My portfolio, musings, amusing(s - that a word? No? K.) and more. Photoshoots over the years, behind the scenes anecdotes, some awesome celebrity encounters (some horrific ones too!). 21 years+ as a journalist in Hong Kong - that's a lot of verbal diarr... um... discourse!
Part of my last few series of interviews for Leaders of Luxury.
In Asia, the iron horse is all about velocity—the region’s swiftest operational trains include the Shanghai Maglev, Indonesia’s Whoosh, and Japan’s Shinkansen.
In Hong Kong, the MTR whisks commuters from workplace to hearth (and back) with minimal fuss and immaculate carriages. If you’ve endured the New York City Subway or London Underground, the contrast is cause for celebration. Luxury is an empty cabin and a seat that isn’t damp. We seldom spare a thought for railways unless a delay derails the day.
Enter Paolo Barletta, the visionary founder and CEO of Arsenale, intent on persuading us that slow travel is the ultimate indulgence. In a world where haste eclipses panache, the romance of the rails has receded into the shadows of modern frenzy. Barletta, however, is resolute in resurrecting this timeless conveyance, lavishing it with luxury and refinement. In an exclusive conversation with Robb Report Hong Kong, he unveiled his audacious blueprint to redefine travel, drawing on his family’s storied legacy in hospitality and real estate.
Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.
Frank Binder stands at the forefront of a maritime revolution with his most ambitious project to date: the glamorous and grand Ulyssia. As founder and chairman of Ulyssia Residences AG, Binder is crafting a unique experience that merges the opulence of high-end residential living with the dynamic lifestyle of a luxury yacht. His pioneering venture promises not only to elevate the standards of luxury travel but also to foster a deeper connection with the world’s most breathtaking locales studded around the planet.
The genesis of Ulyssia can be traced back over two decades, when Binder first encountered the concept of a residential ship. His vision has since evolved into a magnificent project that aims to provide an unparalleled living environment for its residents. “When I first came across the idea 25 years ago, I was captivated by the notion of having a home at sea,” Binder recounts. “Since then, I have explored various similar projects, but none met my standards. I knew I had to create something extraordinary.”
Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.
Step into the exquisite world of Gordon & MacPhail through the discerning lens of its fourth-generation steward.
Explore design philosophies rooted in cultural context and emotional connection.
Chris Godfrey has an approach to design that transcends the superficial allure of glittering extravagance, focusing instead on the intrinsic connection between a property and its locale. In an exclusive conversation with Robb Report Hong Kong during his sojourn in Hong Kong for the Leaders of Luxury Summit 2025, the co-CEO of HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates) sheds light on his philosophy, revealing how he and his team create spaces that resonate deeply with their surroundings whilst seamlessly forging emotional bonds with guests.
Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.
Riviera Events and Stelliers co-founder Stéphane de Montgros shares his story on building a premier corporate events agency, launching an awards platform, and proving that people—not marble—make five-star magic.
In the summer of 2003, the Shanghai skyline was still a promise rather than a boast. French expatriates Stéphane de Montgros and his business partner, Benoit Thebaut, looked at the city’s concrete riverbanks and saw opportunity in a city still finding its rhythm. De Montgros recalls that “there weren’t many options back then…the days were fairly quiet on weekends.” So, the enterprising pair ushered in a solution that was simple, audacious, and quintessentially Riviera: throw the best pool parties China had ever seen.
Champagne brands were pouring budgets into the Middle Kingdom for the first time, seeking new ways to connect with a rapidly growing audience. Many companies were experimenting and open to fresh ideas, creating space for Riviera to bring something new to Shanghai’s social landscape. “We gave them wooden decks, cabanas, jacuzzies, and DJs flown from the best clubs in Europe, offering a lifestyle experience that felt different for the time.” Riviera Pool Parties were born, and the name was deliberate. “Riviera meant sun, sea, sophistication,” de Montgros explains. “Everything Shanghai aspired to be.”
Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.
