We’ve compiled a list of our favourite objects of desire from the world of automobiles, horology, gadgets, and grooming. For gifting or self-indulgence, we absolutely love these high-end essentials.

By RIAAN JACOB GEORGE AND MIKHAIL GOMES

FOR YOUR BUSINESS TRIPS

Swap your bulky laptop for the powerful Apple iPad Air, paired with the ultra-practical Magic Keyboard. The iPad Air is the perfect accompaniment to your work trips when you need a powerful device to work on the go, without the bulk of a laptop. Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, it magnetically slaps onto the Magic Keyboard with its own trackpad and even supports the Apple Pencil, which is ideal to jot notes and edit documents; it even transforms your handwriting into text. Within its sleek proportions, the iPad Air is powerful enough to let you edit 4K videos. It lets you multitask thanks to seamless switching between apps and boasts an impressive battery life. Most importantly, in today’s context, this device has an enhanced camera and microphone system to make those virtual meetings look as real as possible. And the amazing Liquid Retina display is definitely worth a mention. ₹54,900 Apple.com

VACATION ESSENTIAL

If you enjoy chronicling your travels, make sure you get your hands on the all-new GoPro Hero10 Black. The iconic adventure camera’s latest iteration is its most powerful yet with some amazing stability and faster interface. Simply pop it into your travel bag and get ready to shoot 5.3K videos that boast twice the frame rate; make underwater videos or shoot stunning content from your bike or car. Given the impressive HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilisation feature, you’ll see instant results. What’s more, the Hero10 Black can take 23MP photos and can withstand a depth of 33 feet underwater. The TimeWarp and slow-motion features are our favourite. The best part, this camera lets you upload your content directly to the cloud as soon as you plug it in to charge. An adventure camera worth the purchase! ₹54,500 GoPro.com

HOME THEATRE FIX

When you’re itching to convert your living room into one of those fancy theatre-like spaces, all you need to do is attach a high-end sound system to your existing television. Sonos, known for its advanced sound systems, has the aptly named Beam (Gen 2), which sits discreetly under your television. This sleek soundbar connects to your home WiFi and operates through an easy user interface on the Sonos app on your phone. The best part: The soundbar comes fitted with Dolby Atmos, for a truly immersive sound experience. When not being used as a TV soundbar, you can use the Beam as a regular speaker, streaming music through Apple AirPlay. ₹43,999 Sonos.com

SOUND SPACE

We’re crushing on the Focal Stellia high-end headphones, which are not only extremely good looking but also deliver fantastic sound quality. The Made in France Stellia headphones are constructed using high-quality full-grain leather on the head curve and memory foam on the ear pads that offer exceptional comfort and adjust according to the size of your face. The highly engineered speaker drivers, with a frameless 100 per cent copper voice coil deliver perfect sound quality and exceptional bass. After a couple of hours of playing on a new pair of headphones, the speakers stabilise for optimum sound quality. Ideal for those long flights, when you want to binge on your favourite shows streaming from your personal device. ₹2,99,999 focal.com

ULTIMATE LUXURY DRIVE

The German carmaker’s Made-in-India Mercedes-Benz The New S-Class is the most advanced version of this iconic model. The New S-Class with its unmistakable svelte stance, seamless door handles, stunning 19-inch alloy wheels, and technological innovations such as the Car-to-X communications system bear testimony to this. Referred to as the ‘Best Car in the World,’ the New S-Class has been conceived using a range of AR and VR-derived technologies and robots in the production process. Safety being a key feature here, the car includes a host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) ranging from Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Active Parking Assist. It also features innovative digital lights, which optimise the lights based on surrounding conditions. This model also debuts the new version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, replete with five screens on board and the ‘Hey Mercedes’ function. The New S-Class is, in our opinion, best enjoyed in the back seat; the Rear Screen Entertainment System and in-seat massage technology make it an absolute dream to be driven around in. The car lets you stream content (read Netflix) via the mini HDMI port, which is linked to the Burmester 3D surround sound, that is smart enough to adjust volume levels to driving conditions. At a whopping ₹1.57 crore for the S 350 d model and ₹1.62 crore for the S 450 4 MATIC, the Made in India S-Class is a delight. mercedes-benz.co.in

ECO-FRIENDLY LUXURY

We are absolutely in love with Audi’s e-tron Sportback, featuring the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The car has that unmistakable sporty silhouette and sharp curves that you can recognise from a mile. Its massive alloy wheels, redesigned LED headlamps, rear spoiler and panoramic sunroof make it very good looking on the road. This electric vehicle, one of Audi’s many EVs released for the Indian market, promises an electrical range of 359-484kms under certain conditions. The car can attain a top speed of 200kmph and sprints from 0 to 100kmph in an impressive 5.7 seconds. Audi fans will find comfort in the familiar Audi Virtual Cockpit, which is, in our opinion, one of the best driver displays in the market. In addition, the e-tron Sportback features other interior bells and whistles like the MMI Navigation Plus with touch response, music interface in the rear seats, Audi sound system, wireless charging box and a smartphone interface. It truly is luxurious in every sense with other elements like plush leather seats, a leather steering wheel, and an overall chic cabin layout. The electric vehicle comes with charging equipment like a 400 V industrial plug, a charging cable, a wall bracket, among others. At ₹1.18 crore, the Audi e-tron Sportback is worth the splurge. audi.in

AFFORDABLE LUXURY

With the launch of its chic SUV, the Tiguan, Volkswagen India has kept up to its promise of releasing four SUVs by the end of 2021. In the Indian market, it is available in a 2-litre TSI engine coupled with a 7-speed DSG 4MOTION transmission. True to Volkswagen’s astute design sensibilities, this car has a very commanding stance when seen on the road and it comes fitted with an extremely elegant interior, that is all about functionality. We love the large 20.3 cm touchscreen infotainment system, which works with gesture control and has a very easy user-interface for navigation. The digital cockpit is beautifully stylised and is entirely customisable. Other interior perks include a three-zone air conditioning system, panoramic sunroof, plush leather seats and multiple ambient lights. The Tiguan comes with a host of safety features like the anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, hill descent control and more. At ₹31.99 lakh, Volkswagen’s new Tiguan fits well in the affordable luxury segment. volkswagen.co.in

HUBLOT BIG BANG INTEGRAL BLUE CERAMIC

Ceramic is Hublot’s newest weapon of choice in watchmaking’s edge-of-your-seat innovation game, with the Big Bang Blue Ceramic being one of three new models in this stride. Scratch-resistant, durable and light, Hublot’s Ceramic is two to three times harder than steel and is 30 percent lighter. While being a difficult material to machine, Hublot managed to craft everything from the case to the bezel to the strap, all in blue ceramic. Inside resides a self-winding HUB1280 UNICO Manufacture which includes a flyback chronograph; its skeletal dial shows that off too. ₹17,30,100

ZENITH DEFY XTREME

Watchmaking lies at the crossroad of art and the marvels of micro-engineering—that’s why, it would only be fitting to put that mechanical elegance on display. Zenith’s newest Defy, the ‘Xtreme’ embraces that idea. To put it simply, the ‘Xtreme’ is essentially a buffed up DEFY, considerably upping up the ante. The 45-mm case houses an El Primero 9004 automatic chronograph movement that’s precise to 1/100th of a second. The matte-finished and micro-blasted case delivers a smart monolithic look. Accuracy, toughness, and pure skeletal glory, that’s Zenith for you. ₹18,83,400

PANERAI LUMINOR CHRONO LUNA ROSSA

Quick hello to all the Luna Rossa fans reading this. And yes, you’re in for a real horological treat this year. Limited to just 1000 pieces, Panerai taps into the adrenaline of nautical racing. Having its heart in the open oceans and a passion for precision performance, unite over a special edition Luminor Chronograph. Its 44-mm steel brushed case houses an automatic P.9200 chronograph movement with a 42-hour power reserve. Up top, that rich blue dial boasts a satiné soleil finishing. Adding a sporty touch, ‘Luna Rossa’ marks its presence on its bi-material rubber strap. ₹7,20,000

BVLGARI OCTO ROMA WORLDTIMER

At the heart of Bvlgari, you’ll find Italianism, disruption and boldness. On the surface, their watches are intimately artistic, yet underneath, a deep mechanical mastery is at play. Their new Octo Roma Worldtimer is simply a testament to that. Designed for globetrotters, it offers instant reading of the time in 24 cities. From Rome to Rio De Janeiro, it’s a world-clock on your wrist. Using a BVL257 Mechanical self-winding movement, it boasts a 42-hour power reserve. It comes cased in stainless-steel with a regal blue sunburst dial. Here’s one piece that’s functionally fundamental and elegant at the same time. Price: On Request

THE BODY SHOPʼS TEA TREE OIL

Do you find yourself in a constant battle with blemishes? Itʼs time to give The Body Shopʼs Tea Tree Oil a shot. This product is 100 percent vegan and helps reduce blemishes. Apply on any area of concern using your fingertips or a cotton bud and gently pat onto your skin. A quick and easy way to banish blemishes. ₹Rs 695 thebodyshop.in

KIEHLʼS ULTRA FACIAL CREAM

Now that you have taken charge of your own skincare, you need a powerful moisturiser that can repair and nourish your skin from daily stress. Tried and tested for all-day hydration, Kiehlʼs Ultra Facial Cream is infused with Squalane (a potent extract). The cream is non-greasy, lightweight and extremely hydrating so its daily use can help to maintain smoother, softer and visibly healthy glowing skin. Suitable for all skin types. ₹Rs 1,650 kiehls.in

KAMA HIMALAYAN DEODAR FACE CLEANSER FOR MEN

A deep facial cleanse might sound appealing after a long day but it can leave your skin dry and feeling tight. Give Kama Ayurvedaʼs Himalayan Deodar Face Cleanser For Men a try. Formulated with natural oils and anti-inflammatory herbs, the facial cleanser hydrates and instantly rejuvenates your skin. Use daily for best results. ₹Rs 545 kamaayurveda.com

ESTÉE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR SYNCHRONIZED MULTI-RECOVERY COMPLEX

Finding the right serum to address all your skin concerns is a lot of work. Try Estée Lauderʼs Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex. It has Estée Lauderʼs trademark Chronolux™ Power Signal Technology that repairs cell damage, reduces multiple signs of ageing and strengthens the skin barrier to restore your skin radiance—thereʼs nothing more one could ask for. Just a couple of drops on your skin before bed, coupled with a moisturiser, and youʼre good to go. ₹3,900 esteelauder.com

CLINIQUE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURISZING GEL

Looking for an oil-free moisturiser? Add Cliniqueʼs Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel to your cart. Its lightweight formula maintains oil balance and optimum skin hydration, giving your oily skin that much needed treatment, love and care. The moisturiser contains SPF, making it ideal for every day use. ₹950 clinique.in

DERMALOGICAʼS DYNAMIC SKIN RECOVERY SPF50

This moisturiser with high SPF can be your new go-to product for skin protection. After cleansing and toning, apply onto your face and neck and witness how smoothly this rich product blends into your skin. The broad-spectrum moisturiser helps combat the appearance of skin ageing, boosts skin health and increases hydration as well. ₹5,900 dermalogica.com

NYKAA SKINRX 2% HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

The obsession with hyaluronic acid is real. The latest on our radar is Nykaa SKINRX 2% Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, a daily-use face serum that uses a unique, multifaceted formula that ensures hydration and seeps through the layers of the skin. Curated to treat the most common Indian skin concerns, this product works well on all skin types. Simply dispense 2-3 drops on your palm and massage for healthy and hydrated skin. ₹799 nykaa.com

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