In a new collaboration between Marriott International’s Luxury Group and internationally renowned auction house Sotheby’s, the two luxury brands are set to auction a series of unforgettable experiences under the title “Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences.”
Marriott’s Luxury Group is comprised of some of the biggest names in hospitality (The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott and W Hotels), while Sotheby’s has forged its place in the luxury canon by auctioning some of the finest pieces in the world of jewelry, watches, wine & spirits, and other objects d’art. Through this new collaboration, both brands have utilized their areas of expertise to unlock experiences and opportunities never before thought possible.
“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,” said George Hammer, global head of luxury marketing, Marriott International. “We have always believed hospitality to be an art in and of itself, challenging us to reimagine the ways we engage with our guests. By blurring the lines between tangible and intangible luxuries, Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences. will continue to converge the two worlds.”
Luxury Group has curated several unforgivable travel experiences to be auctioned. The first, Whiskey Reverie: Presented by The Ritz-Carlton, looks to blend the iconic luxury hospitality brand with the skill of artisanal whiskey. The experience includes a stay Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad and a dinner with icons of the whiskey industry, before heading to the home of American whiskey, Tennessee, to discover more.
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The second focuses on another of Sotheby’s expertise: fashion. Alexander McQueen Discovery: Presented by Edition, will take fashion lovers to explore London, staying at the impressive London Edition hotel,and enjoying Michelin-starred dining, before visiting key areas that inspired McQueen.
Those looking to enjoy these one-off experiences can bid for them via Sotheby’s Sealed, an innovative online system that essentially combines the discretion of a private sale, with the thrill of a live auction.
Additionally, due to this new collaboration, both Sotheby’s and Luxury Group VIPs will gain access to private masterclasses, hosted at Luxury Group properties. This is an intimate and exclusive setting where guests will get hands-on with auction pieces, alongside experts before they go under the hammer.
The first of these is set to be Whiskey & Watches, hosted at Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. Here, guests will be shown some of the most valuable American whiskeys on the market, alongside a single-owner collection of timepieces. There is also a jewelry masterclass, which will display pieces from Sotheby’s Important Jewels auction.
“We are thrilled to embark on this new journey with the Luxury Group by Marriott International, uniting two iconic brands in the world of luxury,” said Eléonore Dethier, Sotheby’s global head of partnerships. “By merging Sotheby’s renowned expertise in curating extraordinary collectibles with the Luxury Group’s world-class hospitality, we are setting a new standard for luxury experiences. 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.”
Alexander McQueen Discovery: Presented by EDITION, Whiskey Reverie: Presented by The Ritz-Carlton.