Sotheby’s and Marriott join forces to auction off super luxe experiences

Luxury Group by Marriott International announces a landmark collaboration with the renowned international auction house, Sotheby’s titled “Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences.”.

This first-of-its-kind collaboration will see the Luxury Group – which encompasses the unrivaled portfolio of eight hotel brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels – pairing world-class hospitality with exceptional treasures from Sotheby’s auctions.

Sotheby’s Luxury Sales showcases iconic collector’s items across jewelry, fashion and handbags, watches, wine & spirits, and other objects d’art, while the Luxury Group unlocks doors to incomparable destinations and travel experiences.

The collaboration between the storied brands illustrates their commitment to curating once-in-a-lifetime moments that define the essence of luxury and resonate with collectors and explorers alike. It additionally underscores the natural synergy between Sotheby’s, which offers an extensive range of luxury categories, and the Luxury Group’s portfolio, which boasts diverse programming spanning an unmatched international footprint.

A Collection of Unforgettable Journeys

To launch this innovative collaboration, the Luxury Group will bring incomparable travel experiences to Sotheby’s global community of collectors as the Presenting Partner of The Luxury Sales.

The Luxury Group will craft imaginative, once-in-a-lifetime itineraries inspired by the diverse categories represented at Sotheby’s Luxury Sales, including, fashion, jewelry, watches, wines, and spirits. The inaugural experiences include Whiskey Reverie: Presented by The Ritz-Carlton, blending the sophisticated luxury hospitality brand with the craftsmanship of artisanal whiskey, and Alexander McQueen Discovery: Presented by EDITION, inviting fashion aficionados to dually explore London through the lens of the pioneering luxury travel and lifestyle brand and Lee Alexander McQueen, the visionary fashion designer and couturier.

Guests will be able to bid for these experiences through Sotheby’s Sealed, an innovative online platform that combines the discretion of a private sale with the competitive excitement of an auction. Its collaboration with the Luxury Group marks the first time Sotheby’s is auctioning experiences through its Sealed program, demonstrating the mutual dedication to innovation from both brands.

The Masterclass Experience

The collaboration between the Luxury Group and Sotheby’s will offer elite access to exclusive events and offers for VIPs of both brands, including private masterclasses hosted within the most prestigious spaces and suites of the Luxury Group’s properties. The masterclasses will provide an intimate setting to experience the Luxury Group’s premier hospitality and engage with iconic auction pieces with insights from Sotheby’s specialists before they go under the hammer.

The initial masterclass, Whiskey & Watches, will kick off at Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad where guests will be introduced to some of the most valuable American whiskies on the market and a prestigious single-owner collection of timeless timepieces, within one of the most iconic suites in New York City.

The Luxury Group and Sotheby’s will also collaborate on an exclusive jewelry masterclass in the Presidential Suite of the recently transformed St. Regis New York. The private masterclass will showcase select jewelry treasures on offer in Sotheby’s Important Jewels auction to members of Vogue100, a collective of fashion and beauty’s foremost female voices. Following these masterclasses, the Luxury Group will expand its partnership with Sotheby’s in December 2024, focusing on The Luxury Sales in New York City.

Inspiring Wanderlust through Stories

Capitalizing on their unparalleled global reach and shared passion for immersive storytelling, the Luxury Group and Sotheby’s will publish a content series to spotlight global artistry and reveal new perspectives on worldwide destinations.

Through short-form videos, the two brands will shine a light on the remarkable artworks at the Luxury Group hotels and the rich art scenes of their locales, as well as meaningful travel recommendations in cities throughout the world. This editorial content will be available on Sothebys.com.

Interested buyers are encouraged to learn more about the auctions and exhibitions surrounding The Luxury Sales at www.sothebys.com/en/series/luxury-sales.