Published on
September 8, 2025
In the world of high-end travel, a partnership that brings curated journeys to the auction floor creates a new era of experiential luxury. In September 2025, during Sotheby’s Luxury Sales Week in Hong Kong, two exceptional travel lots were introduced by the Luxury Group by Marriott International in collaboration with the iconic Sotheby’s brand. This partnership aims to provide an unparalleled opportunity for collectors to acquire not just items but extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in some of Asia’s most awe-inspiring destinations: Jiuzhaigou in China and Lake Chuzenji in Japan.
These highly exclusive, destination-led experiences offer a combination of rare cultural immersion, exceptional accommodations, and bespoke gastronomic and spiritual offerings. Set against the backdrop of Jiuzhaigou’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tibetan landscapes and Japan’s serene Lake Chuzenji, these experiences blur the lines between luxury travel and rare collectible experiences. Whether exploring the majestic Tibetan Plateau or immersing oneself in Japan’s spiritual heartland, these exclusive lots showcase the best that the Asia Pacific region has to offer in the luxury travel sector. This collaboration is more than just about traveling—it is about creating lasting memories with every step of the journey.
Unveiling Luxury in Jiuzhaigou, China
A Journey Through the Tibetan Heartlands
Jiuzhaigou, located on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, offers a perfect blend of culture and nature that few travelers have the privilege to experience. The first of the two curated travel lots takes luxury travelers deep into this UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests will begin their journey in Chengdu, where they will stay at the luxurious W Chengdu. A private Bentley limousine ride will then transport them through scenic routes toward Rissai Valley, home to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a sanctuary nestled in the stunning landscape of Jiuzhaigou.
- Key Highlights of the Jiuzhaigou Experience:
- Stay at Rissai Valley Ritz-Carlton Reserve, featuring the Rissai Villa (Presidential Villa) and an infinity pool overlooking the natural beauty.
- Immersive guided hikes through Jiuzhaigou National Park, offering close encounters with alpine lakes, sacred peaks, and Tibetan heritage.
- Dining Beyond experience with lunch served in the wilds of Jiuzhaigou, paired with a unique wine tasting curated by Sotheby’s experts.
- Explore the region’s rich heritage through workshops in Tibetan incense-making and calligraphy.
This trip to Jiuzhaigou isn’t just about luxury accommodations—it’s about experiencing a destination’s soul, with rare access to local customs and landscapes.
Exploring Japan’s Spiritual and Culinary Treasures
Tokyo to Nikko: A Journey of Flavor and Spirit
The second curated experience takes guests to Japan, where a seamless blend of culture, food, and spirituality awaits. The journey begins in Tokyo, staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. From there, guests will embark on an exclusive culinary adventure, starting with a private market tour at Tokyo’s iconic Toyosu Market led by master sushi chef Tadaki Nomura.
- Key Highlights of the Tokyo to Nikko Experience:
- Luxury Suite Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, offering sweeping views of the city, Tokyo Bay, and Mount Fuji.
- Exclusive sushi-making experience and dinner with Chef Tadaki Nomura, followed by rare sake pairings curated by a Sotheby’s sommelier.
- Spacia X train journey aboard one of Japan’s most luxurious limited-express trains, traveling through picturesque landscapes from Tokyo to Nikko.
- Japanese whisky tasting during the train journey, focusing on rare regional distillates and hidden gems of Japan’s whisky scene.
- A serene stay at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, with a private meditation session and a guided exploration of Lake Chuzenji to close the spiritual journey.
This itinerary combines Japan’s culinary excellence with its spiritual tranquility, offering guests an immersion into a land where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.
The Fusion of Luxury and Collectibility
Both travel lots emphasize a key trend in the luxury sector—experiential travel. These curated lots are not just about luxury stays; they are about personal growth, unique experiences, and once-in-a-lifetime access to some of Asia’s most mystical and picturesque landscapes. By blending gourmet dining, cultural exploration, spiritual connection, and stunning natural beauty, these experiences offer travelers a profound connection to the destinations in ways no traditional vacation could.
- Why This is a New Era of Luxury Travel:
- Cultural Immersion: Gain access to exclusive cultural experiences in places few tourists ever see.
- Unparalleled Comfort: Stay at the finest hotels, dine at the best restaurants, and enjoy curated journeys that provide the highest level of comfort.
- Gastronomic Delights: From bespoke sushi experiences to Tibetan wine pairings, the culinary offerings are second to none.
- Spiritual Connection: Engage with the spiritual essence of these destinations, from Tibetan incense workshops to private meditation sessions in Japan.
These are not just trips—they are opportunities to redefine what luxury travel means, blending authenticity, adventure, and sophistication.
Bidding for Luxury: A Rare Opportunity
Bidding for these exclusive lots is available through Sotheby’s online platform, making it easier for collectors to join the auction from anywhere in the world. The auction will run through September 16, 2025, giving prospective buyers a limited window to secure their place on these once-in-a-lifetime journeys.
- Important Dates:
- Bidding Dates: Available online until September 16, 2025 (11:00 HKT)
- Where to Bid: Visit Sotheby’s official site for full details and to place bids.
A Glimpse into the Future of Luxury Travel
The collaboration between Marriott International’s Luxury Group and Sotheby’s marks the beginning of a new era for luxury travel, where exclusivity, cultural depth, and experiential travel intersect. With these curated experiences, travelers are not only acquiring luxurious vacations—they are gaining access to the very essence of Asia’s heritage and nature, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The travel lots featuring Jiuzhaigou and Lake Chuzenji are an invitation to explore the unexplored, to step into a world where every moment is infused with beauty, culture, and unparalleled luxury. This partnership represents a new horizon for high-end tourism—one where the journey itself becomes the destination.
Conclusion
The curated travel lots for Jiuzhaigou and Lake Chuzenji represent more than just a luxury vacation—they are an investment in transformative travel experiences that combine natural beauty, cultural immersion, and world-class hospitality. For the discerning traveler, these are opportunities that transcend traditional tourism, offering rare access to the beauty and culture of two of Asia’s most breathtaking destinations. The future of luxury travel is here, and it’s more personalized, exclusive, and unforgettable than ever.
