The pages of Robb Report’s landmark 50th-anniversary “Best of the Best” issue transitioned from print to reality over the first weekend of October, as the publication hosted an exclusive, invitation-only gathering in the majestic mountain valley of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. As the publication celebrates half a century as a leading global voice in luxury, culture, and high-end lifestyle, the multi-day event—running from Thursday, October 1, through Sunday, October 4—offered members of its elite RR1 community a rare opportunity to engage directly with the top-tier innovators, creators, and leaders shaping the modern luxury sector.
Set against the rugged yet refined backdrop of the American West, the weekend served as an immersive celebration of the brands, artisans, and products that captured top honors in this year’s definitive awards issue. Serving as the primary home base for the four-day affair was the acclaimed Hotel Yellowstone. Perched high above the valley, the intimate 33-suite luxury property—which was itself honored as a “Western Wonder” in Robb Report’s 2025 Best of the Best travel awards—provided a tranquil sanctuary complete with panoramic alpine views and world-class hospitality.
Guests arriving on Thursday were immediately immersed in the spirit of the celebration. The opening evening commenced with a welcome reception featuring craft cocktails highlighting recent Best of the Best spirits winners, including Cygnet 22, a hand-crafted Welsh dry gin, and Pendleton Whisky. The reception flowed seamlessly into a multi-course dinner accompanied by curated wine pairings from the Spire Collection. As the crisp Wyoming evening settled over the mountains, attendees concluded their first night by sipping rare Louis XIII cognac indoors or participating in late-night stargazing sessions organized in partnership with EarthRoamer and Observable Space, taking advantage of the region’s exceptionally clear night skies.
Following breakfast on Friday morning, the itinerary transitioned into a curated choose-your-own-adventure format tailored to the diverse passions of the RR1 members. Attendees spent the daytime hours partaking in a wide array of outdoor and leisure pursuits characteristic of the high-end Jackson Hole lifestyle. Options ranged from guided fly fishing on local blue-ribbon trout streams and exhilarating e-bike excursions through the mountain trails to restorative spa sessions and one-on-one partner consultations. Automotive enthusiasts were given exclusive access to high-performance test drives featuring the latest vehicle models from elite marques including Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley.
The afternoon balanced physical adventure with intellectual engagement. Following a leisurely lunch, guests gathered for an exclusive wine masterclass hosted by representatives from La Jota and Stonestreet, both celebrated as winners in the 2026 Best of the Best wine categories. The educational tasting was followed by a pair of intimate fireside chats that offered deep insights into the future of luxury craftsmanship and design. Bentley Americas CEO Michael Rocco took the stage to discuss the brand’s evolving trajectory toward electrification, while Urban Jürgensen CEO Alex Rosenfeld offered a compelling look inside the meticulous, time-honored world of independent high-end watchmaking.
As day turned to evening, transportation was arranged to whisk guests into downtown Jackson for an exclusive spirits tasting featuring Cazcanes No. 7 Rosa Añejo Tequila hosted at New West KnifeWorks. The evening concluded with intimate dinner reservations at a selection of Jackson’s most celebrated culinary hotspots, allowing members to experience the vibrant local dining scene at acclaimed local establishments including Glorietta, Kampai, Wild Sage, and Blue Lion.
Saturday followed a similarly engaging rhythm, beginning with a morning meal and an open schedule for bespoke outdoor adventures and vehicle test drives. Lunch on Saturday was elevated by pours of Laurent-Perrier Champagne, setting an upbeat tone for the afternoon’s marquee fireside conversation. The session featured representatives from legendary watchmaker Panerai alongside former U.S. Navy SEAL Rick Kaiser, who shared remarkable perspectives on resilience, precision, and high-stakes performance.
As dusk approached, the Saturday evening schedule offered in-suite pre-dinner luxuries, featuring Cygnet Martinis paired with artisanal caviar. A sophisticated dinner featuring pours of Penfolds wines followed, capped off by a dynamic live musical performance by country-rock band Archertown. Attendees once again had the option to wind down the evening fireside with fine cognac or return to the stargazing telescopes set up across the property grounds.
The multi-day celebration reached its culmination on Sunday morning with a farewell brunch hosted in partnership with Akoni eyewear. Gathered together one final time at Hotel Yellowstone, RR1 members and brand partners raised a final toast to commemorate the success of the weekend gathering and celebrate another banner year for Robb Report’s enduring franchise.
