↑ Intimate masterclasses on watches, jewelry, and fine wine, presented by Sotheby's specialists and Luxury Group by Marriott International
The Luxury Group by Marriott International and Sotheby’s are continuing to strengthen their global alliance by extending their exclusive masterclass series into Asia-Pacific for the first time. This new chapter builds on the private tours held last year at Sotheby’s Maison during Sotheby’s Hong Kong’s Luxury Week.
Named “The Art of Knowing,” the initiative unfolds across several strands: digital content and in-person experiences designed to give guests deep access to rare craftsmanship, heritage and high-value collecting. Sotheby’s, founded in 1744, brings its global authority in expertise and connoisseurship of exceptional objects, while Luxury Group contributes the hospitality setting, service and culinary design distinctive to its properties.
Bart Buiring, Managing Director, Luxury, Greater China at Marriott International, said that at Luxury Group, true luxury is defined not only by exceptional stays but also by privileged access and moments of authentic discovery. He added that through the company’s ongoing collaboration with Sotheby’s, it is creating opportunities for guests to engage with extraordinary collectible objects and to gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship, passion and stories behind each piece. [Flag: direct quotation rendered as reported speech pending verification of an official English-language original]
A video series filmed at The St. Regis Hong Kong
At the heart of “The Art of Knowing” is a new one-minute video series offering an insider’s view of the luxury world. Filmed at The St. Regis Hong Kong, it features Sotheby’s specialists Vanessa Wat (handbags and fashion), George Lacey (fine wines and spirits) and Jane Ki (jewelry), who distil decades of expertise into short lessons on the craftsmanship, provenance and collecting criteria behind the most sought-after bags, jewelry, watches and wines.
The rollout of the series began on September 2 across Luxury Group’s and Sotheby’s channels.
Immersive masterclasses across Hong Kong and the wider region
Beyond the screen, Sotheby’s specialists are also hosting a series of small-group masterclasses at Luxury Group properties. In Greater China, the programme began on September 14 at The St. Regis Hong Kong, where a selection of exceptional handbags presented by Sotheby’s took centre stage within the property’s signature “maison particulière” setting. Guests deepened their understanding of the craftsmanship and appeal of each piece, with the rare opportunity to handle some of the bags themselves.
The experience continues on October 2 at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, with a masterclass dedicated to fine watchmaking, built around a selection of exceptional timepieces. The format reflects a broader momentum among Marriott International’s luxury brands, with Luxury Group also having been recognised with 397 awards in the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide rankings. [Flag: internal link to LTH French URL — no confirmed thehospitalitytribune.com English equivalent found]
A dining experience by two Michelin-starred restaurants
The evening of October 2 will also feature a four-hands culinary collaboration between the two-Michelin-starred L’Envol at The St. Regis Hong Kong and the one-Michelin-starred Tosca di Angelo at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The menu, designed in the same spirit of craftsmanship and connoisseurship, includes Mediterranean lobster with Oscietra caviar, red star grouper in Matalotta soup, and charcoal-grilled wagyu with purple artichoke and gnocchi. A Sotheby’s specialist will also host a wine pairing throughout the dinner.
Reservations for the October 2 evening at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong are open online or by telephone directly through the property.
An extension planned for Shenzhen
“The Art of Knowing” will continue on October 15 at The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao’an with a wine-focused masterclass, extending the exploration of collecting and craftsmanship begun in Hong Kong to the mainland.
An experience strategy to differentiate the luxury portfolio
LTH Analysis – This programme fits within a broader trend at Marriott International, which is seeking to extend its relationship with guests beyond the stay itself, echoing the Expeditions programming recently launched by The Luxury Collection. [Flag: internal link to LTH French URL — no confirmed thehospitalitytribune.com English equivalent found] By drawing on Sotheby’s global network, present in 40 countries across 70 sale categories, Luxury Group is strengthening the experiential dimension of its nine brands, which together comprise more than 565 hotels, resorts and yachts across more than 70 countries and territories: The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott and W Hotels.
The partnership is expected to continue evolving beyond this Asian milestone, as part of a broader convergence between luxury hospitality and the world of fine collecting.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Marriott’s Luxury Group and Sotheby’s take “The Art of Knowing” masterclass series to Asia Pacific
Format: one-minute video masterclasses plus in-person experiences, rolling out from September 2
Video series filmed at The St. Regis Hong Kong, featuring Sotheby’s specialists in handbags, wine and jewelry
In-person debut: September 14 at The St. Regis Hong Kong (handbags), October 2 at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong (fine watches)
Culinary tie-in: four-hands dinner between two Michelin-starred L’Envol and one Michelin-starred Tosca di Angelo
Next stop: October 15 at The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao’an, wine-focused masterclass
Portfolio: Luxury Group spans 565+ hotels, resorts and yachts across 70+ countries and territories
