Indholdsfortegnelse for April 2024 i Robb Report Singapore

CHASING AN ADRENALINE fix is akin to yielding to the seduction of a risky venture that entices with excitement and danger. And like any risk that promises pleasure, its attraction demands decisive commitment. Either you launch headlong into it with scant consideration, or play it safe and walk away. One thing that I've always found easy to walk away from is an invitation to burn rubber. My dad loved cars and made a living fixing beast-like continental makes. Me? I'd gladly pass on the chance to test drive the latest cars with breathtaking acceleration to thrillseeking colleagues. Which explains my immeasurable respect for our peers from Robb Report US, who unfailingly and conscientiously push the world's most coveted cars to the extremes for our annual Car of the Year hot…

Louis Vuitton's Speedy, an emblem of timeless elegance, is reborn under the visionary touch of men's creative director Pharrell Williams. This incarnation, the Speedy P9, refreshes the iconic silhouette with audacious colours and textures—a testament to Williams's flair for the avant-garde. Draped in sumptuous grained calfskin, the bag is a canvas displaying a spectrum of contemporary artistry. Each hue, bolder than the last, challenges the norm, making the Speedy P9 a statement piece for the discerning sartorialist. Shown here is the Speedy P9 Bandoulière 40 (S$16,100).…

THE ADRENALINE ISSUE A BLURRING LANDSCAPE Alogical mind seeks order. Taxonomy within the natural sciences is what allows zoologists to identify species. Even in medicine, doctors use different standardised codes to bill insurers when a patient is ‘bitten by crocodile’ versus ‘bitten by alligator’. One can only wish that things were as straightforward in the automotive world. Today more than ever, the lines are blurred when classifying cars; each model can be, and do, so many different things. When Robb Report created its Car of the Year contest 21 years ago, categories such as Sports Car, Convertible, GT and Sedan were clear demarcations of a vehicle's purpose and capability. Back then, it was unthinkable that an SUV might out-sport a sports car while being every bit as comfortable as a…

Dream Machines | WATER VIKING GRIT STILL runs strong throughout Gotland. From medieval sailors buried beneath the cobblestone streets in Visby to the ruins of Norse shipyards where longboats were built 1,000 years ago, ancient maritime lore suffuses the island. The old walled community once thrived on trading squirrel skins and beeswax, and to this day small fishing vessels make regular runs between the isle and the mainland, a distance of about 90km. “The people of Gotland have always made their living by the sea,” says Johan Hallén, who grew up here, renovated his first boat at the age of 15, served in the Swedish navy as a mine diver, and later spent three years as a training officer specialising in battleship management. These days, Hallén is the chief technical…

The Goods | TIME JUST AS IT is with people we connect with, a timepiece's unique qualities may take a while to become apparent enough for its owner to appreciate them. A. Lange & Söhne may not be coy about getting its watches noticed, but the German brand is just as adept at conveying subtle nuances. Its most iconic models like the Lange 1, which bear trademark designs such as asymmetrical subdials and large date displays, and the Zeitwerk, famed for its digital-style interface powered entirely mechanically, will invite second glances. While gratifying for their owners, A. Lange & Söhne will have you know that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the watches’ most distinctive features. To seek them out, you need only flip the…

SINGLE-FAMILY HOME RIO NEGRO, ARGENTINA This 710sqm home is just eight years old, but it's surrounded by a century-old native cypress and coihue forest. Cypress wood and stone, materials that are indigenous to the area, were used for the exterior and interior of the three-storey building. On the ground floor is a large living room with picture windows overlooking Gutiérrez Lake, a dining room that can accommodate 16 guests, a library, a kitchen with its own dining area, and two bedrooms with attached bathrooms. The master bedroom and an office are on the first floor, with both also offering views of Gutiérrez Lake. The adjacent bathroom has a bath with hydro massage and a separate shower, and provides access to a dressing room. In the basement, residents can store their…

IT'S SAID THAT with age, one becomes more oneself. To which you might reply—sure, what other choice is there? The more intriguing idea is whether the same applies to Scotch. The answer, in a dram, is yes. Highland Park's 54-year-old single malt, the oldest and rarest whisky it has ever produced, manages to tell the distillery's whole story in a sip, bringing its varied personalities together like clans at a feast. But to comprehend how master whisky maker Gordon Motion achieved such harmony, you first have to understand where Highland Park starts. And that means understanding Orcadian peat. Peat, the fuel that gives Scotch its smoke, is no more than thousands of years’ worth of compacted plant matter, which renders the character of any peat a reflection of the local…

Want to head off on your own wine-country jaunt, minus the Sideways drama and tourist traffic? Downtown Napa has all your needs covered, combining the ambience of a small town with the amenities of a big city, including world-class dining, high-end boutique hotels and more than 55 tasting rooms within walking distance. Below, four must-visit spots. ALPHA OMEGA COLLECTIVE 1245 First Street This gorgeous western-saloon-style tasting room features highly acclaimed pours from three sister wineries, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from Napa Valley's Alpha Omega; Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Tolosa, on the Central Coast; and bold Mediterranean varieties from Spanish winery Perinet. Flights can be paired with cheese and charcuterie or sandwiches and fried chicken from neighbouring Dutch Door. VINTNER'S COLLECTIVE 1245 Main Street Open for 21 years,…

ANY WATCH AFICIONADO would have been asked this at some point of their watch collecting journey: “What is your grail watch?” While seemingly straightforward, the depths of this question are profound and complex. A grail watch transcends aesthetics. It must resonate on a visceral level, captivating both the heart and spirit. It must also radiate an allure that speaks to the eye, dimensions that agree with one's personal style, and be endowed with craft that satisfies the intellect. This timepiece mirrors one's essence and aspirations. And where better to explore the question than in the country where watchmaking began? A jaunt through Switzerland with Scott Dunn Private is no ordinary journey. The expert team of bespoke travel specialists will ensure that every second spent in the country is imbued with…

A blend of soundscapes and colourscapes, this neon turntable takes multisensory musical experiences to a new level. Created by pioneering English ambient musician Brian Eno, it employs LED lights under its acrylic circular base and platter, emanating hues that fluidly morph from one seductive glow to the next. Equal parts sculptural art and audio equipment, the succinctly monikered Turntable II is equipped with a high-quality Pro-Ject aluminium tonearm and Ortofon white 2M cartridge. The first edition, which was made in 2021, purportedly inspired U2's stage set at Sphere in Las Vegas. The latest model, which is limited to just 150 pieces and priced at £20,000, looks primed to ignite more sparks of imagination with its new tapestry of psychedelic hues.…

Objectified The Porsche Macan, long celebrated as the brand's top seller, has boldly transitioned into the electric era. This all-electric variant (from S$254,588) retains a similar design language to its combustion-engine predecessor while introducing distinct design elements such as a more coupe-like rear and a slightly more pronounced hood designed to support its new electrified platform. Its dual motors pack a punch with 402hp, enabling a snappy 0 to 100km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds and top speed of 220km/h. Motoring enthusiasts may be sceptical of its slightly lighter steering feel, but the Macan 4 Electric's ferocious acceleration and exceptional cornering will go a long way in changing their minds.…

IN AN ADMITTEDLY wildly unscientific study conducted over the past 25 years, we believe we've uncovered something of an enigma—Spain. To elaborate: when asking oenophiles about Spanish wine, we tend to hear mention of just two (yes, two) esteemed producers: Vega Sicilia and Pingus. Now, this pair of outstanding Ribera del Duero wineries are certainly deserving of their collective accolades, but the fact that savvy drinkers can name fewer than a handful of elite winemakers from the fourth-largest (by area) European nation is just weird. Home to over 100 wine regions, Spain produces red, white, rose and sparkling wines across the entire quality and price spectrum. Just two, Rioja and Priorat, have received the highest designation, DOCa (which translates to ‘denomination of qualified origin’), a step above the 68 DOlevel…

BEFORE EVERYONE TURNS the page on internal-combustion engines, a trio of comprehensive new compilations has been released for gearheads to admire and, no doubt, regularly consult. These coffee-table tomes are not just informative and lavishly illustrated, they also promise discoveries that will make even the most devoted students of historic motorsport, automobiles and motorcycles giddy with delight at uncovering new facts and images. Each is proof that there is no substitute for the tactile rewards of sitting down with a good book. Ultimate Collector Motorcycles The 940-page Ultimate Collector Motorcycles is a twovolume encomium to a subject never before presented in such depth, bringing over 1,100 photographs to life in a way smaller formats simply can't, with the design, printing and paper quality to which we've become accustomed from publishing…

1. Wajer | 44 Wajer has greatly expanded its fleet since the Dutch yard was founded more than three decades ago. The new Wajer 44, which boasts a 40-knot planing hull, a functional cabin and an outdoor layout that optimises usable space, best demonstrates the line's evolutionary progression. Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady is a fan, having purchased two other Wajers. 2. Comitti | Venezia V31 With its fast, slender hull and wood decks, Comitti's Venezia V31 exudes la dolce vita, but with a contemporary twist. For this model, the Italian yard (dating back 68 years) retains the best of the old world— sensuous lines, a mahogany console and wheel, and teak or mahogany inlays— while offering a top speed of 85km/h, a full cabin and a full-beam sunbed over…

ABOUT AN HOUR outside Dubai's towering skyscrapers, a select group of journalists gathered in the desert at the serene Bab Al Shams resort to get handson with Vacheron Constantin's latest Les Cabinotiers collection. In the world of high horology, it's unusual for press to get a preview of unique pieces ahead of clients, but in this case, the Genevabased manufacture was trying to avoid becoming a victim of its own success— again. Last year, every watch presold to clients, preventing any publicity. The goal of the annual collection, introduced in 2016, has been to showcase the type of elite work Vacheron Constantin has long done via bespoke commissions, and so the fervent demand (and subsequent lack of press) defeated the purpose. “We are happy to sell expensive watches, but the…

SNEAKERS HAVE TRANSCENDED beyond their humble origins as utility footwear. Synonymous with style and self-expression, they have endured and evolved with the changing tides of fashion, taking reign in the footwear game as must-have items in any top-dollar wardrobe. As you make purposeful strides into the second quarter of the year, check out these new launches that will help you step out in style. Anthony Edwards New Adidas AE 1 Velocity Blue Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards debuts his latest collaboration with Adidas, the AE1 colourway, Velocity Blue. First spotted on the two-time NBA all-star at a game against Orlando Magic, the shoes pay homage to his career journey with green accents on the heel that reference the early Timberwolves era. The AE1 Velocity Blue melds performance with style. Engineered…

GENIUS AT WORK The Resource | ART & DESIGN BROTHERS PRIYANK AND Paritosh Mehta are on a mission to bring the bygone aesthetics of steamship travel into the 21st century. Trunks Company, which they founded in Jaipur, India, in 2011, offers everything from stylish steamers to elaborate bar cabinets to vaults for fine watches and jewellery. A discerning international clientele has caught on. Notable commissions have included an installation at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace hotel and projects for Qatar’s royal family. Each handmade example draws inspiration from Jaipur, and even the company’s flower logo is derived from traditional jali, the latticed architectural screens popularised in the 16th century. Nearly all the trunks’ elements are designed or manufactured in-house, from the bar tools to the drawer knobs. “In India, there’s no one…

Fireplace by Bedrock In life, you win some and you lose some. The same goes for dining at an establishment that does it all. Whether you want a view, a live show to make your weekend more interesting or the green light to bring your dog along, chances are, the food isn't going to be very good. Even if it is, it probably won't be great. But then we have places like Fireplace by Bedrock at One Holland Village. Brought to you by Commonwealth Concepts, the same people behind Bedrock Bar & Grill, Fat Cow and Cin Cin, it loves its animal friends as much as it does food. The casual grill launched late last year as an extension of the Bedrock brand, which since 2008 has revolved around the…

TO PUT THIS a little too bluntly, I don't think many of us cared for cava until Vins Família Ferrer started producing sparkling wine. The Ferrers, with over 160 years of winemaking expertise, have been growing vines on the family estate since 1616. Coming from ancestors who founded the largest sparkling wine company in the world, Freixener, Vins Família Ferrer has been making 100 per cent estate wines with minimal intervention, traditional techniques and a vertical wooden press that dates back to 1895. At the 250-hectare estate in Mediona, with some vineyards as high as 700m above sea level, only vintage Cava de Paraje (the best of the appellation) is produced with extra-long ageing, so you know the cava will always be complex, intense and full of personality. Here, we…

Objectified Over-ear headphones seem to be back, and we are all for it. For a quality set of cans for the fashion conscious, Celine's first wireless headphones (S$1,350) will be music to the ears. Made in collaboration with American audio company Master & Dynamic, the headphones are equipped with quick pairing technology and up to 30 hours of battery life. Available in three colourways—black, black and silver, and tan and silver—the headphones also boast a lightweight anodised aluminium structure and buttery lambskin leather.…

Bombardier's Global 7500 (price upon request) is a record-setter. In 2019, it flew 8,152 nautical miles, making it the longest non-stop flight achieved by a purpose-built business jet. Need to work non-stop, yet arrive fresh in the US to close a deal? The Global 7500 takes you from Singapore to San Francisco without the need for layovers, all while cruising at an impressive top speed of Mach 0.925. Equipped with Bombardier's innovative Smooth Flex Wing technology, this jet achieves superior aerodynamic efficiency, cutting down on drag and lowering fuel usage and emissions. Inside, the aircraft boasts a spacious and customisable interior with four living areas that can be tailored to include amenities such as a queensized bed and additional seats. Customisation options, from the selection of cabin layouts to material…

UNWINDING ON A vacation can take a different turn for motoring enthusiasts. For pure exhilaration, nothing beats a car rally holiday, where the pulse races when clutching the steering wheel. Imagine being serenaded by the roar of supercharged engines, with every bend in the road inciting a fresh surge of excitement and an opportunity to challenge the limits. Here, the world's most exquisite racing machines take centre stage, competing in a grandiose ballet of velocity and style. It's a celebration of both aesthetic and sensory pleasures of motion, set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. From the winding country roads of Europe to the vast expanse of the American desert, here are five car rally holidays to check out. Corsa America Rally 15 - 25 May Proudly standing as the…

Dream Machines | WINGS DECADES BEFORE JETLINERS zigzagged across the planet at near supersonic speeds, a more genteel aircraft ruled the skies, designed to function in harmony with the 71 per cent of Earth that's covered in water. Amphibious planes were among the first to bring a halo of panache to air travel, and not just thanks to their leisurely pace. Many models, among them the Martin M-130 China Clipper and the Sikorsky S-40 Flying Forest, remain paragons of aircraft design. It was only after World War II triggered a sprawl of airports that commercial aviation veered from harbours and waterways to more efficient point-to-point solutions, rendering seaplanes all but obsolete. Yet like record players and film cameras, these retro machines are making a comeback, and it's not hard to…

The Resource | SAVOUR IT WAS THE line heard round the wine world: “I am not drinking any f*****g Merlot!” With that splenetic declaration, Miles Raymond, the fictional wine-snob protagonist played by Paul Giamatti in the movie Sideways (based on the Rex Pickett novel of the same title) eviscerated the realworld estimation of an entire varietal. Even going on 20 years since the film's debut, it's impossible to fully account for the reputational hit suffered by the small, dark-purple grape from Bordeaux—but you can start with the fact that Pinot Noir took its place as the It variety almost overnight. This, despite the fact that Miles and his sidekick, Jack (Thomas Haden Church), are hardly the types of people anyone would actually take advice from. Deriving its name from merle,…

THIS YEAR'S NEWLY opened hotels are painting a fresh picture on the canvas of high-end hospitality. These properties, though built on foundations of luxury and exclusivity, are leading a shift from grandeur to recalibrating expectations of lavish respites with touches of mindfulness and meaningfulness. Here, sophistication is measured by more than the extravagance and opulence of the suites; it's about the connections made with local cultures and sustainable practices as well as the personal journeys of the guests. The Vineta Hotel Opening in the second half The Vineta Hotel is located just two blocks away from the vibrant Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida, known for its high-end boutiques, exquisite dining and art galleries. Most recently known as The Chesterfield, this hotel will revive the Vineta name, which once graced…

A STORY ABOUT an African safari experience writes itself. The mind conjures images of sun-bathed savannahs and rugged rocky outcrops before one needs to put them to words. So do the distant, yet familiar dramas that unfold in these grand theatres: the ferocious lion chasing a languid zebra, the thunderous march of majestic elephants, the solemn anticipation moments before a leopard catches its prey. The best luxury safari experiences are inadvertently set against Africa's breathtaking landscapes, where you are immersed in defining moments of nature. But more so, they will bring you close to the heart of Africa through people whose sole purpose in life is to love and care for the land. People like Dereck and Beverly Joubert, an award-winning film-making duo, acclaimed for their in-depth wildlife documentaries and…

The retreat-within-a-retreat was built on the pillars of “food and beverage, socialisation, wellness and exclusivity”. VISITORS TO PHOENIX, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley are lining up for a chance to drink and dine at The Global Ambassador, the stylishly decadent new hotel bringing an international elegance to this sunbaked slice of the Southwest. Although guests and residents alike are eager for the chance to enjoy a cocktail in the 1,672sqm rooftop lounge (the largest in the state), dinner at one of the five restaurants or a worldclass spa treatment, a select few are ushered into the real inner sanctum: the members-only Global Ambassador Club. Both The Global Ambassador and the private Club within are the creations of prolific restaurateur Sam Fox, known for his obsessive attention to detail, whether it's the…