Royal Huisman is taking sloops to new heights, literally.



The Dutch yard is building a 264-foot <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sailing-yacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sailing yacht</a> with what it says is the world’s tallest mast. The aptly named <a href="https://www.royalhuisman.com/en/yachts/sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky</a>, previously known as <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/royal-huisman-worlds-tallest-sailing-yacht-1235593085/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Project 411</a>, will be fitted with a record-setting Rondal rig that will tower 305 feet. That makes the yacht roughly the same height as the Statue of Liberty from ground to torch. After launch, Sky will become the tallest sailing yacht on the seas. (That title currently belongs to the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/jeff-bezos-oceanco-sailing-yacht-delivered-1234828428/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">417-foot Koru</a>, reportedly owned by Jeff Bezos, which has three masts that span between 213 and 280 feet.)



In addition to that very tall and powerful carbon rig, Sky showcases a sleek aluminium body with optimised weight distribution that will make her quicker than the wind and faster than a motor yacht of a similar length, according to Royal Huisman. A lift keel and twin composite rudders also give her the manoeuvrability of a smaller sailer measuring under 164 feet, while an integrated sailing system makes her easy to handle.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/royal-huisman-sky-sailing-yacht-main-deck-cockpit2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803176" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/royal-huisman-sky-sailing-yacht-main-deck-cockpit2.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/royal-huisman-sky-sailing-yacht-main-deck-cockpit2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/royal-huisman-sky-sailing-yacht-main-deck-cockpit2-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The main deck lounge and cockpit. Image courtesy of Royal Huisman</figcaption></figure>



Sky&nbsp;will be a head-turner, too. Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design penned a stylish contemporary exterior, while Winch Design created an elegant and inspiring interior. Inspired by nature, the living quarters showcase clean, sculptural lines, natural textures, and neutral palettes. The indoor-outdoor layout includes six spacious cabins, with the full-beam owner’s suite offering direct access to a large aft beach deck with an extendable swim platform and fold-out terraces. Expansive full-height windows and a raised bed in the suite also provide the owner with sweeping panoramic views of the ocean.



There are, of course, many spaces to relax and unwind, including a spa amidship with a sauna, a steam room, and a folding platform that opens to the water. There’s also a watersports centre for any budding explorers. In addition, Sky can carry a 39-foot tender, another crew/rescue tender, two water scooters, and additional water toys. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/royal-huisman-sky-sailing-yacht-owners-suite1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803175" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/royal-huisman-sky-sailing-yacht-owners-suite1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/royal-huisman-sky-sailing-yacht-owners-suite1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/royal-huisman-sky-sailing-yacht-owners-suite1-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The owner’s suite. Image courtesy of Royal Huisman</figcaption></figure>



“Every detail is designed to enhance life onboard—from wellness zones and water sports areas to entertainment spaces filled with natural light,” designer Andrew Winch said in a statement. “Sky is the next generation of sailing yachts with a unique signature in design for a true sailor and innovator.”



Royal Huisman first presented Project 411, originally nicknamed&nbsp;Noir, in April 2024. It was being built for an experienced yachtsman, but now appears to be seeking a new owner. The yard says the design and the majority of the engineering is already complete, with&nbsp;Sky&nbsp;expected to hit the seas in the spring of 2030.&nbsp;



“Ready for an owner who wants to sail the world,&nbsp;Sky&nbsp;is set for delivery in spring 2030: a super-sized sailing yacht developed to explore the far corners of the globe in the most eco-friendly way compared to XXL motoryachts,” adds Royal Huisman CEO&nbsp; Peter Naeyé.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/royal-huisman-sky-sailing-yacht-in-photos-1237361449/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see all the photos of Sky.

Royal Huisman

sailing yacht

Royal Huisman Plans to Launch the World’s Tallest Sailing Yacht in 2030

You could soon have an exclusive new hangout on the high seas.



Mercedes-<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/maybach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maybach</a>, along with Matthias Bosse’s Splendid Sea, revealed plans for a floating private members’ club at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last week. Located on a 500-foot, purpose-built <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/gigayacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gigayacht</a> called Beyond Horizons, the aptly named <a href="https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/design/beyond-automotive/mercedes-benz-places/maybach-ocean-club/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maybach Ocean Club</a> will offer 30 suites with private balconies, world-class gastronomy, top-tier wellness facilities, thrilling water activities, and of course, the marque’s signature luxury.&#8217;



Maybach envisions a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/membership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">membership</a> model in which 300 co-owners will each be entitled to four weeks on the yacht (including private suites) per year, as reported by <a href="https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/beyond-horizons-155m-yacht-design-fort-lauderdale-international-boat-show-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boat International</a>. (To prevent that cruise ship feel, stays will be staggered, with only 72 guests when fully occupied.) Owners can also jump aboard anytime they are in the same location as the yacht and enjoy the common areas.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club12-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803146" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club12-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club12-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club12-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club12.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The beach club and infinity pool. Image courtesy of Mercedes-Maybach</figcaption></figure>



As with Maybach’s creations on land, Beyond Horizons will blend traditional craftsmanship with sophisticated technology. The nameplate is touting clean fuel propulsion, meaning the vessel is more akin to the all-electric <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/review-mercedes-maybach-eqs-680-suv-1235394905/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EQS 680 SUV</a> rather than, say, the new <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-maybachs-sl-680-monogram-series-ultra-luxurious-roadster-1235820167/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SL 680 Monogram</a>. It showcases materials and colours directly inspired by the Maybach aesthetic and the automaker’s famous signet at the bow. The tailor-made interior is also replete with finishes that reflect the Maybach’s high standards and precision. (German design firm Dölker + Voges worked with the Maybach design team to create the initial concept and renders.)



The cascading decks, which are “layered like landscapes, Maybach says, open 50,000 square feet of space. Guests will find both intimate corners and expansive lounges with panoramic ocean views. At the stern, the beach club is equipped with a giant split-level infinity pool and layered teak terraces that lead to the sea. A few more steps down lies a swim platform with direct access to the water.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club8-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803147" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club8-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club8-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club8-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club8.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside one of the suites. Image courtesy of Mercedes-Maybach</figcaption></figure>



Exactly when you get to enjoy all of that is a big question mark. Splendid Sea has completed specifications, and competitive tenders have gone to multiple European shipyards, according to BI. The current target for the maiden season is 2029. Anyone interested in joining can request an invitation on the <a href="https://maybach-ocean-club.com/request-invitation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maybach Ocean Club</a> website. Members will be required to pay an annual fee of roughly five percent of the initial investment to cover crew management, fuel, port fees, insurance, and ongoing maintenance.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/maybach-ocean-club-1237347654/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see more photos of the Maybach Ocean Club.

Maybach Is Planning to Open a Members’ Club on a 500-Foot Gigayacht

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/columbus-yachts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbus Yachts</a>’ first crossover doesn’t want you to skimp on luxury during that Antarctic expedition. 



The 138-foot&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/best-yachts-monaco-yacht-show-2025-1237029791/columbus-yachts-big-naan-superyacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Naan</a>, which debuted at the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/best-yachts-monaco-yacht-show-2025-1237029791/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monaco Yacht Show</a>&nbsp;in mid-September, blends rugged explorer DNA with&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/superyacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superyacht</a>&nbsp;style, allowing the owners to travel to the furthest reaches of the globe without sacrificing the good life.



Designed by Hydro Tec, the modern, muscular exterior is characterised by a sturdy steel displacement hull, a distinctive bulbous bow, and a lightweight aluminium superstructure. With a displacement of 443 GT, the vessel is compact yet delivers an unusually large amount of exterior deck space. The spacious aft cockpit can be used for alfresco lounging or for storing a large, nearly 20-foot tender, with a built-in stern crane making it easy to get the runabout in and out of the water. The upper deck cockpit is outfitted with sofas for sky-high lounging, while the sundeck is set up for dining underneath the expansive hardtop. Forward, the bow is adorned with two sofas that serve as a welcome lounge. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Columbus-Yachts-Crossover-Big-Naan-6.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802952" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Columbus-Yachts-Crossover-Big-Naan-6.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Columbus-Yachts-Crossover-Big-Naan-6.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Columbus-Yachts-Crossover-Big-Naan-6.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Columbus-Yachts-Crossover-Big-Naan-6.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The pool and beach club. Image courtesy of Columbus Yachts</figcaption></figure>



The real star of the exterior is the swimming pool. Holding nearly 600 cubic feet of saltwater and measuring over six feet deep, the pool is one of the largest on a vessel this size, according to Columbus. It was designed to be a structural element in the hull, too, with the four glass sides serving as walls in the beach area below and bathing the area in natural light. Located on the lower deck, the beach club can be accessed via hydraulic doors port and starboard. Located on the lower deck, the beach club is accessible via two hydraulic doors positioned to port and starboard of the aft swim platform. The multipurpose space currently functions as a gym, but could also be used as a spa or additional entertaining area.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Columbus-Yachts-Crossover-Big-Naan-2.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234802951" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Columbus-Yachts-Crossover-Big-Naan-2.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Columbus-Yachts-Crossover-Big-Naan-2.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Columbus-Yachts-Crossover-Big-Naan-2.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Columbus-Yachts-Crossover-Big-Naan-2.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The dining area. Image courtesy of Columbus Yachts</figcaption></figure>



Designed by Hot Lab, the interiors are a study in contrast, with marble and precious stones playing against soft fabrics and neutral tones juxtaposed with bold splashes of colour and pop art. Lighting was another focus, with dramatic fixtures further enhancing the decor and lines throughout. The living quarters comprise a sprawling main salon with plush, designer furnishings, an intimate dining area with a custom Minotti table, and a bespoke metal bar. In terms of accommodation, the owner’s suite on the main deck features a study, a huge wardrobe, a vanity, and a marble en suite with a double shower, while the four guest cabins on the lower deck all come with en suites, Armani wallpapered ceilings, velvet headboards, and custom lighting.



As for grunt, Big Naan is equipped with two 742 kW Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines that enable a top speed of over 14 knots, a cruising speed of 12 knots, and a range exceeding 5,500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 10 knots. The yacht is also fitted with two pairs of stabilisers to ensure comfort at sea and at anchor.



Click&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/big-naan-superyacht-1237321710/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to see more photos of Big Naan.

Big Naan

Columbus Yachts

Yachts

Inside ‘Big Naan’, a New 138-Foot Explorer Yacht That Cruises in 5-Star Comfort

Nauta Design’s newest&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/megayacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">megayacht</a>&nbsp;punches above its weight.



Christened Project Velor, the 246-footer is designed to deliver the comfort and functionality of a five-deck vessel across just four decks. That feeling of extra space is the result of an ingenious new layout that optimises internal volume. The Milanese firm teamed up with Francesco Rogantin of Studio Names to create a single-tier engine room on the under-lower deck. This innovation creates a more spacious and efficient layout that enables vertical and horizontal flow throughout the yacht.



The positioning of technical spaces isn’t the only way Nauta has made Velor feel more airy. The team has incorporated expansive open decks, see-through platforms, and grand architectural staircases to connect the interior and exterior. The aft decks, for instance, are each fitted with a brise-soleil, a kind of slatted overhang system that helps them to blend into the surrounding environment, cast shifting light, and create depth. The warmth of the natural teak decks also complements the gleaming geometric forms of the hull and superstructure.



Perhaps Velor’s biggest selling point is its versatility. The 1,700 GT yacht offers a wide variety of onboard spaces that can be used for anything, from socialising to relaxation. “One of the defining qualities of Project Velor is its flexibility,” Nauta Design director Guido Valtorta said in a statement. “Every element of the design is intended to suit the many ways owners use their yachts—whether for family time, entertaining, or quiet escape.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="577" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Velor_8.jpg-1024x577.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234799373" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Velor_8.jpg-1024x577.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Velor_8.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Velor_8.jpg-768x433.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Velor_8.jpg.webp 1198w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The water patio aft offers direct access to the sea. Image courtesy of Nauta Design</figcaption></figure>



The vessel offers both sheltered and open-air areas, too, meaning seafarers can be out and about in any season. The “water patio” aft is the antithesis of the typical covered lounge, as it is equipped with glass panels that allow it to function as an open or enclosed space. It is also fitted with folding side platforms that afford direct access to the ocean.



“This flexible outdoor space is made possible by confining the single-tier engine room to the under-lower deck,” adds Nauta Design director Martino Majno. “It has been about eight years that we have worked on this technical solution, and the result, on this project, is a multi-functional lounge suited for yoga, wellness, social gatherings, or peaceful solitude—all with uninterrupted views of the sea.”



A few steps from the water patio lies the spa and wellness zone. Beyond that are the plush private cabins. Other highlights include luxurious upper deck lounges and a multi-purpose sundeck with a nifty kids’ nest. To top it off, Velor has a large pool on the aft deck, a pool and helipad on the foredeck, and another Jacuzzi on the sundeck.



The newcomer will be cleaner on the seas than a conventional megayacht, too. Velour is powered by a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system comprising four generators (two at 1,000 kW and two at 500 kW). An ultra-spacious hybrid? We’re in.&nbsp;



Click&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/project-velor-1236837536/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see all the photos of Project Velor.

hybrid

Megayacht

Nauta Design

Project Velor

This New 246-Foot Hybrid Megayacht Concept Is Basically a Massive Floating Sun Deck

As Luminara heads from Barcelona into the open Med, it’s clear that this midnight-blue vessel is fundamentally different than the larger, boxier cruise ships in the harbour. It has a svelte profile and sharp bow, very modern and yacht-like compared to the floating high-rises. But is Luminara really a yacht?



That’s the question I wrestled with recently during the 794-footer’s “pre-maiden voyage”—the name given to our three-day excursion preceding the “maiden voyage” with A-listers such as Martha Stewart, Kylie Jenner, Tom Brady, Kate Hudson, Nina Dobrev, and others. 



It’s a question that probably seemed irrelevant to the Instagram and YouTube influencers in our media group who, in the middle of all this luxury, looked like they’d died and gone to yachting heaven. Still, it gave me the context to compare the new flagship of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/the-ritz-carlton-yacht-collection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection</a>, which joins sisterships Evrima and Ilma, with the conventional superyachts I’ve been writing about for 30 years.



“We started by thinking of it as a floating hotel that would associate our luxury hospitality brand with life at sea,” says Ernesto Fara, president and CFO of Ritz-Carlton Yachts, who came up with the idea of a hybrid yacht/cruise ship about 10 years ago. “But the ramifications of what we’d created became way more complex than just coming and going from your suite, as you do in a hotel. Here we have a captive experience—in a good way—that let us design many different kinds of moments around how the guests want to live on board.”



<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/luminaracruiseshipcelebrities_fa1cee.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234799887" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/luminaracruiseshipcelebrities_fa1cee.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/luminaracruiseshipcelebrities_fa1cee.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/luminaracruiseshipcelebrities_fa1cee.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/luminaracruiseshipcelebrities_fa1cee.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Luminara’s maiden voyage was filled with A-list celebrities. From left: Kendall Jenner, Nina Dobrev, Mark Scheinberg, and Kate Hudson.</figcaption></figure>



The goal was never to replicate a private superyacht, says Fara, but to offer something equally luxurious, more social, and with many more services. Luminara’s more of a cruise experience, he admits, but “for the personalisation, attention to detail, and interior design we looked to the yachting world.”



The yacht references go beyond the marina and beach club at the stern into the high-end materials used in the suites and common spaces, specific areas of the vessel that are designed to provide privacy, and even the on-deck furniture. “We have someone bring them in each night so they’re dry in the morning—something you wouldn’t get on a cruise ship, but would be standard on a yacht,” says Fara. “It seems like a small detail, but enough things like that can change an experience.”



The public spaces by Chapi Design create a sense of calm, with contemporary decor, soft lighting, and plush furnishings—more Hamptons than cruise ship. Even the staterooms, which come in 10 layouts and range in size from 517 square feet to the 1,047 square feet found in the pair of two-story Owner’s Suites, are more typical of a five-star hotel brand than a cruise liner or even most superyachts.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_12.jpg-683x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234799886" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_12.jpg-683x1024.webp 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_12.jpg-200x300.webp 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_12.jpg-768x1151.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_12.jpg-1025x1536.webp 1025w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_12.jpg-1366x2048.webp 1366w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_12.jpg-scaled.webp 1708w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chef Michael Mina, who designed the fare for two of Luminara‘s restaurants, prepares food for the pre-maiden voyage. Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection</figcaption></figure>



The 560-sq.ft. Grand-class suite that my wife and I shared was much more spacious and land-like than most superyacht staterooms I’ve toured over the years, featuring a long entrance hallway, generous living room with a dining table and couch, a large terrace outside (where we enjoyed sunsets and one tranquil morning sunrise), a bedroom with a king-sized bed, and walk-in closets, and en-suite with a bathtub, shower, two sinks, and separate toilet. Stone floors, marble showers and walls, high-end details throughout.



But you can’t get around the scale of the 10-deck&nbsp;Luminara, with its 226 suites, guest capacity of 452 and crew of 357. That’s certainly more cruise ship than yacht.



By contrast, a superyacht would usually have no more than 12 passengers and about the same number of crew, much more privacy since it’s typically only family and friends in your group, and certainly no waiting for a table or listening to strangers’ conversations at dinner. Yachts have several stewards whose primary duty is to pamper, one chef cooking for a small group, the ability to select menus ahead of time, and the freedom to choose destinations. There are also the intimate Kodak moments: barbecues with friends on the sun deck, diving into the water at sunrise, eating freshly caught lobster or fish. On yachts, water access—swimming, jet-skiing, snorkelling or just landing on a deserted beach with the dinghy—is also a key differentiator from a cruise ship.



“The connection with the sea was important to me,” says Fara, who came up with the Marina concept to supplement the vessel’s yachting bona fides. The beach club and sea access not only features on its two sisterships, but also on competitors’ hybrid yachts/cruise ships. Deployed at anchor, this rear extension features water toys, personal watercraft, seabobs, and a pool with protective netting for ocean swims. “Yachts don’t have this type of pool or, for that matter, many of our other services,” says Fara. “You won’t find seven restaurants or a full spa on a yacht.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-LUMINARA2025_SCP_0015005.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234799885" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-LUMINARA2025_SCP_0015005.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-LUMINARA2025_SCP_0015005.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-LUMINARA2025_SCP_0015005.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-LUMINARA2025_SCP_0015005.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The entertainment was much different than a superyacht.  Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection</figcaption></figure>



Therein lies one of Luminara’s primary advantages. Unlike a superyacht, where guests are limited to one or two dining venues, the vessel offers 10 culinary and cocktail spaces, several designed by world-famous chefs. This diversity is part of the experience, offering luxury without sacrificing choice.



The cruise highlight for us was a memorable evening at Seta De Luminara, established by chef Fabio Trabocchi, who also has a second restaurant aboard Ilma. Best known for his restaurants Fiola and Del Mar in Washington, D.C., Trabocchi designed Luminara’s exclusive four-course tasting menu that features 11 dishes, each with a wine pairing, that was the most artistic, intricate and delicious meal we’ve ever had—raising what we’d previously considered a high culinary bar.



The meal began with a Venetian olive oil cod fritter with black truffle and sturia caviar, followed with miso-glazed lobster, stracciatella, and mint. The second course included an Alaskan king crab, ikura caviar, and yuzu dish, followed by Hokkaido scallops, calamari, and squid ink in a lemongrass froth. We expected each dish to be the climax of the meal, but the quality and creativity continued all the way to the dark-chocolate crémeux, Szechuan-pepper caramel, and orange-blossom dessert. Perhaps because of proclamations to the waiter that the meal was a true work of art, Chef Fabio appeared at our table, thanked us, and headed back to the kitchen.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_The-Residential-Suite.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234799884" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_The-Residential-Suite.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_The-Residential-Suite.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_The-Residential-Suite.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_The-Residential-Suite.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The suites were spacious, elegant and suffused with light, thanks to the balcony.  Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection</figcaption></figure>



We’d also enjoyed an alter-ego, rustic Spanish meal earlier in the day during our field trip into Mallorca. In the charming hillside village of Valldemossa, with its trailing bougainvillea and stone buildings, we learned from one of the chefs at Sonmo, a local farm that grows much of its own food, how to cook traditional Mallorcan fare: crispy patatas bravas with aioli, fried aubergine with honey and mint, tender grilled octopus, and calamari flash-fried in olive oil and lemon, paired with crisp Albariño and bold Mallorcan reds.



The field trip was a much more intimate experience than the typical shoreside expedition. It also bolstered Fara’s point that Luminara can be a conduit for friendships among like-minded people, another thing that couldn’t happen on a family yacht charter. Guests can strike up conversations over Negronis in The Living Room or share laughs, as our group did, over the onshore cooking lesson. On our voyage, the other excursions included visits by helicopter to Mallorca’s vineyards, and a coastal sailing trip.



Luminara also delivers with a full-service Ritz-Carlton Spa, complete with treatment rooms that open onto the sea, a sauna, and holistic wellness programming—from breathwork classes to ocean-inspired sound therapy. During the voyage, the offerings also included pilates, yoga, tarot readings, cooking lessons (from the two Michelin-star chefs), and skincare tutorials.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-Art-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_Art-Bar-Exterior.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234799883" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-Art-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_Art-Bar-Exterior.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-Art-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_Art-Bar-Exterior.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-Art-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_Art-Bar-Exterior.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.-Art-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_Art-Bar-Exterior.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Art Bar patio was a secluded spot that was ideal for privacy. The chairs were mostly empty. Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection</figcaption></figure>



The pool decks fore and aft are expansive, dotted with lounges and exceptional sea views. There’s even an adults-only infinity pool area with panoramic views that stretch to the horizon.



But perhaps the most intriguing new space onboard is the Art Bar, an intimate gallery-meets-library curated in collaboration with global art advisors. The designers extended Luminara’s superstructure to create an indoor lounge that also hosts afternoon high teas, lectures and pop-up events. The outside deck, glassed in and covered for sun, also guarantees privacy for those who would rather tuck into the latest Michael Connelly novel than splash around the pool. I found it a refuge to read and write in the mornings.



During our third day at sea, I could see how&nbsp;Luminara&nbsp;is more than a name-grab of a yacht, offering a new type of seaborne lifestyle. Most yacht owners understand the stress of having to manage budgets, oversee captains, hire staff, and choose destinations. Even a superyacht charter’s success depends on the strength and dynamics of the crew. On&nbsp;Luminara, the journey (ideally) unfolds with little friction and consistency across the range of experiences.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_10.jpg-683x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234799882" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_10.jpg-683x1024.webp 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_10.jpg-200x300.webp 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_10.jpg-768x1151.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_10.jpg-1025x1536.webp 1025w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_20250710_MV_10.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A musician playing inside the restaurant Seta de Luminara. Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection</figcaption></figure>



“Superyachts and our yachts serve different needs that are complementary,” says Fara. “If you want an easy week at sea and don’t want to think about anything, but still want that elevated, refined experience—that’s where we come in. We think there are elements of the yachting lifestyle that really do fit with our clients.”



Certainly, the addition of Luminara to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and the entry of multiple competitors show that a new segment is emerging, what Fara calls a “hybrid tangent point” between two different types of vessels. By the end of our journey in Rome, I could see the appeal of this type of cruise. The experience could never duplicate the intimacy of a superyacht charter, but is special enough to lure travellers seeking a luxurious week at sea in the Med or, later this year, Asia. But as I looked up at the 10-deck vessel from shore, I just wish they could’ve found another name.



Click&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/luminara-ritz-carlton-yacht-photos-1236877707/2-luminara_exteriors_the-marina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to see more of&nbsp;Luminara&nbsp;in photos.

Cruise

Luminara

Luxury cruise

Ritz-Carlton

super yacht

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht collection

Yacht

We Went for a Cruise on the Ritz-Carlton’s Newest Yacht. Here’s What It’s Like Onboard.

The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/maiden-voyage-orient-express-corinthian-set-for-june-1236326614/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world’s largest sailing yacht</a> just made a mighty splash in France.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/accor-dubai-holding-fund-orient-express-superyachts-1235526160/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orient Express Corinthian</a> completed her all-important float-out in Saint Nazaire on 16 June, following four and a half months of assembly at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. The 722-footer was moved from the construction dock to the water for the first time, with tugs then guiding it along a set course to the outfitting dockyard. The vessel will now undergo final outfitting, systems integration, and finishing.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/orient-express/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orient Express</a>, which has been a part of the Accor Group since 2022, first announced it was expanding beyond luxury trains and into <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/orient-express-cruise-ship-launch-1234794550/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-end sailing</a> in January 2023. (Hospitality titans such as <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/ritz-carlton-ilma-yacht-1235977858/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ritz-Carlton</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/belmonds-new-epicurean-burgundy-is-most-the-decadent-2901455/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/aman-sama-cruise-liner-1234654724/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aman</a>, and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/four-seasons-yachts-holiday-itineraries-1235884377/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Four Seasons</a> have also <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/4-luxury-hotels-taking-to-sea-1234773134/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ventured into the marine industry</a>.) It enlisted noted French yacht-maker Chantiers de l’Atlantique to build two cruise liners, with Orient Express Corinthian and Orient Express Olympian expected to set sail in 2026 and 2027, respectively.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/orient-express-corinthian@masha-kontchakova-6.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234799284" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/orient-express-corinthian@masha-kontchakova-6.jpg.webp 1200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/orient-express-corinthian@masha-kontchakova-6.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/orient-express-corinthian@masha-kontchakova-6.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/orient-express-corinthian@masha-kontchakova-6.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Orient Express Corinthian was built from fourteen structural blocks. Image courtesy of Masha Kontchakova</figcaption></figure>



Orient Express Corinthian is not only the world’s largest <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sailing-yacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sailing yacht</a> by length, but it is also equipped with three towering masts that stand at approximately 328 feet and support over 16,000 square feet of rigid sails. It is also the first sailing yacht to be equipped with the SolidSail propulsion system. This nifty setup enables the masts to be tilted and rotated to maximise the wind, thereby reducing fuel consumption, lowering operating costs, and increasing efficiency.



Corinthian can cruise silently on the seas using sails alone, but the engines will kick in if more grunt is required. The hybrid propulsion system will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which produces fewer emissions than standard marine diesel.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/orient-express-corinthian@masha-kontchakova-1.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234799285" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/orient-express-corinthian@masha-kontchakova-1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/orient-express-corinthian@masha-kontchakova-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/orient-express-corinthian@masha-kontchakova-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/orient-express-corinthian@masha-kontchakova-1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 722-footer will now undergo final outfitting and finishing. Image courtesy of Masha Kontchakova</figcaption></figure>



Corinthian will allow guests to cruise the seas in the lap of luxury, too. The yacht features a lavish interior designed by Orient Express artistic director Maxime d’Angeac. The décor pays homage to the golden age of rail travel and legendary ocean liners, such as Normandie, while incorporating chic contemporary design. The layout includes 54 suites, ranging from 485 to 2,476 feet. Each one showcases expansive picture windows or a private terrace. The vessel will also have five restaurants and private dining spaces, all of which will be helmed by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. There will also be eight bars, including a 1930s speakeasy and a Parisian-style cabaret hall inspired by iconic spots like the Moulin Rouge.



Orient Express Corinthian is scheduled to set sail in June 2026, cruising in the Mediterranean and Adriatic in the summer, before heading to the Caribbean. Orient Express Olympian is expected to hit the seas in the summer of 2027. To book, visit the <a href="https://orient-express.com/en/sailing-yachts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orient Express website</a>.

Accor Group

largest sibling yacht

Orient Express

Orient Express Corinthian

The World’s Largest Sailing Yacht, the 722-Foot Orient Express Corinthian, Just Hit the Water

By Michael Verdon, Julie Boatman, and Jen Paolini



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Gulfstream



G700



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



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



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



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



Sentient



SJ25+



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



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



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



Textron Aviation



Citation CJ3 Gen2



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



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



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



VistaJet



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



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



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



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



Dassault



6X



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



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



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



Embraer



Phenom 100EX



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

Aviation

Best of the Best

Best of the Best 2025

Dassault

Gulfstream

Private Jet

Sentient

Textron Aviation

VistaJet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Sounds like quite the upgrade.

Heathrow

London

Private Terminal

The Windsor

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

aviation concept

concept

space

Spaceplane

Virgin

virgin galactic

Virgin Galactic Is Delaying the Launch of Its Delta Spaceplane

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

TCS World Travel

Travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



All images courtesy of VistaJet.

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Air Taxi

Archer Aviation

Electric Air Taxi

eVTOL

Midnight eVTOL

test flights

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



All images courtesy of Artisan Casks.

Artisan Casks

Whisky

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



All images courtesy of Bonhams Hong Kong.

Auction

Bonhams

Bonhams Hong Kong

Hong Kong auction

Whiskey

Whiskey auction

Wine

wine auction

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Aspen

Gstaad

Luxury Ski Homes

Savills

Savills Ski Report

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Auberge

Investment

Napa's Stanly Ranch

property

Real Estate

Stanly Ranch

Vineyard Homes

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Cipriani

urugua

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

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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Gordon &amp; MacPhail | The World&#039;s Oldest Single Malt Scotch Whisky" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6KtkTxwqELk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Held at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong’s Michelin-starred Restaurant Petrus, the special evening promises an exceptional encounter with the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/oldest-scotch-whisky-gordon-macphail-glenlivet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gordon &amp; MacPhail 85 Years Old</a>—a masterpiece hailed as the oldest single malt Scotch whisky, a liquid testament to patience, heritage, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Gordon &amp; MacPhail stands as a titan in the realm of Scotch whisky, a brand whose legacy spans 130 years and commands reverence among connoisseurs worldwide. Founded in 1895 in the Speyside heartland of Elgin, Scotland, this independent bottler and distiller has elevated the art of whisky to sublime heights. What sets Gordon &amp; MacPhail apart is its unwavering commitment to maturation—casks are procured from distilleries across Scotland and diligently nurtured, allowing time to weave its magic far beyond the haste of commercial production. Its portfolio boasts some of the rarest expressions ever released, including vintages that whisper tales of bygone eras.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



All images courtesy of Gordon &amp; MacPhail.

Gordon & Macphail

whiskey dinner

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

best of experiences

Best of Hospitality

Best of the Best 2026

Best of Travel

Travel Luxury

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



All images courtesy of Aman.

Aman

Aman Singapore

Branded Residences

hotel

Kerry Hill Architects

Singapore

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

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prelude — A Collector’s Dream Realised</h2>



There are celebrations—and then a handful of evenings that become unforgettable milestones, bending the idea of “event” into collective memory for every guest present. On this occasion, Arif Babayev—London’s discreet but visionary wine collector and his wife Kubra—assembled a pantheon of illustrious estates. These included Château Haut-Brion, Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, and Château Latour—the famed Left Bank First Growths. He also brought together Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Château Cheval Blanc, and First Growth Supérieur, Château d’Yquem.



Joining them were estate owners and winemakers, celebrated sommeliers, and even a Royal Prince, all gathered to honour the immortal 1945 Bordeaux vintage. This was a year whose resonance echoes through cellars and hearts globally. The Orangery at Kensington Palace shimmered with anticipation on a late October evening, its gilded ceilings and candlelight framing eight estates whose rarity rendered the premise almost fantastical.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreportmonaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/VIP_0160-Arif-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-112886"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The 1945 Lineup — A Living Legacy</h2>



To call the bottles “iconic” would be an understatement: each is a touchstone for collectors, each born in a year that marked both the end of war and the dawn of hope in France and the rest of the world. Attending vignerons representing each estate set the stage for each wine, sharing insights that deepened the aura around every pour.



“The significance of 1945 in Bordeaux transcends mere viticulture. Each bottle from this year is a fabled treasure for collectors, symbolising both the beginning of hope in war-torn France and a defining moment for the estates themselves. Today, as we celebrate the peace brought to Europe in 1945, let it stand as a reminder to us all in these uncertain times. For the first time, every Left Bank First Growth and top Right Bank Château&nbsp; assembled in one room—an unprecedented tribute to an epochal vintage,” Arif Babayev declared as we sat down for what would be an extraordinary evening.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Dinner — Random Pairings, Timeless Bonds</h2>



Chef Jonny Lake of 2-star Michelin Trivet crafted a menu whose understated elegance elevated icons in liquid form. Plates reflected both technical brilliance and culinary restraint, allowing wine, history, and harmony to shine in the Orangery’s golden setting.&nbsp;



Eschewing convention, wines were assigned by lottery, lending an air of playful democracy and chance to the proceedings—mirroring the historical quirks that assured these bottles’ survival. This injection of serendipity animated the table, dissolving hierarchies and making every glass a shared revelation.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreportmonaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/VIP_0180-Arif-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-112887"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tasting Notes — 1945 Bordeaux Greats Unveiled</h2>



The 1945 vintage, marked by a warm, dry growing season and concentrated yields due to frost, gifted Bordeaux wines with unparalleled depth and balance. The vintage stands out for its unique combination of historical significance, dramatic weather, and legendary wine quality.



By dint of lottery, the tasting began with&nbsp;Château Haut-Brion, which astonished with its browning light ruby hue, surprising freshness and a nose free of earthiness but rich with jasmine and delicate petals. The palate was ethereal—light, persistent, and hauntingly elegant.



Château Cheval Blanc, presented a noticeably deeper hue. My pour, coming from the end of a bottle, revealed profound earthy-mushroom and Bovril tones. Even so, the wine offered impressive depth across the mid-palate, finishing with fresh acidity and a memorable lift. It’s likely that a glass drawn from another part of the bottle would have shown Cheval Blanc’s renowned expressiveness even more fully among this distinguished company.



Moving on to&nbsp;Château Margaux, the colour was beautifully radiant, with a nose alive with cigar ash, mushroom consommé, and red flowers. The mouthfeel was impossibly elegant and silky, carrying great length that left a lasting impression—equal or even superior to Château Haut-Brion, and supremely fine. Alexandra Petit Mentzelopoulos reflected, “I have never had the chance to taste this vintage, so even for me, it’s a moment I shall never forget.”



The glass of&nbsp;Château La Mission Haut-Brion&nbsp;was strikingly dark, prompting animated debate as to how it could show such an intense hue. On the palate, it offered a great mid-section with lively acidity, some fruit still present, and impressive length.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreportmonaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/VIP_0033-Arif-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-112885"/></figure>



The&nbsp;Château Lafite Rothschild&nbsp;was bright and radiant, its superb nose evocative of consommé and layered secondary notes while still showing a strong core of cherry fruit. The fresh acidity and lovely length delighted. One glass, in particular, lifted with aromas of leather and flowers—chrysanthemum and lily—presenting big and fresh on the palate, slightly outweighing the others for some tasters. “We must remember that Pauillac was completely destroyed at the time of this vintage, no care and attention had been undertaken in the vineyards for most of the war, and the frost had ensured that the vintage was very small, but very great,” explained the representative of the Château.



With&nbsp;Château Mouton Rothschild, the signature nose of mint and eucalyptus, beef extract, and After Eight chocolate defined its character. The palate was big and spicy, while the finish stood apart with a distinct structure and expression among its peers. On this momentous occasion, the representative of the Château shared how the famed Baron Philippe de Rothschild, took inspiration from Winston Churchill’s “V for Victory” gesture in WWII. To honour both that moment and the extraordinary 1945 vintage, Baron Philippe commissioned a young artist, Philippe Jullian, to design the now-iconic label emblazoned with the “V”—setting the tone for one of the most celebrated wines in history.



Château Latour&nbsp;exuded power and composure—cedar, leather, and minerals—a wine as taut and complete as history itself. “One of the smallest vintages at the estate, but one that everyone knew at the time would be legendary,” elicited Jeremy Cukierman MW on behalf of Château Latour.



The sweet conclusion came in the form of&nbsp;Château d’Yquem&nbsp;from magnum and my WOTN (‘Wine Of The Night’) nomination—presented in a blue bottle due to quality glass shortages in 1945 and poured copper-brown, its caramel, spice, cardamom, and floral bouquet lifted the nose. On the palate, the pronounced sugar was brilliantly matched by vibrant acidity, leading into complex notes of almond paste and choux pastry on a long, persistent, deeply moreish finish. This was an utter wow wine. (The same from a 75cl bottle distinguished itself as less refined, sweeter, and more direct, yet lacked some of the magnum’s subtlety.)&nbsp;



“We made six passes in the vineyards in 1945, the most in our history, which perhaps explains the complexity and completeness in this wine. It was also the highest ever sugar content reached in the vineyards at 164 grams per litre,” head winemaker Lorenzo Pasquini told us.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://robbreportmonaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/VIP_0102-Arif-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-112884"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Legacy — Reflections on a Night Like No Other</h2>



The evening shimmered with the clink of crystal, soft linens, and convivial laughter. Each swirl revived history, every bottle a time capsule pulling guests back into the storied vintage.



To drink 1945 Bordeaux is to commune with history. Generosity and serendipity transformed the tasting from a mere event to something profound—a collective inheritance to be retold, re-experienced, and revered. Thank you to Arif and his wonderful wife, Kubra, for laying on an evening for the ages!



Lewis Chester DipWSET is a London-based wine &amp; rare spirit collector and writer, member of the Académie du Champagne and Chevaliers du Tastevin, co-founder of Liquid Icons and founder of the Golden Vines® Awards, and Honorary President of the Gérard Basset Foundation, funding diversity &amp; inclusivity education programmes globally. The Golden Vines® 2025 will take place in Miami between 7-9 November 2025, recognising the world’s best fine wine estates. Please register your interest for tickets on the website:<a href="https://liquidicons.com/work/golden-vines-awards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> liquidicons.com/work/golden-vines-awards</a>

Night of Legends: Inside Europe’s Exclusive 1945 Bordeaux First Growth Tasting

Some say that <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/golden-globes-gives-helen-mirren-cecil-b-demille-award-1237348783/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Golden Globes</a> is the booziest award show, but those people probably haven’t been to the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/golden-vines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden Vines</a>.



Organized by the company <a href="https://liquidicons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liquid Icons</a>, the so-called “Oscars of fine <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine</a>” celebrates the crème de la crème of the wine and spirits industry. The fifth edition of the awards took place Saturday evening at the Faena Forum in Miami, marking the first time the event has been held in the United States. Over about five hours and many, many more glasses of wine, the nine awards were doled out to wine producers from around the world.



<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/Golden-Vines_David-Ajala-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803255" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Golden-Vines_David-Ajala-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Golden-Vines_David-Ajala-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Golden-Vines_David-Ajala-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Golden-Vines_David-Ajala.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The actor David Ajala hosted the evening, which took place at the Faena Forum in Miami. Image courtesy of Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for the Golden Vines</figcaption></figure>



Throughout the evening, the British actor David Ajala served as master of ceremonies, even getting some guests to join him onstage for a quick boogie. The multi-course dinner was cooked up by Kyle and Katina Connaughton of the <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/singlethread-throughline-dinner-series-1236124923/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin three-star SingleThread</a> in California: A savoury duck-liver parfait was paired with the sweet Château d’Yquem 2022, while guinea-hen katsu was accompanied by Château Lafite Rothschild 1989 poured out of a show-stopping Imperial bottle. And with the opening dish—an assortment of seafood bites meant to give a taste of both Sonoma and Miami—the attendees were the first to sample the Dom Pérignon 2008 Plénitude 2 before its global release next year.



As for the awards themselves, the nine trophies were voted on by a panel of 830 experts, including Master Sommeliers and WSET Diploma holders. A testament to the global nature of the event, the winners hailed from California (<a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/will-harlan-napa-valley-legacy-1235700914/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harlan Estate</a>, Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas) to Australia (Henschke, Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World).



“I’d like to tell you a story that begins 180 years ago with a German-speaking refugee called Johann Christian Henschke arriving in South Australia,” said Johann Henschke, the label’s current winemaker, when accepting the award. “His family’s desperate pursuit of religious freedom had freshly taken its toll, with his wife and two of four children dying during that fateful journey from Europe. His belief and resilience drove him forward, starting a family again and selling his first wines from the Barossa’s Eden Valley in 1868. Six generations later, I stand before you in Miami—in the latest chapter of this story—to receive this award that my ancestor Johann could have never thought possible.”



<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/Golden-Vines_Aiyana-Lee-1-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803254" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Golden-Vines_Aiyana-Lee-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Golden-Vines_Aiyana-Lee-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Golden-Vines_Aiyana-Lee-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Golden-Vines_Aiyana-Lee-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The singer Aiyana-Lee performed a handful of songs, including her recent one from the new Spike Lee film “Highest 2 Lowest.” Image courtesy of Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for the Golden Vines</figcaption></figure>



The two biggest awards of the evening stayed squarely in Europe, though: The Best Fine Wine Producer went to Spain’s Vega Sicilia, and the Hall of Fame award was handed to Jean Trimbach of France.



Liquid Icons is based in England, and several presenters and winners called out Arsenal as they took to the podium. (Next year’s ceremony will, in fact, take place in London.) Ajala also ended the night by leading the crowd in Arsenal’s “North London Forever” chant. (The North London club played against Sunderland on Saturday evening, with the final score 2-2.)



Ajala wasn’t the only one belting out tunes, either: British American singer Aiyana-Lee performed a handful of songs about halfway through the award announcements, including “Highest 2 Lowest,” which she wrote with her mother for the new Spike Lee film of the same name.



It may not have been a Hollywood awards show like the Golden Globes, but the Golden Vines had all the same glitz and glamour—and, probably, better drinks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Golden Vines 2025 Winners</h2>



<ul>
<li>The Golden Vines Grant Macdonald Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe Award: Weingut Egon Müller, Germany</li>



<li>The Golden Vines Akerman Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas Award: Harlan Estate, California</li>



<li>The Golden Vines Maison Mura Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World Award (Australasia, Africa, Asia &amp; Middle East): Henschke, Australia</li>



<li>The Golden Vines Robb Report World’s Best Fine Wine Producer Award: Vega Sicilia, Spain</li>



<li>The Golden Vines Slate Aviation World’s Best Rising Star Award: Mullineux &amp; Leeu Family Wines, South Africa</li>



<li> The Golden Vines Amorim Cork Innovation Award: Rosa Kruger, The Old Vine Project, South Africa</li>



<li>The Golden Vines Gérard Basset Foundation Hall of Fame Award: Jean Trimbach, France</li>



<li>The Golden Vines Bacchus World’s Best Rare Spirit Brand Award: The Macallan, Scotland</li>



<li>The Golden Vines Frédéric Panaïotis Sustainability Award: Corison Winery, California</li>
</ul>

All the Big Winners at the 2025 Golden Vines, the Oscars of the Wine World

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/highland-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highland Park</a> is, as we’ve mentioned more than once <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/lists/best-single-malt-scotch-whisky-21st-century-1235884583/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> before, one of the best distilleries in all of Scotland, making moderately smoky <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/whisky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whisky</a> that strikes the perfect balance between bourbon barrel maturation and sherry cask influence. The distillery’s latest release is another success, a new cask-strength single malt that uses peat from the Orkney peninsula where it is located to infuse the spirit with a very specific type of smokiness.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/highland-park-between-you-and-i-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1237259291/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highland Park</a> is located in the town of Kirkwall in Orkney, the northernmost part of Scotland that is at the same latitude as the very southern tip of Greenland, for point of reference. People have been making whisky there in one form or another for the past two centuries, and <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/highland-park-54-year-old-single-malt-whisky-1234811933/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highland Park</a> still tries to pay tribute to its founder, Magnus “Mansie” Eunson. The bottles have had Viking-themed names and designs over the years, but recently the core lineup got a rebrand here in the U.S. with a simpler design and just the age statements on the labels.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/highland-park-cask-strength-number-four-single-malt-whisky-1234842979/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cask Strength</a> series launched in 2020, and there have been five to date before this new release, which has the name Heather and comes inside a purple box designed to evoke summertime on the Hobbister Moor where the peat used to dry the barley is harvested from. According to experts, peat from different parts of Scotland infuse whisky with different flavours when it’s burned—for example, Islay peat will differ from Highland peat which differs from Orkney peat. The latter is the type of peat that Highland Park uses, and it’s said to have a floral character because of the heather that has become part of its makeup over the centuries.



Of course, the peat level you will find in Highland Park’s whiskies is always subtle and moderate compared to what you’d find in some Islay whiskies, for example, but that’s also a big part of the appeal. The new Heather expression was aged in first-fill European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks and refill casks for an undisclosed amount of time (there is no age statement), and the whisky was bottled at 63.6 percent ABV. That’s pretty strong, particularly in the world of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/scotch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scotch</a> whisky, but this single malt is still complex and drinkable with notes of subtle peat smoke, vanilla, bright citrus, caramel, black pepper, toasted nuts, and a bit of floral botanicals floating just underneath. Of course, there’s a healthy does of heat as you sip as well, so don’t be afraid to add some water to your glass. The whisky is non-chill filtered, and like all <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/highland-park-new-cask-strength-whisky-1234746205/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highland Park</a> whiskies no colour has been added.

Highland Park

Highland Park Just Dropped an Excellent New Cask-Strength Whisky

After four days of fierce competition, the new champion for the <a href="https://www.sjmmacaoopen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SJM Macao Open 2025</a> was crowned: 28-year-old German golfer Dominic Foos, who emerged victorious against Wang Wei-hsuan after two play-off holes in a thrilling play-off.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;



Held from 16 to 19 October 2025 in Macao at the picturesque Macau Golf &amp; Country Club, days of sunshine shaped the mood of this prestigious international sporting event. The 144-player field featured five former Macao Open champions, three Asian Tour Order of Merit winners, six local stars, nine of the best amateurs from the region, and many seasoned professionals from across the globe.



<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/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Trophy-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803109" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Trophy-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Trophy-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Trophy-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Trophy-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Trophy-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The SJM Macao Open 2025 champion Dominic Foos is the first German to win on the Asian Tour for 29 years.</figcaption></figure>



For Foos, the SJM Macao Open 2025 victory marked his first-ever Asian Tour win. He also walked away with the honour of securing only the second-ever Asian Tour title won by a German player—the last such achievement was 29 years ago. “I am delighted to have won the SJM Macao Open 2025,” Foos commented, sharing that “the course suits me really well, and I knew I always had a good chance. I drove it really well this week.”



Wang played beautiful golf all week, and lost narrowly to Foos at the play-off on the 18th hole. 20-year-old Ding—who only turned professional last year—had a remarkable final day to claim a respectable third place, marking his best result on the tour thus far. Kho, a familiar face at the event, made it into the top 10 once more, following a tied-sixth place finish in 2023. Notably, newcomer Samuel Westwood, son of Lee Westwood, made his Asian Tour debut at the SJM Macao Open 2025, playing alongside his father.



A highlight of the Asian Tour calendar, the SJM Macao Open not only offers a unique opportunity for golfers in the region to compete against the some of the best in the world, but the event also serves to nurture up-and-coming talents and help them develop their game. Hong Kong, China amateur Tian Jun won the qualifier tournament to secure the opportunity to play in the main draw alongside some of his idols.



<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/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Finals-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803108" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Finals-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Finals-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Finals-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Finals-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Finals-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wan Wei-husan congratulates Dominic Foos after the German sinks the championship-winning putt in the second play-off round.</figcaption></figure>



The tournament organisers are growing the sport by making it more accessible to the general public and encouraging interest in golf among the next generation through its community outreach programme and invitation to the championship. Kho, Ding, and local Macao player Kelvin Si Ngai led some of the outreach initiatives to teach golf basics to more than 100 local students, fostering a love for the sport and engaging with fans and the general public.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macao-Open-2025-Night-819x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803132" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macao-Open-2025-Night-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macao-Open-2025-Night-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macao-Open-2025-Night-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macao-Open-2025-Night-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macao-Open-2025-Night-1638x2048.jpeg 1638w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macao-Open-2025-Night-scaled.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The SJM Macao Open 2025 champion Dominic Foos poses with the trophy at Monte Fort following his emphatic win after two rounds of play-offs.</figcaption></figure>



See Lei, acting president of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, praised the event as a “resounding success, attracting world-renowned golfers to compete in Macao,” and noted that the event “provided residents an opportunity to enjoy world-class golfing action.”



Daisy Ho, managing director of SJM Resorts, shared, “Over the past three years, SJM has been a committed supporter of the tournament, and we are delighted to witness the growth of talented young local players and the enthusiastic participation of spectators, together shaping Macau into a true ‘City of Sports.’”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="619" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Group-1024x619.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803107" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Group-1024x619.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Group-300x181.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Group-768x464.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Group-1536x928.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SJM-Macau-Open-2025-Group-2048x1237.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Celebrating alongside champion Dominic Foos are representatives from the joint-organisers and partners of the SJM Macao Open 2025. From left: Cliff Chan Sio-ping, president of Macau Golf Association; Jasmine Lim, vice president of global partnerships, IMG Golf; Mok Chi Hang, acting president of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Dominic Foos, SJM Macao Open 2025 champion; David Shum, director of SJM Resorts, S.A.; and David Rollo, chief operating officer, Asian Tour.</figcaption></figure>



David Rollo, chief operating officer of the Asian Tour, applauded the SJM Macao Open as “one of the highlights of the year on the Asian Tour. The course at the Macau Golf &amp; Country Club is always impeccable, and the warm and friendly hospitality provided by SJM makes this tournament such an enjoyable one for our members.”



Grant Slack, executive vice president and managing director of golf events at IMG, remarked that “IMG has been proud to be part of the Macao Open since 2011. Each year, the tournament brings together legends of the game alongside rising stars, and it has been a true privilege to witness the growth of players who have benefited from competing at the SJM Macao Open,” asserting a positive outlook towards 2026.



All images courtesy of SJM Macao Open.

Dominic Foos

Golf

Macau

SJM Macao Open

SJM Macao Open 2025 Concludes, With Dominic Foos Crowned Champion

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.

Supercar

Aston Martin Just Unveiled Its First Plug-In Hybrid Supercar

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Porsche

Porsche Cayenne

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

audi

Formula 1

Audi Just Revealed Its First Formula 1 Concept Car

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

McLaren

McLaren’s First SUV Is Coming in 2028: Report

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



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



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



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



Here are 7 of the best cars here this year.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Honda

Japan Mobility Show

Leux

Lexus Van

Tokyo Motor Show

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

In the summer of 2003, the Shanghai skyline was still a promise rather than a boast. French expatriates Stéphane de Montgros and his business partner, Benoit Thebaut, looked at the city’s concrete riverbanks and saw opportunity in a city still finding its rhythm. De Montgros recalls that “there weren’t many options back then…the days were fairly quiet on weekends.” So, the enterprising pair ushered in a solution that was simple, audacious, and quintessentially Riviera: throw the best pool parties China had ever seen.



Champagne brands were pouring budgets into the Middle Kingdom for the first time, seeking new ways to connect with a rapidly growing audience. Many companies were experimenting and open to fresh ideas, creating space for Riviera to bring something new to Shanghai’s social landscape. “We gave them wooden decks, cabanas, jacuzzies, and DJs flown from the best clubs in Europe, offering a lifestyle experience that felt different for the time.” Riviera Pool Parties were born, and the name was deliberate. “Riviera meant sun, sea, sophistication,” de Montgros explains. “Everything Shanghai aspired to be.”



Then, the hotels came calling. First for poolside takeovers, then seasonal activations and opening ceremonies. “We just orchestrated the launch of the new Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport and Traders Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Hotels,” de Montgros says. “From immaculate creative setup to engaging viral entertainment our role is to help bring the hotel team’s vision to life.” Word spread, not just about the events themselves, but about the agency’s ability to collaborate closely with any brand to create a seamless event experience. By 2010, Riviera Events had seven offices across Greater China, and was the go-to event agency for any property looking to create memorable moments for their guests and communities.



Yet de Montgros felt the hotel industry owed more to its unsung architects. “Every award celebrated properties, spas, or restaurants,” de Montgros noted. “Nothing honoured the people powering them.” In 2014, Stelliers was launched—not as another pay-to-play gong show, but as a meritocracy. Stelliers ensures that recognition is earned. “You cannot buy a Stelliers, you have to deserve it.”



<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/Stelliers-Quote-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803242" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Quote-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Quote-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Quote-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Quote-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Quote-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The model is forensic. Applications require endorsements from direct supervisors and general managers. A panel of five judges debates. Video interviews are conducted in the nominee’s native language – whether it’s Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, or Cantonese—so they can express themselves comfortably. “ChatGPT can polish an application,” de Montgros notes, “but it can’t fake a 25-minute conversation. We really get a great feel of the calibre of the talent we are engaging with.”



<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/Stelliers-Greater-China-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803241" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Greater-China-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Greater-China-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Greater-China-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Greater-China-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Greater-China-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The 2025 Asia ceremony at Capella Bangkok saw 106 finalists whittled down to 21 winners. Greater China’s gala follows on 12 December 2025 at the Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, marking another milestone moment for the region’s hotel community.



Categories span the full professional pyramid. Front-of-house stars share the stage with engineers who keep four-storey fountains flowing, HR wizards who keep track of a legion of staff, and the unsung hero who might be the gardener coaxing fresh produce from rooftop soil or the junior chef who prepares thousands of meals for fellow staff. Amongst the most meaningful categories for the Stelliers team is the Unsung Hero—an award designed to spotlight team members who rarely find themselves in the limelight. As de Montgros explains, it sits at the heart of Stelliers’ mission: “We really work our promise to make sure that every hotel professional has a shot at being seen and valued.”



<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/Kristina-Snaith-Lense-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803240" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Kristina-Snaith-Lense-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Kristina-Snaith-Lense-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Kristina-Snaith-Lense-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Kristina-Snaith-Lense-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Kristina-Snaith-Lense-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kristina Snaith-Lense, general manager at Swire Hotels, Pre-Opening House Shenzhen Bay and Stelliers Greater China 2024 General Manager Hotelier of the Year.</figcaption></figure>



Now, the ripple effect of Stelliers is measurable. While hotels already run their own internal recognition programmes, Stelliers adds a layer that reaches beyond any single brand or property. Finalists and winners are celebrated across companies and across borders, and many participants often see meaningful career progression in the year that follows. Unlike property awards that stay bolted to lobby walls, a Stelliers award travels with its recipient. “It’s theirs for life,” de Montgros says. “And the emotional bond is ferocious.”



<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/Man-Ng-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803239" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Man-Ng-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Man-Ng-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Man-Ng-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Man-Ng-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Man-Ng-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Man Ng, tailor at W Macau – Studio City and Stelliers Greater China 2024 Unsung Hero of the Year.</figcaption></figure>



In markets like Indonesia and the Philippines, where populations are vast and ambition boundless, the Stelliers team regularly witnesses the confidence and motivation that recognition can inspire. Yet, talent shortages remain a challenge for the industry—a paradox, de Montgros notes: “Hospitality is the best university. You can learn about food, beverage, sales, and marketing. You’ll be exposed to different languages, cultures, and people. If you work very hard, you can seize the opportunities that will enable you to get a job in management.” Stelliers aims to spotlight these possibilities. As Linda Pecoraro, Stelliers Asia 2024 General Manager of the Year puts it, the mission is simple: We need to make hospitality “sexy again.” Case in point: Vidya Sagar, the 2025 General Manager of the Year winner, who began his hospitality career as a housekeeper. On stage at the Stelliers Asia 2025 Awards Ceremony, he told his peers: “If I can do this, you can do it.”



<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/Vidya-Sagar-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803238" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Vidya-Sagar-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Vidya-Sagar-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Vidya-Sagar-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Vidya-Sagar-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Vidya-Sagar-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vidya Sagar, general manager at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Stelliers Asia 2025 General Manager of the Year.</figcaption></figure>



Cultural balance is non-negotiable; gender parity hovers at 50:50. Entries are free for hotels, ensuring even boutique independents can compete with behemoths. Judging is not without its challenges. “[We have] five experts, one table, zero inspectors,” de Montgros admits. “We can’t parachute into every laundry room.” Instead, judges rely on applications, references, and in-depth interviews to form their decisions. The group debates openly and consensus is mandatory; a process that reflects the diversity of perspectives in the room—a mix of operational, sales and marketing, and technology backgrounds. “Over the years, I think we’ve been recognising the right people,” de Montgros reflects. “Are we perfect? I don’t think so. But are we doing good work? I believe we are. We try to do our best with the resources that we have.”



<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/Stelliers-Group-Photo-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803237" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Group-Photo-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Group-Photo-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Group-Photo-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Group-Photo-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Group-Photo-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Award ceremony venues are chosen with Machiavellian precision. Macau’s integrated resorts offer the scale and infrastructure needed for regional gathering, along with the sense of occasion that suits the celebration. As de Montgros puts it, “Macau delivers red-carpet glamour, Michelin-starred dining at mortal prices, and centrality for Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.” Bangkok alternates as the host city for the Asia edition for similar reasons: offering exceptional hospitality, controllable costs and irresistible weekends. Still, de Montgros emphasises that the setting is only one part of the experience. “The emotion in the room is genuine. It’s real. You feel how much these moments mean to people—the pride, the excitement, sometimes even the tears. It creates a kind of joy that you can’t script.”



<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/Jackson-Lao-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803236" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Jackson-Lao-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Jackson-Lao-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Jackson-Lao-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Jackson-Lao-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Jackson-Lao-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jackson Lao, director of engineering at Rosewood Hong Kong and Stelliers Greater China 2025 Engineering Hotelier of the Year.</figcaption></figure>



12 years in—one full Chinese zodiac cycle—Stelliers has become Asia-Pacific’s most recognised hotelier award. Global expansion beckons, but de Montgros is in no rush. “We were born in Asia because this is where luxury hospitality is evolving fastest,” he says. “We’ll eventually be in the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe but, for now, we believe we can bring the most value to our community here in Asia and that it’s the right place for us to keep improving.”



<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/Varaporn-Khundech-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803235" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Varaporn-Khundech-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Varaporn-Khundech-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Varaporn-Khundech-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Varaporn-Khundech-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Varaporn-Khundech-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Varaporn Khundech, chef de partie at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and Stelliers Asia 2025 Unsung Hero of the Year.</figcaption></figure>



<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/2025/12/Payap-Khunkhayan-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803234" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Payap-Khunkhayan-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Payap-Khunkhayan-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Payap-Khunkhayan-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Payap-Khunkhayan-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Payap-Khunkhayan-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Payap Khunkhayan, assistant sustainability manager at Conrad Koh Samui and Stelliers Asia 2025 Green Hotelier of the Year.</figcaption></figure>



From poolside Champagne sprays to tear-streaked acceptance speeches, de Montgros’s journey in building Stelliers proves a quiet truth: marble impresses, but memory is made by human hands. He quotes the industry’s oldest mantra: “Take care of your people and they will take care of your guests.” In an era of staff shortages and poaching wars, Stelliers is not merely an awards programme—for many, it offers recognition, encouragement, and a sense of belonging; an ongoing tribute to the individuals whose dedication keeps Asia’s palaces across the board shining.



For more information on the coming (and next) events, visit <a href="https://stelliers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stelliers.com</a>.



<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/Stelliers-Awards-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803232" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Awards-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Awards-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Awards-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Awards-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stelliers-Awards-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>

Stelliers

Stéphane de Montgros

Stelliers Co-Founder Stéphane de Montgros on Asia’s Premier Hotelier Awards, the Importance of Celebrating Unsung Heroes, and Creating Memorable Moments

This new <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hotel</a> in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mexico/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mexico</a> is all about luxurious seclusion.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/puerto-rico-most-expensive-listing-simon-falic-1237321894/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ritz-Carlton</a> just opened the doors to its Siari locale this week, a retreat that’s surrounded by lush jungle and Pacific views in Riviera Nayarit’s Emerald Coast. The property marks the ninth entrant into the hotelier’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/resorts/inside-zadun-the-ritz-reserves-splashy-cabo-answer-to-aman-1234860272/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reserve portfolio</a> that’s embedded in wellness and connection to local traditions, inviting its guests to slow down and take in nature.



And you get to experience all the flora and aquatic beauty the minute you step onto the private 920-acre expanse that Siari calls home. (That wilderness is reflected in the property’s name, too, which translates to the Uto-Aztecan word for “green.”) The Ritz-Carlton tapped Bernardi + Peschard Arquitectura, a Mexico City-based firm, to mold the hotel and its 91 rooms right into its landscape. Looming over the edge of a cliff, Siari includes details such as locally quarried stones, native woods, and handwoven textures that are an homage to Nayarit’s indigenous people, as well as an open-air design that lets you take in your surroundings from every angle.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-carlton-reserve-siari-bedroom.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803213" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-carlton-reserve-siari-bedroom.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-carlton-reserve-siari-bedroom-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-carlton-reserve-siari-bedroom-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The rooms are full of jewel tones and warm woods. Image courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Reserve Siari</figcaption></figure>



As for those accommodations, Siari offers up everything from 2,873-square-foot beachfront villas to 979-square-foot oceanview suites—with their own butler service to boot. Décor here also reflects the landscape, with green hues and warm woods dotting the rooms. Or, if you’re looking for even more solitude, check out one of the 34 private residences, each offering up four or five bedrooms for more extended vacations as well as a private infinity pool and a prime location near the area’s largest swimmable beach.



In the kitchen, chef David Castro Hussong leads the charge at the hotel’s five dining spots, each connecting their plates to the traditions of Nayarit. Head to Zula to enjoy a fresh take in Nayarit cuisine or to Naao for Asian-inspired dishes with a local flair. Masa Madre, meanwhile, is an ode to wood-fire cooking, and Estero takes classic local fare and adds touches inspired by practices around the world. For dessert, pastry chef Maribel Aldaco helms her eponymous spot; and for a tipple or two, there are a variety of bars about to enjoy, though the star of the show is Library Bar, with classic cocktails and vintages on standby.



As we mentioned, heritage plays a big role in your stay at Siari. That begins with a symbolic tradition called nierika, where guests walk barefoot through rosewater to cleanse the heart and soul. From there, you’ll be given a xukuri, a bowl of locally foraged herbs that signifies your arrival at a nature-focused retreat. The local identity seeps into the hotel’s wellness practices, too. Siari’s temple to restoration, Há Yeka (meaning “water” and “well-being” in the native language of Wixárika), offers up 28,000 square feet of relaxation nestled in green gardens. Practices here include a blend of ancient Huichol healing rituals and modern practices, such as hydrotherapies and volcanic stone treatments in outdoor treatment rooms.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-carlton-reserve-siari-pool.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803212" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-carlton-reserve-siari-pool.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-carlton-reserve-siari-pool-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-carlton-reserve-siari-pool-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An infinity pool. Image courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Reserve Siari</figcaption></figure>



Of course, the Emerald Coast is your backyard here, and you can choose to either explore the region on your own or via guided hikes and private yachts. Siari also has its own private golf course designed by Tom Fazio.



“Our vision for Siari is to create a retreat where discovery unfolds naturally,” said Guillermo Varela, Siari’s general manager, said in a press statement. “From the moment of arrival, every experience is designed to awaken the senses and reconnect guests to the rhythm of this extraordinary place.”



Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve sits just 45 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport. &nbsp;The hotel also serves up private FBO services, two helipads, and its own marina access, giving you plenty of ways to check out that seclusion all for yourself.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Siari

Inside the Ritz-Carlton’s New Reserve Resort in Mexico Where the Jungle Meets the Beach

<a href="https://stelliers.com/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stelliers</a>, Asia and Greater China’s leading hotelier awards, has announced its finalists ahead of the highly anticipated Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards.



<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/AR14095-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803125" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR14095-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR14095-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR14095-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR14095-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR14095-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



116 individuals have been named as finalists across an exhaustive 24 categories, ranging from general managers to food and beverage specialists and more. Some make magic happen behind the scenes, and others feature prominently and visibly in the front-of-house sphere, but every effort collectively matters towards creating an exceptional experience for guests, making a noticeable difference.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stelliers-China-2025-Finalists-1024x576.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803135" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stelliers-China-2025-Finalists-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stelliers-China-2025-Finalists-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stelliers-China-2025-Finalists-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stelliers-China-2025-Finalists-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stelliers-China-2025-Finalists-2048x1152.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Stelliers received a record-breaking number of applications for the Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards, across award categories that include Butler, Chef, Concierge Hotelier, Corporate Hotelier, CSR Hotelier, Engineering Hotelier, Finance Hotelier, Food &amp; Beverage Hotelier, Front Office Hotelier, Hotel Manager/Resident Manager, Hygiene &amp; Food Safety Hotelier, General Manager, Green Hotelier, Human Resources Hotelier, Housekeeping Hotelier, Information Technology Hotelier, Marketing &amp; Communications Hotelier, Mixologist, Owner, Revenue Management Hotelier, Sales Hotelier, Sommelier, Unsung Hero, and Wellness &amp; Spa, ensuring that staff members on every level of the hotel hierarchy are considered and celebrated. Discover the full list of finalists <a href="https://stelliers.com/stelliers-greater-china-finalists-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803124" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16358-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803124" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16358-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16358-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16358-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16358-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16358-2048x1365.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="1234803122" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16364-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803122" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16364-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16364-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16364-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16364-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR16364-2048x1365.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="1234803123" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR17150-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803123" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR17150-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR17150-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR17150-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR17150-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR17150-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Stelliers—a portmanteau of “stellar” and “hotelier”—was established in 2014 with the goal of recognising and celebrating industry professionals who shape and influence the hotel and hospitality experience. It has since grown to become the leading hotelier awards platform in Asia and Greater China, with annual regional awards ceremonies.



What sets Stelliers apart is that all awardees win through their own merit. Aside from making a compelling application, hopefuls must undergo a rigorous vetting process, individual interviews, and evaluation by Stelliers’ esteemed panel of judges, comprising seasoned professionals from Greater China’s hospitality and business sectors: Rainer Burkle, formerly of Marriott International, Greater China; Sarah Chen, formerly of Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality Group; William Mackey, formerly of Four Seasons Hotels &amp; Resorts, Asia-Pacific; Kevin Tan of American Express Global Business Travel; and May Wong of DONG Luxury Travel Collection and DONG Connection Event.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234803126" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR31692-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803126" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR31692-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR31692-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR31692-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR31692-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AR31692-2048x1365.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="1234803127" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2267-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803127" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2267-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2267-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2267-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2267-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2267-2048x1365.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="1234803128" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2363-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234803128" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2363-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2363-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2363-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2363-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BAC2363-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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“Greater China has always been at the forefront of redefining luxury and innovation in hospitality. This year’s record-breaking number of applications reflects the region’s extraordinary depth of talent and commitment to excellence,” says Stelliers co-founder Stephane de Montgros. “We are proud to celebrate the individuals whose passion and vision are setting new benchmarks for guest experiences across Greater China.”



Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards Ceremony will take place at the Grand Lisboa Palace in Macau on 12 December 2025, where the winners of this year’s 24 award categories will be announced and feted at a live event. Stay tuned for the results.

Stelliers Greater China 2025 Awards

Stelliers Greater China 2025 Finalists Revealed Ahead of the Hotelier Awards Event

Hotels

Resorts

Robb Report Hong Kong

Travel Awards

Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences & Hospitality Edition: New Horizons

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-157 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234794974" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794974" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre</figcaption></figure>



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



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



Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake”



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



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



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



Chinese New Year Automatic



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



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



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



Espiègleries Tresors d’Afrique



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



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



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



The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac—Year of the Snake



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

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

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



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



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



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



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

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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

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