Montrachet

Montrachet in the Shadows: The Quiet Greatness of Domaine Baron Thénard

Welsh <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/gin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gin</a> brand <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/cygnet-gin-sustainability-house-of-robb-1237394942/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cygnet</a> is a relative newcomer to the spirits world; it was founded in the UK in 2023 and just entered the US market last fall. But it’s already made a splash amongst drinkers with its high-end trio of gins housed in strikingly designed bottles, ones that really don’t look like anything else you’ll find on liquor store shelves or back bars. Today, Robb Report is announcing its strategic investment in the brand, part of a shared vision of bringing luxury products to consumers.



“Cygnet is an extraordinary brand that blends innovation, artistry, and sustainability, resulting in a timeless luxury spirit,” said Luke Bahrenburg, CEO of Robb Report, in a statement. “Robb Report and Cygnet’s shared vision and pursuit of excellence and innovation are truly unique. We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional gin to discerning consumers worldwide across our platforms.”



Classical singer Katherine Jenkins OBE and social impact artist and filmmaker Andrew Levitas are the founder of <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/cygnet-gin-us-debut-1237000626/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cygnet</a>; the pair set out to create an elevated gin brand based on core concepts of quality, sustainability, and innovation. The gin is produced at the Copperworks Distillery in Swansea, Wales, where Penderyn single malt whisky is made, and there are currently four expressions available. Cygnet Welsh Dry Gin, which anchors the portfolio, is made using a blend of 12 botanicals including juniper, chamomile, and pink grapefruit. Cygnet 22 expands the recipe to 22 botanicals, adding things like almond and Manuka honey, while Cygnet 77 is a version of that gin aged in used Welsh whisky barrels for a total of 55 weeks. Finally, Infinity joined the lineup this past December as the brand’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/cygnet-nonalcoholic-gin-1237510585/">non-alcoholic version</a> of its 22 gin, which is distilled to remove all alcohol in a nod to the growing number of consumers who are choosing to abstain but still want to enjoy a NA cocktail.



“Robb Report’s investment represents a groundbreaking partnership as its unmatched reach and influence provide a powerful platform to enhance consumer engagement and establish Cygnet as a leader in luxury spirits,” partner and chairman Matteo Fantacchiotti, the former Campari group CEO who joined the brand in November of 2024, said. “Additionally, in today’s spirits landscape I believe this investment marks not only a major milestone for us at Cygnet, but also a very positive event in the evolution of the luxury spirits industry as a whole.”



Cheers to that.

Cygnet

Robb Report Announces Investment in Luxury Gin Brand Cygnet

Tokaj’s singular journey, and the odyssey of the Szepsy family within it, begins with the land—a region forged by volcanic drama and renowned for wines of luminous minerality and persistent tension. The Szepsy family’s written legacy dates to 1631, when Szepsy Laczkó Máté, chaplain to the Rákóczi family, documented the winemaking process for Tokaji Aszú. His account preserved the method that defines the Tokaji style to this day. While the technique of using aszú (botrytised) grapes predates this written record, Szepsy Laczkó Máté’s legacy established the foundation for the region’s legendary sweet wine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Merchants, Globalisation, and the Golden Age</h2>



In the golden centuries of Tokaj’s ascent, its wines became currency among Europe’s diplomatic and royal courts. As early as the 1600s, Tokaji Aszú and Eszencia filled royal cellars and were exchanged as gifts between monarchs. Their value rivalled precious metals—famously said to be worth more than gold. Such was their allure that Catherine the Great stationed a Cossack regiment solely to escort annual shipments from Tokaj to St. Petersburg. Bottles of Imperial Tokaji were poured at coronations and banquets, symbols of prestige and indulgence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Foundations of Trade: Jewish Merchants and Tokaj’s Golden Era</h2>



Polish and German Jewish merchant dynasties forged vital wine routes, enabling Tokaji’s rise to global renown. The town of Mád, with its grand merchant houses and magnificently restored synagogue, preserves this legacy. High sugar ensured Tokaji survived arduous journeys, cementing its desirability from St. Petersburg to Spain.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/160917-FER-PHO-Szepsy-Urban-010-1024x682.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803983" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/160917-FER-PHO-Szepsy-Urban-010-1024x682.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/160917-FER-PHO-Szepsy-Urban-010-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/160917-FER-PHO-Szepsy-Urban-010-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/160917-FER-PHO-Szepsy-Urban-010-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/160917-FER-PHO-Szepsy-Urban-010.webp 1772w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The World’s First Classified Wine Region</h2>



As Tokaj’s reputation soared, it set a global benchmark for wine regions. In 1737, the Hungarian Parliament declared Tokaj a protected appellation, implementing the world’s first official vineyard classification system—dividing its crus into first, second, and third growths based on terroir, quality, and historic performance. This visionary act not only formalised Tokaj’s commitment to excellence but created the template upon which future regions, from Bordeaux to Burgundy, would later build their own hierarchies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Shadow of Communism and the Battle for Terroir</h2>



Communist collectivisation destroyed Tokaj’s intricate viticultural patchwork, replacing noble clones with anonymous, high-yielding vines. Like many families, the Szepsys were dispossessed. When communism fell in 1989, father and son began the painstaking journey to recover their true terroirs.Today, 83% of the family’s vineyards lie within Tokaj’s historic first-growth crus—a remarkable leap from the fragmented holdings of the past. Out of 418 classified vineyards across the region, only 52 were ever recognised as first growths, underscoring the exceptional heritage the Szepsys have reclaimed. Through mapping, field selection, and decades of replanting, they restored land and genetic biodiversity—redrawing Tokaj’s possibilities. “Unfortunately, most local winemakers still rely on communist-era clones, making it incredibly difficult to reach the quality standards demanded by fine wine connoisseurs,” asserts Szepsy Jr.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A&nbsp;Family Shaped by Change—Rewriting the Vineyard Map</h2>



Every decision at Szepsy marries intuition with cutting-edge precision agriculture, in partnership with the University of Debrecen. “We’ve mapped every plant since 2008. Parcels critical for wine quality are equally vital to the genetic selection programme,” explains István Szepsy Jr. Vineyard architecture varies by parcel—Guyot, low-head, terraced systems—all executed by hand. Yields are tightly controlled at 4.2 tonnes per hectare, prioritising old-vine Furmint and its crystalline reflection of Tokaj’s volcanic soils.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="553" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/220512-DF-Szepsy-9-2048x1105-1-1024x553.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803982" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/220512-DF-Szepsy-9-2048x1105-1-1024x553.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/220512-DF-Szepsy-9-2048x1105-1-300x162.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/220512-DF-Szepsy-9-2048x1105-1-768x414.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/220512-DF-Szepsy-9-2048x1105-1-1536x829.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/220512-DF-Szepsy-9-2048x1105-1.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Family and Estate:&nbsp;Recent Transition</h2>



Recently, the Szepsy estate has quietly completed a profound generational transition. After suffering a stroke in March 2019, István Szepsy Sr entrusted daily management to his son, daughters, and son-in-law. With more time on his hands, he has also developed a devotion to Arsenal Football Club. Though no longer at the helm, Szepsy Sr remains a technical force, now driving research and innovation as “a research institute within the winery.” His health setback hastened the next generation’s integration and ensured the continuity of both expertise and ethos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Science and Art of Volcanic Terroir</h2>



Szepsy’s plots encompass some of the world’s most extraordinary soils, with volcanic diversity delivering electrifying minerality and rare aromatic depths. Uncompromising crop thinning, reduced yields, and parcel-by-parcel vinification articulate Tokaj’s untold nuances. This pursuit established the blueprint for modern Tokaj: single-vineyard, crystalline Furmint, and the iconic Aszú, emblematic of Hungarian ambition.​



Their top terroirs—Szent Tamás, Nyúlászó, Percze, Hasznos, Urbán—originate from varied geologies. Andesite bedrock produces taut, elegant Furmint with high acidity and stony precision. Pink rhyolite brings power, breadth, and saline lift. “Furmint excels in these meagre soils—low pH, scant water, abundant minerals, and little humus,” Szepsy Jr explains. The presence of zeolite and bentonite impacts vine stress, disease resilience, and wine longevity.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-72-2048x1366-1-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803981" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-72-2048x1366-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-72-2048x1366-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-72-2048x1366-1-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-72-2048x1366-1-1536x1025.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-72-2048x1366-1.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quiet Innovation—Precision in the Cellar</h2>



Technical acumen meets restraint in Szepsy’s cellar. “We never add anything to the grapes or juice after pressing—everything is one hundred percent natural. However, I use mother yeast to inoculate, prepared two weeks before harvest,” says István Szepsy Jr. “The world watches Tokaj more closely than ever. It’s our duty to show what’s possible if you trust the land.” Malolactic fermentation is allowed but never forced; however, Szepsy Jr occasionally introduces selected bacteria in new oak barrels to guide the process—though, as he notes, “only rarely”.



All top wines ferment and age in 300-litre barrels made from Hungarian Quercus petraea, sourced from volcanic-soil forests. This creates a tangible link between terroir and élevage. Eszencia, Szamorodni, and Aszú are crafted with utmost precision. Eszencia—free-run juice from aszú berries—often requires five to six years to finish fermentation, resulting in a wine of remarkable sweetness and rarity.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/230918-DF-Szepsy-374-2048x1366-1-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803980" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/230918-DF-Szepsy-374-2048x1366-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/230918-DF-Szepsy-374-2048x1366-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/230918-DF-Szepsy-374-2048x1366-1-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/230918-DF-Szepsy-374-2048x1366-1-1536x1025.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/230918-DF-Szepsy-374-2048x1366-1.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Dry Wine Revolution: Szepsy’s Vision</h2>



In 2000, Szepsy Sr produced Tokaj’s first commercially significant dry Furmint—a seismic break from tradition, establishing dry wine as Tokaj’s new vanguard. Before Szepsy, Tokaj was globally synonymous with sweet, botrytised wine. Although isolated dry wine experiments existed, Szepsy’s clarity of purpose, yield control, and terroir-focus set a new benchmark.​



“Dry Tokaj was a complete revolution,” declares Szepsy Jr, “and none had ever attempted it at this standard.” Today, dry and off-dry wines account for two-thirds of all Tokaj production—the region’s economic and qualitative salvation. Szepsy’s dry Furmint has become Hungary’s fine wine ambassador, likened to Premier Cru Burgundy for its power and minerality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defining Dry vs. Sweet: Style &amp; Impact</h2>



Clarity is essential: Tokaj’s dry wines (Furmint, alongside single-parcel expressions such as Szent Tamás, Hasznos, Urágya, Percze, Urbán) and sweet wines (Aszú, Eszencia, Szamorodni) are equally expressions of greatness.



“Both sweet and dry are essential signatures of Szepsy,” says Jr, “and both demonstrate Hungary’s true fine wine potential.” Sweet wines rely on botrytis, searing acidity, and sugar; dry whites highlight volcanic minerality, controlled yields, and fermentation technique. Szepsy’s innovation lies in mastering both categories, elevating Tokaj’s global reputation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quiet Innovation: Large Format Bottlings</h2>



István Szepsy Jr has achieved a regional milestone by securing, for the first time in Tokaj’s history, official permission to bottle wines in large formats—magnums and Jeroboams. This change, formalised with local authorities after a decade of advocacy, underscores Szepsy’s commitment to brand-building and global collector appeal. Bottles are sourced via Saverglass, using premium moulds, and add cachet, ageability, and luxury status to the Szepsy brand.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/250623-DF-Szepsy3098-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803979" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/250623-DF-Szepsy3098-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/250623-DF-Szepsy3098-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/250623-DF-Szepsy3098-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/250623-DF-Szepsy3098.webp 1417w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tasting Tokaj: The Szepsy Experience</h2>



Szent Tamás Furmint: Szepsy’s flagship single-vineyard dry Furmint, praised by Jancis Robinson as “the Montrachet of the East”. Burgundian winemakers have brought Szent Tamás to blind tastings, mistaking it for top Meursault. The 2017 vintage, “an epic vintage for Tokaj,” is laser-focused: white blossom, lime zest, gunflint, and pronounced mineral edge over orchard fruit, with an intense, stony finish. The spice-laden 2022 further exemplifies dry Furmint’s power and refinement, promising ageing potential.



Szamorodni: This historic Tokaj style, made from whole clusters, contrasts Szamorodni’s electric freshness with Aszú’s opulence. The 2017, a blend of Szent Tamás and Betsek, delivers vivid apricot and orange zest matched by piercing acidity and balanced sweetness. With time, Szamorodni develops complex layers of earth, mushroom, and dried citrus—a fresher, yet ageworthy, Tokaji.



Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos: An enduring symbol of sweet wine. Among several vintages, the 2017 stands out—apricot, honeycomb, and botrytis on the nose, with marmalade and dried fruit anchored by almond and citrus. Opulent sweetness and vibrant acidity combine for a mouthfeel that is rich, refreshing, and quintessentially elegant.



Eszencia: Produced only in rare vintages, Eszencia is legendary at 2.5% ABV and 570g/litre sugar. Tasted in situ from a still-fermenting 2024 barrel: silken texture, sultana, saffron, tea, dried mango, and wild honey—sugar and acidity perfectly balanced, with a lingering echo of spice and ancient earth.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-638-1024x682.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803978" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-638-1024x682.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-638-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-638-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-638-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/240319-DF-Szepsy-638.webp 1772w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ákos Forczek and the Modern Ascent</h2>



Ákos Forczek, founder of wine merchant Top Selection, played a decisive role in raising Szepsy to global fine wine status. Importing the 1997 Aszú—just 750 litres—he connected Szepsy’s wines to leading UK sommeliers and opinion leaders. He introduced dry Furmint and Aszú by the glass in Britain’s top establishments, championing cru-level recognition for Szent Tamás. Soon echoed by critics like Jancis Robinson, Forczek’s advocacy positioned Szepsy as the contemporary face of Tokaj for discerning palates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Crus to Icons — The Wines</h2>



The Szepsy portfolio now features seven rigorously terroir-specific dry wines, the classic Szamorodni, signature Aszú, and—at its apex—Eszencia. Each bottle is an ode to patience and devotion. “Single-vineyard wines are the top ones… the blend must always be complex, but single-vineyard wines are more artisanal and expressive of cru character,” the family asserts. Production remains microscopic: for instance, Szent Tamás Furmint (2,500 bottles), Szamorodni (10,000 bottles), Aszú (up to 8,000 bottles in selected vintages), and Eszencia (sometimes less than 200 litres)—distributed to collectors and elite restaurants in over 20 countries.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="648" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DJI_0919-2048x1296-1-1024x648.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803977" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DJI_0919-2048x1296-1-1024x648.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DJI_0919-2048x1296-1-300x190.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DJI_0919-2048x1296-1-768x486.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DJI_0919-2048x1296-1-1536x972.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DJI_0919-2048x1296-1.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Redefinition, Prestige, and the Future</h2>



While much of Tokaj still pursues volume, Szepsy’s mission is relentless terroir definition and sustainable excellence. The family was instrumental in founding the Mád Circle—a society for cru-level producers—and continues to pioneer research for modern regional wine classification. “Winning the 2022 Golden Vines® Best Producer in Europe and Hall of Fame awards was a giant leap in prestige—if a normal step is one brick, Golden Vines was several,” reflects István Szepsy Jr. For Szepsy, true success is measured not in trophies or scores, but by global collectors and sommeliers who seek Tokaj’s authentic voice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Building Legacy in Every Glass</h2>



The Szepsy name now stands as Tokaj’s beacon—transforming adversity into opportunity, innovation into enduring legacy. Their guiding ambition: to refine clones, deepen their terroir understanding, and ensure that each bottle poured is a testament to centuries of resilience and renewal. “Quality,” insists Szepsy Jr, “depends on recognising high-quality plots, grapes, and timing in the vineyard and cellar. Tokaj can now prove itself anywhere in the world given the chance.” For collectors, sommeliers, and wine lovers, Szepsy offers not merely prestige—but the living, evolving legacy of one of Europe’s greatest regions, reborn with every glass.



Lewis Chester DipWSET is a London-based wine and rare spirit collector and writer, member of the Académie du Champagne and Chevaliers du Tastevin, co-founder of Liquid Icons and the founder of the Golden Vines® Awards. He is also Honorary President and Head of Fundraising at the Gérard Basset Foundation, which funds diversity &amp; inclusivity education programmes globally in the wine, spirits &amp; hospitality sectors. The Golden Vines® 2026 will take place in London, UK between 6-8 November 2026, recognising the world’s best fine wine estates as voted by hundreds of fine wine professionals. Please register your interest for tickets on the website:&nbsp;<a href="https://liquidicons.com/work/golden-vines-awards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquidicons.com/work/golden-vines-awards</a>.

Szepsy

Tokaj

István Szepsy and the Renaissance of Hungarian Fine Wine

As one year melds into the next, we get to bask in the unique joy of living in Asia, where a Gregorian New Year’s celebration is quickly followed by a Lunar one—all the more reason to uncork a bottle and toast to health, happiness, and success.



Marking the arrival of the Year of the Horse, <a href="https://robbreport.hk/brands/penfolds/stories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penfolds</a> has launched its exclusive <a href="https://www.penfolds.com/en-ae/wines/occasions/lunar-new-year" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lunar New Year gifting series</a>, comprising its flagship Grange 2021, Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, St Henri Shiraz 2021, Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2023, and FWT 585 Cabernet Merlot Petit Verdot 2022. Wrapped in auspicious red with hints of gold and jade, the wines are housed in special presentation boxes to make their moment of unveiling even more memorable.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Grange-Tool-Close-Up-5-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803678" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Grange-Tool-Close-Up-5-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Grange-Tool-Close-Up-5-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Grange-Tool-Close-Up-5-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Grange-Tool-Close-Up-5-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Grange-Tool-Close-Up-5-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Inside the bespoke packaging for the Lunar New Year Grange 2021, something even more novel awaits: a tool that allows for interactive engagement with the paper-cutting-inspired horse motif on the outer box, allowing the recipient to delicately lift and reveal the intricate layers of the stylised illustration. After its practical usage, the tool transforms into an aesthetic accessory as an elegant Penfolds keychain, designed to live on as a cherished keepsake.



As Penfolds’s flagship product, the aromatic and nuanced Grange 2021 leads the pack with scents of dark chocolate, marbled meats, beef fat, and marrow, while its mid-palate reveals dusty tannins and caramelised oak. Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 gives off blackberry and mulberry notes, laced with spices and black olives. St Henri Shiraz 2019 shines with dark fruits, liquorice, fennel seeds, and dried mint before giving way to warm flavours and sweet custard. Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2023 imparts red fruits, vanilla, and exotic spices, and the FWT 585 Cabernet Merlot Petit Verdot 2022 blends black cherry, chocolate mint, and violet notes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Bin-389-Cabernet-Shiraz-2023-750ml-Lifestyle-1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803679" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Bin-389-Cabernet-Shiraz-2023-750ml-Lifestyle-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Bin-389-Cabernet-Shiraz-2023-750ml-Lifestyle-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Bin-389-Cabernet-Shiraz-2023-750ml-Lifestyle-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Bin-389-Cabernet-Shiraz-2023-750ml-Lifestyle-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Penfolds-LNY-Bin-389-Cabernet-Shiraz-2023-750ml-Lifestyle-1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Penfolds is hosting a festive pop-up at Harbour City from 31 January to 8 February to showcase its vibrant Lunar New Year series. Naturally, the venue will be delightfully horse-themed and provide experiences such as personalised digital calligraphy services for Lunar New Year couplets and wine flight tastings on 6 to 8 February. Limited spaces are offered for these complimentary activities, so registration is advised, though walk-ins are accepted based on availability.



“We’re thrilled to present the Penfolds Lunar New Year Horse series in celebration of this important global festive season. Showcased across digital, in-store, immersive experiences, and, for the first time, lifestyle accessories, these striking designs are unmistakably Penfolds and make the perfect gift or collector’s piece for the Lunar New Year,” says Kristy Keyte, chief marketing officer of Penfolds.



All images courtesy of Penfolds.

Penfolds

Year of the Horse

This New Limited-Edition Wine Collection Celebrates the Year of the Horse

Sipping <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine</a> in the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/british-virgin-islands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Virgin Islands</a> just got a little more exciting. 



<a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/resorts/villa-katsura-rosewood-little-dix-bay-bvi-1235628365/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosewood Little Dix Bay</a> has unveiled the first—and only—underwater wine cellar in the Caribbean region, allowing guests of the <a href="https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/media/press/2020/rosewood-little-dix-bay-opens-today-following-an-extensive-four-year-reimagination" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently revamped</a> five-star resort to enjoy vino that has been aged in a fresh, new way beneath the waves. 



The novel maturation method uses the natural conditions of the sea to age the wine. Select bottles will be stored in steel cages in the waters off the resort’s coastline, with currents, pressure, and temperature all impacting the wine within. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-underwater-wine-cellar2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803624" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-underwater-wine-cellar2.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-underwater-wine-cellar2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-underwater-wine-cellar2-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Each bottle gets coated with coral and algae during ageing. Rosewood</figcaption></figure>



Ageing on the seabed is not a new concept, of course. Pierluigi (Piero) Lugano of Bisson created what could be considered the first underwater cellar back in 2009, submerging 6,500 bottles of <a href="https://bissonvini.it/spumante-degli-abissi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abissi sparkling wine</a> (2008 vintage) off the coast of Portofino. The winery says the currents give the sparkling distinctive aromas and structure.



Similarly, Rosewood says the process softens tannins and acidity in the wine while preserving its aromatic profile. It also impacts aesthetics: Each bottle returns to land coated with coral, algae, and other marine oddities, becoming a uniquely beautiful and highly drinkable artefact. The wines will be served exclusively through the resort’s 10-course <a href="https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/little-dix-bay-virgin-gorda/dining/chefs-table#accordion-86e647aa63-item-e7bd1b7e59" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chef’s table experience</a>, complementing the fresh vegetables and herbs from the resort farm and the ocean delicacies straight from the sea. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-chefs-table-experience2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803625" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-chefs-table-experience2.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-chefs-table-experience2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-chefs-table-experience2-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The ocean-aged wine will be served at the resort’s 10-course chef’s table experience. Rosewood</figcaption></figure>



The move comes as travellers seek out singular culinary experiences beyond the typical resort dinner and predictable hotel wine list. The initiative also ties into Rosewood’s broader ethos of incorporating the best of the British Virgin Islands across the hotel’s dining destinations. Rosewood Little Dix Bay is home to three restaurants and one bar, with Sugar Mill serving up classic Caribbean cuisine and craft cocktails, Reef House offering fresh farm-to-table dishes, and Pavilion spotlighting local ingredients in shared plates of comfort food. The Rum Room, meanwhile, slings signature cocktails from the 1960s and 1970s, as well as rare and aged rums. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-chefs-table-experience1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803626" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-chefs-table-experience1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-chefs-table-experience1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rosewood-little-dix-bay-chefs-table-experience1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rosewood says ageing underwater softens tannins and acidity in the wine.</figcaption></figure>



The chef’s table experience is hosted in the private Rockefeller Room at Sugar Mill and costs US$425 (approximately HK$3,310) per person. That includes two glasses of ocean-aged wine. Bookings are subject to availability and can be made via <a href="https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/little-dix-bay-virgin-gorda/dining/chefs-table#accordion-86e647aa63-item-e7bd1b7e59" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosewood</a>.

British Virgin Islands

Rosewood Little Dix Bay

Underwater Wine Cellar

Wine

The First Underwater Wine Cellar in the British Virgin Islands Was Just Unveiled

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreportmonaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bernabeu-goldenwineawards-palomaalberca-051-682x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-113204"/></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreportmonaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bernabeu-goldenwineawards-palomaalberca-107-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-113199"/></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreportmonaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bernabeu-goldenwineawards-palomaalberca-103-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-113209"/></figure>



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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreportmonaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bernabeu-goldenwineawards-palomaalberca-050-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-113191"/></figure>



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



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



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

Real Madrid

The Golden Vines

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

By Michael Verdon, Julie Boatman, and Jen Paolini



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Gulfstream



G700



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



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



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



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



Sentient



SJ25+



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



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



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



Textron Aviation



Citation CJ3 Gen2



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



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



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



VistaJet



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



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



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



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



Dassault



6X



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



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



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



Embraer



Phenom 100EX



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

Aviation

Best of the Best

Best of the Best 2025

Dassault

Gulfstream

Private Jet

Sentient

Textron Aviation

VistaJet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Sounds like quite the upgrade.

Heathrow

London

Private Terminal

The Windsor

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

aviation concept

concept

space

Spaceplane

Virgin

virgin galactic

Virgin Galactic Is Delaying the Launch of Its Delta Spaceplane

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

TCS World Travel

Travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



All images courtesy of VistaJet.

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Air Taxi

Archer Aviation

Electric Air Taxi

eVTOL

Midnight eVTOL

test flights

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

For those who know whisky, <a href="https://www.gordonandmacphail.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gordon &amp; MacPhail</a> needs little introduction. Based in Elgin, Speyside, a region in northeast Scotland known for producing more than half of all Scotch whisky, the bottler has long been revered, quietly shaping the landscape of single malt Scotch whisky since 1895, long before the category became collectable, covetable, or cool.



From its home in Elgin, the family-owned company has spent over 130 years doing what few others can: matching spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its own hand-selected casks. Now, two new creations enter the portfolio, and together, they reflect the depth, detail, and drive that have defined Gordon &amp; MacPhail across four generations.



The first of the pair returns to where it all began. The Connoisseurs Choice Heritage 1968 was distilled at Longmorn on 10 December 1968. Matured over 56 years in a first-fill sherry butt, it was bottled on 3 November 2025. Launched by George Urquhart, the second generation of the family and a figure widely credited with pioneering single malt as we know it, the Connoisseurs Choice range was a radical idea in its day. At a time when blends dominated the shelves, Urquhart championed individuality.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM_Connoisseurs-Choice-Heritage_1968-Longmorn_2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803943" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM_Connoisseurs-Choice-Heritage_1968-Longmorn_2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM_Connoisseurs-Choice-Heritage_1968-Longmorn_2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM_Connoisseurs-Choice-Heritage_1968-Longmorn_2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM_Connoisseurs-Choice-Heritage_1968-Longmorn_2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM_Connoisseurs-Choice-Heritage_1968-Longmorn_2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Connoisseurs Choice Heritage 1968 from Longmorn Distillery.</figcaption></figure>



This 56-year-old Longmorn honours that vision. Only 200 bottles of the new expression exist, underscoring its rarity and collector appeal. The packaging, with a black label, strikes a deliberate chord with the first Connoisseurs Choice editions—elegant, understated, and in keeping with the range’s heritage. What’s inside is even more evocative. Deep in colour—described as the darkest shade of mahogany—it opens with aromas of beeswax polish, followed by sweet tangerine, dark cherries, and stewed raisins. Red apple, treacle, and aniseed notes are layered with warm spice. On the palate, it’s smooth, with a thread of dried tobacco sweetness giving way to orange marmalade, dark chocolate, and a hint of roasted coffee bean. Flavours of walnut and dried fig follow, unfolding into liquorice and a mature oak character. The finish is full and long, with a gentle echo of humidor and spice, citrus undertones, and a final flicker of pepper.



The second bottling offers a striking contrast. Distilled on 6 June 1966 at Glen Grant, one of Speyside’s most elegant and fragrant distilleries, this single malt was bottled on 22 October 2025. Inspired by the return of the Fire Horse—one of the rarest and most audacious signs in the Chinese zodiac—the offering marks a moment that comes just once every six decades, echoing the year the whisky was distilled. Confident and expressive, the 59-year-old single malt pays tribute to the fearless ambition and fierce independence associated with the Fire Horse. Arriving just in time for Lunar New Year, it is limited to 88 decanters worldwide, each presented in a distinctive red-and-black case that’s part sculpture, part statement.



The whisky, bottled at 51.1 percent ABV after maturing for nearly six decades in a second-fill sherry hogshead, pours a rich dark gold. The nose is layered yet precise—vanilla custard, toasted hazelnuts, and a lift of bright cinnamon spice. On the palate, it opens with cocoa powder and rich sultanas, deepening into vibrant autumnal spices. The finish is medium-bodied and long, with lingering notes of mixed nuts and citrus peel.



This idea that whisky should be unveiled only when it’s ready has long defined Gordon &amp; MacPhail’s approach. The company coined the phrase “the wood makes the whisky” not as a slogan, but as a reminder: cask and time are equal collaborators in every drop, and every release reflects that philosophy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM-Cask-Warehouse-1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803944" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM-Cask-Warehouse-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM-Cask-Warehouse-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM-Cask-Warehouse-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM-Cask-Warehouse-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GM-Cask-Warehouse-1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



It’s a mindset that has guided the business through generations, most recently with the reveal of an 85-year-old produced at the Glenlivet distillery—a bottling that now holds the distinction of being the oldest whisky available to purchase. Distilled in 1940 during wartime barley shortages and matured in a Gordon &amp; MacPhail oak cask for over eight decades, the whisky was praised not just for its age, but for its composure. Only 125 bottles were available, with the first auctioned by Christie’s New York; proceeds were donated to the US non-profit American Forests to benefit forest restoration. Closer to home, Robb Report Hong Kong had the singular honour of unveiling the sought-after 85-year-old at an exclusive gathering of RR1 Hong Kong members, in partnership with Gordon &amp; MacPhail.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Archive-image-of-Gordon-MacPhail-shop-in-Elgin-founded-in-1895_CREDIT-GORDONG-MACPHAIL-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803945" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Archive-image-of-Gordon-MacPhail-shop-in-Elgin-founded-in-1895_CREDIT-GORDONG-MACPHAIL-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Archive-image-of-Gordon-MacPhail-shop-in-Elgin-founded-in-1895_CREDIT-GORDONG-MACPHAIL-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Archive-image-of-Gordon-MacPhail-shop-in-Elgin-founded-in-1895_CREDIT-GORDONG-MACPHAIL-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Archive-image-of-Gordon-MacPhail-shop-in-Elgin-founded-in-1895_CREDIT-GORDONG-MACPHAIL-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Archive-image-of-Gordon-MacPhail-shop-in-Elgin-founded-in-1895_CREDIT-GORDONG-MACPHAIL-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Back in Elgin, the company’s original, flagship South Street location is undergoing a transformation: the revamped space will offer unique tasting experiences, with the opportunity to sample the world’s rarest single malts. It’s a physical reflection of the company’s role not just as a bottler, but as a long-term custodian of Scottish whisky legacy. For Gordon &amp; MacPhail, the whiskies and the reimagined Elgin space represent more than just additions to a portfolio—they show how a 130-year-old company continues to move forward with quiet conviction. Across an industry where whisky is increasingly shaped by marketing cycles and social media hype, the house remains an outlier: family-owned, independent, and patient by design.



Learn more about the new releases at <a href="https://www.gordonandmacphail.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gordonandmacphail.com</a>.



All images courtesy of Gordon &amp; MacPhail.

Gordon & Macphail

Whisky

Year of the Fire Horse

How Gordon & MacPhail’s Latest Whisky Masterpieces Celebrate Time, Tradition—and the Fire Within

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234800423" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800423" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sketch-of-Artisan-Cask-bottle_RS.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="682" height="1024" data-id="1234800426" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-682x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234800426" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-768x1153.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS-1023x1536.jpeg 1023w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Artisan-Casks-launch-in-Monaco-whiskies_RS.jpeg 1066w" sizes="(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /></figure>
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As mentioned, the programme was unveiled to a select audience at the Presidential Villa at Raffles on Sentosa in Singapore, marking the Asia launch after a spectacular debut aboard the 125-year-old classic sailing yacht,&nbsp;The Black Swan, in Monaco. For good measure, we had the exclusive first look under the aegis of Club Bâtard. Further events are slated for New York and Dubai, indicating global interest in this remarkable initiative.



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



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



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



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



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



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



All images courtesy of Artisan Casks.

Artisan Casks

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

Richard Gere never planned to get involved in a luxury development, much less one with his name attached to it. “I have no interest in things like this whatsoever that are connected to some kind of commercial enterprise,” he says plainly. And yet he has become a vocal advocate and future resident of <a href="https://xala.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xala</a>, a 3,000-acre regenerative resort community on <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mexico/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mexico</a>’s Pacific Coast anchored by the country’s first Six Senses Hotel and Residences.



What persuaded the 76-year-old actor was not just the idea of a retreat in Mexico but the rare alignment of philosophy, place, and partner. At the heart of Xala is the Six Senses–branded collection of 36 one-story homes designed to disappear into the landscape rather than dominate it. They sit within one of the lowest-density luxury developments ever conceived in Mexico, and, for Gere, the residences represent something far more ambitious than ownership. They are a test case for how high-end hospitality and conservation might coexist without compromise.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DSCF0791-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804016" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DSCF0791-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DSCF0791-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DSCF0791-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DSCF0791.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Richard Gere and his wife Alejandra Silva walking along the unspoiled coastline in Xala. Xala Original Content/Bamba Estudio</figcaption></figure>



The idea did not originate in Mexico. Years earlier, Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva, were staying on a remote beach in the Dominican Republic when a developer approached him, first for an autograph and then for his involvement in a project. Gere initially declined, but the question lingered. “He said, ‘If there was a situation you could imagine being involved in, what would it look like?’” Gere recalls.



The couple began sketching a hypothetical blueprint grounded in unspoiled land, deep integration with local communities, environmentally respectful architecture, and a model that could be replicated elsewhere. “You could imagine a utopian situation of a virgin beach, virgin land, and happy people,” Gere says. “A marriage of protecting the land and developing in such a way that the new owners would be benevolent and want to be part of the local community.” For two years, they researched everything from energy conservation to architectural models, speaking with experts around the world. Ultimately, that partnership did not align, and they walked away.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRANDED-FRONT-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804017" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRANDED-FRONT-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRANDED-FRONT-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRANDED-FRONT-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRANDED-FRONT.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rendering of one of the Six Senses-branded oceanfront residences. Combeau-Murtagh Architects</figcaption></figure>



Chance intervened again, this time at 35,000 feet. Silva found herself seated beside old acquaintances from Madrid, Mexican developers whose children attended the same school as hers. They were working on a project in Mexico. As Silva listened, the parallels were uncanny. “It sounded like exactly what we had already worked on for two years,” Gere says. “It was like they read our mission statement.”



Silva travelled to see the land first. Gere resisted, at least at first. When she returned with videos, the terrain felt instantly familiar. “This is like Africa 200 years ago, untouched,” he remembers thinking. Then recognition set in. “I said, look, this looks familiar to me. Where is this? I was there like 30, 35 years ago.”



The land was Xala, a largely undeveloped stretch of Pacific coastline in Jalisco’s Costalegre region, with five miles of white-sand beach backed by UNESCO-protected estuaries serving as nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles. The couple later visited together and met Xala’s founders, including brothers Juan and Jerónimo Bremer and partner Ricardo Santa Cruz. Everything clicked.



“It seemed like genuinely, they were on the same wavelength,” Gere says. “The possibilities of really making something that was sustainable, respectful to the local people, respectful to nature. Preservation and integration and inclusion were part of their mission statement.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="404" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRANDED-PENINSULA-1024x404.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804018" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRANDED-PENINSULA-1024x404.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRANDED-PENINSULA-300x119.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRANDED-PENINSULA-768x303.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRANDED-PENINSULA.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The residences will emphasise indoor–outdoor integration, natural materials, and ocean views. Combeau-Murtagh Architects</figcaption></figure>



Less than 20 percent of the 3,000-acre site will ever be developed, with the remainder preserved as protected natural land, reforestation zones, and agricultural space. The Six Senses homes are deliberately modest in scale and expression, built as single-story structures using natural materials and passive design strategies.



Gere describes the aesthetic as “agrarian international… as simple as it can possibly be, beautifully done, timeless, with space and nature and no concrete.” The goal is architecture that dissolves into the landscape rather than boldly announces itself, a philosophy that closely mirrors Six Senses’ broader approach to barefoot luxury and wellness-driven design.



Indeed, the partnership with the hospitality brand was essential. “Six Senses is a really good partner,” Gere says. “It was a very low-key, aesthetically beautiful, natural experience, and so far, Six Senses has proven their word in being committed to those things.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YOGA-PAVILION-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804019" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YOGA-PAVILION-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YOGA-PAVILION-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YOGA-PAVILION-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YOGA-PAVILION.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An open-air yoga pavilion. Combeau-Murtagh Architects</figcaption></figure>



The development team behind Xala, Santa Cruz and the Bremer brothers, previously partnered on Mandarina in Riviera Nayarit, home to the One&amp;Only Mandarina, which was named the number one hotel in North America by The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2023. That track record helped solidify confidence in Xala’s long-term vision, particularly its emphasis on stewardship over spectacle.



Construction on the Six Senses Hotel and Residences began this year, and early demand has been strong. Of the first 12 Six Senses homes released, priced between US$8 million and US$12 million (approximately HK$62.45 million and HK$93.68), 10 have already sold.



Beyond the 36 branded residences, Xala’s residential offering also includes 77 Rancho Estates, alongside a growing slate of shared amenities, from beach clubs and a surf club to an organic farm, equestrian facilities, and miles of trails woven through the landscape. Co-founder Ricardo Santa Cruz’s Casa Sereno, the first Rancho Estates home to be completed, has already become a gathering place. “Of course, everyone stays with him,” Gere says, laughing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="486" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CRUDO-PENINSULA-1024x486.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804020" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CRUDO-PENINSULA-1024x486.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CRUDO-PENINSULA-300x142.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CRUDO-PENINSULA-768x364.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CRUDO-PENINSULA.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The community will span 3,000 acres on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. NQS Creative</figcaption></figure>



Even so, Gere is clear that ownership is not the point. He and Silva plan to become residents themselves and they emphasise that Xala is not meant to function as an isolated enclave. The project’s conservation and community initiatives extend far beyond its borders. “We realised it couldn’t just be our island of 1,000 acres,” he says. “We’re going to try to protect 100 kilometres of this coast from the mountains all the way down to the ocean.”



Through the Xala Foundation and Gere’s leadership of Sierra a Mar, those efforts include fisheries protection, estuary restoration, reforestation, clean-water infrastructure for local farming communities, women’s economic programmes, micro-lending initiatives, and support for traditional salt producers. Building trust, Gere notes, requires time. “A lot of listening, a lot of patience and vigilance.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AMT00024-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804021" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AMT00024-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AMT00024-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AMT00024-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AMT00024.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gere spent time on the ground meeting local fishermen. Xala Original Content/Bamba Estudio</figcaption></figure>



For Six Senses, the partnership with Gere adds credibility and a certain level of notoriety to a project already positioned as one of the most ambitious experiments in regenerative luxury living on the Pacific coast. For Gere, the motivation is simpler and harder to replicate. “This is not a vocation,” he says. “It’s creating a model.”



Gere is confident in the earth-first ethos behind Xala, and he hopes the Six Senses-anchored community will demonstrate that luxury living and a rigorous, long-term stewardship of pristine lands do not have to exist in tension, especially along one the world’s last untouched coastal regions.

Richard Gere

Six Senses

Xala

Inside Richard Gere’s Luxe Regenerative Community on Mexico’s Pacific Coast

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Aspen

Gstaad

Luxury Ski Homes

Savills

Savills Ski Report

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Auberge

Investment

Napa's Stanly Ranch

property

Real Estate

Stanly Ranch

Vineyard Homes

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

As Hong Kong welcomes the Year of the Horse, one of the city’s most anticipated sporting and lifestyle events returns for its grand sophomore edition. Returning to the AsiaWorld-Expo for three exhilarating days, the <a href="https://www.hongkonghorseshow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show</a> (LHKIHS) sets the stage for a thrilling showcase of equestrian excellence, world-class competitions, and entertainment experiences.



A joint undertaking between Clarion Events Asia and HPower Group, with The Hong Kong Jockey Club as the strategic partner, LHKIHS 2026 aims to advance the equestrian community in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, foster competition and talent in the region, and nurture interest in the sport.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803692" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803692" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803688" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-CATHAY-CARGO-REACH-FOR-THE-SKIES-STAKES-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803688" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-CATHAY-CARGO-REACH-FOR-THE-SKIES-STAKES-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-CATHAY-CARGO-REACH-FOR-THE-SKIES-STAKES-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-CATHAY-CARGO-REACH-FOR-THE-SKIES-STAKES-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-CATHAY-CARGO-REACH-FOR-THE-SKIES-STAKES-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-CATHAY-CARGO-REACH-FOR-THE-SKIES-STAKES-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803690" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_HKJC-NATIONAL-JUMPING-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803690" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_HKJC-NATIONAL-JUMPING-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_HKJC-NATIONAL-JUMPING-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_HKJC-NATIONAL-JUMPING-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_HKJC-NATIONAL-JUMPING-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_HKJC-NATIONAL-JUMPING-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803691" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-WELCOME-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803691" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-WELCOME-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-WELCOME-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-WELCOME-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-WELCOME-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-WELCOME-STAKES_Richard-Vogel-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803689" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Patrick-Lam-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803689" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Patrick-Lam-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Patrick-Lam-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Patrick-Lam-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Patrick-Lam-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_THE-LONGINES-STAKES_Patrick-Lam-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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From 30 January till 1 February, the 5-Star International Show Jumping marquee event in Hong Kong will present breathtaking athletic achievements from world-class steeds and their international riders across all three days. The highly popular Shetland Pony Grand National competition will be back this year—there’s nothing quite as gripping as this spectacle of speed and agility, where junior jockeys and their ponies race around the track and leap over obstacles for the honour of being crowned winner.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DSC_2076-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803684" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DSC_2076-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DSC_2076-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DSC_2076-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DSC_2076-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DSC_2076-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The show promises to be a full-scale cultural and lifestyle weekend, with its final evening featuring a live performance by Hong Kong pop icon Ian Chan of Mirror, followed by the weekend’s highest-priced show jumping class: the Longines Grand Prix.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Dog-Agility-Image-Credit-LHKIHS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803685" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Dog-Agility-Image-Credit-LHKIHS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Dog-Agility-Image-Credit-LHKIHS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Dog-Agility-Image-Credit-LHKIHS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Dog-Agility-Image-Credit-LHKIHS-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Dog-Agility-Image-Credit-LHKIHS-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



New to the 2026 edition is the Dog Agility programme, an initiative supported by The Royal Kennel Club. Be amazed by the control, dexterity, skill, and speed of expertly trained canines and their handlers as they race against the clock to complete jumping, tunnelling, and weaving exercises. Another addition is the Hong Kong Jockey Club Asian Youth Challenge, inviting emerging showjumping talents from around Asia to compete and showcase their equestrian abilities on a world stage.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Warm-Up-Ring-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803686" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Warm-Up-Ring-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Warm-Up-Ring-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Warm-Up-Ring-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Warm-Up-Ring-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LHKIHS_Warm-Up-Ring-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



But LHKIHS 2026 is about more than competition alone. Alongside the scheduled competitions and equestrian performances, the Lifestyle Shopping Village offers a wide range of retail, entertainment, leisure, and dining experiences—making it easy to enjoy a full day out. Shop from respected equestrian suppliers, curated fashion and accessories brands, and interior and design specialists; while enjoying wine, beverages, and food stations; and pick up something to bring home from the lifestyle stalls.



In celebration of the Year of the Horse, the Show will also feature an interactive digital horse installation, where you can share your New Year wishes or aspirations and see them come to life across a large-scale arena display. The Fashion Runway will present the latest designs from labels like Beijing’s BIFU and Isabelle C, while families can enjoy the return of the Hong Kong Kids Fashion Week. At the Kids Zone, children can take part in dynamic hobby horse competitions, face-painting, and balloon art activities designed to spark early interest in equestrianism.  



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A7S03012-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803693" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A7S03012-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A7S03012-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A7S03012-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A7S03012-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A7S03012-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Visit the Live Zone to join the Meet the Shetland Pony Jockeys sessions, hear from an expert dog trainer, admire the Classic Car Club of Hong Kong showcase featuring 22 vehicles, or unwind at the Champagne Taittinger Bar presented by Cathay Cargo.



With an expanded programme of competitions, performances and lifestyle experiences, LHKIHS 2026 promises to be a standout sporting and cultural highlight of the Year of the Horse.



Tickets are now available via Klook. Enjoy 10 percent off with promo code HSROBB10 and book <a href="https://s.klook.com/lhkihs2026">here</a>.



Learn more at <a href="https://www.hongkonghorseshow.com/">hongkonghorseshow.com</a>.



All images courtesy of Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show.

LHKIHS

LHKIHS 2026

Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show Returns For an Auspicious Year of the Horse

Faizal Kottikollon

Tulah Clinical Wellness

The New Longevity Retreat That Wants to Go Home With You

When Vicky Lau first set foot in Yunnan in 2023, she found herself in a landscape that demanded exploration; the terraced rice fields, mist-shrouded mountains, raging rivers, and boisterous markets were chapters in an atlas of culture that begged to be studied. Wild mushrooms of assorted shapes and species scented the air, fermented flavours sang with acidity, and teas carried memories of altitude. For a chef who has built a stellar reputation on the meticulous architecture of French-Chinese tasting menus at Tate Dining Room, then channelled devotion to the humble soy at <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/inside-mora-vicky-laus-tribute-to-the-cornerstone-of-asian-dining" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mora</a>, the impulse to pare back was, paradoxically, another kind of refinement: an insistence that good food should speak plainly and directly to the table. <a href="https://www.jijarestaurant.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jija</a> is less a detour from haute cuisine than a new dialect in Lau’s distinctive language—one that finds poetry in simplicity and joy in connection.



“It’s the kind of food I want to cook at home—comforting dishes to share with friends and family,” Lau reveals in conversation with Robb Report Hong Kong. “It’s food that satisfies cravings for something wholesome and delicious. Our goal was to create an experience where guests can taste the flavours of Yunnan while enjoying a modern twist infused with my own culinary perspective.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau_8-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804139" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau_8-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau_8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau_8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau_8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau_8-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Nestled in the Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui hotel, Jija is a discreet destination—50 seats, oversized windows that frame the city and the sea, and interiors that echo Yunnan’s mountains and artisan traditions. Dark woods and silvers, Miao-inspired cultural motifs, and a handsome tea lantern anchor the dining room, with “earthy tones and organic textures to evoke a sense of tranquillity,” says Lau. An eye-catching pickle wall, brimming with jars of house-fermented vegetables, announces the restaurant’s intent before the menu does: this is a place where preserved flavours and the abundance of the land are celebrated. Jija’s name, an onomatopoeic Cantonese expression meaning “chatter,” captures the mood: the kind of cheerful, convivial energy one expects of a Chinese tea restaurant. “It’s about connection—you come here to share meals, drink, and bond. It’s less about perfection and more about positive energy, flavour, and joy,” Lau affirms. “It signifies a welcoming space where people can come together to enjoy authentic food and celebrate community, much like how families in Yunnan gather to share meals.” Handcrafted ceramics and locally sourced décor ground the atmosphere, “encouraging diners to feel at home,” she says.



It is important to set the record straight from the start: Jija does not pretend to be a keeper of traditional Yunnan and Guizhou cuisines. It takes inspiration from them, meaning Lau still does things her own way, with her own flair, through her own lens, but the menu is coloured by the experiences, flavours, and ingredients she encountered during her trips to the mountainous Chinese provinces. Lau’s openness to reinterpretation—to borrow, adapt, and translate without pretence—is perhaps her most significant achievement. Jija is an emissary, distilling the culinary identities of Yunnan and Guizhou into dishes that make sense to Hong Kong diners while remaining rooted in place.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRAISED-BEEF-CHEEK-WITH-AGED-BLACK-BEANS-DRIED-FIG-PLUM_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804146" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRAISED-BEEF-CHEEK-WITH-AGED-BLACK-BEANS-DRIED-FIG-PLUM_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRAISED-BEEF-CHEEK-WITH-AGED-BLACK-BEANS-DRIED-FIG-PLUM_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRAISED-BEEF-CHEEK-WITH-AGED-BLACK-BEANS-DRIED-FIG-PLUM_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRAISED-BEEF-CHEEK-WITH-AGED-BLACK-BEANS-DRIED-FIG-PLUM_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRAISED-BEEF-CHEEK-WITH-AGED-BLACK-BEANS-DRIED-FIG-PLUM_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Braised beef cheek with aged black beans, dried fig, and plum.</figcaption></figure>



“I never wanted to do an exact recreation,” Lau admits. “First of all, I think Chinese cuisine is too broad to even try to home in on one style within a single region. And secondly, by its nature, the cuisine is fairly rustic, and we had to reinterpret it for a Hong Kong audience. It was a balancing act to stay true to the influences of Yunnan cuisine but also serve it through my own lens.” She continues, “I started off by understanding the traditional recipes and flavours, and then I explored how to reinterpret them using modern techniques and presentation; this process allows me to pay homage to the roots of the cuisine while adding a personal touch that resonates with our guests.”



What’s most striking about Jija is the way Lau translates regional particularity into a modern, accessible format without losing soul. Yunnan, she says, is blessed with a profusion of produce; even as someone raised on Chinese food, she encountered vegetables that she had never seen before. Her response was not to mimic but to extract the distinctive philosophy of southwestern Chinese cooking—borrowing boldness, sourness, and spice—to compose dishes that are at once familiar to Hong Kong diners and provocatively new. Under the stewardship of head chef Sean Yuen, Jija’s kitchen is driven by precision and fine-dining techniques that are applied to amplify authenticity. Yuen, schooled in some of Hong Kong’s most exacting kitchens, describes the flavours as a “tapestry of freshness, intensity, and balance”—that duality is evident in a menu that gives mushrooms, pickles, teas, and cured meats equal billing with more traditional proteins.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SEASONAL-MUSHROOM-SALAD_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804145" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SEASONAL-MUSHROOM-SALAD_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SEASONAL-MUSHROOM-SALAD_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SEASONAL-MUSHROOM-SALAD_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SEASONAL-MUSHROOM-SALAD_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SEASONAL-MUSHROOM-SALAD_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Seasonal mushroom salad.</figcaption></figure>



Mushrooms are Jija’s showstoppers. Yunnan is home to more edible wild mushrooms than anywhere else in China, says Lau, and her seasonal mushroom salad is a statement of concept. Matsutake, morels, and more are wok-fried and dressed in ginger and garlic to accentuate their loamy aromas. Adding dried seafood and chives marks this dish as “a great confluence of my Hong Kong heritage and Yunnan ingredients that I admire,” she shares. Equally eloquent is the pu’er tea-smoked three-yellow chicken. Rather than overpower the bird with smoke, the process imparts a delicate pu’er perfume in a nod to Yunnan’s tea culture, evoking a centuries-old relationship with the tea leaf—a product picked, fermented, and aged with as much patience as wine—and positioning tea not solely as a beverage but as a component of taste, a bridge between ingredient and terroir.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-STYLE-FRIED-RICE_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804142" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-STYLE-FRIED-RICE_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-STYLE-FRIED-RICE_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-STYLE-FRIED-RICE_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-STYLE-FRIED-RICE_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-STYLE-FRIED-RICE_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yunnan-style fried rice.</figcaption></figure>



If mushrooms and tea showcase Yunnan’s terroir, the Yunnan-style fried rice revels in resourcefulness. Using fragrant Yeungzhi rice and rendered pork fat, this dish is stir-fried until the taste can be imprinted on the palate: smoky, savoury, and dotted with wild onion, ginger, and crispy cubes of Yunnan ham. “I fell in love with Yunnan’s culture of making cured meats using time-honoured methods when I was there,” Lau reveals. It is rustic comfort served with the understanding of how to balance fats and aromatics for maximum resonance. Done well, fried rice is a measure of a Chinese kitchen’s soul; here, it reads like a love letter to Yunnan’s tradition of curing and conserving.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-PICKLES-TRIO_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804141" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-PICKLES-TRIO_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-PICKLES-TRIO_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-PICKLES-TRIO_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-PICKLES-TRIO_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JIJA-PICKLES-TRIO_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jija pickles trio.</figcaption></figure>



Pickling is another through-line in Lau’s menu. A starter of pickles—Jerusalem artichoke, Chinese artichoke, daikon, and seasonal vegetables—is fermented in-house with rice vinegar, sugar, and warm spices; the result is tangy, fragrant, sweet, and gently numbing. It’s these small details that give the meal momentum: each bite prepares the taste buds for the next.



One of the dishes that Lau had to have on the menu was her take on the famed Kaili beef sour soup from Guizhou. “Oxtail is first pan‑seared for depth, then simmered in a broth made with sour papaya, fermented tomato, and fiery chilli—known locally as red sour soup,” Lau describes. “At Jija, we make a version with shrimp and transform it by using house-made noodles and a selection of sour papaya and passion fruit, bringing freshness and complexity to the dish while maintaining its essence. It’s a reinterpretation that tells a story and evokes memories of Yunnan.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234804144" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-PARIS-BREST_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804144" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-PARIS-BREST_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-PARIS-BREST_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-PARIS-BREST_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-PARIS-BREST_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YUNNAN-PARIS-BREST_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yunnan Paris–Brest.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234804143" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WARM-CHOCOLATE-SOUFFLE-TART_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-7-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804143" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WARM-CHOCOLATE-SOUFFLE-TART_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-7-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WARM-CHOCOLATE-SOUFFLE-TART_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-7-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WARM-CHOCOLATE-SOUFFLE-TART_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-7-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WARM-CHOCOLATE-SOUFFLE-TART_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-7-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WARM-CHOCOLATE-SOUFFLE-TART_JIJA-by-Vicky-Lau-7-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Warm chocolate soufflé tart.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



Jija also acknowledges cross-cultural currents. On the dessert menu, Chinese technique blends with French finesse—the chocolate soufflé tart with a ganache made with Sichuan pepper and the East-meets-West Yunnan Paris–Brest filled with peanut cream, for example. Furthermore, the beverage programme is, in a word, dedicated. Pots of tea are paired like wine, and oenophiles can peruse a list of more than 150 labels from Chinese terroirs, as well as French and international selections. It carries a powerful message: Chinese wines and teas are not footnotes at the table.



In a city that oscillates between fastidious refinement and unabashed indulgence, Jija stakes a middle ground: serious in its sourcing and skill, casual in its atmosphere. Lau muses, “Each of my restaurants reflects a different facet of my culinary journey, but they all share a common thread: a dedication to storytelling through food. Whether it’s the Yunnan influences at Jija, my ode to soy at Mora, or the refined dining experience at Tate Dining Room, my aim is to create meaningful connections for our guests between culture, design, and the dining experience.”



Jija’s true promise will reveal itself over time, when rare produce uncovered each season appears on the menu, when regulars dive deeper into the gastronomic intricacies of Yunnan and Guizhou with each new dish. Jija reframes what it means for a master of haute cuisine to enter the realm of mid-range dining. Lau’s objective was never to downshift for convenience; it was to create the kind of food she wanted to eat at home. Jija embodies a refreshing cultural exchange—a plateful of place served with generosity. In a room designed for chatter, that might be the finest thing on the menu.



<a href="https://www.jijarestaurant.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jija</a>



15/F, Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui, 11 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong



Tel: (+852) 3501 8555



All images courtesy of Jija.

Hong Kong

Jija

Restaurant

Vicky Lau

Yunnan

Inside Jija, Vicky Lau’s New Chinese Bistro Celebrating Yunnan and Guizhou Influences

<a href="https://www.andohk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andō</a>, the one-Michelin-star restaurant that is best defined as an exploration of East-meets-West innovation, begins a new culinary chapter this year with a limited-time tasting menu that is designed as a tribute to Hong Kong’s terroir and agricultural past. On the pedestal: the humble rice grain.



“Field to Table: The Yi O Rice Menu” is the first instalment in Andō’s new ingredient-focused dining series, each planned to run for roughly three months. Its inaugural edition—starring eight courses centred around Yi O Rice—was conceived to reveal the multifaceted qualities of the treasured food staple using meticulous preparation and creativity to showcase rice’s versatility in numerous forms.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Caldoso-rice-with-local-YI-O-Rice-abalone-Yellow-Wine7-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804036" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Caldoso-rice-with-local-YI-O-Rice-abalone-Yellow-Wine7-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Caldoso-rice-with-local-YI-O-Rice-abalone-Yellow-Wine7-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Caldoso-rice-with-local-YI-O-Rice-abalone-Yellow-Wine7-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Caldoso-rice-with-local-YI-O-Rice-abalone-Yellow-Wine7-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Caldoso-rice-with-local-YI-O-Rice-abalone-Yellow-Wine7-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



Rice paddies were once a common sight in the city, predominantly in the rural New Territories—the rice-farming business was a cornerstone of local agriculture. In the 1970s, however, farmers started abandoning their lands as opportunities began to shift to urban industrial sectors. Back in Hong Kong’s rice production heyday, Yuen Long served as one of the leading production areas. In 2013, the farmlands of Yi O on Lantau Island, an ancient village with more than two centuries of history, were once more flooded with promise: fields that had lain fallow were revitalised under the care of the Yi O Agricultural Cooperation to cultivate, among other crops, a cross-bred long-grain rice that is sun-dried and milled locally. In doing so, the Yi O Agricultural Cooperation not only safeguards Hong Kong’s rice-farming heritage, but also the rich legacy of the coastal village itself.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Sin-Lola-ANDO2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804035" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Sin-Lola-ANDO2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Sin-Lola-ANDO2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Sin-Lola-ANDO2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Sin-Lola-ANDO2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Sin-Lola-ANDO2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Andō’s chef-patron, Argentine native Agustin Balbi, made the trip out to Yi O last summer to understand the origin of the product, which formed a crucial part of the restaurant’s signature Sin Lola caldoso rice dish. It was this journey of learning and gaining insight into the time-consuming labour that goes into each rice grain that got the chef thinking about how to create an even greater tribute to local farmers and producers, and continue championing Hong Kong-made ingredients.



On the menu: a lineup of diverse dishes in which rice shines as the star, in forms simmered, stewed, steamed, fried, crisped, puffed, roasted, creamed, and fermented. Balbi threads harmonious connection between the ingredients, allowing for a sharp, focused, and intentional flavour experience, where each component has its rightful place. Begin with a trio of bocaditos—“little bites”—consisting of a crispy rice sphere with crab and a crown of caviar, a rice-paper roll with a filling of prawn and coriander, and an “onigiri” with marinated tuna, smoked soy, and chives.



Bounties from the ocean, transformed as expressions of cultural and gastronomic identity, link back to Hong Kong’s fishing heritage in such dishes as the featherlight somen noodles, made with roasted rice, succulent sweet prawns, clam dashi, yuzu, and kinome leaf; the smoked isaki fish tucked between layers constructed of rice foam, Kristal caviar, ponzu gel, and topped with crispy rice pearls; the amadai fish, served in a sake sauce with baby bok choy, steamed rice, ikura, and sorrel leaves; and the brothy arroz caldoso, a reinvention of the rice soup that has become synonymous with the restaurant, this time reimagined with lobster and XO sauce.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ARROZ-CALDOSO-king-crab-dashi-sun-dried-tomato-YI-O-rice-hong-kong0-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804037" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ARROZ-CALDOSO-king-crab-dashi-sun-dried-tomato-YI-O-rice-hong-kong0-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ARROZ-CALDOSO-king-crab-dashi-sun-dried-tomato-YI-O-rice-hong-kong0-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ARROZ-CALDOSO-king-crab-dashi-sun-dried-tomato-YI-O-rice-hong-kong0-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ARROZ-CALDOSO-king-crab-dashi-sun-dried-tomato-YI-O-rice-hong-kong0-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ARROZ-CALDOSO-king-crab-dashi-sun-dried-tomato-YI-O-rice-hong-kong0-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



In the pigeon de Racan, tender meat is matched with blueberry purée, red cabbage, and a delicate puffed rice cracker—a decadent departure from a principally seafood-focused menu. As the meal winds down, it leads to the arroz con leche, a rice pudding ice cream with sake gel, orange coulis, and a crisp rice tuile, sprinkled with puffed rice grains. For the grand finale, Balbi presents a quartet of mignardises: an irresistible caramelised rice ice cream, rice meringue with sake and apple, pillowy pistachio mochi, and an indulgent genmaicha chocolate truffle.



Alcohol pairings are also centred around the rice theme, with wine director Carlito Chiu—recipient of the 2025 Michelin Guide Sommelier Award—selecting such liquid accompaniments as Korean takju, Japanese aged sake, and Chinese Shaoxing wine, among others, to complement the eight courses.



Balbi has set aside dinner service on Mondays from now until the end of March to serve the Yi O Rice menu, not because of a lack of interest—on the contrary; with this limited-time initiative, Andō has tapped into a creative solution to combat what is traditionally the slowest day of the week in the F&amp;B industry—but because of the limited yield from each harvest. Yi O, being a small farm tended to through manual means, is able to produce just two crops per year that are then reaped in the summer and winter. Demand for its organic rice far outstrips supply—the Yi O Agricultural Cooperation sells its popular Yi O Rice to restaurants as well as direct-to-consumer sales.



Due to the scarcity of local farming operations and the meagre amount of food that is cultivated here rather than imported, it’s refreshing to encounter a made-in-Hong-Kong ingredient given this level of reverence. In telling the agricultural tale of the city, Andō celebrates the role of rice as an irrefutable foundation—no longer a modest sideshow, but the heart of Hong Kong’s food history.



<a href="https://www.andohk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andō</a>



1/F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong



Tel: (+852) 9161 8697



All images courtesy of Andō.

Ando

Yi O Rice

This Michelin-Starred Restaurant’s New Menu Honours Hong Kong’s Rice-Farming Legacy

Aston Martin

Bentley

Hypercar

Lamborghini

luxury car

motors

Rolls-Royce

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

hybrid

Supercar

Aston Martin Just Unveiled Its First Plug-In Hybrid Supercar

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bentley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentley</a> wants to give its grand tourer fans more options to choose from.



The British luxury marque unveiled a new <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lists/best-bentley-continentals-21st-century-1237282666/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Continental GT</a> variant called the S on Thursday. The mid-range two is <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bentley-continental-gt-supersports-unveiled-1237361510/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inspired by the limited-edition Supersports</a> and aims to split the difference between the base two-model and the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2025-bentley-continental-gt-speed-revealed-1235679570/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-performance Speed</a>.



The Conti GT S may not be as powerful as the Speed, but that doesn’t mean it’s a slouch. The variant, which is also available for the open-top GTC, is powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V-8 found in the standard version. The hybrid-assisted mill makes a more than respectable 671 hp and 686 ft lbs of torque. Bentley says the car will be able to accelerate from zero to 60 in 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-bentley-continental-gt-s-04-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804115" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-bentley-continental-gt-s-04-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-bentley-continental-gt-s-04-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-bentley-continental-gt-s-04-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-bentley-continental-gt-s-04.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Bentley Continental GT S is available as a coupé or convertible. Bentley</figcaption></figure>



Output may be the same between the non-Speed versions of the grand tourer, but the drive experience promises to be markedly different. Buyers can expect the S variant to be noticeably louder thanks to a sports exhaust engineered to accentuate the sound of the crossplane V-8. Handling will also feel different because of a Bentley Performance Active chassis, a feature that was previously only available on the Speed and Mulliner trims. Other performance upgrades include active all-wheel drive, twin-valve dampers, and the automaker’s 48-volt Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system, all of which will combine to provide a ride that feels fun and smooth.



The changes aren’t limited to the mechanical side of things, though. The fourth-generation Conti GT’s clean lines and athletic stance remain the same, but it’s been dressed up a bit. All S examples come with the new Blackline Specification, which darkens all the chrome normally found on the vehicle. The grille is now gloss black, the winged “B” emblem is black, and the headlamps and taillights have a tint added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-bentley-continental-gt-s-02-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804116" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-bentley-continental-gt-s-02-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-bentley-continental-gt-s-02-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-bentley-continental-gt-s-02-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-bentley-continental-gt-s-02.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bentley</figcaption></figure>



Looking to grand tourer that’s fun to drive? The Continental GT S and Continental GTC S will launch as part of Bentley’s 2026 model year lineup. The automaker has yet to announce pricing for the models, but something between the base Continental GT, which starts around US$250,000 (approximately HK$1.95 million), and Speed, which starts around US$320,000 (approximately HK$2.5 million), is expected.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-2026-bentley-continental-gt-s-1237547807" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the 2026 Bentley Continental GT S.

Continental GT

Bentley’s New Continental GT S Is a Louder and More Agile Grand Tourer

The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bentley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentley</a> <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bentayga/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentayga</a> is one of the finest SUVs in the world, but the marque <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/review-bentley-bentayga-ewb-azure-v8-1235863294/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has never seemed satisfied</a> with that, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bentley-bentayga-hybrid-update-1234589980/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giving the car a facelift</a> in 2020 and adding power with the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bentley-bentayga-speed-2026-review-1236886321/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentayga Speed</a>. Now the model has gotten another upgrade, a new Bentayga <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/concept/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concept</a> that’s fit for ice racing.



The Bentley Bentayga X Concept went on the ice in Austria recently with various upgrades, including a track width that has been widened by almost five inches, 22-inch wheels with off-road tires, and more ground clearance, or a little over two inches more ride height. All that adds up to a wading depth of over 21 inches, though,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70204603/bentley-bentayga-off-road-concept-details/" target="_blank">as&nbsp;Car and Driver&nbsp;notes</a>, that is relatively unimpressive compared to cars like the Mercedes G455, which can wade to 27.6 inches, and the Land Rover Defender, which can wade to 35.4 inches.



Still, Bentley says the X Concept is intended to show that the Bentayga has a third skill, on top of being fast in the Bentayga Speed guise and being ultra-comfortable in the Extended Wheelbase version. The Bentayga X Concept is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine making 641 horsepower.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="577" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bentayga-X-Concept-2-e1770045297312-1024x577.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804046" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bentayga-X-Concept-2-e1770045297312-1024x577.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bentayga-X-Concept-2-e1770045297312-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bentayga-X-Concept-2-e1770045297312-768x433.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bentayga-X-Concept-2-e1770045297312.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Bentley Bentayga X Concept in its natural habitat. Bentley</figcaption></figure>



On top of the Bentayga X Concept sits an all-electric go-kart to show the concept’s ability to move cargo. It also shows the model’s ability to look extremely cool. The car’s white livery and white wheels fit in well with the snow, along with the black trim and the racing decals.



The Bentayga X Concept was revealed as part of an ice race in Austria put on by FAT International, the platform for the hosting of several other cars from the marque, too, including the Continental GTC S, Continental GT S, and a Mulliner Speed Six Continuations Series Car Zero.



Bentley did not say if the X Concept is merely just an experiment or if the model will be put into production. As far as pricing goes if it did hit the market, the Bentayga starts at US$210,000 (approximately HK$1.64 million) and can go well into the US$300,000 (approximately HK$2.34 million) range, so any car with Bentayga S power and a bunch of off-road upgrades would likely be a rather expensive variant. Bentley should make it, though, as it seems to really want to.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/bentley-bentayga%E2%80%A6hotos-1237551749/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Bentley Bentayga X Concept.

Bentayga X

Bentley’s New Bentayga Is an Off-Road Concept Made for Ice Racing

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/jaguar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jaguar</a> is now well and truly ready for its next era.



The British automaker just built the final F-Pace at its factory in the English town of Solihull, <a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/final-f-pace-has-been-built-marking-end-jaguars-ice-era" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Autocar</a>. With production complete, the marque can now focus exclusively on building EVs going forward.



This day has been coming for a while. In 2021, Jaguar <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/jaguar-land-rover-electrification-plans-1234596908/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced its intention to go fully electric</a> by 2025. It then began <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/jaguar-unveils-final-best-selling-f-pace-suv-models-1235625072/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phasing out the F-Pace</a>, its final combustion model, last year. The company stopped selling the vehicle in the UK that November, though it has remained available in other markets around the world, including Australia, China, and the US. The model, introduced in 2016, is the brand’s best-selling model of all time, with 300,000 examples sold worldwide since its release. The end of its production means that, for the time being, Jaguar is building no vehicle for sale anywhere in the world (it <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/jaguar-discontinuing-gas-powered-cars-ev-revamp-1235532657/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stopped building coupés and saloons</a> in early 2024).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/opener-1-w-Design-Vision_FRONT_3.4_16x9-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804008" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/opener-1-w-Design-Vision_FRONT_3.4_16x9-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/opener-1-w-Design-Vision_FRONT_3.4_16x9-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/opener-1-w-Design-Vision_FRONT_3.4_16x9-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/opener-1-w-Design-Vision_FRONT_3.4_16x9.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Jaguar 00 concept is meant to preview the brand’s next generation of EVs. Jaguar Land Rover</figcaption></figure>



The storied automaker hopes that won’t be the case for much longer, though. Although it will not meet its goal of going all-electric by 2025, the company plans to unveil the production version of its first next-generation EV next year. That vehicle will be based on the controversial Type 00 concept that the marque <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/jaguar-all-electric-concept-revealed-1236088147/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unveiled at last year’s Art Basel Miami</a>.



The grand tourer was supposed to debut at some point this year, but, in October, managing director Rawdon Glover <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Business/polarizing-perfection-jaguar-chief-defends-controversial-designs/story?id=126715669" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told ABC News</a> that its unveiling <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/jaguar-next-generation-ev-delayed-1237334069/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was being pushed back</a> until next spring. Although the EV has been touted as the “most powerful Jaguar ever,” next to no technical details are known as of now. Glover said that the company would begin taking orders for the US$130,000 (approximately HK$1.01 million) grand tourer around the time of its debut, with deliveries expected to happen soon after.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/jaguar-type00-2-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804007" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/jaguar-type00-2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/jaguar-type00-2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/jaguar-type00-2-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/jaguar-type00-2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The production version of the Type 00 is expected to debut next year. Jaguar</figcaption></figure>



In that same interview, Glover also said that the concept’s “polarising” look was meant to be divisive. Although the executive spoke out in support of the design, it is unclear if everyone at Jaguar feels the same. Earlier this month, Gerry McGovern, the company’s chief design officer and the person most responsible for the look of the Type 00, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/03/gerry-mcgovern-design-boss-behind-new-jaguar-leaves-jlr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">left the company after 20 years</a>, in a move that <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/news/what-the-heck-is-going-on-between-jlr-and-gerry-mcgovern" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">came as a shock to many industry observers</a>.

jaguar

Jaguar Just Built Its Final Gas-Powered Vehicle

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Porsche

Porsche Cayenne

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

Conrad Koh Samui

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Hilton

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Ithaafushi Private Island

Resorts

The Muraka

The Pearl

The Residence

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Hilton Is Redefining the Pinnacle of Unforgettable Resort Luxury

Indonesia

Nihi

Nihi Sumba

Sumba

NIHI Sumba’s Equine Wellness Retreats Are the Pinnacle of Year of the Horse Journeys

A new star is born in the ever-growing constellation of Galaxy Macau.



Capella, the small-but-undeniably-mighty curator of ultra-luxe properties driven by meticulous craftsmanship, meaningful culture, and no-ask-is-too-big-or-small service, has arrived in Macau. With the curtains now definitively drawn back on <a href="https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-galaxy-macau" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Capella at Galaxy Macau</a>, the brand adds to its small but exclusive portfolio of hotels in Asia-Pacific, speaking to travellers with discriminating taste.



Between Capella and Galaxy Macau, the theme of celestial bodies runs strong but the thread of sophistication runs deeper. On the exterior, the edifice treads in the brand-appropriate footsteps of the expansive Galaxy Macau complex, all gilded and grand as a beacon of gold, shimmering on the Cotai Strip. On the inside, however, it’s Capella through and through. In a city of the bigger the better, Capella bucks the trend and intentionally turns in the opposing direction with a low key count, remaining true to its philosophy of discernment and discretion. With just 95 Capella Penthouses and Suites, the hotel positions its accommodations as residences that leave guests wanting for nothing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/6.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-Capella-Penthouse-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804127" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/6.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-Capella-Penthouse-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/6.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-Capella-Penthouse-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/6.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-Capella-Penthouse-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/6.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-Capella-Penthouse-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/6.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-Capella-Penthouse-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



An assembly of the best and brightest in the design world descended upon this Capella project, spearheaded by Paris-based studio Moinard Bétaille. Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille were tasked with creating an urban retreat akin to a “gilded jungle” while retaining threads to Macau. Between Capella and Galaxy Macau, on the surface, there is a chasm of difference. Capella is soulful, muted, and delicate where Galaxy Macau is ornamented, extravagant, and intense. Finding the balance between the two expressions, Moinard affirms, is an exercise of sensitivity. “Luxury like this must not be ostentatious, but it must be present all the time—almost invisible, but present.”



Moinard came to Macau for the first time in 1985—“a different Macau,” he recollects. But the city’s flora and its past left an impression on him, and that ended up being the answer to the pressing question of how to harmonise Capella’s restrained identity with Galaxy’s dazzling presence. His solution: Use colour, patterns, and texture as the bridge between universes. Infuse the design with specific ingredients that relate to the location, like the colour of the sky, the weather, the landscape. Rather than a pastiche of nature, the result is a metaphor. In the corridors, gentle curves and undulating forms mirror meandering waterways; lines emulate dappled sunlight filtering through palm trees. On the ground floor, the theatrical “tree of life” installation and time-responsive digital artwork transmit the concept of arrival in a place of nature. Macau’s locality, surrounded by water, is reflected in the lobby. In the rooms, Lala Curio’s Laura Cheung’s hand-finished wallpaper builds atmosphere. “A project is a bit like a film script, and I’m a bit of a film director. It’s a story, it’s a journey. In the spirit of the hotel, all of this must be coherent,” Moinard explains. “For me, we enter symbolically into a calm universe. We leave the city and we enter into the jungle.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-En-suite-Bedroom-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804126" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-En-suite-Bedroom-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-En-suite-Bedroom-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-En-suite-Bedroom-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-En-suite-Bedroom-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5.-Capella-at-Galaxy-Macau-En-suite-Bedroom-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Capella&nbsp;Culturists—ambassadors of the brand—receive guests in the Capella Living Room, a cocoon-like social salon in which daily activities like tea ceremonies and baijiu tastings are held. Guests are then shown to their Capella Penthouses, with two or four bedrooms, or their Capella Suites, with one or two bedrooms. One of the most astounding features offered at Capella at Galaxy Macau is that all rooms—yes, all—come with either a private outdoor infinity pool or an indoor plunge pool, with the Penthouses benefitting from additional indoor-outdoor living configurations. Moinard Bétaille’s design is expressed through the rich artisanship of such details as the horsehair-panelled doors, diamond-stitched leather upholstery, and Amazonite marble finishes. Penthouses additionally include a winter garden, wellness room, games room, media and entertainment room, and even a dedicated space for children. Private butler service is available around the clock.



It’s the small, considered things that reinforce the feeling that Capella at Galaxy Macau is a cut above the rest: chilled face masks in the minibar; non-intrusive technology like wireless charging docks integrated into bedside tables as well as surfaces in the living room; a comprehensive pillow menu, presented at the foot of the bed not only as descriptive words on a page, but with miniature examples in a custom box for guests to test and feel rather than guess; and even a scent machine in the private fitness area of the Four-Bedroom Capella Penthouse, allowing guests to customise the room with their preferred fragrance from a choice of eight to personalise their workout environment.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pony-Plume-interior-1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804124" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pony-Plume-interior-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pony-Plume-interior-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pony-Plume-interior-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pony-Plume-interior-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pony-Plume-interior-1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Dining and drinking at Capella at Galaxy Macau is split between all-day international restaurant Botanica, whisky bar Pony &amp; Plume, and the soon-to-come, still-under-wraps concept from Vicky Cheng of the much-lauded Wing and one-Michelin-star Vea. Stephen Hsu’s Botanica melds tropical-greenhouse-chic aesthetics with comfort classics from around the world, stepping between flavours and techniques from East to West with ease. Beneath a canopy of hanging vines, jungle-inspired patterns, and pillow-like, lily-pad-shaped ornaments, such dishes as blue lobster and sea urchin dumpling with tarragon and M9 Wagyu striploin in green peppercorn sauce are served.



Connoisseurs of fine spirits will find their taste buds tickled at Pony &amp; Plume. Home to more than 650 whiskies, the Moinard Bétaille-designed bar places its magnificent collection as the impossible-to-ignore centrepiece of first impressions. Organised according to profile, the limited-edition casks and bottles—presented in a cascading formation from the ceiling downwards—bring dramatic flair to the measured movements of the expert mixologists, illuminated sentinels standing witness to the preparation of smoke-infused cocktails with the signature “plume” that lends the bar its name. Further into the venue—past a custom cabinet of even rarer vintages—the experience morphs into a languid divan experience, framed by equestrian influences and silhouettes, soaring ceilings with exposed timber that recall stable architecture, and soulful Latin American melodies.



Capella at Galaxy Macau might feel like an antithesis to the unrestrained ostentation that is oft associated with Macau, but perhaps this heightened expression of a more composed and scarce form of luxury is precisely what the entertainment capital needs now in this new age of hospitality.



All images courtesy of Capella at Galaxy Macau.

Capella

Capella at Galaxy Macau

Macau

Capella at Galaxy Macau Is Now Open. Here’s What to Expect.

In the heart of the vast Saudi Arabian expanse, Riyadh embodies a city of duality. Long-standing heritage and forward-thinking modernity dance in an ever-deepening embrace, graceful and innovative in equal measure. At the centre of this momentum, <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/riyadh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh</a> rises tall above the madding crowd, its architectural home—the striking Kingdom Tower—resolutely defining the emerging urban skyline of the city rather than falling in step as a subsequent result.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Drone-3-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804078" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Drone-3-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Drone-3-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Drone-3-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Drone-3-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Drone-3-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh redefines the urban hotel experience as a serene sanctuary in the skies, offering a lofted vantage point over the Saudi Arabian capital that’s rare and coveted. Centrally located for seamless connection to the city’s attractions and business hubs, but still a world apart in feeling and atmosphere, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh is an expression of refinement, offering a deeply considered experience that blends cultural pride, meticulous curation, and boundless excitement.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234804077" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/KingdomSuite-12-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804077" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/KingdomSuite-12-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/KingdomSuite-12-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/KingdomSuite-12-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/KingdomSuite-12-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/KingdomSuite-12-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234804074" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Suite-6-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804074" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Suite-6-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Suite-6-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Suite-6-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Suite-6-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Suite-6-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>
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Its rooms and suites are painted with a contemporary brush. Starting from the modest Deluxe Room to the comfortable Executive Suite, the accommodations are dressed in tactful shades of amber, amethyst, and emerald to reflect Riyadh’s deep association with its desert-plains gemstones. A trio of residential-style speciality suites—the signature Kingdom Suite, the Royal Suite, and the Presidential Suite—crown Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh’s top-end offerings, drawing together subtle Arabian design influences and tactile features with contemporary, cosmopolitan character. Panoramic views, stretching to the horizon, are a natural result of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh’s prime location within the Kingdom Centre, each sizeable window framing the action of the city far below. Intuitive technology is matched with plush furnishings and marble-clad bathrooms, finding the effortless balance between modern indulgence and traditional forms of luxury.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234804072" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Obaya-3-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804072" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Obaya-3-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Obaya-3-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Obaya-3-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Obaya-3-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Obaya-3-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234804070" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-1-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804070" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-1-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-1-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-1-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234804071" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-2-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804071" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-2-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafeBoulud-2-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-id="1234804075" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bar-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804075" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bar-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bar-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bar-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bar-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bar-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>
</figure>



Social creatures and more reserved travellers alike will find their preferred pace at one of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh’s restaurant offerings. Café Boulud, the French bistro named for the celebrated Daniel Boulud, brings all-day dining and soulful weekend brunches to a pleasant, winter-garden-like setting. Julien—also a Boulud concept—goes exclusive and intimate, with executive chef Thierry Motsch crafting elevated French haute cuisine for just 10 guests at a time in his open-kitchen counter experience. Obaya Lounge, inspired by timeless Arabian heritage, is a space for community and connection, where guests gather to savour artisanal teas, coffees, desserts, and casual bites. In the pursuit of evenings filled with distinction, the mood-lit, female-led Tonic Bar drives innovation through exquisite house-made tonics and zero-alcohol cocktails.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Facial-1-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804067" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Facial-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Facial-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Facial-1-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Facial-1-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Facial-1-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



Luxury extends beyond physical comfort, and Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh answers to travellers’ needs with a holistic wellness experience. Amenities such as an outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a revitalising spa create a haven for movement and relaxation for guests to indulge in rejuvenating massages and innovative facial treatments designed with intention and delivered with unparalleled care. Soon to come to Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh is a reimagined and inclusive wellness experience built upon the robust offerings already in place.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Camels-3-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804068" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Camels-3-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Camels-3-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Camels-3-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Camels-3-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Camels-3-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



Beyond hotel grounds, the allure of Riyadh and Saudi Arabia beckon. Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh doubles as an exceptional homebase for transformative adventures, and its concierge team expertly curates bespoke experiences to speak to the unique desires of each guest. From the dramatic cliffs and desert plains at the Edge of the World to the enchanting Red Sand Dunes, guests can embark on authentic encounters that reveal the beauty and depth of Saudi Arabia’s natural landscape. Whether it’s cultural immersion or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, the thoughtfully planned experiences reflect the essence of Saudi pride—an invitation to discover the extraordinary.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carousel-4-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234804069" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carousel-4-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carousel-4-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carousel-4-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carousel-4-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carousel-4-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



For those ready to embark on their own journey, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh extends its welcome. Immerse yourself in the energy, elegance, and evolution of the Saudi capital through an enriching stay, coloured by sophistication and commitment to considerate hospitality.



Learn more about Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/riyadh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourseasons.com/riyadh</a>.



All images courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh.

Four Seasons

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia

Inside Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, an Urban Landmark in the Dynamic Capital of Saudi Arabia

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-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234794974" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794974" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre</figcaption></figure>



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



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



Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake”



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



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



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



Chinese New Year Automatic



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



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



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



Espiègleries Tresors d’Afrique



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



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



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



The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac—Year of the Snake



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

2025 new watches

A. Lange & Söhne

Breguet

Breitling

Chaumet

Chinese New Year

exclusive watches

Franck Muller

Harry Winston

Hublot

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

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



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



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



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



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

Gold Rolex

Gold Watches

Rolex

Watches

Rolex’s Gold Watches Just Got More Expensive

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Chopard

LUC Grand Strike

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

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



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



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



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



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



The collection features a grand feu enamel dial created by the esteemed Kong&nbsp;Lingjun&nbsp;workshop, a name synonymous with exquisite enamel&nbsp;craftsmanship&nbsp;in China. The collection features a grand feu enamel dial created by the esteemed workshop of Kong&nbsp;Lingjun, a name synonymous with exquisite enamel&nbsp;craftsmanshipin China. This collaboration highlights not only the beauty of the material but also the cultural heritage that Atelier Wen&nbsp;seeks&nbsp;to celebrate. “We began with a principle, not a palette: balance,”&nbsp;Tallendier&nbsp;says of the colour scheme. “Inflection is about duality, expressed through material, geometry, and finish, so colour had to support that idea and sit naturally with tantalum’s bluish grey. It also had to work with grand feu enamel, which builds tone through multiple firings and can easily tip into harshness if pushed the wrong way. We chose tones that invite a closer look, serve the architecture, and age well, rather than colours that dominate the object.”&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802837" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Inflection_Wristshot_Black_RS-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Asian

Asian watch

Atelier Wen

Watch

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

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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIEREN-V-Collection-Hero.jpg-2-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801586" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIEREN-V-Collection-Hero.jpg-2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIEREN-V-Collection-Hero.jpg-2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIEREN-V-Collection-Hero.jpg-2-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIEREN-V-Collection-Hero.jpg-2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/vieren/">Vieren</a> V Collection Vieren</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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

Jess Chow

Swiss Watchmaker

Vieren

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

Sometimes, the best birthday gifts are the ones you make yourself.



At least that seems to be the logic behind the two newest debuts from&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/vacheron-constantin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vacheron Constantin</a>, the Swiss watchmaker that celebrates its 270th anniversary this week. The milestone makes it the world’s oldest continuously operating timepiece manufacturer.



To commemorate the achievement, the lauded maker has devised an impressive and unique automaton clock—taller than most toddlers—that tells the time not only here on earth, but also across the solar system. In addition, it created a limited edition of 20 watches that distill the clock’s grand gestures into a wearable format. Both pieces are chock-full of references to nearly three centuries of history.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-The-Astronomer.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801624" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-The-Astronomer.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-The-Astronomer.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-The-Astronomer.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-The-Astronomer.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Astronomer, an automaton designed by François Junod, is a working complication that points to constellations, indicating the time with 144 tightly choreographed gestures. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



At the centre of the clock, which took seven years to bring to life and is called La Quête du Temps or The Quest for Time, there’s an automaton nicknamed “the Astronomer,” which was conceived as a standing complication and designed by François Junod, a leading maker of automatons. The figure actually tells time with its arms, pointing to retrograde scales suspended inside its glass dome, which is also decorated with constellations. On command—or on a schedule programmed 24 hours in advance—it will look to the stars, trace the path of the moon, and indicate the passing hours, all while a mechanical music box plays melodies composed by Woodkid—a musician who has collaborated with the house for several years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-Watchmaking-1.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801625" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-Watchmaking-1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-Watchmaking-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-Watchmaking-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-Watchmaking-1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The movement for the new clock has 15 patent applications under consideration. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



To power the clock, several of the maison’s teams worked together to create a new movement, Calibre 9270, which contains 2,370 components and 23 complications, from sunrise and sunset times to a 3-D moon phase indicator so accurate that it won’t require a reset for another 110 years. All of this merited applications for 15 patents.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-Zodiac-Scorpio-1.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801627" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-Zodiac-Scorpio-1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-Zodiac-Scorpio-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-Zodiac-Scorpio-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-Zodiac-Scorpio-1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The clock’s design painstakingly references the zodiac signs, using bronze casting, gem-setting, enamelling, and other crafts to achieve its showstopping look. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



And then there’s the look of the thing. To represent all 12 zodiac signs, the stars in the night sky, and the movement of the heavens, Vacheron Constantin’s artisans deployed an impressive array of skills, including bronze casting, grand feu enamelling, gem setting (the tourbillon bezel is set with baguette diamonds, for instance), and marquetry achieved not with wood, but with mother-of-pearl.



The clock is unquestionably a museum piece, and, fittingly, it’s heading straight for one of the world’s finest such institutions. La Quête du Temps will take centre stage at the Louvre’s “Mécaniques d’Art” exhibition, which will be on display from 17 September to 12 November 2025.



Vacheron Constantin hasn’t said whether it will offer this piece for sale, but it is offering something a little more practical for its most dedicated collectors: The Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time watch. Limited to 20 pieces, it runs on a brand-new, manually wound movement—Calibre 3670—that took three years to develop.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Vacheron-Constantin-Watch-Front-Back-1.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801628" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Vacheron-Constantin-Watch-Front-Back-1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Vacheron-Constantin-Watch-Front-Back-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Vacheron-Constantin-Watch-Front-Back-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Vacheron-Constantin-Watch-Front-Back-1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time watch is limited to just 20 pieces. Image courtesy of Clement Rousset–Studio Cont</figcaption></figure>



Here, too, a human figure tells the time. Borrowing from a 1930s “Bras en l’Air” pocket watch from the brand’s archives, the golden figure on the dial raises its arms to indicate hours and minutes on twin retrograde arcs. But while the clock will keep running, the watch offers wearers a choice: keep the display going continuously, or let it rest in a neutral pose until you activate a pusher that summons the time on demand.



Behind the figure stretches another sky chart, which recreates the night above Geneva on 17 September 1755—the date Vacheron Constantin was founded. A precision three-dimensional moon phase indicator and twin retrograde power reserve displays round out the dial side, while the reverse reveals a sidereal time display that charts the stars in real time. All of it is packed into a 43 mm white gold case.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Watch-Comparisons.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234801629" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Watch-Comparisons.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Watch-Comparisons.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Watch-Comparisons.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vacheron-Constantin-Watch-Comparisons.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The watch’s design references archival designs, including a 1930s “Bras en l’Air” pocket watch. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



The movement itself is a feat of miniaturisation: 512 parts humming along at a high frequency of 5 Hz, which achieves a six-day power reserve. It’s an echo of the maison’s 2019 Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar, another watch that offered dual modes of operation.



But in both the case of the watch and the clock that inspired it, the designs aren’t simply about keeping time, but about representing it with real daring and artistry.



“Is it always possible to do better? Is it always possible to be amazed? Undeniably,” says Laurent Perves, CEO of Vacheron Constantin, in a statement shared with Robb Report. “At Vacheron Constantin, the pride and emotion we feel with each new project comes from the freedom and passion to create, which is fuelled by the quest for excellence and innovation.”



It all makes you wonder where this company might be in another 270 years.

clock

Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin’s Bonkers New Automaton Clock Tells the Time on Earth and Across the Stars

Frank Binder stands at the forefront of a maritime revolution with his most ambitious project to date: the glamorous and grand Ulyssia. As founder and chairman of Ulyssia Residences AG, Binder is crafting a unique experience that merges the opulence of high-end residential living with the dynamic lifestyle of a luxury yacht. His pioneering venture promises not only to elevate the standards of luxury travel but also to foster a deeper connection with the world’s most breathtaking locales studded around the planet.



The genesis of Ulyssia can be traced back over two decades, when Binder first encountered the concept of a residential ship. His vision has since evolved into a magnificent project that aims to provide an unparalleled living environment for its residents. “When I first came across the idea 25 years ago, I was captivated by the notion of having a home at sea,” Binder recounts. “Since then, I have explored various similar projects, but none met my standards. I knew I had to create something extraordinary.”



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With an emphasis on quality and meticulous attention to detail, Ulyssia is poised to set a new benchmark in exceptional living. Equipped with high ceilings that enhance the sense of space, expansive glazing that invites natural light, and terraces designed for genuine outdoor enjoyment, every aspect of the ship has been thoughtfully curated. Binder, an architect by training, has seamlessly integrated his expertise as a yacht owner into the design, ensuring that the ship not only meets luxurious standards but also feels like a true home.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2347-20250123-007-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803344" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2347-20250123-007-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2347-20250123-007-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2347-20250123-007-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2347-20250123-007-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2347-20250123-007-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



It’s not all too surprising that the response from potential buyers and the media has been overwhelmingly positive, with interest in Ulyssia reaching unprecedented levels. “People are excited about the idea of living in a floating community that offers both privacy and camaraderie,” Binder says, noting that this duality is central to the Ulyssia experience. For Binder, the concept of community is paramount. Ulyssia aims to cultivate a sense of belonging among its residents while respecting their desire for privacy. “Our residences are designed to be fully self-sufficient,” he explains. “People can enjoy the best of both worlds—engagement with like-minded individuals and the choice to retreat into their personal sanctuaries.” This approach fosters an exclusive community where residents can form meaningful connections without sacrificing their independence.



At the heart of Ulyssia’s appeal is its diverse array of amenities. Among the standout features is the Beach Club, a stunning hangout space that opens to the sea on three sides, complete with a large Jacuzzi and bar. Additionally, residents will have access to two full-size indoor padel tennis courts, a variety of exquisite dining options across seven restaurants, and even submarines for exploring the underwater world. The inclusion of helicopters for excursions further underscores the ship’s commitment to providing an extraordinary lifestyle.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2_SMC_CMYK_EDITED_2024-08-02-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803345" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2_SMC_CMYK_EDITED_2024-08-02-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2_SMC_CMYK_EDITED_2024-08-02-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2_SMC_CMYK_EDITED_2024-08-02-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2_SMC_CMYK_EDITED_2024-08-02-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2_SMC_CMYK_EDITED_2024-08-02-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Binder’s collaboration with esteemed designers and architects has been crucial in realising this ambitious vision. “To bring a project of this magnitude to life, you must partner with the best in the business,” he says. Renowned naval architect Espen Øino, known for designing some of the world’s most prestigious yachts, has lent his expertise to ensure Ulyssia embodies the essence of luxury yachting. Furthermore, Francesca Muscianisi, a designer with experience in both yachting and hospitality, has contributed to the complex interior designs, creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.



As Ulyssia prepares for its expected launch in 2030, Binder is acutely aware of the project’s potential to reshape the future of luxury travel and residential living. “We are setting a new standard,” he asserts. “This is not just about living in one place; it’s about a lifestyle that allows you to move freely and comfortably across the globe.” With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, Ulyssia offers a unique solution for those seeking both adventure across international waters and stability in their living arrangements.



Sustainability is also a core tenet of Ulyssia’s philosophy. With an advanced hybrid propulsion system, the ship aims to minimise its carbon footprint while providing the option for fully electric operation. “We want to be at the forefront of sustainable luxury,” Binder emphasises, highlighting the importance of responsible living in today’s world. Waste management and water treatment systems will further ensure that Ulyssia operates in harmony with its environment.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pj168_Ulyssia_BowPooDeck_001-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803343" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pj168_Ulyssia_BowPooDeck_001-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pj168_Ulyssia_BowPooDeck_001-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pj168_Ulyssia_BowPooDeck_001-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pj168_Ulyssia_BowPooDeck_001-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pj168_Ulyssia_BowPooDeck_001-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Moreover, Ulyssia is committed to engaging with the local cultures encountered during its voyages. Residents will be encouraged to connect with the communities they visit, support local initiatives, and create a positive impact. “We want to understand the places we go and engage with them meaningfully,” Binder expresses. This ethos not only enriches the travel experience but also aligns with the growing demand for purposeful tourism.



Ultimately, Binder’s Ulyssia represents a bold leap into the future of luxury living. As Ulyssia sets sail into uncharted waters, it promises to redefine the very concept of home, merging the comfort of high-end living with the thrill of adventure, all while remaining firmly anchored in sustainability and community engagement. It encapsulates a vision where the essence of travel is reimagined, allowing residents to explore the world without the burdens of packing and unpacking. “For me, luxury is about the freedom to discover without limitations,” he concludes, echoing a familiar motto of Robb Report: “Luxury without compromise.” No wonder we got along swimmingly.

Frank Binder

Leaders of Luxury

Ulyssia’s Frank Binder on Navigating New Horizons, His Vision For Sustainable Luxury Living at Sea, and Building a Floating Community