Sotheby’s and Marriott Are Auctioning Off Super-Luxe Travel Experiences

Sotheby’s is known for its coveted collector’s items, from art, fashion, and jewelry to watches, wines, and spirits. Now, it’s breaking into a new market: travel. 

The world-renowned auction house has recently announced a new partnership with Marriott International’s Luxury Group entitled “Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences.” The joint venture will pair rare and highly valuable collectibles with exclusive itineraries and private master classes from the hotelier—which encompasses a portfolio of high-end properties from the Ritz-Carlton to Bulgari Hotels & Resorts. 

The special collaboration is kicking off with two epic experiences, one for the fashion elite and the second for watch and whiskey enthusiasts. There’s the Alexander McQueen Discovery itinerary, presented by Edition. Here, guests will embark on a journey to London where they’ll spend two nights in a suite and take a private tour of the Victoria & Albert Museum which was a source of inspiration for the late British designer. In addition, the trip includes a session with French photographer Ann Ray, who documented McQueen for over a decade, and a five-course dinner for two at the Michelin-starred Berners Tavern. 

As for the second lot, it’ll take you on a stateside adventure. Presented by the Ritz-Carlton, Whiskey Reverie will let the winning bidder kick off their trip with a two-night stay at the NoMad in New York. Here, whiskey specialist and the founder of Uncle Nearest, Fawn Weaver, will join you and your guests for a culinary experience at the Bazaar by José Andrés. The next leg of the experience transports you to Tennessee, where the Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Nashville will serve as your home base. Activities include a history-steeped tour of Nearest Green Distillery and a tasting excursion led by master blender Victoria Eady Butler. In addition, you’ll take home a signed copy of Weaver’s book Love & Whiskey. 

“There is an incredible synergy between the Luxury Group and Sotheby’s as both are underpinned by a similar passion for pioneering transformative offerings that tap into the diverse cultural passions of our clientele,” George Hammer, Marriott International’s global head of luxury marketing, said in a statement. “We have always believed hospitality to be an art in and of itself, challenging us to reimagine the ways we engage with our guests.”

Those interested in current and future experiences can do so through Sotheby’s Sealed program. Happy bidding!