The Ultimate Gift Guide
1 A Gonzo Trip to the Antarctic
A total solar eclipse above Antarctica is so powerful and rare—the last one happened 75 years ago, the next will take place in December 2021 and the one after that won’t be until 2039—that it has become a seminal event for NASA scientists. Best seen from the water, the visual drama of the horizon-level eclipse is heightened by the region’s jagged icebergs. Witnessing the phenomenon is just one of a dozen singular experiences that Pelorus has designed for a Robb Report reader and 21 guests on its exclusive 10-day voyage aboard the 254-foot expedition yacht Legend from December 2 to 11, 2021.
Exploring the most remote treasures of the southernmost continent, you will also take a helicopter to visit the largest emperor-penguin colony, track humpback and minke whales by submarine, kayak near sea lions and seals, climb the ice of a glacier and enjoy cocktails on the summit. This immersive experience is not just a bucket-list slideshow but an authentic voyage into the heart of Antarctica, whether standing in the midst of the mating dances of 100,000 chinstrap penguins or stopping at research bases to talk with scientists about their latest findings. Leading the journey will be an astronomer (helpful for watching the aurora australis, too), naturalists and kayak and mountain guides, and a film crew will document the trip. Legend is the quintessential explorer vessel, combining an icebreaker hull with an outdoor Jacuzzi for 16 and luxe interiors, including a full gym, a 14-seat cinema, a piano and whiskey bar, and ornate staterooms. There’s even a helipad, where two helicopters from a support vessel can land. From $1.4 million, 917-512-9777, yachts@pelorusx.com Michael Verdon
2 A Parmigiani One-of-a-Kind 18-Karat Rose-Gold Tondagraph GT With a Chronor Movement
Known predominantly for its high-end, well-engineered dress watches, Parmigiani released in July the Tondagraph GT, which offers an elite annual-calendar chronograph in a sportier look. The watch debuted in steel as well as 18-karat rose gold with the PF043 caliber. Now the company is offering to make a one-of-a-kind version for a Robb Report reader: an 18-karat rose-gold piece exclusively equipped with a chocolate dial and the Swiss watchmaker’s elevated Chronor PF361 caliber in solid 18-karat rose gold. It will combine an integrated chronograph with a split-seconds function, prized by horse- and car-racing enthusiasts for the ability to time two separate intervals simultaneously.
While more poetic complications like tourbillons or minute repeaters receive much of the limelight in high horology, the truth is that integrated chronographs are among the most complex functions to make, in terms of precision and adjustment.
This watch will be a singular opportunity for a Robb Report reader to get their hands on a unique creation from one of Switzerland’s highly respected, niche watchmakers. The 42.1-by-14.7-mm timepiece will take approximately four months to deliver upon purchase, but this gift will be well worth the wait. $179,000, 786-615-9656 Paige Reddinger
3 A Private Polo Experience With Nacho Figueras in Uruguay
In the hills of the chic coastal enclave of José Ignacio in Uruguay sits Estancia Vik, a luxurious private retreat of just 12 spacious suites, which is an ideal buyout for a group whose passions encompass fine art, wine, cuisine, outdoor sports and horses. The beautiful Spanish colonial resort sprawls across 4,000 acres that include a golf course, two grass tennis courts, a pool, a spa and a gym as well as a stable full of horses to play on the private polo field, all for your exclusive use during your weeklong stay. To help you with your game—and offered exclusively to a Robb Report reader—celebrated Argentine polo player Nacho Figueras will be on hand to give lessons to your party.
Marked by warm, attentive service, the Estancia Vik is a true escape, surrounded by pastureland and very secluded, though it’s only a short drive to the shores of the Atlantic. Works by Uruguayan artists adorn the private suites and public spaces, including murals by Jose Trujillo in the gym and spa and a dramatic marble sculpture by Pablo Atchugarry in the living room. Cuisine at the on-site restaurant, El Asador, focuses on traditional gaucho open-hearth cooking, and wines include the estate’s own label as well as premium bottles from around the world. Additional activities such as Spanish lessons for both children and adults, horseback riding, cooking classes with the chef, historic sightseeing and workshops with local artists can also be arranged. From $75,000, for up to 24 people, double occupancy, some blackout dates apply, reservations@estanciavik.com Janice O’Leary
4 An Art Deco Cocktail Shaker (and More)
Do happy hour in high style with this vintage silver-plated zeppelin shaker. Mixers in the shape of the sleek airships were first produced by the German firm of J. A. Henckels in 1928 (which aviation buffs will recognize as the same year that the Graf Zeppelin made its record transatlantic flight) and grew popular during the Art Deco era. This example is a rare Henckels original from that period, which also gave us the seminal Savoy Cocktail Book, still a bible for some in the spirits world.
Sourced by Simon Teakle, the former head of Christie’s New York jewelry department who now runs an eponymous gallery in Greenwich, Conn., the zeppelin is both a piece of collectible design and a functional tool. As for the latter, this beauty does more than just mix drinks. Like a matryoshka for tipplers, it disassembles into everything needed for a well-appointed nip: The main body houses a generously sized flask; the nose unscrews to reveal a strainer and nesting cups; the tail transforms into a nut dish; and the undercarriage contains four spoons. Is it five o’clock yet? $5,800, 203-769-5888 Kareem Rashed
5 Your Caviar Concierge
In the not too distant past, you’d be forgiven if you considered one cup of coffee no different from any other. We know better now. It’s not just a matter of Folgers versus Starbucks versus some hipster third-wave roast. From bean varietal to bean varietal, there’s a wide world of nuance and flavor possibilities. Well, caviar isn’t just caviar, either.
The little cured sturgeon eggs don’t merely fall on a spectrum of good to bad. Caviar varietals offer distinct sizes, textures and flavor profiles. So which one is right for you? One of America’s leading producers, Sterling, is offering an exclusive experience to Robb Report readers to help them find out. The company will provide a caviar concierge to discuss your palate in order to steer you to the types—as well as food and drink pairings—that are optimal for you. But, really, you learn from trying. So over the course of the year, Sterling will send you four curated shipments, based on your preferences and availability, totaling one kilo’s worth of caviar. And with the first shipment you’ll receive mother-of-pearl spoons to serve it and a cooler should you decide to share the delicacy with friends. $3,000, sales@sterlingcaviar.com Jeremy Repanich
6 A Custom La Prairie Skin-Care Regimen and Preview of Rare Mondrian Works
Sometimes even the greatest beauties can use a tune-up. The Swiss skin-care experts at La Prairie know a thing or two about maintaining appearances, reader and guest an exclusive first look. Next in line for La Prairie’s conservation efforts? You. Over the course of this three-day trip, you’ll receive unprecedented access to the full extent of the brand’s beautification arsenal.
