Luxury Group by Marriott has partnered with Sotheby’s to present “Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences,” fusing world-class hospitality with rare collectibles to enhance luxury travel experiences and collector engagement.
Luxury Group by Marriott International has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with renowned international auction house Sotheby’s: “Iconic Objects. Extraordinary Experiences.” In this first-of-its-kind collaboration, Luxury Group, home to eight unparalleled 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, will combine world-class hospitality with extraordinary treasures from Sotheby’s auctions.
Sotheby’s Luxury Sale will showcase iconic items that appeal to collectors, including jewelry, fashion, handbags, watches, wine & spirits and other fine art, while The Luxury Group will open the door to unparalleled destinations and travel experiences. This collaboration between the renowned brands represents both companies’ commitment to curating once-in-a-lifetime moments that define the essence of luxury and resonate with collectors and explorers alike. It also highlights the natural synergy between Sotheby’s, which offers a broad range of luxury categories, and The Luxury Group’s portfolio, which boasts a diverse program spanning an unparalleled international footprint.
“There is incredible synergy between The Luxury Group and Sotheby’s, rooted in a shared passion for pioneering innovative services that inspire the diverse cultural passions of our customers,” said George Hammer, global head of luxury marketing, Marriott International. “We have always believed that hospitality is an art in itself, and that it asks us to rethink how we engage with our guests. By blurring the lines between tangible and intangible luxury, ‘Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences.’ continues to blend the two worlds together.”
A collection of unforgettable journeys
To launch this innovative collaboration, The Luxury Group will serve as the Presenting Partner of The Luxury Sale, offering unparalleled travel experiences to Sotheby’s global community of collectors. The Luxury Group will design original, once-in-a-lifetime itineraries inspired by the diverse categories on display at Sotheby’s Luxury Sale, including fashion, jewelry, watches, wine and spirits. Inaugural experiences include “Whiskey Reverie,” presented by The Ritz-Carlton, which brings together the sophisticated luxury hospitality brand with artisanal whiskey, and “Alexander McQueen Discovery,” presented by Edition, inviting fashion enthusiasts to explore London through the perspectives of both the pioneering luxury travel and lifestyle brand and the visionary fashion designer and couturier, Lee Alexander McQueen.
Guests will be able to bid on these experiences through Sotheby’s Shield, an innovative online platform that combines the secrecy of a private sale with the competitive excitement of an auction. The collaboration with The Luxury Group marks the first time that Sotheby’s has auctioned an experience through its Shield program, demonstrating both brands’ mutual dedication to innovation.
Master Class Experience
The collaboration between Luxury Group and Sotheby’s will provide elite access to exclusive events and benefits for VIPs of both brands, including private masterclasses held in the most prestigious spaces and suites at Luxury Group properties. Masterclasses will provide an intimate setting to experience Luxury Group’s finest hospitality, as well as gain insights from Sotheby’s experts and the opportunity to interact with iconic auction pieces before they go on sale.
The first masterclass, “Whiskey & Watches,” will kick off at the Ritz-Carlton New York Nomad, where guests will be able to explore the most valuable American whiskeys on the market as well as a prestigious single-owner’s timeless collection of timepieces in one of New York City’s most iconic suites. The Luxury Group and Sotheby’s will also collaborate on an exclusive jewelry masterclass in the recently renovated Presidential Suite at the St. Regis New York. The private masterclass will introduce select jewelry treasures from Sotheby’s Important Jewelry Auctions to members of Vogue 100, a collection of leading female voices in fashion and beauty. Following these masterclasses, The Luxury Group plans to expand its partnership with Sotheby’s in December 2024, with a focus on luxury sales in New York City.
Inspire your desire to travel through stories
Leveraging their unparalleled global reach and shared passion for immersive storytelling, The Luxury Group and Sotheby’s will premiere a content series that will shine a spotlight on global art and reveal new perspectives on destinations around the world. Through short-form videos, the two brands will highlight incredible artworks at The Luxury Group’s hotels, rich local art scenes and meaningful travel recommendations in cities around the world. This editorial content can be found on Sothebys.com.
Eléonore Dethier, head of global partnerships at Sotheby’s, commented: “We are thrilled to bring together two iconic brands in the world of luxury and embark on a new journey with Luxury Group by Marriott International. By combining Sotheby’s renowned expertise in curating exceptional collectibles with Luxury Group’s world-class hospitality, we will set a new standard for the luxury experience. 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.”
Vicky is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TravelDailyNews Media Network and is responsible for the day to day operations and financial direction. Vicky holds a BA in Tourism Business Management from the Technical University of Athens and an MBA from the University of Wales.
She has many years of experience in the travel industry, both academically and industrially, and has written/edited numerous articles for various tourism magazines.