This Iconic Luxury Hotel Group Is Partnering With Sotheby’s for Exclusive Stays, Masterclasses, Haute Couture Experiences, and More

Luxury travel is getting an even more elevated upgrade. Luxury Group by Marriott International — which includes iconic brands like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Edition, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott, and W Hotels — announced a partnership with the world’s longest-running auction house, Sotheby’s. Together, they’ll pair lavish hotel experiences with the finest treasures in the ultimate merger of travel and art.

The “Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences” collaboration will curate unique unimaginable experiences that “define the essence of luxury and resonate with collectors and explorers alike,” the Luxury Group said in a release provided to Travel + Leisure.

“We have always believed hospitality to be an art in and of itself, challenging us to reimagine the ways we engage with our guests,” George Hammer, Marriott International’s global head of luxury marketing, said in a statement. “By blurring the lines between tangible and intangible luxuries,” the initiative “will continue to converge the two worlds.”

The partnership kicks off with two experiences that are currently up for grabs.

For spirit lovers, Whiskey Reverie: Presented by The Ritz-Carlton offers a two-night stand in a suite at The Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad. This also includes a meal in a private dining room at The Bazaar by José Andrés with Fawn Weaver, the New York Times-bestselling author of Love & Whiskey and founder of Uncle Nearest. Then jet over to Tennessee for a visit to Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and stay at The Joseph, A Luxury Collection Hotel in Nashville.

The stylish set will be smitten with the second offering, Alexander McQueen Discovery: Presented by Edition, which starts with a two-night suite stay at The London Edition and a five-course dinner at chef Jason Atherton’s Berners Tavern with wine pairing themed to the designer’s career. Guests will also get a guided tour of the Victoria & Albert Museum, which inspired the late McQueen, before stepping into the spotlight for a photography session with McQueen’s collaborator, visual artist Ann Ray. These two offerings are available to bid for online through Sotheby’s Sealed through Sept. 13.

Also as part of the partnership, access to exclusive events for both brands will be offered, including masterclasses. The first two were held last week, showcasing the level of exclusivity: a Whiskey & Watches event in one of Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad’s iconic suites and another showcasing Sotheby’s Important Jewels to members of the Vogue100, a collective of influential female voices in beauty and fashion, in the Presidential Suite of the St. Regis New York. More will be held this December, focusing on luxury sales in New York City.

Along with the auctions and masterclasses, the Luxury Group and Sotheby’s will also work together on a content series putting global artistry into the spotlight to reveal new perspectives on destinations around the globe. 

“This collaboration not only highlights our passion for innovation, but also celebrates the intersection of luxury, culture, and hospitality, offering connoisseurs a unique opportunity to engage with Sotheby’s in an entirely new and immersive way,” Eléonore Dethier, Sotheby’s global head of partnerships, said in a statement.