Each week, Elevated Weekly explores the escapes, objects, rituals and experiences shaping the future of contemporary luxury through a carefully curated edit of global discoveries. Four signals. One weekly edit.
From a reimagined private island on the French Riviera to gem-set watches unveiled beneath the lights of the Met Gala, travel-focused beauty technology designed for contemporary lifestyles, and the return of Lake Como’s most elegant celebration of automotive heritage, this week’s selection reflects a growing shift toward immersive experiences, refined craftsmanship and a softer vision of modern luxury.
Image credit: Zannier Hotels
The Escape: Zannier Hotels Opens a Riviera Retreat on Île de Bendor
Few Riviera openings this year feel as transformative as Zannier Île de Bendor. A private Mediterranean island reimagined as a refined sanctuary of design, culture and wellbeing, the long-awaited retreat officially opened on 1 May 2026 following a five-year restoration led by Zannier Hotels and Société Paul Ricard. Located just off the coast of Bandol in Provence, the 93-key destination blends understated luxury with the island’s artistic heritage, offering holistic wellness, destination dining and a slower, more immersive vision of Riviera living. More than a hotel, it marks the arrival of a new cultural and social hideaway on the French coast.
Image credit: Julian Hamilton and Lexie Moreland/Getty Images
The Object: Jaeger-LeCoultre’s New Reverso Debuts at the Met Gala
Jaeger-LeCoultre brought one of the Met Gala’s most exclusive watch debuts to the red carpet this year with the unveiling of its unreleased Reverso Tribute Monoface “Or Deco” Cocktail collection. Worn by Finn Wolfhard and Tyriq Withers, the gem-set creations reinterpret the glamour of 1920s cocktail watches through white gold cases adorned with baguette-cut sapphires and emeralds. Limited to just 30 pieces per variation, the collection combines exceptional watchmaking with high jewellery craftsmanship, transforming the iconic Reverso into a striking statement of contemporary evening elegance.
The Ritual: Dyson Launches a Travel-Sized Supersonic Hair Dryer
Luxury beauty tools are becoming increasingly travel-focused, and the new Supersonic Travel hair dryer by Dyson reflects exactly that shift. Designed for frequent travellers and life on the go, the compact device is 32% smaller and 25% lighter than the original Supersonic while retaining fast-drying technology and intelligent heat control. The model also introduces universal voltage compatibility, allowing seamless use worldwide without compromising performance. Finished in Dyson’s signature minimalist aesthetic, the travel-ready dryer responds to a growing demand for high-performance beauty technology built around modern mobility and elevated daily routines.
The Experience: The Concorso d’Eleganza Returns to Lake Como
The world’s most prestigious celebration of automotive heritage returns to the shores of Lake Como from May 15 to 17. The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will once again showcase a curated selection of historic classics and future-defining concept cars. For the discerning collector, it remains the most significant weekend on the automotive social calendar.