Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2024 i Robb Report Singapore

SO, WHAT WOULD it be: quality or quantity? But what if I told you that when it comes to enjoying your holidays, the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive? It is possible, even recommended, to have the best of both worlds. It has taken me decades to arrive at this. With a bit of careful planning around work schedules and long weekends thanks to public holidays, I realised that vacations don’t have to be huge annual affairs (or biannual, for some) that take forever to come around. Instead, by taking more breaks—but shorter ones—to punctuate the year, I have enjoyed an almost cyclic rhythm of work and rejuvenation. The anticipation of travel in small, constant doses has been a revelatory switch from the pent-up, here-and-gone-too-soon sense of expectancy I…

When modern globe-trotters evoke the golden age of travel, they’re usually referring to the sophisticated jet-setters of the 1950s and 1960s. And yet even that model of luxuriantly civilised air transport pales in comparison to the extravagant trains of the Orient Express during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Operated today by Belmond (and not to be confused with the Accor-managed Orient Express brand), the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a study in opulence from the moment uniformed porters greet you at the station entrance to escort you to your gold-trimmed carriage. With access to three dining rooms and a bar car, you needn’t worry about being confined to your suite—though once you’re ensconced, it’s remarkably easy to spend hours marvelling over the details in the captivating space. Each Grand Suite is…

Just below the crest of a mountain on Tinos, in Greece’s Cycladic archipelago, sturdy oak trees are bent low to the ground, the near-constant northern winds sculpting their trunks and branches into bizarre, gravity-defying poses. Known as the Meltemi, these winds have occupied an outsized place in the Tinian psyche since antiquity, when a myth arose to explain them: Hercules, angry at Boreas for killing his friend, took revenge on the god of the north wind by killing Boreas’s children on Tinos. The grieving and enraged father, in turn, unleashed his fierce gales to blow on the rocky landscape for all eternity. Today, the Meltemi make the scorching summer sun bearable and keep the grapes in the vineyards from overheating. They whip up surfable waves at Kolymbithra beach, in an…

China boasts a vast and diverse landscape. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic that many Chinese began to explore and appreciate the allure of their own country’s varied regions. With interstate travel becoming prevalent, the hospitality business has experienced a surge in demand, leading to increased competition and innovation in services to cater to the diverse needs of travellers. Fortunately for Beijing Hotel Nuo, a State Administration of Cultural Heritage protected building, it stands unmatched thanks to its rich history and prime location in the heart of the city’s cultural landscape. Established in 1917, with countless luminaries gracing its rooms, it commands a prestigious address on Chang’an Avenue—standing proud through a century of boundless change. Encircling this historic luxury haven is a wealth of iconic landmarks, from Tiananmen Square to…

SOMETIMES, THE COMFORT you are desperately seeking is right in front of your eyes. Or more specifically, just across the border, where soft beaches, afternoon cocktails and otherworldly pampering beckon. If you wish to unplug quickly and without hassle, a short chauffeured ride (or flight) to neighbouring Malaysia is the answer. While there are plenty of options spanning foodie-haven Penang to charming Ipoh, I decided on stays at the country’s renowned beach resorts to see how far—and rapidly—a well-appointed property could teleport me from a state of anxiety to one of bliss. First stop: Desaru. I had all but dismissed this coastal town, perhaps unimpressed by childhood memories of its crowded family hotels and general lack of things to do. While Desaru’s reputation for uneventfulness largely remains (although it hosted…

‘AS SEEN ON TV’ may have lowbrow connotations, but the recent glut of award-winning shows and films set in alluring 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 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 unbookable. And it’s hardly the only example, “Paris wasn’t hurting for eyes, but…

BLENDING SUPERCAR-WORTHY PERFORMANCE and handcrafted luxury with everyday usability, Bentley Motors’ fourth generation of grand tourers now belongs in a league of its own. Following the design philosophy of the Bacalar and Batur that came before, this Continental GT sports the same two-door, four-seater configuration, albeit with subtle styling that lends a bold and modern touch to its look. The appearance evokes a sharper and more muscular stance, described by Bentley’s designers as a resting tiger. And indeed, the car may look calm and collected, but there is no doubt about its capabilities to unleash primal performance. Under the hood of the Continental GT Speed—the top-spec trim of the range–you’ll find that Bentley’s iconic 6.0-litre W12 engine is officially no more. In its place sits Bentley’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain,…

U-Boat Worx Super Yacht Sub 3 Powerful thrusters allow U-Boat Worx’s three-passenger Super Yacht Sub 3 (US$3.35 million) to dive to 1,000ft. Inside the acrylic dome are plush seats, air-conditioning, a Bluetooth audio system and 360-degree views of your aquatic playground. Cudajet Underwater Jetpack This sleek electric jetpack (US$18,000) delivers effortless, dolphin-like diving, spinning and cavorting at 9ft per second. Rated to 131ft for professional free divers, the controller and floating safety harness limit descents to 10ft for everyone else. Acqua Springboard These custom-built tapered carbon-fibre diving boards (from US$25,000) feature the same type of inlaid mahogany as elegant Riva boats of the 1960s—and add the same dolce vita flair to any ondeck pool. Bugatti Pool Table The handcrafted skin and carbonfibre shell above the aeronauticalgrade aluminium frame of this…

The Goods | TIME ANY WRITER WORTH their salt spends years, even decades, honing their interviewing skills. From carefully crafting questions and building rapport to listening actively, the entire process must be finely tuned to elicit truths and nuances from even the most guarded of interviewees. Then there are the interviewees who are unabashedly open, so much so they make the hours of meticulous preparation seem almost unnecessary. With these individuals, all one needs to do is be curious and listen. Pascal Raffy, the owner of the house of Bovet, is one such individual. What had begun as a conversation about Bovet and the art of watchmaking quickly spun into a discussion of life, poetry and the romance of it all. “You are very rich if you have five true…

STEP INTO SUSHISAMBA, located on the 52nd floor of Capital Tower, and you’ll be greeted by a sign that reads ‘ready to samba’. While no dancing was to be had that afternoon, our guests—a select group of 12 business leaders and CEOs—spent a considerable amount of time thinking on their feet, sharing opinions and drinks while admiring the spectacular view of the city skyline. The leaders in the fields of finance, technology, health and travel discussed market trends, strategies and challenges faced by their respective industries while savouring a vibrant mix of Peruvian, Brazilian and Japanese flavours, courtesy of Sushisamba. Guests were treated to a tantalising menu that included the Samba Seviche Platter, prepared with fresh sea bream, salmon and sea bass; crispy taquitos made with pork, Peruvian peppers and…

Between the frenetic and occasionally mysterious energy of the City of Angels and the wistfulness of the City of Light, which would you choose? Bangkok, one of the world’s busiest tourist destinations, is all about brash, in-your-face attractions that intrigue and occasionally shock. The French capital, on the other hand, headlines elegance, but it isn’t without its equally gritty edges and heart. Both cities are worldly and sophisticated in their own ways. Bangkok is steeped in ancient Siamese wisdom and traditions, while Paris wears its beret of style confidently and not with a little pride. When put head-to-head, which will prevail? We’d wager that you, dear reader, as a person of the world, wouldn’t settle for anything less than both.…

Objectified Carbon Cachet Tougher, sexier and more cutting-edge than ever, Audemars Piguet’s new glow-in-the-dark Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date is one for the collectors’ lists. Crafted from a patented process known as Chroma Forged Technology (CFT), which allows the carbon fibre stands to be coloured, the watch’s new case and lugs are now streaked with shots of electric blue that glow in the dark. Besides the novel luminescent colour, the new CFT carbon case is purportedly tougher than other forged carbon creations, offering greater resistance to heat, humidity, shocks and scratches. Besides the case, which is paired with a black ceramic bezel, crown and pushers, the watch is equipped with one of Audemars Piguet’s latest multi-complication movements, the Calibre 4407, that features a flyback chronograph with split-seconds,…

DON’T BOTHER BUYING a hotel. There’s no need now as it has never been easier to enjoy the feeling of your own private resort (if temporarily). Call it an owner’s lodge, a royal villa or the principal’s home. The must-have of the moment is a mansion-sized, hotel-run lodging that has access to all the amenities but keeps you far away from fellow guests. This trend is influenced by a permanent shift in travel patterns. According to Black Tomato’s Sunil Metcalfe, bookings for eight people or more increased by 35 per cent in 2022 compared to 2019. Such group travel now makes up almost a third of the company’s bookings. “The private-villa and private-staff trend that was massive during COVID is on the wane, but what’s stayed is a desire for…

THE TRAVEL ISSUE After Bruce Jones sold his company, Triton Submarines, in 2022, the now 68-year-old mulled a trip. Not a quick getaway, though, but a months-long adventure—he was determined to circumnavigate the globe. An inveterate who grew up partly in the Philippines and has visited more than 120 countries, Jones had nurtured the dream for some time. So he and his wife, Liz, a fellow licensed pilot, invested in a twin-engine Diamond DA62 and started flying it on short hops, road-testing it for comfort. It failed, big time. “Twelve hours in a smaller airplane, where you can’t move around and there’s no bathroom? Liz wasn’t comfortable with that,” Jones says. The Idaho-based couple sold the plane and started looking for an alternative way to fulfill that globe-spanning wanderlust, which…

Try this the next time you’re out at lunch. Pick a table that’s close to a group of friends, then simply sit and listen. Before long, someone is bound to bring up the topic of travel, regaling in the next exotic destination or the latest must-visit hotel. What is it about the promise of overseas rejuvenation that makes its way into our everyday conversations? Is it the promise of escape? The allure of adventure? The answer isn’t straightforward, but we’re certain that much of it has to do with the spaces we inhabit abroad. Besides the allure of far-flung destinations, it’s the remarkable hotels and resorts that define the experience. After all, isn’t the hotel lobby the place where we, upon arrival, take in the start of our vacation and,…

THE TRAVEL ISSUE Once considered an alternative to conventional travel, cruises have evolved into a sought-after option for holidaymakers. Luxury cruises offer a blend of convenience and indulgence that traditional vacations cannot match, with unrivalled seamlessness at the heart of the experience. Imagine boarding a floating sanctuary, unpacking your bags just once for the entire journey, as your five-star abode takes you across the world’s most stunning seascapes. Instead of frequent check-ins, airport transfers and endless packing and unpacking, you get to unwind as you travel to different locations, greeted by new horizons every morning—icy blue glaciers, cascading waterfalls and majestic mountain views-with each more breathtaking than the last. If this is what you desire, a ticket to the 7-night Alaska adventure aboard Ovation of the Seas has your name…

PICTURE THIS: FEELING refreshed after a restful night of sleep, you step out onto the outdoor terrace by your bedroom; it’s barely dawn, yet the sky is already bright. What greets you is a symphony of sounds: the whispering of birdsong and insects chirping, and the faint rustle of trees in the gentle breeze. The crisp, fresh air carries the earthy scent of damp morning dew, and as your gaze stretches over the manicured greenery, something catches your attention: a glimpse of the sparkling sea on the horizon. In that instant, an inexplicable urge takes over, pulling you towards the beach. Mere moments later, you’re there—ankles kissed by the cool waves of the South China Sea, toes sinking into fine white sand and the gentle warmth of the rising sun…

WHEN OFFERED THE opportunity to test drive the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S, I said ‘yes’ quicker than when my partner got down on one knee. Priced at over S$500,000, the C63 line is the pinnacle of high-performance engineering in the AMG portfolio, compared to its 43, 53 or 55 siblings—which are already powerful by all standards. In the AMG 63 variants, more horsepower and torque are to be expected along with advanced suspension, transmission and drivetrain. This is a sports car in disguise: ultra-fast, ultra-furious and packed with features for a more agile and responsive drive. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S tends to provoke two distinct reactions: either an outburst of excitement—like mine—or casual indifference, like my partner’s. Those who belong to the latter camp probably see the latest model…

IN TERMS BOTH of size and exclusivity, the pinnacle of private aviation has long been contested between just two parties: Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) and Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ). Each converts its large commercial aircraft into lavish, sometimes outlandish, business jets commissioned by captains of industry, world leaders and royalty. Yet these duelling giants have seen shrinking market shares against competitors such as Gulfstream, Bombardier and Dassault—and in the bizliner business, less is never more. “The biggest wide-bodies comprise only about five per cent of the bizliner world,” says Richard Gaona, chairman of Comlux, a Zurich-based provider of aviation services certified for both BBJ and ACJ interior completions. Gaona notes that, in this rarefied segment, “most interiors tend to be subtle and elegant, designed for heads of state who want…

WHEN RORY MCILROY won the Zurich Classic earlier this year and Collin Morikawa stormed to three consecutive top-five finishes at the PGA Championship, they did so with characteristic style—the former with effortless power and the latter with steely consistency. It must be said, though, that McIlroy and Morikawa also benefited from TaylorMade’s latest P·Series irons, which accentuated their performance in no small measure while allowing both men to play their game, their way. Building on the legacy of the P·Series line, the latest P·770 and P·7CB irons offer a combination of beauty, modern technology and tour-validated performance. The P·770 irons feature a thin top line and a smaller blade, resulting in a refined look that aids consistent shot shaping. On the other hand, the P·7CB irons, which feature an even…

Acqua Di Parma Luce Di Rosa Acqua Di Parma has added a new olfactory offering, accompanied by two bath and body formats of the same scent, to its Signatures of the Sun collection. Called Luce di Rosa, the gender-neutral fragrance opens with an invigorating citrus blend of bergamot and mandarin, heightened by the spicy nuances of fresh black pepper and pink pepper CO2 extract, alongside the subtle accents of cardamom. At its heart, Luce di Rosa flourishes with verdant geranium, which enhances the intense freshness of the noble Bulgarian rose oil. The scent ends with a deep, grounding essence of vetiver, guaiac wood and cedarwood, which are enveloped by the soft, sensual embrace of musk nuances. Guerlain x Pucci Collection Pucci, renowned for its vibrant geometric prints, has reimagined Guerlain’s…

Special Feature WANT TO TEE off on the same prestigious courses graced by the likes of Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh, and chill in luxury afterwards as you would on a golfing vacation? Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore invites you to do that with its Stay & Play package. Located on the grounds of Laguna National Golf Resort Club, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore is a unique integrated resort that allows guests access to the premier members-only golf club. Comprising 198 rooms, suites and duplexes tastefully showcasing the unique charm of contemporary Asian design, the resort also presents a wealth of experiences and amenities that will take care of every need on a short getaway. Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore has you covered when it comes to dining and self-care options.…

Cover Story The French Alps are eternal. These are, after all, the very peaks that saw the marches of Hannibal and Napoleon, and cradled the musings of philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau. These majestic mountains have seen it all. It is, thus, not wrong for holidaymakers to expect to be imbued with a sense of life being lived at its absolute maximum on their vacations here. For indulgent alpine adventures laden with world-class dining, spa treatments and breathtaking views, we must turn to the experts. With over 70 years of experience in delivering dream holidays to discerning travellers, travel operator Club Med is a trusted name for where to stay and things to do when visiting the French Alps. The company has the winning formula for extravagant mountainous escapades: thrilling on-and-off-slope…

THE TRAVEL ISSUE Visit www.fujifanboys.com for more.…

IN 1853, FOLLOWING two centuries of near complete isolation, a fleet of US Navy ships forced Japan to open to trade at the point of a cannon. Yet certain aspects of the country have always remained off-limits, especially to outsiders and those who don’t speak the language. That has finally changed. “The pandemic was tremendously impactful on tourism in Japan, especially in rural areas that relied heavily on it and had few other streams of income,” says Naomi Mano, founder and CEO of Japan-based hospitality and events-management agency Luxurique. “It motivated the government to take advantage of a huge opportunity when tourism returned. It offered grants to unique venues such as castles, temples, Japanese gardens and national parks.” Which means that a pair of stunning, historic stacked-roof castles, previously closed…

FACADE Capella Sydney, Australia It took seven years to turn this local landmark—the building once housed the departments of education and agriculture—into a luxury hotel. It anchors the so-called Sandstone Precinct (named for the honey-colored facades of so many buildings here, including this one), but the adaptive reuse is its crowning glory, literally, with a gleaming, four-storey glass addition that perches atop the structure like an architectural tiara. SUITES The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel, New York City, the US After a full reimagining by Martin Brudnizki and its new operator, Malta-based Corinthia Hotels, this Upper East Side stalwart’s signature suites now include a quartet inspired by Central Park bridges. Mouldings nod to the bridges’ architectural details, while hand-painted sketches inside the grandes armoires evoke the Ramble-adjacent Bow Bridge. POOL One&Only…

HAVING HELMED THE design department of Porsche for over 20 years, Michael Mauer is more than sensitive to what makes customers fall in love with its cars over and over again. Mauer has had a hand in the development of all the current Porsche models and is responsible for the design of every 911 model since he started work at Porsche in 2004. In this insightful chat with Robb Report Singapore, he shares with us some deep thoughts on constantly elevating and evolving the aesthetic allure of Porsche. Porsche’s designs are known for their evolutionary rather than revolutionary changes. How do you balance tradition with the need for innovation? This balance is a very important issue for Porsche and therefore also for us as designers. The rich history and stringent…

Dream Machines | WINGS SOARING 200FT OFF the ground, alone in a small aircraft, with no piloting experience sounds like a nightmare to some. For electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) start-up Pivotal, it sounds like the future. For this writer, it was a chance to strap in once again to test the air (literally) around this burgeoning space, having previously piloted another recent entrant, the Ryse Recon. The latest opportunity came via Pivotal’s prototype Blackfly, a single-person electric ultra-light that can be mastered without the flight training required for a private pilot’s licence. At least, that’s the claim from the Silicon Valley-based outfit, backed by Google co-founder Larry Page, before I arrived at its headquarters to see for myself. Which isn’t to say the training that is required isn’t…

The Goods | TIME We are not being hyperbolic in suggesting that few ‘basic’ watches exude distinctiveness and character like A. Lange & Söhne’s Lange 1. It might not be the sole watch that shows only the time and date yet oozes this much personality, but Lange 1 certainly ranks among the most charismatic. Lange 1 was in stellar company when it debuted in 1994. Along with Saxonia, the now-discontinued Arkade and the original Pour Le Mérite Tourbillon, Lange 1 caused a stir at their high-stakes premiere, which marked the modern-day relaunch of A. Lange & Söhne. Even in those nascent days, Lange 1 arrived fully formed. Immediately distinguishable with its unique dial design featuring off-centred time displays paired with outsized date indicators, the watch was a huge hit and…

THE OCEAN CLUB, FOUR SEASONS RESIDENCES THE BAHAMAS Privacy and flexibility are the major features of these four residential buildings, with private plunge pools for the penthouses and large front gardens and swimming pools for the villas on the ground floor. Many of the residences, which also include two- to four-bedroom apartments, also have a ‘lock-off’. This is a self-contained unit with a separate entrance that owners can choose to rent while staying in the main residence or vice versa. Residents will enjoy views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows or from the expansive veranda. An open floor plan, premium fixtures, cabinetry and fittings complete the list of features that prospective residents can look forward to. The exteriors were designed by 10SB to highlight timeless Bahamian architectural details such as…

PURPOSE, IMPACT AND the true power of wealth and privilege. These deeper ruminations on the evolving meaning of luxury were expressed and celebrated at Robb Report Singapore’s first gala event, aptly themed Thinking Luxury, on 12 October. Set against the backdrop of Capella Singapore’s ballroom, the soiree drew the magazine’s readers, trailblazers and luminaries across various industries, standing as a testament to the pinnacle of luxury, innovation and leadership. The night commenced with an opening address by Daniel Chan, publisher of Robb Report Singapore, setting the tone with a retrospective on the brand’s journey and vision for the future. Accompanied by introductory video presentations, Chan’s speech charted the evolution of the magazine, which is currently in its 12th year. The evening unfolded through a meticulously prepared five-course menu complemented by…