This morning, the applause of audiophiles everywhere filled the air after the announcement of Sennheisser’s new Orpheus headphones—the German sound pioneer’s latest acoustic alchemy. Touted as “the best headphones in the world,” the elite electrostatic system culls cutting-edge technology, materials, and craftsmanship for a listening experience unrivaled in precision of sonic reproduction, spatiality, and frequency response—the latter even surpassing the range perceptible to human hearing.  

Orphe…

In the 1980s, Brazil’s Serra Pelada gold mine was a bustling locale that attracted thousands of miners; today, it is an abandoned open pit located south of the Amazon River. Brazilian designer Roque Frizzo drew inspiration from the mine for his dramatic Serra Pelada dining table ($16,998)—which speaks to authentic Brazilian culture, a common theme throughout Frizzo’s work. A wonderful conversation piece, the contemporary design features a simple silhouette and metal feet that fall aside to a graphic, wooden go…

Award-winning designer Jay Jeffers is elevating the hosting experience just in time for the holidays. The San Francisco–based designer teamed up with the Dallas-based furniture and lighting company Arteriors to unveil the Jay Jeffers Collection for Arteriors ($60 to $2,955). The 38-piece collection comprises masculine home-entertainment accessories with a cool and sophisticated, art deco twist, ranging from a cerused oak ice bucket ($480) and an etched-steel cocktail shaker in brass or stainless steel ($180) t…

Set on 6.3 oceanfront acres in Malibu, Calif., the 16,107-square-foot estate La Villa Contenta is lavish even by local standards. Built in 2002, the stately family home of developer Richard Weintraub has a timeless presence—from its Kentia-palm forest and landscaped gardens to the antique-marble pietra dura mosaic in the entryway.

Although quite regal—with significant architectural details in every room—the four-bedroom, 12,000-square-foot main house still feels like a home. Rare antiques furnish the double…

One of the most visually striking boats at the Cannes Yachting Festival this year was the Fjord 48 Open. The flagship of the German-built Fjord series, the Patrick Banfield design retains the same wave-cutting, seaworthy hull; minimalist profile; and open transom of its smaller siblings. But the new 48 also takes the Fjord brand a step forward with features typical of larger yachts, such as a tender garage hidden under the cockpit seating and joystick controls on the all-glass Volvo bridge.

The 48 Open coul…

Laurence Graff was only 14 years old when he dropped out of school to work as a jeweler’s apprentice. Six decades later, the London-born diamond purveyor purchases record-setting stones at auction and helms an international jewelry empire that trades the world’s most expensive diamonds. And now Graff’s fascinating rags-to-riches story is available in his first book, Graff—a 272-page coffee-table book ($95) released by Rizzoli International Publications on October 27. Written by leading journalists and jewelry …

If you dream of being a lady-killer like James Bond, your first step is to buy a tailored suit worthy of 007. (Your second step, naturally, is to order a martini—shaken, not stirred.) Just in time for the debut of Spectre (in U.S. theaters November 6), we have chosen our six favorite Tom Ford outfits showcased in the movie (you can see our favorite bond cars here). All of the looks are available for purchase at select Tom Ford stores, giving you the chance to dress like the debonair spy himself. (GET THE LOOKS: tomfor…

From October 24 to 27, Japan’s roadways will resonate with the rumble of the Alfred Dunhill Rally Nippon—a 621-mile, scenic round-trip circuit from Kyoto to Shikoku, which tracks some of the country’s quintessential cultural sites. Participation is by invite only, and only the most qualified car collectors are considered.

Limited to 70 entries, each classic car must predate 1975—no replicas allowed. Those competing this year range from a 1928 Bugatti Type 37 and a 1929 Bentley 4½ Litre Blower to a Maserati …

From October 24 to 27, Japan’s roadways will resonate with the rumble of the Alfred Dunhill Rally Nippon—a 621-mile, scenic round-trip circuit from Kyoto to Shikoku, which tracks some of the country’s quintessential cultural sites. Participation is by invite only, and only the most qualified car collectors are considered.

Limited to 70 entries, each classic car must predate 1975—no replicas allowed. Those competing this year range from a 1928 Bugatti Type 37 and a 1929 Bentley 4½ Litre Blower to a Maserati …

Originally published in the October 2015 issue of Robb Report Collection as “Gates of Heaven”

Colorado’s Gateway Canyons Resort is a paradise for adventurers and auto enthusiasts.  

“Now, a lot of what we are doing might seem counterintuitive,” the voice coming over my helmet radio said. Bouncing off a distant satellite and then relayed back to Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa, the words sounded like they were coming from the dark side of the moon, though the man talking—former Grand-Am Road Ra…