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The 10 Principles of Luxury With Purpose
ENTHUSIAST REPORT - PUBLISHERS NOTE
1.TIME IS THE ULTIMATE CURRENCY
Luxury is not what you buy—it is how you spend your time. The rarest material on earth is not gold or diamonds, but uninterrupted time with people and passions that matter.
2.VALUE IS MEASURED IN MEANING, NOT PRICE
A moment that changes your perspective is worth more than a room filled with expensive things. True luxury is found in depth, not cost.
3.CRAFT OVER CLOUT
We honor hands over hype. Artisans over algorithms. Products made with intention will always outlast viral status.
4.EXPERIENCES OUTLIVE OBJECTS
Objects impress. Experiences imprint. Long after the item fades, the memory of where you were and who you were with remains permanent.
5.PRESENCE IS THE NEW PRESTIGE
To be fully present—to listen, to linger, to engage—is today’s highest form of status.
6.LEGACY OUTWEIGHS LIFESTYLE
We invest not only in what we enjoy today, but in what we leave behind tomorrow. Luxury with purpose thinks in generations, not seasons.
7.SCARCITY SHOULD BE EARNED, NOT ENGINEERED
True rarity comes from mastery, time, and discipline—not artificial limitation or inflated marketing.
8.QUIET CONFIDENCE IS THE LOUDEST STATEMENT
Real luxury never shouts. It speaks in details, restraint, and self-assurance.
9.COMMUNITY MULTIPLIES VALUE
A shared experience is always richer than a solitary indulgence. The right table matters more than the most expensive bottle.
10.PURPOSE IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF INDULGENCE
When luxury aligns with values, it transforms from consumption into contribution.
Luxury with purpose is not about having more, it is about choosing better. Better time. Better moments. Better meaning.
Cheers, Publisher
INTRODUCING COHIBA RIVIERA
TAKE IT ALL IN
The newest addition to our collection represents new territory for Cohiba. It’s the only box-pressed offering in our portfolio, as well as the only Cohiba to feature an exquisite Mexican San Andrés wrapper.
Bask in luxury with the all-new Cohiba Riviera.
The Unattainable 25: Inside the Phantom Centenary Private Collection
Rum, Reimagined: The Rise of Luxury Rum and the Legacy of La Aurora
The Tastemaker Twenty: A Curated Collection Of World-Class Whiskies, Tequilas, Vodkas, Gins & Rums
From Fields to Forever: How Enrique Fonseca Redefined Tequila
Room 101: Where Smoke, Steel & Spirits Collide
Zaya Younan: The Innovator of Modern Luxury & Lifestyle
Preserving Beauty: Inside Kelly J. Roberts’ Living Landmark, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Winter without Mercy: Chasing Fire, Ice, and Untamed Luxury Around the Globe
25 THE UNATTAINABLE
INSIDE THE PHANTOM CENTENARY PRIVATE COLLECTION: THE MOST EXQUISITE ROLLS-ROYCE EVER BUILT
WORDS BY LOGAN SMITH
There are rare motor cars, and then there are objects of consequence— artifacts destined to anchor museum wings, define eras, and ignite feverish desire among the world’s most discerning collectors. For its 100th anniversary, Rolls-Royce has done the unthinkable: created a Phantom so intricate, so technically ambitious, and so lavishly encoded with history that merely seeing one in person will become a generational bragging right. Only 25 examples will exist—each rumored to exceed seven-figure valuations—and every stitch, every gold-leaf road, every fleck of crushed glass was conceived to honor a century of unmatched automotive royalty. This isn’t a tribute. It’s the new crown jewel of moving art.
A century after the Phantom first defined what an automobile could be, RollsRoyce unveils the Phantom Centenary Private Collection, a breathtaking tribute requiring more than 40,000 hours of research, design, and handcrafting. Production slots disappeared instantly among the marque’s most trusted patrons, and insiders quietly place final pricing comfortably into seven-figure territory, depending on personal specification.
CHAMPAGNE CRYSTAL & GOLD: THE EXTERIOR STATEMENT
The Centenary’s presence begins with a bespoke two-tone finish in Super Champagne Crystal over Arctic White and Black, its extraordinary shimmer achieved through iridescent crushed-glass particles suspended in the clear coat. At the prow, a solid-gold Spirit of Ecstasy, hallmarked and set upon hand-poured white vitreous enamel, crowns the grille—accompanied, for the first time in Phantom’s century-long history, by 24-carat gold “RR” badges on the front, rear, and both flanks. Completing this restrained opulence are bespoke disc wheels, each engraved with 25 lines, assembling into 100 across all four wheels—one for every year Phantom has reigned.
“Only twenty-five examples will ever exist, making a mere glimpse of one a generational bragging right.”
A CENTURY OF STORYTELLING, RENDERED IN TEXTILE AND THREAD
Inside, Rolls-Royce honors its origins: the chauffeur’s quarters in durable leather, the passenger suite in couture-grade textiles. The rear seats draw inspiration from the famed 1926 “Phantom of Love,” layering high-resolution printed imagery with hand-drawn embroidery. Landscapes, archival buildings, and iconic Phantom silhouettes unfold across 45 individually tailored panels, aligned with Savile Row precision. More than 160,000 stitches form shimmering highlights and textures; artisans “sketch with thread,” creating motifs that appear pencil-drawn, hovering above the surface. Up front, laser-etched leather nods quietly to Phantom’s prototype codenames—a rabbit, a seagull—whispers only the most dedicated collectors will fully appreciate.
THE ANTHOLOGY GALLERY
In the dashboard, the Anthology Gallery presents 50 vertically brushed aluminum fins interlaced like pages of a book. Sculpted letters form a century’s worth of praise and cultural commentary. Under shifting illumination, reflections ripple like falling fireworks—a kinetic poem in metal.
WOODWORK: JOURNEYS IN GOLD
Door marquetry may be the most technically advanced woodcraft ever attempted by the marque, using 3D ink layering, multi-depth laser etching, and 24-carat gold leaf to depict the 4,500-mile Australian crossing of the first Goodwood-era Phantom, the Southern French coastline beloved by Sir Henry Royce, and the rolling landscapes of West Wittering near the modern factory. Floral elements native to the Côte d’Azur appear like botanical watermarks, while a tiny 2.76-millimeter gold dot marks Royce’s original homes. Where wood transitions to leather, gold “roads” continue as thread, maintaining narrative continuity between mediums. On the rear picnic tables, etchings of the 1925 Phantom I and Phantom VIII bridge past and present, mirrored by embroidered silhouettes beneath. The Piano Black veneer, infused with gold dust, echoes the 24-carat gold rotary dial at the center stack, giving the cabin a starlit depth.
A CONSTELLATION OF SECRETS
Overhead, a subtly animated Starlight Headliner features 440,000 stitches forming a tableau of mulberry leaves, Goodwood’s square-crowned trees, and even referencing the 250,000 bees of the RollsRoyce apiary. Hidden motifs—including a vault mechanism from a clandestine design studio—invite discovery over years of ownership.
THE MECHANICAL HEART
Lift the bonnet and the revered 6.75-litre V12 responds with its own ceremonial flourish: an Arctic-White engine cover finished with 24-carat gold detailing, honoring the silent torque that defines Phantom’s modern legend.
THE NEW CROWN JEWEL
This Private Collection is not commemorative ornamentation. It is Phantom’s lineage—embroidered, etched, gilded, and illuminated for future custodians to decode. At only 25 examples globally, each is destined for vault-like garages, private museums, and pedigreed automotive collections. Many will never be seen in public. In a world accelerating toward ephemeral luxury, Rolls-Royce has doubled down on permanence—on time, intention, hand, and heritage. The Phantom Centenary Private Collection is not simply the celebration of a hundred years. It is the opening statement of the next hundred.
“In a world obsessed with instant luxury, Rolls-Royce answers with permanence—time, intention, hand, and heritage.”
www.arturofuente.com
20 The Tastemaker Twenty
A CURATED COLLECTION OF WORLD-CLASS WHISKIES, TEQUILAS, VODKAS, GINS & RUMS
In this issue, we spotlight 20 exceptional spirits that represent the very best across the major categories—Japanese and Irish icons, celebrated extra añejo tequilas, meticulously distilled vodkas, globally awarded gins, and rare rums crafted with legacy and precision. Each bottle has earned its place through pedigree, craftsmanship, and consistent acclaim.
Whether you're drawn to the elegance of Yamazaki 12, the depth of Tears of Llorona, the botanical artistry of NOLET’S Silver, or the rich complexity of E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Rum, each of these bottles stands as a benchmark of excellence within its category.
From collector-worthy age statements to boundary-pushing modern expressions, this curated list delivers complexity, authenticity, and unforgettable flavor. Raise a glass—these are the bottles shaping the conversation in the world of premium spirits today.
Spirit Rating
REDBREAST 12 YEAR
• Retail: $80
• ABV: 40%
• Rating: 90
• Retail: $200
• ABV: 46%
• Rating: 93
TEARS OF LLORONA EXTRA AÑEJO NO. 3
YAMAZAKI 12 YEAR
PROCERA GIN BLUE DOT
• Rating:
TEQUILA OCHO AÑEJO
CHOPIN SINGLE YOUNG POTATO VODKA
BELUGA NOBLE VODKA
SIPSMITH LONDON DRY GIN
STOLICHNAYA ELIT
Spirit Rating
•
ARTENOM SELECCIÓN DE 1146 AÑEJO FOUR PILLARS RARE DRY GIN
• Retail: $119.99
FUENTESECA RESERVA EXTRA AÑEJO 12 YEAR (2009) Retail: $564.99
• ABV: 43%
• Rating: 95
LOS PERDIDOS TEPEZTATE REPOSADO
LEÓN JIMENES RUM 110 ANIVERSARIO
• Retail: $124.99
• ABV: 40% Rating: 96
• ABV: 54.6%
• Rating: 96
16 YEAR NOLET'S SILVER GIN Retail: $199
Spirit Rating
DON FULANO IMPERIAL EXTRA AÑEJO
Rating: 93 {
Retail: $200
ABV: 40%
HIBIKI JAPANESE HARMONY WHISKY
Retail: $99
ABV: 43%
Rating: 89
Enthusiast Report is a trusted spirits and luxury lifestyle publication dedicated to highlighting
the world’s finest
pours across
every category.
The Enthusiast Report tasting panel brings over 100 years of combined expertise in evaluating top-tier spirits. This curated selection showcases 20 of the most celebrated and critically acclaimed bottles across the major categories—including distinguished whiskies, standout tequilas, ultra-premium vodkas, award-winning gins, and exceptional rums from around the world.
Each spirit was evaluated using a 100-point rating scale through blind tasting and industry-standard benchmarks. From globally recognized icons to elevated connoisseur discoveries, these are the bottles that delivered 90+ performances and set the bar for excellence in 2025.
Rum, Reimagined:
THE RISE OF LUXURY RUM AND THE LEGACY OF LA AURORA
A NEW ERA OF RUM IS HERE—CRAFTED FOR SIPPING, WORTHY OF REVERENCE, AND SHAPED BY 120 YEARS OF DOMINICAN ARTISTRY. E. LEÓN JIMENES RUM BY LA AURORA PROVES THAT WORLD-CLASS RUM CAN STAND PROUDLY BESIDE THE FINEST WHISKIES.
WORDS BY LINCOLN SALAZAR
There is a renaissance unfolding—not loud or hurried, but quiet, confident, and long overdue. Rum, once confined to sugary cocktails and forgettable beach blends, has stepped into its age of elegance. In private lounges, collector bars, and dimly lit smoking rooms where time seems to slow, enthusiasts are discovering what the Dominican Republic has always held close: when rum is crafted with discipline, origin, and respect, it becomes a spirit of depth and soul—one worthy of the same reverence given to fine whiskey.
At the heart of this modern awakening stands La Aurora, the Dominican Republic’s oldest cigar factory and a guardian of heritage since 1903. Known around the world for its impeccable cigars, La Aurora has now extended its legacy from leaf to liquid through E. León Jimenes Rum, led by its distinguished 110 Aniversario and 1903 expressions. Together, they are more than rum. They are a family story, bottled—with patience, land, and time in every drop.
A LEGACY BORN IN THE CIBAO VALLEY
To understand this rum, you must first step into the world that created it.
The León family’s story begins in the Cibao Valley, where rich volcanic soil, golden sun, and Caribbean winds nurture some of the finest tobacco on earth. It was here, in 1903, that 18-year-old Eduardo León Jimenes founded a humble cigar factory—with six rollers, a few bales of tobacco, and a single mule determinedly trekking through mud-thick roads to deliver fresh cigars to neighboring towns.
The odds were not in his favor. Yet, through dictatorship, economic hardship, and shifting eras, the León family held firm. They believed in their land, their craft, and their people. More than a century later, La Aurora stands as a living institution—a place where legacy is not spoken, but felt.
Walk the factory floor in Santiago and you will hear the steady hum of the rolling room; the soft crackle of aged tobacco leaves being sorted by touch and intuition; the low murmur of master rollers who shape art with muscle memory and purpose. This is not production. It is tradition carried by human hands.
THE ART OF TIME: CIGAR CRAFT AS CULTURAL POETRY
A La Aurora cigar is a love letter to time.
The journey begins in the fields, where tobacco is nurtured by sun and soil before undergoing long, natural fermentation to develop body and character. Leaves are aged—sometimes for years—until they reach peak expression. Only then do master blenders create each cigar’s internal harmony, balancing aroma, structure, strength, and finish.
In the rolling room, torcedores—many with decades at their tables—roll each cigar by hand, sealing stories into every shape. Afterward, the cigars rest again, allowing their flavors to marry and mature. Finally, the lion-banded boxes leave the factory, destined for humidors and rituals around the world.
This devotion to patience, wood, and time is the bridge that leads naturally from tobacco…to rum.
FROM LEAF TO LIQUID: A SHARED PHILOSOPHY
Rum and cigars share the same heartbeat. Both are born from agriculture. Both rely on fermentation, aging, and the influence of oak. Both demand respect for origin. And both only reveal their truth when given time.
So when La Aurora introduced E. León Jimenes Rum, it wasn’t a departure—it was an evolution. Another expression of the same devotion to craftsmanship. Another way to honor the land, the climate, the aging process, and the ritual of slow enjoyment.
A NEW SIPPING STANDARD FOR THE WHISKEY GENERATION
As bourbon allocations grow scarce and prices climb, whiskey lovers are searching for something new— something with structure, maturity, and depth, but without pretense. Premium rum is stepping into that space, and E. León Jimenes sits at its forefront.
Unlike most rum on the market, both 110 Aniversario and 1903 are distilled from fresh sugar-cane juice (guarapo), not molasses—a method used by less than 10% of producers worldwide. This choice preserves terroir, clarity, and elegance. The rums are then naturally aged in oak through a linear, whiskey-like process, yielding authenticity in age and flavor.
Aging at a glance:
• 110 Aniversario — 10 years total aging (8 years American White Oak, finished 2 years in virgin European/French oak)
• 1903 — 8 years total aging (American ex-bourbon barrels, finished in sherry casks)
The result is rum that is dry-leaning, oak-forward, structured, and sophisticated—inviting comparison not to tiki drinks, but to bourbon and single malt.
This is not rum for cola.
This is rum for glass, leather, ritual, and reflection.
“110 Aniversario is a rum for reflection: elegant, enduring, and meant to be savored neat.”
110 ANIVERSARIO — A RUM FOR THE QUIET HOURS
110 Aniversario is meant for stillness: the late hours, the jazz-lit room, the final pour of the evening. On the nose, it reveals caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, and toasted oak. The palate unfolds slowly—warm spice, cocoa, honeyed wood, and a whisper of floral sweetness from its European oak finish. The texture is silk. The finish is enduring.
Best enjoyed neat. No cube. No rush.
1903 — VERSATILITY WITH PRESENCE AND ELEGANCE
1903 carries bourbon influence and sherry’s subtle sweetness, making it exceptional in elevated cocktails. An Old Fashioned becomes more aromatic. A Manhattan, more expressive. Spiritforward classics gain a refined, tropical-meets-oak backbone without excessive sweetness.
For bartenders and home enthusiasts alike, it is a revelation: familiar, yet refreshingly new.
“1903 offers whiskey lovers a new direction, oak-driven depth with cocktail versatility.”
THE RITUAL: WHERE RUM AND CIGARS BECOME ONE
And then, there is the pairing.
Sip the 110 Aniversario alongside a medium-to-full Dominican cigar and a rare alchemy occurs. Cocoa and cedar intertwine. Oak and tobacco embrace. Heat and sweetness play across the palate. Draw, sip, pause—the moment expands.
Pair 1903 with a mild-to-medium cigar and the experience becomes brighter, silkier, more aromatic. Almond, vanilla, citrus, and toasted wood harmonize with delicate tobacco spice.
Together, rum and cigars become more than flavor. They become atmosphere. Memory. Ritual.
In the Dominican Republic, this is not a luxury. It is a birthright.
THE NEW ERA
More than a century after Eduardo León Jimenes set his dream in motion, La Aurora continues to shape moments worth savoring—one cigar, and now, one remarkable rum, at a time. E. León Jimenes Rum is not following trend or chasing modernity. It is carrying forward a legacy of soil, patience, oak, and soul.
And for those who appreciate craftsmanship you can taste, this is only the beginning.
structured, and sophisticated—inviting comparison not to tiki drinks, but to bourbon and single malt.
This is not rum for cola.
This is rum for glass, leather, ritual, and reflection.
From Fields to Forever
HOW ENRIQUE FONSECA REDEFINED TEQUILA AND BUILT A LEGACY THAT TRANSCENDS GENERATIONS
When most producers would have folded, Enrique Fonseca went all in. Faced with contracts collapsing and fields full of unsold agave, he wagered everything on a bold idea: build his own distillery. That gamble not only saved his family’s future — it transformed the tequila industry.
A fourth-generation agavero from the red-soil highlands of Los Altos de Jalisco, Fonseca blended ancestral knowledge with global insight gained from Scotland, France, and Kentucky. Over four decades, he pushed boundaries — pioneering long-term barrel aging, experimenting with terroir-driven agaves, and elevating tequila from a clear spirit to a world-class aged category. Today, La Tequileña (NOM 1146) stands as a distillery revered by connoisseurs, and Fonseca himself as one of tequila’s most visionary architects.
THE AGAVE GAMBLE
When contracts with industry giants Sauza and Cuervo unexpectedly fell through, Enrique Fonseca found himself staring at hundreds of acres of mature agave and no buyer. It was a devastating blow — one that might have crippled another producer. Instead, Fonseca made a daring, almost audacious move: he purchased La Tequileña distillery.
“We had a vision, but also a very urgent necessity,” he recalls. “During the first year they stopped receiving our blue agave, we lost about 100,000 tons in our fields.”
That pivotal decision transformed crisis into opportunity. What began as a survival strategy would ultimately set the foundation for one of Mexico’s most respected tequila legacies — and cement Fonseca’s reputation as a visionary willing to bet on the future of agave.
ROOTS IN LOS ALTOS
As a fourth-generation agavero from Atotonilco el Alto, Fonseca’s connection to the blue agave runs as deep as the red soils of Los Altos. His family has farmed the plant since the 1800s, long before tequila became a global spirit. That heritage, he explains, shaped his approach in ways outsiders may never fully grasp.
“I learned as a child to coexist with, and then respect, the blue agave plant — its uniqueness, its long relationship with soil and climate, and the patience needed to create the best tequilas possible,” he says.
That reverence for the land became the bedrock of his philosophy: maturation begins not in barrels, but in the field. Fonseca’s deep understanding of terroir — soil, climate, and elevation — continues to inform every step of his production process.
NOM 1146: THE TEQUILEÑA LEGACY
Today, La Tequileña (NOM 1146) stands as a beacon of excellence in Jalisco. Its distinctiveness lies in meticulous attention to every stage of production: only harvesting overripe agaves, tailoring cooking methods to the season, blending proprietary and wild yeasts, and refining distillation techniques honed over decades.
Perhaps most transformative, Fonseca pioneered aging tequila well beyond industry norms. By experimenting with woods, toast levels, and cask types, he proved tequila could rival the world’s finest long-aged brown spirits. This pioneering spirit helped elevate tequila from a white, unaged spirit to a category celebrated for its depth and complexity.
“We were the first distillery to explore the possibilities of truly aging tequila longer than the añejo stages.”
“I thought it was such a marvelous spirit that really deserved to be aged — to develop unique aromas and flavors and conquer its rightful place in the grown-up world of brown spirits.”
LESSONS FROM ABROAD
Fonseca’s education went far beyond the highlands of Jalisco. Determined to master aging and blending, he traveled to Scotland, France, and Kentucky — studying whisky, brandy, and bourbon traditions firsthand.
He learned that the soul of every spirit lies in the quality of its raw material, and that with the right techniques, a wide spectrum of styles could be drawn from a single ingredient.
That global perspective inspired innovations back home: from blending tequila made in different still types to experimenting with agaves grown in distinct terroirs, Fonseca brought a worldly sophistication to a deeply traditional craft.
THE THIRTY-YEAR VISION
In 1989, Fonseca filled his first batch of barrels. What began out of necessity — a lack of tank space and limited sales — soon evolved into a bold new vision: tequila aged for decades.
“Nobody in Mexico could teach me how to age,” he explains. “I had to go learn from Kentucky, Scotland, and France.”
The journey required patience and a willingness to learn from other spirits traditions, but the payoff was extraordinary: a groundbreaking portfolio of extra-aged tequilas that redefined what the category could be.
BALANCING TRADITION AND INNOVATION
Though deeply rooted in heritage, Fonseca has never hesitated to challenge convention. From French-oak aging to experimental blending, he pushed tequila into new territory while honoring the agave soul at its core.
For him, the future of tequila lies in striking the perfect balance: respecting centuries-old traditions while embracing innovation that elevates the spirit and expands its potential.
LOOKING AHEAD
From humble fields in Los Altos to leading one of the world’s most influential distilleries, Enrique Fonseca has indelibly shaped the tequila landscape. Yet his ultimate aspiration remains simple and grounded:
“Respect the humble agave roots. Respect maturity, quality, and sustainability. Respect the soils, water, and air of our homeland. And respect the millenary essence of agave.”
It’s a vision that ties the past to the future — ensuring that the next generation of agaveros and distillers carries forward not just his innovations, but his reverence for the spirit that defines Mexico.
Élia625 The World’s Smoothest Rum
WHERE ELEGANCE MEETS FLAVOR
Picture this: the sun setting over the city skyline, a gentle ocean breeze, and a glass of refined rum that embodies sophistication and tradition. Introducing Élia625 Silver Rum, a premium spirit crafted to deliver smoothness beyond compare. Distilled with the finest ingredients and perfected through years of expertise, Élia625 Silver Rum stands as a tribute to heritage and excellence. Every sip reveals notes of purity, balance, and unmatched smoothness, making it the perfect companion for your most memorable moments.
Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation for an elevated cocktail, Élia625 is more than just rum—it’s an experience. The elegant bottle design reflects the refinement inside, making it a proud centerpiece in any collection.
There are legends, there are icons, and then there is Ozzy Osbourne — the eternal outlier, the Prince of Darkness, the madman who turned rebellion into religion. He didn’t just climb into the pantheon of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He stormed it, kicked down its doors, and carved his name into the stone with fire, sweat, and blood.
From the shadowy factories of Birmingham to the world’s biggest stages, Ozzy has lived louder, burned brighter, and survived harder than anyone thought possible. He’s not just a frontman, not just a survivor, not just a star. He is the embodiment of rock and roll itself — unpredictable, unstoppable, unforgettable.
This issue isn’t a story. It’s a battle cry. A celebration of chaos and brilliance. A legacy carved from riffs, screams, and smoke. Ozzy isn’t simply part of music history — he is music history. And this tribute, like the man himself, is one of a kind.
“Ozzy Osbourne didn’t wait for the world to crown him. He took the throne and became the Prince of Darkness.”
THE OPENING ACT: A VOICE FROM BIRMINGHAM
Before he was the Prince of Darkness, he was just John Michael Osbourne — a scrappy kid from Birmingham, England. His world was one of soot, factory whistles, and a gray sky that seemed to press down on everything. Life was hard, opportunities were scarce, and future glory was an impossible dream. But beneath the smog and steel, there was a fire.
Ozzy carried that fire in his voice. As a teenager, he knew he wasn’t destined to follow the conveyor belt into factory work like so many of his peers. He wanted something bigger, something louder, something that would rip through the silence of ordinary life. That hunger brought him to a ragtag band of local musicians: Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Together they stumbled upon a sound that would forever alter music. When Black Sabbath dropped their self-titled debut in 1970, critics didn’t know what to make of it. The riffs were slow and crushing, the lyrics bleak, the mood oppressive. And then came Ozzy’s voice — eerie, nasally, otherworldly — slicing through the gloom like a war cry. Heavy metal wasn’t born in that moment; it was unleashed. And Ozzy was its unwilling prophet.
THE SABBATH YEARS:
WHEN DARKNESS FOUND ITS PROPHET
Sabbath weren’t polished. They weren’t pretty. They were four young men channeling fear, rage, and the shadows of post-industrial Britain into music that felt more dangerous than anything before it.
Ozzy stood at the center of this storm. Onstage, his wide-eyed stares, manic claps, and guttural screams made him seem possessed. Fans loved it. Parents feared it. Authorities condemned it. Which only made the music stronger.
Albums like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Vol. 4 didn’t just fill arenas — they built a cultural movement. Songs like War Pigs and Iron Man became anthems of disillusionment, soundtracks for a generation questioning everything.
By the time Sabbath were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, their status as godfathers of metal was undeniable. Rolling Stone named them among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, and Paranoid regularly appears on lists of the greatest albums ever recorded.
But with fame came chaos. The band lived on a cocktail of drugs, alcohol, and exhaustion. Ozzy leaned into it harder than most, becoming notorious for his off-stage antics. By 1979, Sabbath had reached a breaking point, and Ozzy was ousted from the band he helped define. Many thought that was the end of him. But the Prince of Darkness was only getting started.
THE SOLO RESURRECTION: MADNESS MEETS MELODY
Dismissed as a burnout, Ozzy did what legends do: he roared back with a vengeance. With Sharon Arden — soon to be Sharon Osbourne — as his manager and partner, Ozzy launched a solo career that would eclipse even his Sabbath days.
Teaming up with prodigy guitarist Randy Rhoads, Ozzy unleashed Blizzard of Ozz in 1980. The record detonated with Crazy Train, a song so universally beloved it’s still blasted at stadiums, sports arenas, and bars across the world today. With tracks like Mr. Crowley, Ozzy proved he wasn’t just the wild man of Sabbath — he was a frontman capable of melody, drama, and enduring hooks.
Tragedy struck in 1982 when Rhoads was killed in a plane crash, a loss that devastated Ozzy. Yet even in grief, he soldiered on, channeling pain into some of his most enduring work. Albums like Bark at the Moon and No More Tears produced classics that blended ferocity with vulnerability. By the mid-’90s, Ozzy had built one of the most successful solo catalogs in rock history:
• Over 100 million albums sold worldwide across solo and Sabbath releases.
• Multiple platinum records, including Blizzard of Ozz, Diary of a Madman, No More Tears, and Ozzmosis.
• Grammy Award wins, including Best Metal Performance in 1994 for I Don’t Want to Change the World, and again in 2024 for Degradation Rules with Tony Iommi.
The shows grew more outrageous. Ozzy wasn’t just a singer; he was a spectacle. Fire, blood, theatrics — he became the circus ringmaster of rock’s darkest carnival. And then came the infamous bat incident in Des Moines, forever cementing him as the ultimate rock and roll myth-maker.
THE CULTURAL PHENOMENON: THE OSBOURNES
By the time the 2000s arrived, Ozzy was already immortal in the world of music. But few could have predicted that he would also become a pop culture icon for an entirely new generation.
The Osbournes, MTV’s groundbreaking reality show, pulled back the velvet curtain to reveal a different side of the Prince of Darkness. No pyrotechnics, no screaming fans — just Ozzy in his Beverly Hills mansion, mumbling through family dinners, struggling with the TV remote, and swearing at misbehaving dogs.
The show became a sensation. It won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Non-Fiction Program, and cemented the Osbourne family as household names. Suddenly, Ozzy wasn’t just a rock star — he was a global cultural phenomenon.
THE LEGACY: ROCK’S IMMORTAL REBEL
Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy is bigger than albums, bigger than ratings, bigger than even the bat bite that made him infamous. His story is one of survival against every possible odd. He survived addiction. He survived exile. He survived tragedy, ridicule, and countless predictions of his demise. And still, he endured. His music continues to stream billions of times. His tours still draw tens of thousands. His influence bleeds into bands across every genre from punk to grunge to modern metal.
And the honors kept coming:
• In 2007, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• In 2010, he earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award with Black Sabbath.
• In 2019, he received the Grammy’s Global Icon Award, recognizing his impact across music and culture.
• He created Ozzfest, one of the most successful touring festivals of the ’90s and 2000s, giving a stage to bands like Slipknot, Korn, and System of a Down before they became household names.
Ozzy redefined rebellion. He showed that chaos could coexist with brilliance, that imperfection could become power, that madness itself could be a form of art. For over five decades, he has remained the dark heartbeat of rock and roll.
THE ETERNAL PRINCE OF DARKNESS
What makes Ozzy Osbourne eternal is not just his catalog of music or his television fame. It’s the way he embodies contradiction: menacing yet lovable, chaotic yet enduring, terrifying yet profoundly human.
Onstage, he was the Prince of Darkness — arms outstretched, crucifix gleaming, voice echoing like a curse from the abyss. Offstage, he was a family man who stumbled, cursed, and laughed his way into our homes. He was myth and man, monster and father, rock star and neighbor.
And in the end, maybe that’s why his legend feels indestructible. Because Ozzy isn’t just one thing. He’s everything.
ROOM101 WHERE SMOKE, STEEL & SPIRITS COLLIDE
WORDS BY LINCOLN SALAZAR
Step into the world of Room101, a brand that doesn’t just play outside the lines—it redraws the entire canvas. Born from the mind of Matt Booth—Marine, artist, provocateur—Room101 is a collision of cultures and crafts: fine cigars that flip the script, jewelry forged with grit and soul, and a gin that tastes like rebellion distilled.
Like Ozzy himself, Booth thrives on reinvention. He takes the traditions we revere—tobacco, silver, spirits—and drags them through the fire to create something bolder, louder, unapologetically alive. This isn’t a brand. This is an uprising in steel, smoke, and style.
THE INTRODUCTION: A BRAND BORN OF REBELLION
In a tribute issue dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne—the godfather of heavy metal, an icon who forever blurred the lines between rebellion and artistry—it feels only fitting to highlight a brand cut from the same cloth: Room101.
Edgy, unapologetic, and built on a foundation of grit, craft, and vision, Room101 is far more than a cigar brand. It is a lifestyle house, a design atelier, and a family bound by creativity, passion, and irreverence. Like Ozzy, Room101 doesn’t just exist in one lane—it disrupts, reinvents, and expands with an untamed energy.
Matt Booth, the maverick behind the brand, built Room101 with the same fearless creativity that defines rock and roll. His vision? To merge worlds—jewelry, cigars, spirits, and accessories—into one universe where craftsmanship meets counterculture.
"We’re not just another brand. We’re a family, a movement, and a way of life."
— Matt Booth
THE ORIGINS: FROM ASIA TO LOS ANGELES
Room101 was born from contrasts. While deployed to Asia as a U.S. Infantry Marine, Booth immersed himself in the region’s culture, traditions, and artistry. The intricate motifs, symbolism, and ritual stuck with him long after his return.
Back in Los Angeles, Booth found himself working at the legendary Whisky a Go-Go on Sunset Boulevard, surrounded by music, nightlife, and chaos. It was here, amid smoke-filled rooms and neon lights, that he discovered the silver and custom jewelry scene thriving beneath LA’s gritty surface.
The fusion of Asian influence and LA grit became the DNA of Room101. What began as jewelry quickly evolved into an ethos—one that combined discipline and artistry with the audacious spirit of rebellion.
Soon, his small Downtown LA studio became the brand’s beating heart: a place where rings, pendants, and experimental designs gave rise to a cult following.
THE CIGAR REVOLUTION
By 2009, Booth’s creativity found a new canvas: premium cigars. Falling in love with the artistry and tradition of cigar making, he dove headfirst into the craft with the same intensity that fueled his jewelry.
Room101 Cigars launched with a mission to honor tradition while rewriting the rules. It was about respecting the centuriesold heritage of tobacco while bringing a fresh, boutique spirit to the industry. Almost immediately, the brand attracted attention—not just from cigar purists, but from a new wave of enthusiasts who craved authenticity, individuality, and boldness.
The 2017 relaunch marked a defining moment. Collaborations with Robert Caldwell and AJ Fernandez birthed industryshaking projects like Hit & Run and The T. These weren’t just cigars—they were statements. Booth then introduced FARCE, Room101’s first solo post-relaunch collection, solidifying the brand as a true innovator in the boutique cigar movement.
Room101 cigars are not just smokes; they’re an invitation into the Room101 family, one cigar at a time.
" Room101 was built with the tenacity of a Marine and the vision of an artist."
— Matt Booth
BEYOND CIGARS: GIN, JEWELRY & THE SHADOW ARMY
Room101 is not confined to tobacco. Booth’s ambition has always been larger, creating a true lifestyle collection that resonates across worlds.
Room101 Gin — Every Drop Hand Forged
Room101’s foray into spirits reflects the same artistry as its cigars. Their gin is an authentically American recipe featuring juniper, coriander, lavender, citrus peels, star anise, lemongrass, cardamom, sage, and other botanicals. Distilled with meticulous care, it’s bold yet balanced—a spirit designed for martinis, complex cocktails, or simply savoring neat.
Jewelry & Accessories
The jewelry and accessory line remains a cornerstone of Room101’s DNA. Iconic collections include:
• Black Titanium, Cuban Links, Beads & Bracelets –modern classics with edge
• Collaborations – standout collabs with tattoo artist Chuey Quintanar and even celebrity chef Guy Fieri
• Strong Box & Custom Studio Pieces – bespoke creations that elevate Room101 into fine art territory
Apparel and lifestyle goods, from Room101 x Nordstrom drops to Shadow Army exclusives, round out the collection—each piece an emblem of belonging.
"Room101 is a house of tangibles and consumables: cigars, gin, jewelry, leather. It’s a living, breathing collection"
— Matt Booth
THE MAN BEHIND IT ALL: MATT BOOTH
Matt Booth isn’t just a founder—he is the embodiment of Room101. An artist, a Marine, and a provocateur, Booth has carved out his place in the industry by refusing to play by anyone else’s rules.
His work isn’t about commerce alone—it’s about connection, culture, and community. Fans and followers often describe Room101 less as a brand and more as a movement, where customers evolve into family members of the Shadow Army.
Room101 is about legacy—the kind that grows not from mass production but from dedication, vision, and craft. Like Ozzy Osbourne’s career, it is defined by reinvention, resilience, and raw authenticity.
As Ozzy’s legacy takes center stage in this special issue, so too does the spirit of Room101. Both are testaments to the power of pushing boundaries, rejecting convention, and living unapologetically
" We hope you dig it."
— Matt Booth
ENTHUSIAST’S GUIDE TO
Cigars
94
LA AURORA Preferidos 1903 Platinum Tubo 92
• Size: 5 x 54 Doble Figurado
• Wrapper: Cameroon (Ecuador)
• Binder: Dominican Republic
• Filler: Dominican Republic, Cameroon, Brazil
• Strength: Medium
88
CASA CARRILLO CIGARS
E.P. Carrillo Essence Sumatra
• Size: (5 x 50)
• Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
• Binder: Honduran, Nicaraguan
• Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
• Strength: Medium
94
TATUAJE CIGARS Escasos
• Size: (6 ⅜ x 43)
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Strength: Mild
Enthusiast Report is a trusted brand that focuses on cigar ratings worldwide. The Enthusiast Report rating panel has over 100 years of combined cigar smoking experience.
93
JM TOBACCO
Española 1996
Connecticut
• Size: (6 x 52) Belicoso
• Wrapper: Connecticut (Ecuador)
• Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
• Filler: Dominican Republic
• Strength: Medium-Full
93
Diamond Crown
Classic
Size: (5.5 x 54)
Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Central America
Strength: Mild
95
NATURA TOBACCO AND CIGARS COMPANY
Altura First Harvest
• Size: (6 x 50)
• Wrapper: Altura Farm
• Binder: Altura Farm
• Filler: Altura Farm
• Strength: Medium
88
JRE Aladino Sumatra
• Size: (6 x 52)
• Wrapper: Honduras (Sumatra)
• Binder: Honduras
• Filler: Honduras
• Strength: Medium
J.C. NEWMAN CIGAR CO.
Each cigar is blind tasted on a 100-point scaling system and categorized by ratings up to 100. Only cigars that score over an 85 will be featured in Enthusiast Report.
The Banker Daytrader
• Size: (6 x 54)
• Wrapper: Ecuador
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
• Strength: Medium
• Size: (6 x 54) Toro
• Wrapper: Ecuador (Connecticut Shade)
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Strength: Medium
• (6.5 x 52)
• Wrapper: Mexico (San Andrés)
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Strength: Medium-Full 95
• Size: (5 ⅝ x 56)
• Wrapper: Dominican Oscuro
• Binder: Dominican
• Filler: Dominican
• Strength: Medium
92
ARTISTA CIGARS Series Colorado
• Size: (6 x 50) Toro
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo
• Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
• Filler: Central American, African & Caribbean Proprietary Tobaccos
• Filler: Dominican Piloto, U.S.A. Broadleaf, Brazilian Arapiraca & France
• Strength: Medium
COHIBA Rubicon
Try our Champagnes here!
PAPER CRANE
.75 oz Branson V.S. Phantom Cognac
.75 oz Aperol
.75 oz Amaro Nonino
.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Build in shaker with ice
Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a paper crane or lemon twist
Try our Cognacs here! More Cocktails here!
Zaya Younan
THE INNOVATOR OF MODERN LUXURY & LIFESTYLE
FROM CASTLES TO COUTURE, A BILLIONAIRE’S VISION FOR REDEFINING THE ART OF LIVING
CEO/PUBLISHER
WITH EL
& FOUNDER, ZAYA
LINCOLN SALAZAR
SEPTIMO CIGARS OWNER
YOUNAN
Billionaire entrepreneur Zaya Younan has built his career on defying expectations and reimagining what luxury can be. From acquiring European castles and five-star hotels to launching fashion houses, fine jewelry brands, and premium wines and spirits, Younan’s ventures form a global empire rooted in artistry, precision, and an unapologetic pursuit of perfection.
Now, he’s applying that same relentless vision to every corner of modern lifestyle — merging old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. Whether it’s a couture gown, a rare spirit, or a meticulously crafted cigar, Younan’s creations are designed to be more than possessions. They’re experiences, legacies, and statements that luxury in the 21st century isn’t bound by tradition — it’s defined by those bold enough to reinvent it.
INTRODUCTION & EARLY CAREER
LS: Welcome to the Enthusiast Report. I’m here with Zaya Younan, owner of El Septimo Cigars, a man whose vision for luxury spans industries worldwide. Zaya, thank you for joining us today. We just wrapped a beautiful shoot at your Los Angeles lounge — it really captures the atmosphere you’ve created here. Let’s start with your background. You began in real estate in 2002, correct?
ZY: Yes. My career began in real estate, where I built a portfolio of luxury properties around the world. Over the years, that work gave me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, exclusivity, and creating experiences people can’t find anywhere else. About five years ago, that same passion led me into cigars. I came across El Septimo — a brand produced in extremely limited quantities for the Saudi royal family — and was captivated by it. I loved it but couldn’t buy it, so I decided to acquire the company and bring it to the U.S. It was a bold move, but I’ve always believed in taking decisive action when an opportunity feels right.
LS: You’ve built an empire in multiple luxury categories—wines, spirits, hotels, and now cigars. How did you transition from real estate into luxury?
ZY: Before cigars, I acquired luxury hotels, castles, and estates across Europe. Each acquisition taught me something about heritage, craftsmanship, and the emotional connection people have with luxury. We expanded into wines and spirits—cognac, vodka, and soon whiskey and gin—all made in France. The goal was never just to sell products; it was to create a full luxury lifestyle brand. Fashion and fine jewelry are next; we’ve announced over $1 billion in acquisitions to build La Maison Younan, a Paris-based fashion house to compete with LVMH, Gucci, and Dior.
LS: Tell me about your path before real estate—how did you develop this entrepreneurial spirit?
ZY: I came to the U.S. from Iran at 13, grew up in Chicago, and earned an engineering degree. At General Motors, I invented products like the airbag crash sensor, keyless entry, and cooled/heated car seats. Later, I started my own tech companies, developing voice-interactive navigation, fusion technology for oil pipelines, and even an early electric vehicle later sold to GM.
Over my career, I’ve earned over 1,200 patents. In 2002, I shifted to real estate, growing a portfolio from zero to $8 billion in six years. But I’m never satisfied with one success—I move to new industries, learn them deeply, and aim to be the best.
LS: Where does that drive come from?
ZY: I grew up poor—one room for my parents and five siblings. I decided early I wouldn’t stay that way. No mentors, no heroes—just my own vision. I believe every person can exceed their limits with vision, commitment, and daily goals. That’s how you achieve something the world remembers.
LS: What motivates you today?
ZY: My family, my reputation for innovation, and the desire to keep creating. I want my children and others to see that anything is possible. Luxury isn’t static—you must keep elevating. In cigars, I’ve introduced 25 blends in just over two years, with more than 100 ready in our cellar.
“I believe a product should touch the soul, not just serve a function. That philosophy drives everything I do.”
DEFINING LUXURY & TECHNOLOGY IN CIGAR MAKING
LS: Let’s talk about your philosophy of luxury. What does luxury mean to you, and how does that translate into El Septimo cigars?
ZY: Luxury is about touching the soul, not just the senses. In cigars, it starts with the soil. We analyze mineral content before planting, match each seed variety to the right environment, and control humidity, sunlight, and airflow.
We select only Grade A leaves of uniform thickness, ferment them for 5–15 years— longer than anyone else—and use blending science learned from wine and spirits production. Unlike other brands, we test every new cigar with focus groups of up to 500 people. If the reaction isn’t overwhelmingly positive, we don’t release it.
LS: You’ve said El Septimo uses more technology in cigar making than anyone else in history. Can you elaborate on how that shapes the blending process?
ZY: Absolutely. While many cigar companies rely solely on the palate and nose of their blenders, we integrate science and precision tools into the process. We analyze soil composition before planting, ensure leaf thickness consistency, and ferment for up to 15 years.
When blending, we use advanced instruments to record and replicate exact flavor profiles. This gives us perfect recall of the smoking experience and allows us to deliver consistency at a level the industry hasn’t seen in its 600-year history.
LS: That’s remarkable precision. And your consumer testing process is equally unique.
ZY: Yes — after a cigar blend is approved internally, we don’t stop there. We take it to the market for focus group studies, sometimes with as many as 500 people. We observe them smoking, gather feedback, and only release the cigar if the vast majority agree it’s exceptional. This way, we’re creating cigars not just based on our opinion, but on what real consumers love.
LS: How challenging is it to compete in the premium cigar market?
ZY: Very. There are thousands of competitors, but only a few brands that dominate globally. Most smokers are loyal to certain labels, so we had to create something that tastes and feels unlike anything else. That starts with farming in the right regions, precise fermentation, and blending backed by technology. We apply the same precision to cigars as to fine wine—controlling every variable to guarantee consistency.
“Unlike other brands, we integrate science and precision tools into every stage of cigar making.”
LESSONS FROM THE INDUSTRY & THE KING ABDULLAH STORY
LS: What have you learned since entering the premium cigar industry?
ZY: That perfection is in the details. A cigar can pass through 800–1,200 hands from leaf to final product. We constantly monitor quality. Taste is subjective, so instead of relying solely on our blenders, we let the consumer decide. Our cigars are selected by people, for people—something no other luxury brand does at this scale.
LS: And before you entered the business?
ZY: I smoked many brands but never felt loyal to one. They all fell short of my idea of luxury. When King Abdullah gifted me an El Septimo, it was the first time I experienced a cigar that stayed with me long after smoking it.
LS: That must have been a powerful moment. How did it influence your decision to acquire the brand?
ZY: That cigar was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The flavors stayed with me all night. My wife, who has smoked for over 30 years, also loved it, which is rare for her.
When King Abdullah passed and I could no longer get the cigars, I knew I had to find a way to bring that experience back—not just for myself, but for others. That’s what led me to acquire El Septimo and eventually reimagine it for the U.S. market.
THE ROLE OF CIGARS IN LIFE
LS: You’ve mentioned cigars are part of your personal routine.
ZY: Absolutely. I smoke 8–10 cigars daily. They’re not addictive like cigarettes, but they do help reduce stress. Nicotine, naturally found in vegetables like tomatoes and potatoes, dilates arteries and increases blood flow, which can reduce inflammation.
For me, cigars are about connection—when I light one with my sons, they stay and talk for hours. It’s about slowing down, being present, and creating moments that matter.
LIFESTYLE & PHILOSOPHY
LS: Outside of business, what role do luxury and lifestyle play in how you live — and in how you approach product design?
ZY: I’ve always been drawn to the best—whether it’s a RollsRoyce, a finely tailored jacket, or a watch that commands attention. I believe a product should touch the soul, not just serve a function. That philosophy drives everything I do, including designing cigars. It’s about creating an experience that commands your full attention and leaves a lasting impression.
“I’m never satisfied with one success—I move to new industries, learn them deeply, and aim to be the best.”
ZY: I’ve always gravitated toward the best—cars, clothing, watches, jewelry. I’ve driven Rolls-Royce for 40 years because it surprises me every time. I believe products should do that— delight you every time you interact with them. That’s the philosophy behind El Septimo.
LS: How does that shape your workday?
ZY: My schedule is intense—five hours of sleep, constant problem-solving across time zones. Cigars are my way to decompress. They make me present in the moment, which is something I value.
WHAT’S NEXT & BUILDING A LEGACY
LS: You’ve accomplished so much—what’s next?
ZY: The U.S. leads the world in most industries except luxury fashion, which is dominated by Paris. My goal is to bring that level of excellence to America—designing here, manufacturing here, and building globally recognized American luxury brands. We’ve launched a multi-billion-dollar initiative to acquire and develop some of the world’s top fashion and jewelry houses under American ownership.
LS: What legacy do you want to leave?
ZY: I want to create products that last for centuries, like Dior or Chanel, so my name lives on long after I’m gone. Money fades; a legacy brand endures.
LS: You’ve spoken about leaving a legacy comparable to icons like Coco Chanel and Christian Dior. How does El Septimo fit into that vision?
ZY: For me, legacy is about creating something that endures for generations. I want people to remember my work a hundred years from now. El Septimo is part of that—crafting a product so exceptional that it becomes a reference point in luxury, much like those fashion houses did in their industries.
When someone lights up an El Septimo decades from now and feels the same awe as today, that’s legacy.
LS: Your advice for others seeking success?
ZY: Dream when you’re awake. Push your limits every day. Set goals and keep breaking your own records. Every human being has the capacity to create something the world has never seen— it’s about passion, mission, and the will to persist.
LS: Thank you, Zaya. We look forward to sharing this incredible story with our readers.
INSIDE KELLY J. ROBERTS’ LIVING LANDMARK, THE MISSION INN
HOTEL & SPA
PreservingBeauty
A CALIFORNIA ICON REIMAGINED THROUGH THE VISION OF A PRESERVATIONIST, PHILANTHROPIST, AND TASTEMAKER.
INTERVIEW BY ENTHUSIAST REPORT MAGAZINE
A LEGACY RESTORED
Step through the grand archways of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California, and you’ll feel as though you’ve crossed into another era—one where romance, history, and artistry intertwine in the most enchanting ways.
For more than a century, this landmark has stood as a living monument to California’s heritage, hosting U.S. presidents, world leaders, and cultural icons. Yet it is Kelly J. Roberts, Owner and Chairman of the Entrepreneurial Corporate Group (ECG), who has breathed new life into the property—preserving its soul while elevating it to a modern sanctuary of luxury and beauty.
“Remaining loyal—to my family, to our country, and to the legacy we’ve worked so hard to preserve—has been the defining thread of my journey.”
— Kelly J. Roberts
That journey began more than three decades ago when her husband, Duane Roberts, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, acquired the Mission Inn. Known nationally as the creator of the frozen burrito industry, Duane saw in the Mission Inn not just a property, but a promise—to restore a cultural treasure and revive the heart of Riverside.
A LIVING WORK OF ART
Under Kelly’s care, the Mission Inn has become a seamless blend of heritage and modern indulgence. Every corridor tells a story—each archway, hand-painted ceiling, and sparkling chandelier chosen to honor the past while welcoming the future.
“We saw its soul,” Kelly says. “Since then, I’ve poured my heart into restoring its grandeur while thoughtfully evolving it for today’s discerning traveler.”
Her passion for art and design radiates throughout the property. As a collector of museum-caliber works ranging from classical to contemporary, Kelly curates the hotel’s interiors as if composing a symphony—each piece intentional, every detail designed to inspire.
KELLY’S SPA – A SANCTUARY FOR THE SENSES
Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the Top 10 Hotel Spas in the United States, Kelly’s Spa is a serene retreat inspired by European traditions and infused with Californian soul. Guests can indulge in signature treatments using PALLAS Skincare, Kelly’s award-winning line created from the spa’s philosophy of holistic beauty.
“From the beginning, I’ve been drawn to the art of beautifying—not just aesthetically, but holistically,” Kelly explains.
Every treatment—from restorative massages to the bespoke PALLAS facial—feels like a personal invitation to slow down and reconnect with oneself.
CELEBRATING LIGHT, LEGACY, AND LOVE
Each winter, the Mission Inn transforms into a dazzling wonderland during the Festival of Lights, hosted by Kelly and Duane Roberts. More than 10 million lights, animated displays, and carolers illuminate the property in one of the nation’s most spectacular holiday celebrations.
“It’s about creating memories that last,” Kelly says. “The Festival of Lights is our way of sharing beauty and joy with the community that’s supported us for so many years.”
The event draws visitors from around the world, capturing the magic of the season and the warmth of Kelly’s vision— one rooted in love, family, and purpose.
PALLAS SKINCARE – THE BEAUTY OF INTENTION
Born from the treatments at Kelly’s Spa, the PALLAS Skincare collection embodies modern luxury with timeless values—purity, performance, and purpose. Recently reformulated with innovative active ingredients, the line will relaunch this fall, coinciding with the Mission Inn’s holiday festivities.
Kelly’s approach to beauty mirrors her philosophy on life: refined, intentional, and deeply connected to nature and wellness.
A LEGACY OF COMPASSION
Beyond hospitality, Kelly’s influence extends into philanthropy, education, and preservation. Through the Kelly J. Roberts Private Foundation, she supports causes benefiting children and animals. She also serves on the City of Hope Orange County President’s Cabinet, helping shape one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment institutions.
Her and Duane’s preservation work has earned national recognition, including the Steward of History and Historic Preservation Award from Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“Preserving cultural landmarks is not just about saving buildings—it’s about protecting stories, memories, and identities.”
THE EPITOME OF REFINED HOSPITALITY
To stay at the Mission Inn is to experience Kelly’s definition of luxury—not in excess, but in intention.
“Luxury is the scent in the air, the softness of a robe, the sparkle of a chandelier, or the kindness of a welcome,” she reflects.
“It’s about elevating everyday moments into something extraordinary.”
Whether visiting for a romantic escape, a rejuvenating spa retreat, or simply to walk its storied halls, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa offers guests the chance to live inside history—wrapped in warmth, beauty, and soul.
And as for what’s next? Kelly hints with a smile:
“We’ve recently acquired a property in Palm Beach. It will be another love letter to design, history, and the pursuit of beauty.”
Winter without Mercy
CHASING FIRE, ICE, AND UNTAMED LUXURY
AROUND THE GLOBE
WORDS BY ALYSHA CARNELL
Winter isn’t an invitation to hibernate — it’s a dare. A brutal, breathtaking season that rewards the bold traveler with roaring fires, black-glass chalets, geothermal steam baths, and après-ski cocktails that sting with alpine bite. For the elite explorer, winter is less about staying warm… and more about feeling alive. This season, the world’s frostbitten playgrounds are turning up the heat with daring new experiences, ultra-private accommodations, and culinary insanity plated on snow-white porcelain. From sapphire-lit ice caves carved by meltwater to huskydelivered champagne at the edge of the Arctic Circle, harsh weather becomes the backdrop for curated hedonism.
LAPLAND, FINLAND — THE ARCTIC IGLOO BOOM
High above the Arctic Circle, luxury now comes with a glass roof. In Lapland, heated igloo suites angle perfectly toward the northern lights, which ripple across the sky like a private cosmic show. Inside, guests sink into plush Scandinavian bedding, book in-room sauna sessions, and sip champagne delivered by husky-driven sled. Outside, silence blankets the pine forest so completely it feels like you’re trespassing in nature’s cathedral. Dinner might be smoked reindeer and cloudberry cocktails, plated beneath a ceiling of emerald auroras. It’s indulgence wrapped in subzero solitude — the Arctic reimagined as a warm, glowing pocket of privilege.
GINZAN ONSEN, YAMAGATA, JAPAN — SNOW COUNTRY REVIVAL
There’s winter magic — and then there’s Ginzan Onsen. A century-old hot-spring village glowing under lantern light, surrounded by heavy snowfall and steam rising from traditional ryokan baths like a cinematic dream sequence. Narrow bridges, wood-framed architecture, and softly falling snow create a romantic hush untouched by modern noise. Travelers wander the riverfront in Yukata robes before retreating to private baths overlooking frozen banks, pairing whisky highballs with the soothing hiss of geothermal water. Luxury here doesn’t shout — it whispers through steam and silence.
JUKKASJÄRVI, SWEDEN — EXPERIMENTAL ICE ARCHITECTURE
In Sweden, winter architecture is temporary by design — and that’s exactly its appeal. The Ice Hotel rises every season from frozen river blocks, sculpted by artists who treat negative space like fine marble. Interiors glow with ethereal blue light, while chandeliers drip crystalline shapes overhead. Guests sleep on thermal furs atop ice beds, wrapped in expedition-grade down; wake-up calls arrive as hot lingonberry tea delivered by gloved staff. After dark, the ice bar pours cocktails in glasses carved daily, destined to melt by spring. The bragging rights? Your suite won’t exist in a few weeks — luxury that evaporates into legend.
ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND & KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA — SUPERCARS ON SNOW
In the Alps, horsepower doesn’t hibernate. Supercar marques drop winter-tuned beasts into the mountains, pairing ice-drift courses with chalet-side engine roars. Electric-green Lamborghini Urus builds, BRABUS performance machines on studded tires, and Bentley Continental GT Ice racers turn storm-packed passes into adrenaline runways. Between laps, guests retreat to velvet-draped lounges pouring rare single malts, watching snow swallow headlights outside. It’s a surreal collision of motorsport, mountain culture, and champagne-fueled après — proof that winter’s harshest terrain can still smell like leather interiors and octane.
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA — HELI-SKI LUXURY
Out here, luxury requires a helicopter. Backcountry lodges rewrite winter adventure with private heli-ski drops onto untracked bowls, where slopes are so silent you can hear your heartbeat through the snowpack. Guests carve through chestdeep powder, then fly back to remote alpine chalets where Michelin-caliber chefs plate game over open flame and former distillers curate whiskey flights beside stone-stacked fireplaces. When the storm rolls in, you’re sealed into a cinematic wilderness: snow in feet, not inches; roaring hearths; and the kind of isolation that feels intentional. Winter isn’t endured here — it’s hunted.
ICELAND — BLUE LAGOON & GLACIER ICE CAVES
Iceland is winter fantasy with a pulse. Steam rises off the Blue Lagoon’s neon-blue pools like an otherworldly veil against sub-zero air, guests floating through clouds of geothermal mist with silica masks and champagne in hand. At sunrise, the lagoon glows electric — milky water against volcanic black rock, snow drifting overhead like cinematic confetti. But venture deeper, and the season gets untamed. Beneath the vast Vatnajökull glacier, ice caves open each winter like temporary cathedrals — sapphire corridors sculpted by meltwater and time. Light fractures across frozen ceilings, turning guests into silhouettes inside a dream. Pair the two, and Iceland becomes a sensory contradiction: fire on your skin, ice over your head, and wind that practically howls luxury.
Winter doesn’t belong to the timid. It belongs to the reckless romantic — the traveler who knows that luxury tastes better in sub-zero climates, and that some memories crystallize only when the world freezes around you. Pack your thickest coat, your most irresponsible boots, and prepare to let winter carve a mark you can feel in your bones.
