The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2021
A comprehensive guide to gift-giving this holiday season.
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As another year draws to a close it’s ‘that’ time again. Time to show those close to you — those with specific, heightened tastes — that you care. Here at Robb Report, we’ve taken the kind of stressful dread that comes with not knowing what to gift away with our ultimate gift guide.
GEAR
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP2000T
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP2000T Astell & Kern
If you’re more the type to carry around your entire collection in your pocket, this little number from Astell & Kern is for you. It was designed specifically for hi-res audio and has a built-in vacuum tube amplifier so your music sounds exactly the way it was recorded. It’s got 256 gigabytes of space to store your albums, and it’s also expandable in case you need even more room for your favourite tunes.
Approx. $3496; astellkern.com
Leica D-Lux 7 Vans x Ray Barbee Edition
Snap your travel pics in style with this new, limited-edition camera from Leica, fashion label Vans and skater-musician-photographer Ray Barbee. Covered in Vans’ iconic checkerboard pattern, the compact camera has the same technical specifications as the serially produced model (like a large Micro Four Thirds sensor, a fast zoom, Bluetooth connectivity and a lens with a full-frame-equivalent range of 24 –75 mm), plus a specially designed carrier strap and other flourishes. Compact and just 12.7 ounces, the camera also comes with a matching dust bag emblazoned with a travel-appropriate quote from Barbee noting that “the joy is in capturing the journey.”
Approx. $2365; leica.com
Gaggenau 400 Wine Cabinet
For the wine connoisseur, storage is paramount and using any old wine cooler won’t do. Here, the Gaggenau 400 Wine Cabinet offers a fully integrated wine climate cabinet. Inside the usual blonde beech is eschewed in favour of oak and boasts advanced humidity regulation, a charcoal air filter and controlled climate zones depending on what is in your collection. The 400 is available in a range of sizes and did we mention how good it looks?
POA; gaggenau.com.au
Wrensilva Loft Club Series All-in-One Hi-Fi System
Wrensilva Loft Club Series hi-fi system Wrensilva
Building a home audio system can be intimidating. Luckily, Wrensilva has created a device that features everything you could want in one stylish package. The audio company’s retro-inspired hi-fi system includes a Pro-Ject turntable, a solid-state pre-amp, Bang & Olufsen amplifier and powerful two-way bass-reflex speakers. Best of all, it’s smaller than your parent’s old system, making it perfect for homes and apartments where space is at a premium.
Approx. $8378; wrensilva.com
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO Turntable
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO turntable Pro-Ject
Sometimes it can be a relief to disconnect your device and go analog. What better way to do that than with this refined turntable from the specialists from Pro-Ject. Its precise motor has been fitted with a new suspension that reduces vibration, as does its height-adjustable aluminium feet. A heavy steel platter also helps ensure quiet playback. If you’ve yet to jump on the vinyl revival, maybe now’s the time…
$893; projectaudio.com.au
120″ Samsung The Premiere LSP9T Ultra-Short Throw Projector
While the streaming era has brought the cineplex to our laptop screen, any movie buff knows that a serious home theatre is made better with a projector. And few projectors are better at making you feel like you’re at the movies than Samsung’s latest, the Premiere LSP9T. Just place the ultra-short throw projector at the base of a living room wall, and it will produce a stunning, crystal-clear 120-inch image. The device, the first of its kind to offer HDR10+ support, also features a special UHD Filmmaker Mode which does away with any smoothing effects so that you can watch your favourite movie exactly as it was meant to be seen.
$5999; samsung.com
Sennheiser Momentum 2 Earbuds
Despite its rep among pros as one of the best manufacturers of headphones and speakers, for 75 years Sennheiser steadfastly remains independent. The family owned German audio specialists continue their leadership in true wireless earbuds with their latest Momentum 2 offerings—the ergonomically shaped speakers feature five ear tip options for a perfectly snug fit and comfy all-day use. The 7-mm dynamic drivers supply superior sound with active noise cancelling—perfect for music or calls in a noisy environment—IPX4 water-resistance and up to 28 hours of playtime on a single charge via its charging case. The Sennheiser smartphone app also lets you further customize your listening experience by adjusting the built-in equalizers to emphasize deeper bass, natural mids and/or detailed treble.
$325; sennheiser.com
GoPro Hero 10 Black
For the coming holidays, GoPro released its most powerful model ever: the Hero10 Black. The brand synonymous with extreme filming loaded its new apex model with a GP2 processor (designed to deliver faster and smoother performance), advanced stabilisation via HyperSmooth 4.0 technology, enhanced low-light capabilities and can live stream directly in 1080p. It can record in slow motion (up to eight times slower than actual moment) with improved 2.7k resolution, and can handle time-lapses at night and low-light environments. The Hero10 Black camera features 5.3k resolution video (93 per cent sharper than previous 4k models) at double the frame rate, can capture still images at 23MP and grab hi-res 19.6MP frames from videos. All your extreme filming needs in an easy-to-use compact 71 mm x 55 mm body.
$529; gopro.com
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Emerge Bookshelf Speaker
If you’re looking for a speaker that you can slide inconspicuously onto your bookshelf, look no further than Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Emerge. The compact speaker (25.5 by 16.5 by 6.7 cm) supports Apple Airplay 2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth and Spotify to stream whatever your heart desires. It can also be paired with any of B&O’s connected speakers to deliver music throughout your home, and features a built-in radio and microphone for voice control. The Danish company known for its design doesn’t fail here, offering either a gold version of the Beosound Emerge with oak wood “cover” or Black Anthracite high-grade aluminium with a pearl-blasted grill.
$1050; premiumsound.com.au
WATCHES
Omega The Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition
What better gift for Christmas than the same Seamaster as MI6 agent James Bond. To celebrate the 25th official James Bond film, No Time to Die, Omega has created a 42mm timepiece with titanium and a mesh bracelet for a watch light on the wrist. The Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition has been built with military spec in mind and features the “tropical” brown aluminium for the dial and bezel ring complemented by the vintage touches of the SuperLumiNova, which fills the driving scale, blackened hands and indexes.
$14,025; omegawatches.com
Rolex Explorer I
Time for the return of two-tone. The new Rolesor (the Rolex name for the combination of the dual 18-carat yellow gold and Oystersteel alloys) Ref. 124273 may be heralding a return to the blend of metals that saw its height of popularity in the ’80s. The model also marks a comeback of the 3mm size in a nod to the original model launched in 1953 after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first explorers to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.
$15,250; rolex.com
Hublot Big Bang Unico Summer
The lagoon-inspired timepiece is available in only 200 examples and boasts a 42mm case and bezel—both of which were crafted entirely from satin-finished and polished anodised aluminium. The distinct tonal theme is also made visible on the dial and hand, as well as on the figure’s markers and chronographs. Even more notable, Hublot’s HUB1280 in-house flyback column-wheel chronograph movement is able to be seen on the model’s titanium case back and offers a 72-hour power reserve and 100 meters of water resistance. For comfort, the figure sports a velcro strap in a turquoise knit with the same colour stitching, while its sports buckle in polished turquoise anodized aluminium provides a secure clasp.
$29,200; hublot.com
Piaget Polo Skeleton
Utilising the same 42mm steel case of the Polo line, the skeleton watch arrives at an astonishingly svelte 6.5mm thick, down from an already thin 9.4mm of the Polo S. The Piaget Polo Skeleton sees the openworked design arrives here in graphite grey and is further elevated by the in-house built movement with the watch acting as a testbed for its new 1200S1 microrotor automatic skeleton movement – which offers a 44-hour power reserve. A number of strap options are available including the Polo’s mirror-polished h-link bracelet – in stainless steel – alongside alligator leather straps matching the respective dial colours.
$45,500; piaget.com
Baume Et Mercier Riviera
A sense of refinement drapes the return of Baume & Mercier’s Riviera, a robust piece famed for its 12-sided bezel, and which debuted in 1973. That ’70s spark remains and the reissue feels right in regards to its timing, given the ascendancy of integrated steel bracelets. It is in that 42mm case – available in stainless steel or black steel – that the calibre Baumatic BM13-1975A provides 100m of water resistance and 120 hours of power reserve. The premium option arrives with extensive perlage on the bridges, Cotes de Geneve across the skeletonised rotor all visible through the sapphire transparent dial available in either deep blue or smoky grey.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone
When A. Lange & Sohne reintroduced its Time Zone timepiece, there was a resounding cheer from watch nerds around the world. Here, the pink gold with argente dial can cleanly tell the time in both a home time and a second time zone based on 24 reference cities. The watch sees a new manufacture calibre L141.1 with a 72-hour power reserve fitted neatly into a 41.7mm case.
$84,500; watchswiss.com
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5297G
Discover the Calatrava 5297G-001 from a collection of Patek Philippe watches at J Farren Price. The Calatrava is a supremely elegant round wristwatch with self-winding mechanical movement and an ebony black opaline dial. The Calatrava instantly stands out with its diamond hour markers and elegant 38mm diameter case set in white gold and sapphire crystal. This classic piece is decorated with 68 diamonds on the bezel and shiny black alligator strap -making it the perfect dress watch for day to night. Distinguished and timeless the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5297G is engraved with the Patek Philippe Seal, paying homage to the rare handcraft and flawless integrity upheld by the maison.
Globe-Trotter Centenary Leather-Trimmed Twelve-Watch Box
For serious watch fanatics, Globe-Trotter’s handsome Centenary case is a must-have whether using it for travel or simply to elegantly display your watches in your home. It can carry up to 12 timepieces and will slide right into the overhead compartment on your flight and you can even add an over-the-shoulder strap to turn the case into an attaché for extra security while on the go.
Lockable latches on the side of the vulcanised fibreboard and leather trim case add an extra level of protection, while the interior compartment is removable in case you prefer to display your prized wrist candy outside of the box.
$3457; mrporter.com
Chopard Mille Miglia Table Clock
If your dearest has all there is in horology, try something off-track with a Chopard quartz desk clock. Reminiscent of the speedometer on a car dashboard this handsome piece pays homage to Italy’s legendary Mille Miglia car race. Designed in stainless steel with a palladium finish, it furthers its automobile narrative with superluminova detailing and a tyre tread-inspired rubber base
$2530; chopard.com
WINE & SPIRITS
Glenfiddich Grand Cru
Glenfiddich’s stunning new Grand Cru is matured initially for 23 years in a mix of American and European oak, and neatly finished in rare French cuvée casks, it fuses flavours and delivers an elevated and heady statement (heightened by its presentation in opulent black glass, within a black box). Each drop is the result of six months final marrying time, adding new layers of aromas —think apple blossom, candied lemon, fresh bread. On the palate vanilla, sweet brioche, sandalwood, pear sorbet and white grape build an alluring harmony of flavours; enhanced by a long, opulent finish.
$395; glenfiddich.com
Yamazaki 55 Year
Every so often a special whisky is released that makes the industry take notice. Suntory’s Yamazaki 55 is that whisky. With only 100 bottles every produced by the famed Japanese distillery, many have already made it to the second-hand market and are selling for well beyond the $90,000 price tag. Get your hands on a bottle and experience the deep amber colour, robust nose of sandalwood, blossom palate and bitter finish of the Yamazaki 55, if you don’t mind paying a smidge over retail.
Auction; dekanta.com
The Macallan Red Collection
The Macallan Red Collection is a true landmark release of rare single malt Scotch whiskies. This exquisite range features a selection of ongoing aged expressions, available in limited quantities worldwide. The Red Collection includes The Macallan 40yo, The Macallan 50yro and The Macallan 60yo, which are the oldest ongoing expressions offered by the whisky house. The Macallan 71yro, The Macallan 74yro and The Macallan 78yo being the oldest bottlings ever released by The Macallan– making it a highly exclusive and sought after series.
Created from some of the worlds oldest and rarest casks, each expression is delivered in an oak presentation box created from the same sustainable European oak used to craft The Macallan’s casks. Lined with sustainably-sourced soft red leather from Bridge of Weir Leather, this permanent release has been hand-finished and signed by The Macallan Master Whisky Maker 2019 Kirsteen Campbell. This distinct and one of a kind series features striking graphic art from globally acclaimed artist and illustrator Javi Aznarez who portrays the key characters that shaped the history of The Macallan distillery.
Learn More: themacallan.com:
Beluga Gold Line
Beluga Gold Line is a limited-edition vodka. Best paired with Black Caviar of course —It is dedicated to the true connoisseurs of strong spirits. Unlike other Beluga varieties, in this series the trademark blend of artesian water and malt spirit passes through not three but five rounds of filtering. Each bottle of Beluga Gold Line comes with its own serial number and an elegant hammer and brush to conveniently remove the cork stop and sealing wax – emphasising its 100% authenticity and individuality of this limited series vodka with an imposing attitude.
$174.99; danmurphys.com.au
IXSIR Grande Reserve
There’s no better time for a quality rosé than the Australian summer. The holiday period is one for celebrating and the warmer climates make us want to reach for the Ixsir Grand Reserve Rose with its light French style, subtle mouthfeel, firm acidity and delicate finish. The drop is available in both 750ml and magnum and I think you know which we’d opt for.
Magnum $89; vinsduliban.com.au
STYLE
Paspaley Ring For Men
In a first for the Australian jeweller, Paspaley unveiled a men’s ring earlier this year. Here, the Men’s Dive Chain ring draws inspiration from the colours of the ropes and chains of its pearling vessels. A two-tone black, rhodium and white gold chain wraps around a yellow gold ring band.
$2680; paspaley.com
Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiac Pendant
Van Cleef & Arpels produced a range of zodiac charms in the 1950s through 70s that have become one of the hottest collectibles on the secondary market. Finding one is even harder than nabbing a vintage Daytona but, luckily, the French jeweller recently reintroduced the astrological gems to its collection. These new pendants faithfully recreate the ancient coin look of the originals for the ultimate good luck charm.
$3450; vancleefarpels.com
Louis Vuitton Imagination
One of 2021’s best cologne launches, Imagination instantly landed in the fragrance stratosphere for its uplifting and mind-opening blend of amber and black tea. Bergamot, neroli and cedar broaden its wingspan, and together make Imagination a candidate for his new signature scent. It’s especially suited for guys with big ideas and—as its name suggests—colourful imaginations. Consider it wanderlust, bottled.
Penhaligon’s Racquets EDP
Bright, bold and fresh, this limited-edition EdP pays homage to that favourite summer sport: tennis. British perfumer Penhaligon’s composes this fresh scent from a base of strapping leather and guaiac wood, with zesty lemon and citrus fruits coming together.
100ml $289; libertineparfumerie.com.au
Tom Ford Patent Leather Midlands Zip Boots
Like Santa, Tom Ford always delivers. Here, a beautiful evening appropriate boot with a side zip detail, vintage-inspired centre seam, gold hardware and zipper arrives in a deep, chocolate brown tone. The patent leather finish adds further allure to the boots that offer black construction and are made in Italy.
$2233; harrolds.com.au
Bulldog island Life In Yellow / Green
These bold Bulldog shorts from Orlebar Brown offer the label’s signature mid-length fit. The printed recycled polyester woven short features a nickel-effect concealed snap closure, adjustable branded nickel-effect side fastener.
$475; orlebarbrown.com
Modern Man Collective Suave Beard Oil
Should your facial fuzz be clinging on post-Movember, or in dire need of a little TLC try the Suave beard oil from the Australian owned Modern Man Collective. Here, Suave takes its cues from Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille — think warm, spicy, sweet — and brings together a hybrid blend of essential oils, scent and anti-bacterial agents to help keep your facial hair looking, well, suave. The blends are vegan, paraben, alcohol, cruelty and sulphate free and a portion of revenue is donated to Beyond Blue and Movember.
Loro Piana Summer Walks
Is there a more perfect shoe to give an Aussie over Christmas? We think no. Loro Piana’s ‘Summer Walk’ loafers are set up for comfort. Handcrafted in Italy from suede, the shoe is treated with a water-repellent finish and have rubber soles.
$1038; mrporter.com
Beechworth Short Sleeved Polo
Add this fresh shade of olive green to someone’s stocking this summer. Knitted in Italy from ultra-soft linen and cotton the lightweight blend is perfect for weekend wear. With Kimber at the helm, and shell buttons fitted it’s an ideal fit for Australian summer.
$365; christiankimber.com
Moscot Bluma Sunglasses
The Bluma, here in Citron and Tortoise is handcrafted using Italian acetate and sees glass lenses fitted in Calibar Green. This stylish pair features the Moscot temple engravings acetate nose pads and fit comfortably to the nose via a keyhole nose bridge.
$455; moscot.com
EXTRAS
Baccarat Backgammon Set
Baccarat unveils a premium rendition of timeless games – like backgammon with its Jeux collection. Here, Dutch designer Marcel Wander reimagines the ancient game with a limited edition set crafted from precious marble with crystal playing pieces. Made in France, the set cares not who is playing as everybody wins.
$24,652; baccarat.com
Pent Raxa Boxing Bag
Kickboxing is hard-core, fitness-wise, but it requires some heavy-duty equipment. The Pent punching bag resembles a svelte leather midcentury-modern floor lamp, one you
can beat to a pulp whenever you want. Even the bag’s filling—castaway leather scraps—is suitably upscale (as well as sustainable). Blowing off steam doesn’t get much better-looking than this.
Approx. $1,840; pentfitness.com
Ybell
YBell? Why not we say.
Each bell acts as kettlebell, dumbbell, push-up bar and medicine ball in one. The design provides four unique holding points — allowing the user to seamlessly pivot between a wide range of exercises across a routine. While YBell provides various classes through its channels and app including free introductory workouts through to paid programs aimed at differing fitness levels Plus, they are locally owned.
Smythsons Panama Writing Folder
Whether one is working from home or back at the office, an organised, attractive desktop is key for productivity. Smythson’s folder has room for all his big ideas, jam-packed itinerary, addresses and more—and housed in a sleek grained leather case, it’s a far chicer personal assistant than an iPhone. Spring for monogramming to make it extra special.
$818; harrods.com
Montblanc Pen
Some of the best gifts are luxurious upgrades to everyday essentials, such as this sleek rollerball pen. It combines vivid green resin with platinum for a writing instrument that’s worthy of the most brilliant thoughts—or just scribbles.
$410; montblanc.com
Robb Report Annual Subscription
Award-winning luxury delivered for the next 12 months – is there anything better? We say no, this is the gift that literally keeps on giving with quarterly print and digital issues included, so too exclusive offers, access to Robb Report’s VIP concierge services and more. This is the ultimate subscription.
$75; robbreport.com.au
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White Lotus-ing? How Hit Films and TV Shows Are Inspiring Elite Travelers to ‘Set-Jet’ Across the Globe
It’s not just The White Lotus. Prestige TV and blockbuster films set in far-flung destinations are driving bookings like never before.
“As seen on TV” may have lowbrow connotations, but the recent glut of award-winning shows and films set in alluring, far-flung locations is causing an unprecedented run on the world’s best hotels. Call it set-jetting: planning your vacation around a destination featured in a popular series or movie. And while romantic suites and beloved characters have gotten people on planes since the golden age of film, what has changed is how central beautiful venues have become to plots.
“The way that The White Lotus used the destination to tell the story was really unique,” says Misty Belles, an executive at the global travel-adviser network Virtuoso. It also made its settings—the Four Seasons resorts in Maui and Taormina, Sicily—nigh un-bookable. And it’s hardly the only example: “Paris wasn’t hurting for eyes, but Emily in Paris showed the city in a more playful way,” Belles notes. “And people weren’t exactly flocking to Richmond before Ted Lasso.”
Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix
The trend is so strong that a property doesn’t even need to be connected to a show to benefit from its boom. Henley Vazquez, cofounder of the New York–based travel agency Fora, points to Bridgerton’s impact on English estate hotels.
“Heckfield Place [used to be] a hard sell,” she says of the five-star Georgian mansion in Hampshire. “Now, people are dying to go there. It wasn’t featured in Bridgerton, but it’s just that kind of place.”
Others insist on the real deal. Jennifer Schwartz, managing director of Authentic Explorations, works with one family to build trips based on the Game of Thrones universe.
HBO
“They went out of their way in Portugal” to visit Monsanto, the setting for Dragonstone in House of the Dragon, she notes. “It’s definitely a criterion on which they choose where they want to vacation.”
For travelers who want more than simply to follow in their favorite character’s footsteps, London’s Black Tomato takes things several steps further. Since 2023, it has planned high-octane itineraries based on the James Bond franchise and works with the films’ producers, Eon Productions, to make you feel like an MI6 agent. (Some trips even offer lessons with Daniel Craig’s stunt double, Lee Morrison.)
The 007 success has inspired more such trips. “We’ve just recently launched itineraries inspired by Yellowstone and Ripley, focusing on Montana and Wyoming and Italy, respectively,” says cofounder Tom Marchant.
Netflix
Still, it’s important to remember that sharp camerawork—and editing—accounts for a lot of the on-screen magic. Schwartz, of Authentic Explorations, notes that “the White Lotus hotel” in Sicily is “not super accessible, but it’s filmed as if the beach is right there.” In reality, the shore club from the show’s second season is 133 miles away. “People go to the place and they’re like, ‘You have to get in a car to go to the beach? What do you mean?’ ”
So where shouldn’t you go? Netflix’s The Perfect Couple will likely send hordes to Nantucket next summer, and The White Lotus’s third season, set on the Thai island Koh Samui, has already caused a local spike—and it’s not even on the air yet.
Bookings of Virtuoso’s properties in the region are up 38 percent since the show was announced. Luckily, Belles says, the effect doesn’t linger. “We typically see a good two-year impact on a set-jetting destination.”
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The Piaget Altiplano vs. the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle: Which Solid-Gold Dress Watch Is Better?
We took Piaget’s and Vacheron’s flagship gold dress watches out into the highlife of Manhattan. Here’s what it was like to wear these classic watches.
The trend toward dress watches, and smaller ones in particular, has been so powerful that even Rolex sports watches are dropping in valueas prices for the dressy 36 mm Day-Date skyrocket. It’s not as if the solid-gold dress watch ever really fell off the horological map, of course, but there’s no denying that today’s watch enthusiast is more interested in a classic dress watch than in the past decade.
Part of the explanation could be that crypto-bros and pandemic collectors have left the scene, but there has also been a surge of interest in quiet luxury in the past couple of years. The sartorial zeitgeist, it seems, is in transition.
For those of us who prefer simple, time-only dress watches, the moment feels like a needed correction. I personally own and wear a bevy of small vintage Vacheron Constnatin time-only watches from what many call the golden era of Swiss watchmaking—the 1940s through the 1960s—and they serve me well every day. If I, and many of my aspiring sartorial cohorts, have a complaint about modern dress watches, it is that they’re too big. Even the modern Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 5227 at 37 mm—though among the most gorgeous solid-gold dress watches currently produced—is borderline indiscrete. One watch dealer told me that he advised his client to stop wearing his 5227 in Manhattan, for hear he’d get mugged.
One lesson that a watch journalist eventually learns is that you can’t meaningfully judge a watch until you’ve seen it in person. But it’s even better to wear it for days on end, and better still to wear it in a special context that will draw out the subtleties of a design. With that in mind, we asked Piaget and Vacheron Constantin to lend us two modern solid-gold, time-only dress watches, both in solid pink gold, for a few weeks. We took in the 35 mm Piaget Altiplano Origin ($20,300) and the 38 mm Vacheron Constantin Tradionelle ($23,700). The next step was to find an occasion to put them through their paces.
That occasion arose when we were invited to hang out with the renown Manhattan-based Italian tailor Max Girombelli at his swanky studio Duca Sartoria on the upper East Side.
Max is dashing, his tailoring second-to-none, his client list elite, and his own watch collection filled with vintage Rolexes, many small, time-only models. Max told Robb Report that he enjoys wearing time-only watches with tradionally tailored suits and jackets, as they offer a quiet accent. We couldn’t agree more.
Max lit up when he saw the Arturo Fuente cigars I brought him (his favorite non-Cubans), but he smiled even more widely when I unveiled the Piaget Altiplano. The bright red alligator strap picked up the tri-coloré stitching on the tunnel cuff of his tailored white shirt, and his warm smile accompanied his nostalgia for the Piaget dress watches that dominated Italy’s mid-century heyday.
As the watch made the rounds, everyone was impressed with its simple, confident, traditional design, and the women in the room were especially happy about the 35 mm size. If there’s a naturally unisex watch being made today, it’s the Piaget Altiplano Origin.
We all lit up over the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle, as well. Granted, the brown strap was quite a divergence from the flashy red strap on the Piaget, but the Vacheron spoke with even greater confidence from behind its reserved, perfectly executed visage. The dauphine handset and sub-seconds dial emit quiet confidence and precision, while the highly decorated hand-wound movement, visible from behind the clear caseback, is a surefire conversation starter.
At 38 mm, the Vacheron does wear a little large, but not annoyingly so. The pink-gold is not ruddy red, and the silvered dial is subtly luminescent. When compared to the Piaget’s radially brushed dial that dances in the ambient light, the Vacheron, despite its larger size, may be the quieter watch of the two—this a testiment to both watches exhibiting their respective brand’s house-style to a tee.
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About Last Night: ‘Culinary Masters 2024’ Celebration at Song Bird
Highlights from the gastronomic extravaganza honouring Neil Perry as our standout chef of the year.
Robb Report ANZ hosted hosted a glittering event last night, feting Neil Perry as the standout chef of the year, at his new Double Bay restaurant, Song Bird.
Editor-in-Chief Horacio Silva fronted a packed room of titans of industry, influencers and gourmands for a gastronomic extravaganza staged over three floors.
Esteemed guests included C-Suiters Michael Saadie (NAB Private Wealth), Maria Lykouras (JB Were), Nick Hooper (Jacob & Co.) and Gretchen (Aware Super), as well as ASX Refinitiv Foundation’s Gerard Doyle, dashing adventurer/philanthropist Luke Hepworth and Atomic 212 founder Barry O’Brien. They savoured an exotic menu crafted by Perry, while enjoying exquisite Petaluma Yellow Label wines. They also got to admire stunning Jacob & Co timepieces and sample chocolates graciously provided by Gaggenau.
The menu featured produce-driven Cantonese specialties, such as delectable Wollemi Peking duck paired with Hoisin sauce, various condiments and homemade pancakes, as well as Abrolhos Island sea scallops elegantly presented on the half shell with vermicelli noodles and a dressing of black bean, garlic, and ginger.
The chicsters in attendance were among the first to experience the buzzworthy new restaurant, with the evening made possible by our fantastic partners Gaggenau, Jacob & Co., Petaluma Wines, NAB Private and Codigo 1530 (with support from Kanebridge Media, The Royal Automobile Club of Australia, Citizen K and ASX Refinitiv).
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Quiet Storm
Ibiza’s more chilled side—yes, there is one—makes for the perfect backdrop for the new generation of Rolls-Royce’s game-changing Cullinan SUV. Let’s get this peaceful party started.
Every sunrise is a party in Ibiza. Indeed, often it seems like unadulterated hedonism is actively encouraged on the most infamous of the four Balearic Islands, a sun-draped paradise where dusk-to-dawn dance parties segway into swanky beach-club afternoons (often involving more dancing), enjoyed by a melting pot of wealthy international pleasure seekers whose sole aim is to party, and party hard.
While everything you’ve heard about this Mediterranean Bacchanalia by night is likely true, during sunlight hours, the isle tends to move to a slower, more tranquil beat. The laneways around the main hub of Ibiza Town (or Eivissa in Catalan) are populated with pink-skinned tourists who drift from A to B in large, meandering groups. Some are boozing their hangovers away; some are on the deep-fried tapas road to recovery. When they’re not lizard-lounging beside hotel pools, the remainder appear to spend daytimes overindulging their credit cards, either in the endless strips of shops or waiting in queues at the ubiquitous beauty salons, ready to glam-up for the big night ahead.
Streetside, market stalls selling mostly Asia Pacific-sourced “spiritual” paraphernalia are juxtaposed by edgy clubwear stores and high-end fashion boutiques. It may have surface-level notoriety, but Ibiza also enjoys a rich dichotomy; a place where travellers cosplay billionaires, and the billionaires live like bohemians.
This is far from big news to locals and those in-the-know. Since the 1950s, when the island became a haven for avant-garde artists and free-thinkers—notably during the Spanish Civil War—Ibiza has lured a certain type of one-percenter who’s keen to live by the codes of modern luxury but doesn’t want to do so in a flashy, gauche way.
It’s exactly the kind of niche customer that Rolls-Royce claims to intimately know as it launches its new, second-generation Cullinan here during a two-day media jamboree, aiming to not only evolve alongside its clientele but set the tone of affluence itself. Since its 2018 launch, the SUV has remained the crown jewel of the Rolls-Royce stable, a global bestseller that has become a go-to daily driver for many, largely because the promise that came with the vehicle was simple: effortless everywhere. It presents a different profile to the marque’s more formal town cars and coupes—such as the Ghost and Phantom—and offers a Rolls-Royce package that is more social, spacious and adaptable for all of life’s needs and all the roads one may want to travel—including the ones we’ll drive over the next 48 hours.
Our adventure begins around 30 minutes’ drive north of Ibiza Town’s party district on the quieter side of the island, the preferred base of many HNWIs who now call Ibiza home. We’re staying at the secluded Six Senses Resort, situated on the northern tip of the peninsula at Cala Xarraca. The immediate area is surrounded by nature trails, sleepy villages and expansive views of the Mediterranean Sea, while the resort itself has a private, pueblo-like feel, its terracotta buildings engulfed by beds of charming wildflowers. In this corner of the isle, for the right price, world-class DJs who spin at iconic island clubs like Pacha and Amnesia are available for house calls and famed chefs create intimate culinary moments behind closed doors. Enrichment can also be found through spirituality and emerging wellness experiences, such as grounding cacao rituals, sobriety coaching, sustainability education sessions and longevity-focused health clubs.
If you’re currently wondering what place a Rolls-Royce has here, remember that privacy and serenity are hallmarks of this storied brand. And in terms of high-level bespoke offerings, craftsmanship and a real-world view of sustainability focused on things made to last, few automotive brands on the planet can match the expectations of those who inhabit this island.
The next morning, we hit the road. Our initial drive takes us towards the west coast, passing charming white-washed villages, pine forests and olive groves that grow out of red dirt. Cullinan’s torquey, 6.75-litre, V12 engine leaps into action when called upon, and combined with the instinctive feel of the steering, manages to hide its somewhat behemoth size. Though the scenery is divine, the tarmac is undulating, but on the cliff-lined curves and uneven surfaces, the plush underpinning of the Rolls-Royce’s signature “magic carpet ride” ensures we barely feel a bump.
Arriving at our first destination, the marina of Santa Eulària des Riu (where a local informs us that the yacht flying a Dutch flag belongs to F1 driver Max Verstappen), the Cullinan cuts a commanding presence. And here, as our steed’s vibrant paint glistens under the Spanish sun, and its lines nod to those found in the mid-size yachts and chic speedboats in the harbour, it starts to make sense why this car would feel so at home in Ibiza.
Cullinan’s new exterior design has a fresh and sharper sense of verticality, evidenced in the more upright lines, crisp edges, and a more powerful-appearing illuminated Pantheon Grille. As someone who wasn’t that much of a fan of Series I’s appearance, these additions give the car more attitude, making for a pleasant surprise. Some dazzling new paint options are on offer too, such as Emperador Truffle. This minimalist, solid grey-brown was inspired by richly veined brown marble, and when combined with the bespoke “Crystal Over” finish, a lacquer infused with glass particles, elicits a mesmerising sunlight-like shimmer.
Before long, we embark on the next leg of our journey, towards Cala Jondal on the far south of Ibiza, best known for its buzzy, upscale chiringuito (the Spanish word for beach bar), helmed by Sevillian chef Rafa Zafra, formerly of the celebrated El Bulli restaurant. This time, we take an inland route, passing bewildered locals not used to seeing a Spirit of Ecstasy statue close up.
As fun as it is to drive, being a passenger in the Cullinan is an experience in itself. The deep-pile carpet is particularly transcendent, likewise the 18-speaker Bespoke Audio system with its 18-channel, 1400-watt amplifier. Who needs Pacha and Amnesia.
Relaxing on the back pews also gives us a chance to run our eyes over the car’s other interior highlights, not least the cityscape-inspired illuminated facia panel, made using a technique which involves 7,000 dots being laser-etched at different angles and depths onto darkened security glass, leading to a striking, multidimensional effect. Naturally, there’s the option to create your own motif in collaboration with the marque’s bespoke design team.
Speaking to customers’ desires for more boldness, there’s a range of new interior textile options, including an artistic leatherwork technique for the seats, dubbed Placed Perforation, whereby tiny perforations are made in the material to create a custom artwork design; plus, an alluring embroidered rayon fabric textile made from bamboo, a modern reimagining of the type found in historic Rolls-Royce cars. Its development was inspired by the bamboo grove of the Côte d’Azur’s Le Jardin des Méditerranées, a beloved spot of the marque’s co-founder Sir Henry Royce.
Rolls-Royce’s pleasingly pedantic approach to sweating the small stuff can also be seen in its use of an open-pore veneer called Grey Stained Ash, which took four years and six specially trained craftsmen to develop and is individually stained and arranged in a pattern to best suit each car.
This hands-on, artisanal ethos, however, doesn’t come at the expense of contemporary digital elements. The relatively small footprint of Rolls-Royce means it’s able to stay more closely connected with its clientele, and in the Cullinan, via a customer-only app called Whispers, the brand can stay in contact with customers and share new bespoke offerings, relevant lifestyle content and events.
After a dazzling lunch at Rafa Zafra’s beachfront Cala Jondal—which certainly should be first on Whispers’ list of hot dining spots—it’s time to make our way back to the airport and say a regret-tinged adios to the Cullinan.
Details play a role in the meaningfulness of a personalised car, and the stories they allow an object to tell. This is a particularly true at Rolls-Royce, where every car model is handmade to order; where one can select a moment in time and have it mapped out in stars on the roof; where you can bring a box of crystal champagne flutes and have them crushed and mixed into paint; or where you can request a veneer made from your favourite backyard tree as a child. The possibilities are infinite.
As we’ve seen over the past two days, embodying the spirit of an Ibiza-based billionaire might just come down to the unwavering pursuit of personal optimisation. Maybe that’s the bigger ideology at play here under the Balearic sun: that the Cullinan represents a unique kind of private hedonism, a euphoric moment between driver and machine. For now, though, the exhaustion from all the driving is taking its toll. Or maybe, just maybe, we’re tired from dancing into the night to the DJ who came to our private villa the night before. In one way or another, this island always captures you.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan will be available in Australia in late 2024, price on application; rolls-roycemotorcars.com
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Only The Good Die Young
In a future of floating billionaire summits, do we really want to live forever?
Two thousand tech moguls, shamans, CEOs and DJs packed together on a cruise ship for what organisers call “invitation only, one of a kind experiences where super humans make magic”. What could go wrong? That’s the pitch for Summit at Sea, an event billed as a “floating Davos” for millennial technocrats, staged in international waters off Miami. But even if the marketing lingo sometimes threatens to sink under its own weight (“Wherever your gravitational force takes you, our constellation offers wonder”), Summit at Sea captures something about the zeitgeist of what billionaires are looking for now.
They want woo-woo; they want to microdose mushrooms, ketamine and LSD (as championed by the likes of Sergey Brin and Elon Musk), and they most certainly don’t want to die. This issue is about those issues. Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel are among the squillionaires bankrolling longevity initiatives—presumably to live long enough to be able to spend all their money. But as Alison Boleyn reports in her first story for Robb Report, even those outré efforts—Thiel is said to receive blood transfusions from people under 25—pale when compared to venture capitalist Bryan Johnson, who reportedly spends $2 million a year on anti-ageing methods. For those of us who can’t afford eternal life, however, the good news is the world is still full of earthly delights.
Take the healthful effects of the Greek island of Tinos or driving the new Rolls-Royce around Ibiza, for example. We also check into an integrated wellness clinic in Thailand and a luxury resort in Spain that focuses on gut health—miso soup and a side of algae, anyone?—and luxuriate in Guerlain’s stunning new day spa outside of Athens. And we spend time with Rory Warnock, a breathwork practitioner and ultra-marathon runner whose tips for curing anxiety and promoting wellbeing are being sought by everyone from CEOs and Olympians to companies like Google and Bupa. And like us, he’s also partial to a well-made negroni. Oh, waiter? Maybe we’ll let the ship sail without us.
Robb Report ANZ’s Issue #38 is now on sale. Pick up your copy of our September issue for an invigorating upgrade for the mind, body and wardrobe.
