Gathering in Jackson Hole
The rugged, upscale mountain valley of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, served as an extraordinary backdrop over the weekend as the Robb Report brought the pages of its celebrated annual "Best of the Best" issue into the physical realm. Marking half a century as the definitive leading voice in the world of luxury, the renowned publication hosted an exclusive, invitation-only gathering from Thursday, October 1, through Sunday, October 4.
The multi-day affair was designed to give members of RR1—the magazine’s private club—an immersive opportunity to connect directly with the pioneers, visionaries, and elite brands driving the global luxury sector today. Rather than simply reading about this year’s top honorees in print, attendees were treated to a meticulously curated itinerary that married the breathtaking natural splendor of the American West with the absolute pinnacle of high-end craftsmanship, fine dining, automotive engineering, and experiential hospitality.
A Western Wonder as Home Base
For the duration of the four-day extravaganza, guests called the stunning Hotel Yellowstone their home base. Perched gracefully in the dramatic landscapes of Jackson Hole, the intimate 36-suite sanctuary was previously distinguished as a "Western Wonder" within Robb Report’s 2025 Best of the Best travel awards.
The welcoming reception set an appropriately elevated tone for the days ahead. Attendees were greeted with bespoke cocktails crafted with Cygnet Gin—a hand-crafted Welsh dry gin that recently claimed a coveted spot among the 2026 Best Spirits winners—alongside premium Pendleton Whisky. The evening transitioned seamlessly into a multi-course dinner complemented by exclusive wine pairings from the Spire Collection. As the crisp Wyoming night settled over the mountains, guests enjoyed luxurious nightcaps featuring Louis XIII cognac, while others partook in high-end stargazing experiences hosted in collaboration with EarthRoamer and Observable Space, taking advantage of the region’s famously clear, dark skies.
Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Luxury
Friday morning commenced with a leisurely breakfast before opening up into a dynamic, choose-your-own-adventure format that allowed members to tailor their experiences to their personal passions. The roster of daytime activities catered to diverse interests, ranging from guided fly fishing on pristine local waters and scenic e-bike rides through the valley to restorative spa sessions designed to soothe body and mind.
For automotive enthusiasts, the event offered high-octane thrills with exclusive test drives featuring elite vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley. Alternatively, guests could engage in personalized one-on-one consultations with select luxury brand partners.
Following a locally inspired lunch, the intellectual and sensory programming shifted indoors for an afternoon wine masterclass led by representatives from La Jota and Stonestreet, both celebrated as winners in the 2026 Best Wines awards. The educational sessions continued with two compelling fireside chats. Bentley Americas CEO Michael Rocco took the stage to discuss the future of ultra-luxury automotive design and electric mobility, followed by a conversation with Urban Jürgensen CEO Alex Rosenfeld, who offered deep insights into the meticulous world of independent high horology.
As the sun began to dip below the mountain peaks, attendees were whisked away from the hotel into downtown Jackson. There, they participated in an exclusive tasting hosted by Cazcanes Tequila at the renowned New West KnifeWorks showroom. The evening culminated in intimate dinner reservations at a curated selection of Jackson’s finest local culinary hotspots, including Glorietta, Kampai, Wild Sage, and Blue Lion.
High-Altitude Adventures and Fireside Conversations
Saturday mirrored the rhythm of the previous day, beginning with a relaxed breakfast before transitioning into another round of bespoke morning adventures across the valley. Lunch was elevated by generous pours of Laurent-Perrier Champagne, setting a celebratory mood for the afternoon’s marquee conversation.
The afternoon fireside chat featured a fascinating dialogue with representatives from Panerai, joined by former Navy SEAL Rick Kaiser, bridging the worlds of tactical resilience and precision Swiss watchmaking. As evening approached, guests were treated to a decadent in-suite pre-dinner ritual featuring Cygnet Martinis paired with elite caviar.
Dinner featured distinguished pours from Penfolds, providing a robust accompaniment to the evening’s gourmet fare. The night truly came alive with an exclusive live musical performance by the band Archertown, rounding out an energetic evening that once again offered late-night cognac tastings and guided stargazing under the vast western firmament.
A Grand Finale in the Tetons
The multi-day celebration reached its natural conclusion on Sunday with a farewell brunch hosted in partnership with Akoni eyewear. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Teton Range, RR1 members gathered one last time to raise a glass, celebrating not only the success of the Jackson Hole gathering but also honoring another stellar milestone year for the Robb Report and its enduring legacy in defining the very best of luxury culture.
