have a hybrid system and make around 670 hp. Car and Driver reports that that a turbocharged V-8 will be at the heart of the powertrain. Expect details to start filtering out as we get closer to the car’s 2026 debut.



<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/gmr03.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793988" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr03.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr03.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr03.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gmr03.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Genesis</figcaption></figure>



The establishment of a motorsports team is also another sign that Genesis is serious about upping its performance credentials. Earlier this year, the marque announced a new sub-brand called Magma that will build a sportier version of the marque’s cars and SUVs. The line’s first vehicle is an over-the-top <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/genesis-electrified-g80-refreshed-extended-wheelbase-1235685371/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G80</a> variant that comes outfitted with a wide-body kit and a specially tuned powertrain that makes over 400 hp. Another special edition based on the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/genesis-unveils-first-ev-gv60-crossover-1234631254/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GV60 EV</a> is said to be on the way as well.

Genesis

Hypercar

motosport

This New Genesis Hypercar Will Race at Le Mans in 2026

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/lamborghini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamborghini</a>’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2022-lamborghini-countach-lpi-800-4-bring-a-trailer-online-auction-1235854909/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unveiling of a new Countach in 2021</a> was met with nostalgia-based delight in many corners, but a bit of concern in others. After all, there is a fine line between <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lamborghini-countach-explainer-1234667952/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honouring one’s past</a> and becoming a prisoner of it. In this vein, Lamborghini said this week it won’t be in the business of <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bentley-begins-building-speed-six-continuation-series-1235558249/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continuation cars</a>, or faithful reproductions of classics. Those are a different proposition than the new Countach, which shares a name with the old Countach but not much else.



Automakers like Bentley and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/five-aston-martin-db5-goldfinger-continuation-cars-photographed-together-1234587937/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin</a> build continuation <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cars</a> based on customer demand and because, for many automakers, history is their biggest asset. But don’t count on it with the Raging Bull; we’re unlikely to see a new (old) <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/1967-lamborghini-miura-p400-bonhams-scottsdale-auction-1236144382/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miura</a>, or <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/drive-review-2001-lamborghini-diablo-1236144323/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo</a>, or <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2008-lamborghini-murcielago-roadster-rm-sothebys-auction-1235806097/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Murciélago</a> any time soon.



“We are not interested,” Giuliano Cassataro, Polo Storico’s head of service, <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/news/lamborghini-wont-make-continuation-cars-because-history-is-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told The Drive</a>. “For us, there is only one Countach. There were different series of the Countach, but we are not allowed to change anything in the car. It was born in that year, with this colour, in this configuration, and with this interior, and it must be like it was&#8230; Everything that we do will one day be history. We don’t want to modify the past.”



A 1971 Countach <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/how-lamborghini-rebuilt-1971-countach-1234773159/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">built in 2021 from the ground up</a> was not a continuation car, Cassataro said, because its chassis number was re-purposed from a Countach crashed in 1974, and, anyway, that new (old) Countach was a 50th-anniversary one-off for a special customer.



“One of our best customers and collectors started dreaming, he wanted to be part of this project,” Cassataro told The Drive. “We started dreaming with him.”



Lamborghini might even do the same for another of their best customers, too, since exceptions can always be made. But old supercars are old technology, too, which takes a lot of fun out of the driving, as nice as they are to look at.

Countach

Lamborghini

Lamborghini Countach

Why Lamborghini Won’t Be Making Modern Versions of Its Classic Cars

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/alpina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alpina</a> is preparing for change the only way it knows how—with a lot of horsepower.



The German tuner has just unveiled the B8 GT, its heavily upgraded take on the current <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-alpina-b8-gran-coupe-1234603649/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe</a>. The muscular four-door is expected to be the shop’s final model before it officially becomes a sub-brand operated by the German luxury marque.



Anyone familiar with German performance cars knows that <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a> and Alpina go way back. In 2022, the automaker decided it was time to take things to the next level and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-acquires-alpina-tuner-1234668246/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acquired the tuner</a>, which is based out of Buchloe. The preexisting agreement the two companies had at the time of the deal runs through at the end of this year, at which point Alpina will focus on developing a completely new lineup of vehicles expected to debut later this decade.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/b8gt03.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795224" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/b8gt03.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/b8gt03-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/b8gt03-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the Alpina B8 GT. Image courtesy of Alpina</figcaption></figure>



Before then, we get what some outlets are <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-acquires-alpina-tuner-1234668246/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">referring to as the “last true Alpina,”</a> the B8 GT. The tuner’s latest is a tribute to its founder, the late Burkard Bovensiepen, and is powered by the same 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V-8 found in the B5 GT. The shop has worked its usual magic on the mill, upping output to 625 hp and 627 ft lbs of torque.  Those figures make the B8 GT the most powerful car in Alpina history. The new model has slightly less horsepower than the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-m5-cs-variant-2022-627-horsepower-1234593709/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">627-hp M5 CS</a>, BMW’s most potent gas-powered model, but 74 more ft lbs of torque.



The upgraded mill, which is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, produces enough might to push the super sedan from zero to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds and zero to 124 mph in 10.5 seconds. Top speed, meanwhile, comes out to 204 mph.



Alpina, like <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-benz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-Benz</a>’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-amg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMG sub-brand</a>, is focused on more than just the mechanical side of things. The B8 GT has also been dressed up in a subtle carbon-fibre body kit that gives it a little more bite, especially in the rear, where there is a new diffuser. It is also available with the option of a two-tone paint job that pairs Alpina Blue or Alpina Green with Sapphire Black, features special badging, and rides on a 21-inch set of the tuner’s trademark forged wheels. Open the doors and you’ll find a full leather interior, wood trim, and Bovensiepen’s signature on the centre console and the backs of the front seat rests.



Alpina plans to build 99 examples of the B8 GT, only 20 of which will feature a dual-colour finish. Pricing for the powerful four-door starts at €225,000, or roughly US$232,000 (approximately HK$1.79 million), but be prepared to pay an extra US$11,000 (approximately HK$85,740) if you spring for the special paint job.

Alpina

This New Alpina Sedan Is the BMW Tuner’s Most Powerful Production Car

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a> first <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmws-new-concept-skytop-maybe-headed-production-1235631150/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unveiled its stunning</a> open-top two-seater concept called the Skytop in May, when it wasn’t really clear if the car would actually make it to production since it is relatively easy to make a concept car and even easier to simply dream one up. But in October, BMW <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-confirms-skytop-concept-going-into-production-1235951087/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said that it would have a small production run</a> of the Skytop, limited to just 50 examples for buyers. The concept floated in May likely as a test balloon had worked: BMW said interest was strong enough to warrant hand-building the car for an undisclosed price that <a href="https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a60896319/bmw-skytop-concept-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">some have suggested</a> might be more than a half-million dollars.



This week, BMW’s head of design, Adrian Van Hooydonk, <a href="https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/01/14/bmw-build-deliver-all-skytop-cars-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">confirmed to BMW Blog</a> that the Skytop will be delivered this year to customers. The Skytop is also sold out, which is usually a prerequisite for automakers to build the concepts they produce into one-offs or few-offs. BMW might have even made more than 50 if there was more demand or might have not: The alchemy of few-off car sales for automakers <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-3-0-csl-50th-anniversary-1234777699/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is a delicate balance</a> of satiating demand and denying it, and more opacity in the process is generally preferred, for automakers at least. 



At any rate, BMWBlog says that the production model of the car won’t vary too much from the concept BMW unveiled over the summer, with the “muted silver” paint, in particular, a highlight, along with the very thin LED headlamps, which Van Hooydonk says are “the slimmest he has ever seen on a production vehicle.”



Indeed, the Skytop is a special project that followed <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-3-0-csl-50th-anniversary-1234777699/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the revived BMW 3.0 CSL</a> that BMW unveiled in 2022, and there might be more special projects in the works, depending in some part on the Skytop’s continued positive reception. The Skytop will be hand-built at BMW’s Dingolfing factory, and is based on the M8, while giving more Z8. Hopefully, soon, we’ll be seeing it in person. 



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-spectacular-bmw-concept-skytop-1235631328/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the BMW Concept Skytop.

open-top

Skytop

Two-seater

BMW’s Sleek New Open-Top Two-Seater Will Be Delivered This Year, the Marque Says

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sony</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/honda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honda</a>’s first EV is nearing the finish line.



The Japanese electronics and automotive giants used their <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ces/">CES</a> press conference to announce that they have officially opened the order books for the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/5-top-evs-at-ces-2023-1234792780/2-1098/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afeela 1</a>. Unfortunately, only those living in California can reserve the tech-laden sedan for now.



The upcoming EV’s roots can be traced back to the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ces-2020-best-car-tech-2892202/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision-S sedan concept</a>&nbsp;that Sony brought to the same convention back in 2020.&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/sony-mobility-division-vision-s-02-suv-concept-1234656637/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">An SUV followed two years later</a>, at which point Sony and Honda joined forces to make the attractive concepts a reality. &nbsp;That year, the companies announced that they were forming a joint venture called Sony Honda Mobility that would sell EVs under the Afeela brand.



<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/afeela102.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794779" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/afeela102.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/afeela102.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/afeela102.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/afeela102.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the Afeela 1. Image courtesy of Afeela</figcaption></figure>



Two Afeela 1 models will be available to start, the Origin and Signature, which will be priced at US$89,900 (approximately HK$699,775) and US$102,900 (approximately HK$800,965) respectively. We’re still waiting for final details, but both versions of the sleek four-door will be powered by a dual-motor powertrain that the brand claims will produce around 480 hp. The all-wheel-drive setup gets its juice from a 91-kWh battery that the brands say will go up to 300 miles between charges.



Unsurprisingly, the two Afeela 1 models are separated by their features. The Signature will be available in three colours (Calm White, Tidal Grey, and Core Black), rides on 21-inch alloy wheels, and comes with an additional rear entertainment system. The Origin will only be available in Core Black and will have 19-inch alloy wheels. Both versions come with a complimentary three-year subscription to a host of in-car features, including Level 2+ driver’s assistance, an AI-powered personal assistant, and what the brand is calling “immersive” entertainment content.



<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/afeela103.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794778" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/afeela103.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/afeela103.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/afeela103.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/afeela103.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Afeela 1 Signature in Core Black, Tidal Grey, and Calm White. Image courtesy of Afeela</figcaption></figure>



The Afeela 1 is available to <a href="https://www.shm-afeela.com/config/model/afeela1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reserve now through the brand’s website</a> for a US$200 (approximately HK$1,555) deposit. You’ll have to live in California if you want to pre-order the sedan, though. Sony and Honda plan to expand availability over time, <a href="https://insideevs.com/news/746356/sony-honda-afeela-ces-price/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Inside EVs</a>, but it makes sense that they would focus on the Golden State at the beginning. In the third quarter of 2024, over one in every four new cars sold in California was battery-powered. Deliveries of the Signature are expected to begin sometime next year, with the Origin following in 2027.

Afeela

Afeela 1

Honda

Sony

Sony and Honda Are Now Taking Orders for Their Joint EV

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/tag-heuer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TAG Heuer</a> wasn’t about to let a chance to celebrate the legendary driver <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ayrton-senna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ayrton Senna</a> pass it by.



The Swiss watchmaker is teaming up with the late <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/formula-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Formula 1</a> icon’s eponymous brand to release a special <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/tag-heuer-carrera-963-chronograph-porsche-1235653719/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carrera</a> chronograph. The limited-edition timepiece is set to drop later this year to coincide with the release of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT7h6sUeUhU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senna</a>, a six-part <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/netflix/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Netflix</a> mini-series based on the driver’s life that stars Gabriel Leone.



The exclusive Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna is the latest chapter in a relationship that dates back to 1988. It was during his time as a TAG Heuer brand ambassador that Senna achieved the success that made him one of the sport’s most revered figures, winning three driver’s championships—in 1988, 1991, and 1993—and setting several records on the track.



<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="Senna | Official Teaser | Netflix" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LT7h6sUeUhU?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>



The collaboration between the driver and watchmaker culminated in the release of his first signature timepiece, the <a href="https://magazine.tagheuer.com/en/2022/05/02/the-ultimate-collectors-guide-tag-heuer-senna-special-editions/#:~:text=1994%20%2D%20THE%20FIRST%20TAG%20HEUER%20SENNA%20SPECIAL%20EDITION&amp;text=The%20TAG%20Heuer%206000%20Senna,with%20the%20driver's%20creative%20involvement." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6000 Senna Limited Edition</a>, in 1994, the same year before he tragically died following an accident at the San Marino Grand Prix. The agreement to create the watch was <a href="https://www.tagheuer.com/is/en/vintage-collection/tag-heuer-6000-series.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reached two days before the fatal crash</a> in Imola, Italy. Several references celebrating the driver have been released over the years, including two chronograph <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/best-new-tourbillons-2024-1235611370/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tourbillons</a> in the Carrera collection in 2018 and 2019.



The third Senna Carrera is still being finalised, but TAG Heuer has shared some tantalising details about the timepiece. The watch has been designed to be something the driver would have actually wanted to wear and features several elements that reference his life and racing career. These include a carbon bezel inscribed with a tachymeter scale that goes to 400 km/h, a reworked skeletonised dial that incorporates a checkered flag motif, and a 44 mm caseback that reveals an image of Senna with helmet.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tagsennna01.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793044" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tagsennna01.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tagsennna01-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ayrton Senna with TAG Heuer watch. Image courtesy of TAG Heuer</figcaption></figure>



In addition to the exclusive release, several TAG Heuer watches can be seen in Senna, its star, Leone, recently told Robb Report. The actor, who is also an ambassador for the watchmaker, revealed that he wore two of its timepieces in the series, a Carrera 409 the driver is given by his character’s father and a Senna S/EL Link Chronograph S25.706C. The vintage watches help ground the show in the 1980s and 1990s, while also serving as a reminder of the brief-but-intense life lived by Senna.



“When you think about a watch, it’s like having time on your wrist,” Leone told us. “He loved watches, so they were important to us, not only as an object, but a concept.”



Luckily, we won’t have to wait much longer to see the finished Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna. The watch is expected to launch in November, shortly before the 4 December premier of Senna. The timepiece will be limited to just 500 pieces, and is priced at 37,000 CHF, which works out to around US$43,375 (HK$337,205).

Ayrton Senna

Formula 1

TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer Is Releasing a New Carrera Watch With Netflix’s ‘Senna’ Series This Autumn

It was one small decision for <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/omega/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omega</a>, one giant win for <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/watch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch</a> collectors.



The Swiss watchmaker has re-released the first <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/speedmaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Speedmaster</a> that went to space, combining classic 1950s styling with modern horological innovations.



Launched in 1959, the original watch (Ref. CK 2998) was the successor to the first Speedmaster model that Omega unveiled in 1957. It featured a symmetrical 39.7 mm case, a dark bezel, and slender Alpha hands that set it apart from the previous iteration. <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra famously wore the second-gen Speedy on the Mercury-Atlas 8: Sigma 7 mission of 1962, earning it the title of “first Omega in Space.” Omega did drop a model in 2012 to honour this feat but discontinued it in 2021. The “First Omega in Space” is now back, with a bold new look.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space4-820x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792269" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space4-820x1024.webp 820w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space4-240x300.webp 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space4-768x959.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space4.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A close-up of the dial. Image courtesy of Omega</figcaption></figure>



The contemporary release takes design cues from the CK 2998, maintaining the same polished-brushed stainless-steel case, triple-register chronograph display, and domed crystal. The CVD-coated dial is finished in a grey-blue hue that appeared on some CK 2998 models produced in the 1960s, while the black aluminium bezel features the signature “Dot-Over-Ninety” tachymeter bezel synonymous with the earliest Speedys. The hour markers and Alpha hands are filled with Super-LumiNova in a golden hue that gives an aged quality. In keeping with that historic feel, vintage Omega logos have been added to the dial and crown.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space2-819x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792270" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space2-819x1024.webp 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space2-240x300.webp 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space2-768x960.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The engraved caseback. Image courtesy of Omega</figcaption></figure>



The major difference between the two is the movement. The original was powered by the Calibre 321, while the modern edition is driven by the Calibre 3861. The hand-wound movement, which has the all-important Master Chronometer certification from METAS, offers the highest standard of precision, performance, and magnetic resistance, according to Omega. It has a frequency of 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz) and a power reserve of 50 hours.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space3-819x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792271" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space3-819x1024.webp 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space3-240x300.webp 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space3-768x960.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Speedmaster_Space3.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The stainless-steel bracelet. Image courtesy of Omega</figcaption></figure>



The new Speedmaster also has a couple of special, sentimental touches. The caseback showcases an integrated Seahorse medallion and the engravings “Speedmaster,” “The First Omega in Space” and “October 3, 1962.” The latter is the date that the Mercury-Atlas spacecraft took off from the Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, orbiting the Earth six times, before landing in the Pacific Ocean. Schirra was the sole occupant of the spacecraft, completing the nine-hour mission with his trusty Speedmaster on his wrist.



The new Speedmaster First Omega in Space costs US$7,500 (HK$58,265) with a leather strap or US$7,900 (HK$61,375) with a steel bracelet.

Omega

Speedmaster

Omega Just Re-Released Its First Watch to Ever Go to Space

Vacheron Constantin is following up on the highly coveted revamp of its 1970s-era 222 model, which debuted in <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/watches-and-wonders-1234670325/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">18-carat yellow gold in 2022</a> at <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watches &amp; Wonders</a> in Geneva. The watch, designed by 24-year-old Jorg Hysek and debuted in 1977 for the company’s 222nd anniversary, was one of several sporty bracelet models released at the time. This period also marked the arrival of the now impossible-to-get<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gerald-genta-2864111/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Gerald Genta-designed</a> Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Since the resurgence in popularity of these timepieces in recent years, the 222 had somewhat flown under the radar in comparison (save for some savvy collectors who were already snapping up vintage versions). However, with the updated version that launched two years ago, the timepiece was back on the map in a big way. Now, the Swiss house is coming to the table with a release that promises to be even bigger—a steel Historiques 222.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vacheron-constantin-historiques-222.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794903" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vacheron-constantin-historiques-222.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vacheron-constantin-historiques-222.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vacheron-constantin-historiques-222.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



The first iteration received plenty of attention and was embraced by A-listers like <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/brad-pitt-vacheron-constantin-1234801687/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Pitt</a>, Michael B. Jordan, and Chris Paul. However, an all-gold watch is still a flashy proposition for the average client, so the steel version will likely be serious catnip for more conservative collectors. It’s easy to imagine it will also be attractive to current owners of the gold version, as the steel model will be less prone to scratching for a better proposition as a daily wear. The steel 37 mm “Jumbo” 222 comes with a navy blue dial, which, outside of the case and bracelet, is the only difference between the all-gold version. Like its 2022 predecessor, it comes with the Maltese Cross accent on the case at five o’clock, a triple-blade clasp, a sapphire crystal caseback for a view of the 3.6 mm-thick Calibre 2455/2 movement, a gold oscillating weight engraved with the 222 logo, and a better-positioned date window. Compared to the 1970s original, the movement has been updated for modern times with a higher frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) compared to its previous 2.75 Hz, as well as enhanced precision and 40 hours of power reserve.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VC1.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794904" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VC1.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VC1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VC1.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VC1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



While it is not a limited edition, you can safely assume the US$32,000 (approximately HK$249,190) steel 222 will be hard to get. Will it be more challenging to obtain than a Patek Philippe Nautilus or an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak? Vacheron Constantin has always maintained a more discreet position than those two brands in the marketplace, so it will likely be a touch easier for now, and that’s part of the appeal. The hype for the Nautilus and Royal Oak has been so exhaustive that even though Vacheron Constantin seems late to the game on the 1970s design revival frenzy, it may be coming just at the right time, with reports of <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/shopping-time-prices-for-patek-philippe-nautilus-watches-are-dropping-heres-5-to-buy-right-now-1235696618/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interest waning in the Nautilus</a> (although it is still not easily obtainable in the primary market and vastly above retail in the secondary market). A few years ago, a colleague in Monaco once told us local collectors were already fatigued from seeing the same models on their friends’ wrists and were already seeking alternatives to hype watches. The steel 222 will be a welcome “newcomer” to the established mix.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/in-pictures-vacheron-constantin-historiques-1236156492/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more images of the Vacheron Constantin steel Historiques 222.

Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin watches

Watches

Vacheron Constantin Just Dropped a New Steel Version of Its Ultra-Hot 222

Tiffany &amp; Co. has announced the acquisition of a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/titanic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Titanic</a> piece of history. The storied American jewellery house is adding to its great heritage with a pocket watch recently acquired by the<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/lvmh-buys-tiffany-co-in-16-2-billion-deal-2883220/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> LVMH-owned brand</a> at a <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/tiffany-titanic-pocket-watch-auction-record-1235996019/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henry Aldridge &amp; Son Ltd. auction</a> in the UK in November. The watch was once gifted to the captain of the RMS Carpathia for saving the lives of nearly 700 passengers of the ill-fated Titanic ship in 1912. Tiffany paid US$1.97 million (approximately HK$15.32 million) for the piece it retailed in 1912, solidifying the timepiece as the most expensive memorabilia related to the historic event ever sold.



Adding to the tale of this palm-sized treasure is the provenance of the three society women of the era who originally purchased it: Madeleine Talmage Astor, Marian Longstreth Thayer, and Eleanor Elkins Widener. Mrs Astor was one of the most famous survivors of the Titanic. Her husband, John Jacob Astor IV, perished aboard the ship. Mrs Thayer, also a survivor of the sinking, was the wife of John Borland Thayer II, a director and second vice president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Mrs Widener was the wife of George Dunton Widener, who ran the Philadelphia Traction Company (known for developing cable and electric streetcars). She also survived, but her husband and eldest son, Harry Elkins Widener, perished. The three women purchased the pocket watch from Tiffany &amp; Co. in 1912 to gift to Captain Arthur H. Rostron as a thank-you for saving their lives and hundreds of others in the wake of the tragedy in April of that year.



<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/TITANIC_WTH_v4.1_TM_120524_am_V2.jpg-1-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794689" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TITANIC_WTH_v4.1_TM_120524_am_V2.jpg-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TITANIC_WTH_v4.1_TM_120524_am_V2.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TITANIC_WTH_v4.1_TM_120524_am_V2.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TITANIC_WTH_v4.1_TM_120524_am_V2.jpg-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Tiffany &amp; Co.</figcaption></figure>



Cementing the piece to the event, which 112 years later remains unforgettable, is an endearing inscription. It is engraved, “Presented to Captain Rostron with the heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of three survivors of the Titanic April 15th 1912, Mrs John B. Thayer, Mrs John Jacob Aster, and Mrs George D. Widener” along with Captain Rostron’s initials “AHR.” The date, of course, commemorates the day the ship sunk in the North Atlantic.



The price tag paid for this slice of history may seem astronomical, but when you consider modern watches sometimes<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/most-expensive-f-p-journe-watch-ever-sold-phillips-8-3-million-1235984334/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> go for even more</a>, it is clearly a coup for the watch and jewellery house. <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/value-of-heritage-increasing-in-watch-world-1234625266/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heritage departments</a> are becoming increasingly crucial to storied brands not only for archival purposes but also for bragging rights and publicity, as well as museums. “Tiffany &amp; Co. jewellery and objects have been a cornerstone of global luxury since the mid-19th century, and that Tiffany was entrusted to help give thanks in the wake of the unthinkable Titanic tragedy reminds us of our humble role in the lives of our clients,” said Tiffany &amp; Co. executive Christopher Young. “Captain Rostron’s pocket watch is an incredible expression of thanks and gratitude, and we are humbled to welcome this extraordinary treasure home to Tiffany &amp; Co.”

Pocket Watch

Tiffany & Co.

Titanic

Titanic pocket watch

Turns Out Tiffany & Co. Bought That ‘Titanic’ Pocket Watch for HK$15.32 Million

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



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



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



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



Silhouette CX Snake



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



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



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



Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Cobra



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



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



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



Lange 1 Moon Phase



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



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



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



Portofino Automatic Moon Phase



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



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



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



Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake



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



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



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



Tonda PF Xiali Chinese Calendar in Rose Gold



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



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



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



Classique 7145 Lunar New Year 2025



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



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



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



Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake



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



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



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



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



Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake”



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



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



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



Chinese New Year Automatic



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



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



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



Espiègleries Tresors d’Afrique



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



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



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



The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac—Year of the Snake



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

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

The 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/formula-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Formula 1</a>&nbsp;season hasn’t even started, and&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/tag-heuer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TAG Heuer</a>&nbsp;has already been crowned a winner.&nbsp;



Over the summer, it was<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/tag-heuer-replace-rolex-formula-1-sponsor-1235787146/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> reported</a> that the Swiss watchmaker was gunning to become the motor-racing competition’s official timekeeper, a title previously held by its competitor <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a>. Now, the brand’s parent company, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/lvmh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVMH</a>, has successfully completed the sponsorship transfer with a 10-year contract after more than two decades. 



“I am delighted to welcome TAG Heuer as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1 as they start the next stage of their long history in our sport,” said Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1,&nbsp;in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/tag-heuer-returns-to-formula-1-as-official-timekeeper-from-2025-season.5lS9YMOfwnuaQXkRGQW11v" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press statement</a>. “With their focus on innovation, accuracy and excellence, they are a natural partner, and I am excited to see how our intertwining heritage can tell new stories for the future as we celebrate our 75th year.”&nbsp;



In July, the watch&nbsp;company was in talks to reclaim its timekeeping duties—a role it previously held from 1992 to 2003 before Rolex took over in 2013. As Domenicali mentioned, TAG Heuer has a storied past with the auto&nbsp;racing sport ever since its logo appeared on the back of an F1 car in 1969 and became the first luxury brand to sponsor a team in 1971—which just so happened to&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/enzo-ferrari-bio-legend-1235793378/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enzo Ferrari’s team</a>. After its timekeeping title was handed over, TAG Heuer still remained as a major sponsor for McLaren until 2015 and in 2016, became the official timekeeper and partner of the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. &nbsp;



“In a sport defined by mental resilience, physical strength, strategy, innovation, and performance it is only natural for TAG Heuer to be at the very heart of Formula 1 as Official Timekeeper,” added Antoine Pin, the watchmaker’s CEO.



LVMH, which is owned by French billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bernard-arnault/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bernard Arnault</a>, has been making a push into sports ever since it sponsored the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/sports-leisure/lvmh-sponsor-paris-2024-olympics-1234856390/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 Paris Olympics.</a>&nbsp;The conglomerate made sure its stamp was all over the event with Chaumet designing the medals, Louis Vuitton handling the torch trunks, and Berluti creating the athlete’s uniforms. With this new agreement, expect to see more LVMH&nbsp;maisons&nbsp;trackside including Moët &amp; Chandon, who was named the official Champagne supplier for the 2025 season.

Watch

TAG Heuer Has Replaced Rolex as Formula 1’s Official Timekeeper

Steve Kozloff is making his marine dream a reality.



The California-based designer, known for penning pioneering <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/steve-kozloff-2us-sailing-yacht-1234895603/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sailing yachts</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/steve-kozloff-trimaran-trident-1234694754/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trimarans</a>, and <a href="https://robbreport.com.au/motors/boating/a-hybrid-expedition-yacht-concept-claims-11000km-on-a-single-tank/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explorers</a>, just unveiled a new <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/submarine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">submarine</a> concept that would allow him to fulfil his dream of traversing the deep sea with his wife, Terry.



Aptly christened the Deep Sea Dreamer, the 107-footer allows two or more seafarers to explore the underwater world in complete privacy. Constructed entirely of sturdy steel, the sub features massive viewing windows and a forward observation bubble that provides cinematic vistas of the surrounding ocean. It can also function as a regular yacht should you wish to explore the world above the waves.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_3-1024x576.webp" alt="Computer rendering of a panoramic observation salon inside a submarine, with dining tables, a grand piano, and armchairs." class="wp-image-1234786638" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_3-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_3-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_3-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_3.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The panoramic observation salon. Image courtesy of Steve Kozloff</figcaption></figure>



Built for extended expeditions, the Dreamer is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system comprised of two Cummins engines, one electric motor, and 10 directional thrusters. During long voyages, the vessel cruises just below the waterline, with a fixed dorsal providing fresh air to the interior and the genset while expelling the exhaust. Kozloff says this submerged cruising position results in exceptional range, decent speeds, and smooth conditions. The sub has an estimated cruising speed of six knots, a maximum speed of 10 knots, and a go-anywhere range of 6,000 miles.



In addition, the Dreamer can dive to 328 feet and travel up to 100 miles on silent, electric power. The sub can also remain firmly planted on the ocean floor for up to seven days, with the onboard batteries providing power for the week.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_Owner3-1024x576.webp" alt="Computer rendering of a suite inside a submarine concept, showing a bed and cabinets." class="wp-image-1234786639" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_Owner3-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_Owner3-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_Owner3-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_Owner3.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The owner’s suite. Image courtesy of Steve Kozloff</figcaption></figure>



Explorers will traverse the seas in the lap of luxury, too. The plush living quarters are akin to that of a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/superyacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superyacht</a>. The two distinctive decks offer approximately 1,500 square feet of space for lounging and entertaining. Guests can easily travel between decks using the watertight elevator or ladder tube.



The interior includes an elegant dining area, a gourmet galley, a spacious salon, a forward lounge, a full-beam owner’s suite of 275 square feet, two guest cabins, and crew quarters. The panoramic observation salon is the highlight of the interior, with four recliners on the glass floor enabling guests to appreciate oceanic treasures. In addition, guests can enjoy nearly 2,500 square feet of space on the expansive exterior deck when the vessel is above water.



The sub remains a concept at this stage but Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/deep-sea-dreamer-1235558165/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see all the photos of the Deep Sea Dreamer.

Deep Sea Dreamer

Steve Kozloff

Submarine

This Insane Submarine Concept Doubles as a 107-Foot Superyacht

We knew the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/yacht-launches-boot-dusseldorf-boat-show-1235471729/2-mayla-gt-speed-3-4-front-view/">Mayla GT</a>&nbsp;would be one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/yacht-launches-boot-dusseldorf-boat-show-1235471729/2-mayla-gt-speed-3-4-front-view/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most exciting boats</a>&nbsp;at Boot Düsseldorf, but a deep dive into the specs shows it could be downright revolutionary. The brainchild of German start-up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mayla-yacht.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayla</a>, the 44-footer brings you the blistering performance of a speedboat and the luxe amenities of a motor yacht in one neat carbon-fibre package.



Inspired by the go-fast boats of the 1970s and 1980s, the GT sports an angular, retro-futuristic body and the sleek lines of a rocket ship. Tipping the scales at just 4.5 tons, the lightweight design features a deep-V hull with twin transversal steps and patented Petestep deflectors that help it slice through the waves with ease. In fact, Mayla says the deflectors decrease energy usage by up to 35 per cent while ensuring a more efficient planing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_2-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785191" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_2-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The range-topping GT can reach 110 mph. Image courtesy of Mayla</figcaption></figure>



The GT is also capable of soaring at breakneck speeds, with the option of a gas, diesel, electric, or&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hybrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hybrid</a>&nbsp;powertrain. The range-topping GTR-R model packs dual petrol-powered engines that can churn out 3,100 hp for a top speed of more than 100 knots (115 mph). At the other, more sustainable end of the spectrum, the E-GT is fitted with an electric powertrain that can produce 2,200 horses for a max speed of 50 knots. The hybrid E-GTR pairs that same electric powertrain with a 400 hp diesel engine for a top speed of 60 knots (69 mph). (The GT in the water at Boot sported two entry-level V8s good for 650 hp and a top speed of over 70 knots.)



The GT is suitable for more than just high-speed jaunts, of course. The multipurpose cockpit, which can accommodate up to eight passengers, features a sundeck with sliding loungers, a wet bar and BBQ, and a foldaway dining table for alfresco entertaining. Further toward the stern, a beach club sits atop a garage with an electric transom door.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_3_cc0b0c-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234785190" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_3_cc0b0c-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_3_cc0b0c-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_3_cc0b0c-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mayla_GT_3_cc0b0c.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The garage has an electric transom door. Image courtesy of Mayla</figcaption></figure>



The GT is even fit for overnight stays. Below deck lies a cabin with a double bed, sofa, wardrobe, vanity, and en-suite. You can also expect a high-tech entertainment system with TVs and premium audio.



As for price, the GT with the entry-level powertrain will cost between US$1.74 million and US$1.85 million (HK$13.6 million and HK$14.4 million), depending on the final configuration. (You can fine-tune the layout, hull colour, and interiors, naturally.) Interested buyers can set up a sea trial with Mayla, with test-drives set to begin this spring in Europe.

Carbon-Fibre

Mayla

Speedboat

This 44-Foot Carbon-Fibre Speedboat Can Rocket to 110 MPH

What do you get when you put one of the world’s most famous designers and a forward-thinking boat builder together? Answer: A cool-looking hybrid-electric catamaran that blends art and technology.



Italian custom yacht builder <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/rossi-family-rossinavi-launches-nolimits-yacht-brand-1235517314/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rossinavi</a> introduced Solsea at Design Miami, which is being held alongside Art Basel Miami. The concept is the result of a three-year collaboration with designer Yves Béhar. The 141-foot catamaran, plus its electric-hybrid propulsion and AI-powered systems, is designed for sustainability. Béhar’s designs add understated elegance across the yacht.



“It’s been an incredible journey to see how Yves Béhar reimagined the naval platform of our hybrid-electric catamaran,” says Federico Rossi, chief operations officer at the shipyard, during the launch event. “He brought a style that is both fresh and refined.”



<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/2024/12/2.-Rossinavi_Yves-Behar_Solsea_2024_06.jpg.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793978" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Rossinavi_Yves-Behar_Solsea_2024_06.jpg.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Rossinavi_Yves-Behar_Solsea_2024_06.jpg.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Rossinavi_Yves-Behar_Solsea_2024_06.jpg.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Rossinavi_Yves-Behar_Solsea_2024_06.jpg.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The bow pool, with a mechanical but artistic hardtop, is just one of many design features on Solsea. Image courtesy of Rossinavi Yachts</figcaption></figure>



Features like the bow pool, with delicate, crisscrossed mechanical supports that raise and lower the hardtop, or the artistic curving arches beside the bar on the flybridge, or the stylised wooden walls in the salon all demonstrate the designer’s subtle flourishes.



Béhar’s work is part of the permanent collection at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Museum, and he has had solo exhibitions at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the other at the Musee de Design et D’arts Appliques Contemporains in Lausanne, Switzerland. He has designed hundreds of beautiful, functional objects, including chairs and lighting for Herman Miller, <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/home-design/slideshow/the-moma-design-stores-top-5-of-2017/samsung-frame-tv-by-yves-behar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frames for Samsung televisions</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/accessories/yves-behar-making-sunglasses-recycled-ocean-plastic-1234577740/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunglasses made from recycled ocean plastic </a>and even <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/underwater-space-station-2937518/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater research centres</a>.



“When working with clients, my philosophy is to connect emotionally through ideas and content rather than style,” says Béhar. “It’s less about this or that aesthetic and more about meaningful conversations where people come to agreement in terms of approach and direction.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="722" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.48.46 PM-1024x722.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793981" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.48.46 PM-1024x722.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.48.46 PM-300x212.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.48.46 PM-768x541.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.48.46 PM.png 1268w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The salon has a calming, subtle feel, with lots of muted-tone woodwork.  Image courtesy of Rossinavi Yachts</figcaption></figure>



That’s certainly apparent in his first yacht. Rather than bold statements, there is a timeless look throughout Solsea, bolstered by natural matte wood and bouclé textiles across the interior. The designer also employed recycled ocean plastics and solar panels to enhance sustainability. “For me, Solsea is a return to simpler, more respectful ways to enjoy the oceans while integrating the future of efficient propulsion, and cutting-edge technologies,” says Béhar.



Of course, without the recent launch of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rossinavi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rossinavi</a>’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/rossinavi-ai-catamaran-1235985649/2-animal-instinct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea Wolf X</a>, another 140-foot catamaran, Solsea would be just another fancy concept. But that vessel, which the shipyard showed at the last <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/monaco-yacht-show-2024-1235866205/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, would form a baseline for the technology and design for a future Solsea, if any owner comes forward.



It is also a hybrid electric yacht with batteries, electric engines, and diesel generators, but also contained artificial intelligence software to enhance performance as well as the owners’ and guests’ experiences.&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;was the first to exclusively tour the yacht following its delivery in August.



<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/2024/12/2.-Animal-instinct.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793979" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Animal-instinct.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Animal-instinct.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Animal-instinct.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2.-Animal-instinct.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rossinavi’s recently launched Sea Wolf X provides a good template for its future power cats. Image courtesy of Rossinavi Yachts</figcaption></figure>



The artificial intelligence system, named Rossinavi AI, hones in on performance and efficiency. It continuously monitors the vessel’s operations, learning from observation and even anticipating guests’ needs. “[The AI] will be able to self-learn, surely surprising even us in the future,” Federico Rossi, chief operating officer of Rossinavi, tells&nbsp;Robb Report.



The AI works in tandem with a series of sensors that are fitted throughout the yacht. These include checking when guests are present in their cabins to prevent unnecessary use of air-conditioning and to switch off TVs that have been left on. When they return, the AI recalls the guests’ exact preferences for temperature and powers up, as if it had continued running the entire time.



The interior lighting throughout the yacht also automatically brightens or dims depending on the time of day and exterior sunlight. It even interacts with the crew to encourage lower-impact behaviors. It also highlights interesting landmarks along the cruise. Presumably,&nbsp;Solsea’s AI system will be even more advanced.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="724" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg-1024x724.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793980" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg-1024x724.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg-300x212.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg-768x543.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg-1536x1086.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc99f84d-14a7-2a90-3f6f-2c216302734e.jpg.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Behar’s rendition of the upper deck emphasises curves and stylised arches. Image courtesy of Rossinavi Yachts</figcaption></figure>



Of course, another advantage of large catamarans is the wide beam, which dramatically increases the internal volume.&nbsp;Solsea’s full-beam master suite has about the same space as a 229-foot superyacht. It also offers a 180-degree view and direct access to a private external balcony that sits across the twin hulls and connects to the bow.



Perhaps its best feature is the hybrid-electric system. It will power the boat on just the batteries for full-day trips, and even cross the Atlantic at 80 per cent electric mode. That whisper-quiet experience is a game-changer not for power cats but for the whole superyacht world.

AI powered

catamaran

Design Miami

Rossinavi

Salsea

This Curvaceous 140-Foot Hybrid Catamaran Is Powered by AI

The new, multibillion-dollar superyacht destination of <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/luxury-travel/sindalah-jewel-red-sea-1234834183/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sindalah Island</a> kicked off its recent inauguration with the mother of all superyacht parties.



Nearly 65 vessels, the majority above 165 feet, journeyed to the northern Red Sea for a lively “Red Sea Week” that featured premium entertainment, wine, cuisine, and waterborne activities.



“We were able to bring together more than 650 of the world’s most accomplished and interesting people,” says Luke Bahrenburg, publisher of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/robb-report/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robb Report</a>, who organised the event on behalf of Penske Media Corporation, Robb Report’s parent company. “We put together unusual, special culinary moments, helicopter rides, water sports, entertainment, and hopefully many unforgettable memories.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.Sindalah2_9b4ff3.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793253" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.Sindalah2_9b4ff3.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.Sindalah2_9b4ff3-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Red Sea Week had formal parties, outdoor activities, and many culinary events. Image courtesy of Fight Gravity Films</figcaption></figure>



“The organisers spared no expense and really blew it out of the water,” says Alexander Yulish, a Manhattan-based painter and one of the VIP guests who stayed aboard the 237-foot <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/6-luxury-charter-yachts-to-explore-remote-destinations-1234658921/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bleu de Nimes</a>. “The guests were all sorts—from creatives to CEOs to high-net-worth families. There was a lot of mingling, which really added to the event.”



Shows such as the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/monaco-yacht-show-2024-1235866205/'" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monaco Yacht Show </a>and the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/fort-lauderdale-international-boat-show-best-yachts-2024-1235964017/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)</a> exhibit <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/superyachts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superyachts</a> to potential buyers, but this event was one of a kind, bringing together yacht owners, captains, world-class chefs, and double the number of guests that organisers had anticipated.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.1.SindalahMarina-AM.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793255" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.1.SindalahMarina-AM.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.1.SindalahMarina-AM-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The new superyacht marina was the event’s focal point, with 65 superyachts venturing to Sindalah from Europe and other parts of the Middle East. Image courtesy of Fight Gravity Films</figcaption></figure>



Red Sea Week’s superyacht list was as impressive an assemblage as any single event, rivaling even the Monaco Yacht Show. It included <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/boat-of-the-week-this-sleek-new-180-foot-superyacht-is-like-an-open-air-dance-floor-on-the-water-1234591613/">Geco</a>, Golden Odyssey, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/superyacht-cloudbreak-images-1234856932/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cloudbreak</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/oceanco-dar-superyacht-1235685559/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dar</a>, and historical yachts such as <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/boat-of-the-week-this-historic-325-foot-superyacht-hosted-jfk-winston-churchill-and-elizabeth-taylor-1234876298/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christina O</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/this-240-foot-classic-lurssen-complete-makeover-1234752058/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coral Ocean</a>.



“I’ve been on many yachts, but this gathering had a totally different feel,” says Yulish. “Their idea of the next iteration of yachting was really inspiring.”



Having been at the first Red Sea Week in <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/red-sea-event-2873483/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2019</a>, Yulish recalls a very different environment. “There was a rawness that was palpable—you could almost see fossils coming out of Sindalah’s seawalls,” he says. “This time around it had a different sense of beauty. They developed it but kept a lot of rock formations and other landmarks to keep the balance between old and new.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.-Sind-CR626138-2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793256" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.-Sind-CR626138-2.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.-Sind-CR626138-2-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Opera singer Katherine Jenkins, along with Alicia Keys and comedian Chris Tucker, performed during the week. Image courtesy of Fight Gravity Films</figcaption></figure>



“Sindalah is one of the world’s first projects to have a single island designed and built from the ground up,” says Luca Dini, an Italian designer responsible for creating the island’s upscale village vibe. The island encompasses just 20 acres, so Dini had to be inventive to create a full-featured luxury environment that also blended in with the coral reefs and clear waters of the Red Sea.



The designer also added features such as “interactive” quartz columns to provide unique sensory experiences and aesthetic appeal. Traditional Saudi elements such as mosaics were reinvented as ceiling coverings, while fibre optics were embedded into the plaster walls to illuminate at night.



On Sindalah’s coastline, hundreds of thousands of coral pieces were relocated to enhance existing reefs. About 30,000 workers contributed to the island’s five-year development.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.SindalahGolfcourse.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793257" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.SindalahGolfcourse.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.SindalahGolfcourse-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 20-acre island has a golf course as well as the superyacht marina, high-end retail, and over 38 eateries. Image courtesy of Fight Gravity Films</figcaption></figure>



The island is the first piece of a larger regional jigsaw puzzle, overseen by state development agency Neom, which has a US$500 billion (HK$3.89 trillion) budget to help diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy via its Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.



Other developments include the advanced industrial city Oxagon, a mountain destination called Trojena, and the Line—a linear “smart city” housed in a single building that will be 110 miles long, 660 feet wide, and 1,600 feet tall.



Beyond being the first Neom development to open, Sindalah will be the crown jewel of the initiative. It’s designed not only for the ultra-wealthy, but specifically for superyachts. The goal is to become the next big yachting and charter destination, rivalling the Caribbean for winter cruising.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.SindRestaurants_016a91.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793258" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.SindRestaurants_016a91.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.SindRestaurants_016a91-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Caviar tastings and creative cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs were a central part of the week. Image courtesy of Fight Gravity Films</figcaption></figure>



For hundreds of yachts that make the annual pilgrimage, not having to cross the Atlantic from the Med and come back again for the summer will be a welcome change. “Fuel and maintenance expenses are crazy for any transatlantic trip,” says Captain George Ioannou, captain of the 181-foot Admiral Geco, which cruised to Sindalah in two days from Greece. “It takes a lot out of the boat and the crew.”



The word “amazing” was repeated many times among crew and captains about Sindalah’s new marina. “The facilities and hospitality were exceptional,” says Ionannou. “In this part of the Red Sea, we’re also safe from what’s happening in the rest of the region.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.-Sindalah-copy.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793259" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.-Sindalah-copy.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.-Sindalah-copy-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The marina offers protection but easy access to the local cruising grounds. Image courtesy of Fight Gravity Films</figcaption></figure>



The marina harbour has 85 berths for yachts up to 165 feet, while buoys just outside accommodate gigayachts to 550 feet. The full-service marina includes a yacht club, while the island has a sports club, a spa and wellness centre, more than 51 luxury retail outlets, a golf course, and 38 restaurants, including nine fine-dining establishments and three pop-up eateries on rooftops. 



The island also offers catered cuisine for the superyachts. Neom plans to build other marinas in the area, creating a cruising ground for visiting vessels.



Red Sea Week included a broad swath of owners and yachts from all over the world, including Europe, the US, and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the island’s development in late 2022, and several members of the Saudi royal family were on hand for the official opening.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="424" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Unknown-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793260" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Unknown-1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Unknown-1-300x124.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Unknown-1-768x318.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The main stage, built from a converted barge, provided the entertainment all week. Image courtesy of Fight Gravity Films</figcaption></figure>



Red Sea Week featured A-list entertainers such as Alicia Keys, opera singer Katherine Jenkins, and comedian Chris Tucker, as well Saudi entertainers Aref Jaman, Hatoon Idrees, and Eli. Helicopter rides, scuba and snorkelling, private yoga sessions, and personal concierge shopping at Sindalah’s high-end retailers—including Kiton, Jil Sander, and Santoni—were part of the itinerary.



“They had this amazing light show that felt like you were on another planet,” says Yulish. “All these lights pierced the black, inky sky, almost trying to bring the stars onto the ground. It felt like someone’s dream, but was so real you could almost touch and taste it.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.Sindalah-copy.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793261" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.Sindalah-copy.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.Sindalah-copy-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sindalah’s extensive coral reefs will be a big draw. The local waters have 1,100 species of fish. Image courtesy of Neom</figcaption></figure>



The week included tastings of world-class caviar and wine, plus cuisine from two of Italy’s most celebrated chefs, Carlo Cracco and Norbert Niederkofler, as well as other chefs as part of&nbsp;Robb Report’s Culinary Masters event. On the island, 12 eateries will be backed by Michelin-starred chefs.



“The organisers did this week in such a beautiful way,” says Yulish. “The events felt more like life experiences than going to different booths at convention hall. People were sharing what they’d created—whether it was the chefs with their wonderful food or listening to live opera. There was also a kindness that made the week special, spontaneous.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.-SindCR625084.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793262" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.-SindCR625084.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.-SindCR625084-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An idyllic ocean view without crowds. Image courtesy of Fight Gravity Films</figcaption></figure>



Sindalah is still under development, though the marina, <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/luxury-travel/sindalah-yacht-club-elite-boating-hub-masterminded-italian-design-maestro-stefano-ricci-1235867094/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">yacht club</a>, golf course, and several hotels and restaurants are open for business. Eventually, the island will have 413 luxury hotel rooms and 333 apartments from brands such as Four Seasons and Marriott, along with multiple types of restaurants and high-end retail establishments.



By 2028, organisers expect to accommodate several thousand people per day.



But the kind of welcome the superyacht community received during Red Sea Week was a one-time affair. “Everything was so well curated,” says Yulish. “They only left the magic to chance, but there was no shortage of that, either.”

Red Sea Week

Robb Report

Robb Report Throws a Massive Superyacht Bash in the Red Sea to Celebrate the Launch of Sindalah Island