Luxury Group and Sotheby’s Elevate Global Partnership with the Asia Pacific Debut of "The Art of Knowing" Masterclass Series

Luxury Group by Marriott International and Sotheby’s continues to deepen their global partnership, bringing their exclusive masterclass series to Asia Pacific for the first time. Building on last year’s debut through private tours at Sotheby’s Maison during Sotheby’s Hong Kong’s Luxury Week, this next chapter introduces “The Art of Knowing,” a multi-faceted series spanning digital masterclass content and exclusive in-person experiences that offer deeper access to the worlds of rare craftsmanship, heritage, and high-value collecting.

Designed to offer a deeper understanding of the stories and expertise behind the world’s most exceptional objects, the masterclass series brings together the complementary strengths of both luxury leaders. Since 1744, Sotheby’s contributes its global authority in collecting, craftsmanship, and specialist knowledge, while Luxury Group provides the setting through exceptional service, culinary artistry, and thoughtfully curated guest experiences.

“At Luxury Group, we define true luxury not just by exceptional stays, but by meaningful access and moments of authentic discovery,” said Bart Buiring, Managing Director, Luxury, Greater China, Marriott International. “Through our continued collaboration with Sotheby’s, we create opportunities for our guests to experience extraordinary collectibles up close and gain a deeper understanding of the mastery, passion, and stories woven into each piece.”

Introducing The Art of Knowing: A One-Minute Masterclass Series

At the heart of “The Art of Knowing” is a new one-minute masterclass video series that offers an insider’s perspective on the world of luxury. Filmed at The St. Regis Hong Kong, the series features Sotheby’s specialists including Vanessa Wat (Handbags & Fashion), George Lacey (Wine & Luxury), and Jane Ki (Jewelry), who distill decades of expertise into concise lessons that reveal the craftsmanship, provenance, and collector insights behind some of the world’s most coveted handbags, jewelry, watches, and wines.

From September 2, The Art of Knowing: A One-Minute Masterclass Series will roll out across Luxury Group and Sotheby’s channels. Discover the full series here.

The Masterclass Experience: Exclusive Access to the Art of Collecting and Gastronomy

Bringing “The Art of Knowing” beyond the screen, Sotheby’s specialists will also share their expertise through a series of intimate masterclasses across Luxury Group destinations. In Greater China, the series will kick off on September 14 at The St. Regis Hong Kong, where exceptional handbags presented by Sotheby’s will take center stage against the hotel’s distinctive ‘curated mansion’ ambiance. During the guided appreciation, guests will gain deeper insight into the craftsmanship and collector appeal behind each piece, with the rare opportunity to engage with select handbags firsthand. The experience continues October 2 at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, inviting guests into the world of fine watch collecting through a masterclass centered on a selection of exceptional timepieces.

Complementing the masterclass experience in Hong Kong, guests will enjoy an exclusive four-hands culinary collaboration between two Michelin-starred L’Envol at The St. Regis Hong Kong and one Michelin-starred Tosca di Angelo at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. Reflecting the same spirit of craftsmanship and connoisseurship explored throughout the evening, the bespoke menu will showcase dishes including Mediterranean lobster with Oscietra caviar, red star grouper in Matalotta soup, and charcoal-grilled Wagyu with violet baby artichoke and gnocchi. Throughout the dinner, a Sotheby’s specialist will also lead an intimate wine sharing, guiding guests through each pairing and the nuances that make it a natural complement to the menu.

Reservations for the October 2 masterclass and dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong may be made via this link or by contacting restaurantreservation.hk@ritzcarlton.com or +852-2263-2270.

“The Art of Knowing” will continue at The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao’an on October 15 with a wine-focused masterclass, further extending the series’ exploration of collecting, craftsmanship, and connoisseurship across the region.

As the partnership continues to evolve, Luxury Group and Sotheby’s bring guests closer to the worlds that inspire collectors, offering rare opportunities to engage with exceptional objects through the context and stories that give them meaning.

Rediscover the Art of Gathering with the Luxury Group by Marriott International

The Luxury Group by Marriott International is launching the third edition of its Luxury Dining Series, offering curated culinary journeys under the theme “Across the Table.” From August to October, the series will take place at luxury hotels including JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, and will conclude with an experience at sea with Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Each experience is thoughtfully curated to celebrate curiosity and connection, as chefs step beyond the kitchen to engage with guests. This year, key program moments have been identified across the series to facilitate authentic connections with the destinations, ingredients, and each other:

  • Chefs [At The] Table, an intimate evening where renowned chefs sit among the guests and share personal stories.

  • The Grand Banquet, an immersive dinner celebration at iconic local sites celebrating heritage, culture and local rituals.

  • Heirloom AM/PM, highlights a single heirloom ingredient or technique through collaborative menus.

  • Page to Plate extends the journey with a curated collection of favorite recipes selected to deepen guests’ experiences beyond the table.

  • The Shared Memory Menu invites guests to explore mixology through flavors tied to memory and place.

  • Spirited Social brings the art of mixology to life with dynamic bar takeovers led by expert bartenders.

  • Journey To Exceptional Taste comprises chef-guided tours or masterclasses that uncover cultural exchanges and techniques, culminating in an intimate meal that brings those connections to life.

“This year, the focus of the Luxury Dining Series is to highlight the emotional heart of dining, exploring how stories unfold, flavors linger, and connections deepen when meals are shared,” says Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President of Luxury, Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China, and Regional Vice President of Singapore. “Each destination in this year’s series is truly unique, with an incredible lineup of talent eager to create experiences that celebrate not only what is served, but what is shared. Our hope is that discerning travelers will be inspired to discover somewhere new, and in doing so, rediscover the art of gathering.”

In collaboration with Moët Hennessy across participating destinations1, this year’s “Across the Table” culinary experiences will unfold as follows:

Vietnam, August 5 to 9 – JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Chefs [At The] Table

  • Rémy Gaulé’s Afternoon Tea at French & Co: a reimagination of French pastry through a distinctive Vietnamese lens.

  • Vietnamese Heritage Dinner with Madam Anh Tuyet & Chef Nguyen Hai Hung: a homage to Vietnamese home cooking.

  • Pink Pearl by Olivier Elzer & Summer Le: eight-course French and Vietnamese experience shaped by creativity, cultural exchange, and a shared respect for craftsmanship and place.

The Grand Banquet

  • Vietnam in Celebration with Chef Olivier Elzer, Chef Summer Le & Chef Cuong Nguyen, complemented by a drinks program curated by Marco Dongi.

Heirloom AM

  • Vietnamese Heritage Breakfast at Tempus Fugit with Madam Anh Tuyet: an exploration of Vietnamese breakfast traditions.

Heirloom PM

  • Phu Quoc Seafood Lunch at Red Rum with Chef Cuong Nguyen & Chef Hai Hung celebrating the richness of Phu Quoc’s coastal waters.

The Shared Memory Menu

  • Champagne with a Sommelier: uncovers the stories, terroir, and craftsmanship behind one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.

  • Sunday Champagne Brunch by Olivier Elzer: a curated menu inspired by Phu Quoc’s seasonal produce, fresh seafood, and the balance of classical European technique with contemporary Asian influences.

Spirited Social

  • Marco Dongi Bar Takeover at Department of Chemistry: an exploration of the island’s tropical fruits, artisan flavors, and local botanicals through a menu of inventive cocktails.

Journey To Exceptional Taste

  • Bittersweet Chocolate Masterclass: explore a different side of Phu Quoc’s culinary identity through an intimate masterclass dedicated to the island’s emerging cacao culture.

Thailand, August 12 to 15 – The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket

Chefs [At The] Table

  • The Art of Omakase & Craft Brew Experience with Chef Agustin Balbi & Chef Joseph Talbot: an intimate culinary experience guided by seasonality and local ingredients.

  • Six-Hands Dinner at Veranda with Chef Arnaud Sauthier, Chef Joseph Talbot & Pastry Chef Sylvain Constans celebrating craftsmanship, seasonality, and the flavors of the Andaman coastline.

  • Eight-Hands Culinary Journey at Aiyara with Chef Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava, Chef Laongdao “Aong” Tohkhot, Chef Ratchanee “Kob” Nu-On, and bespoke cocktail pairings by Jane Kaew-Yod.

The Grand Banquet

  • Eight-Hands Dinner at The Beach Lawn with Chef Agustin Balbi, Chef Arnaud Sauthier, Chef Joseph Talbot & Pastry Chef Sylvain Constans.

The Shared Memory Menu

  • Sunset at Zbar with Bar Us bringing the signature philosophy of Bangkok’s celebrated bar to the shores of Naka Yai Island.

Spirited Social

  • Golden Hour Stories at Sea: handcrafted cocktails experience prepared by Adi Sukasta reflecting the aroma, colors and rhythm of the evening.

  • Golden Hour Cocktails at Zbar with Adi Sukasta, and Fransiska Siregar.

Journey To Exceptional Taste

  • Local Spirit, Refined Taste: a curated lunch pairing highlighting the natural abundance of Southern Thailand with selected craft spirits in collaboration with The Distillery Phuket.

  • Natural Dye Textile Workshop: a hands-on workshop with Bang Wan Phatthana Women Farmers Community Enterprise to understand transformation of locally sourced botanicals into vibrant natural pigments.

  • Artisan Gin Blending with Kilo Spirits: an immersive gin workshop set against the secluded surroundings of The Naka Island and create your personalized bottle.

Maldives, August 26 to 30 – The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Chefs [At The] Table

  • An Evening with Chef Chan & Chef Abdo: a refined dialogue between elevated Cantonese cuisine and sophisticated pan-Asian flavors.

  • An Atelier with Chef Emmanuel Stroobant & Chef Ahmet: an intimate four-hands cooking atelier featuring creativity, craftsmanship, and conversation.

  • Curated Omakase Lunch at T.Pan with Chef Takato Kitano: a contemporary Japanese culinary journey.

  • ALBA Dining Experience with Chef Emmanuel Stroobant: a showcase of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.

The Shared Memory Menu

  • Wine at Sunset with Master Sommeliers Thomas Ling and Kuday: an intimate wine tasting experience by the sea.

  • An Evening with Chef Taj & Brian Gonzalez: a curated menu with cocktail pairings exploring the connection between Indian culinary heritage and the local character of island ingredients.

Heirloom AM

  • A Farewell with Flavor at ALBA: Mediterranean breakfast experience highlighting vibrant flavors, fresh seasonal ingredients, and comforting Mediterranean classics.

Spirited Social

  • Sunset at The Whale Bar with Brian Gonzales: an exclusive one-night-only cocktail experience shaped by contemporary mixology, island living, and the spirit of tropical evenings in the Maldives.

Journey To Exceptional Taste

  • The Dine Around Experience: an immersive dining journey across the signature venues of the resort.

Indonesia, September 9 to 11 – Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Chefs [At The] Table

  • Where Indonesia’s Culinary Stories Come Alive with Chef Ketut Sartika, Chef Agung Ardiawan, and Chef Wira Hardiyansyah: a menu rooted in time-honored recipes reflecting the evolving voice of Indonesian gastronomy.

The Grand Banquet

  • Two Chefs, One Story of Indonesian Heritage with Chef Syrco Bakker & Chef Bayu Timur: an exploration of evolving identity with evocative live performances.

Heirloom PM

  • A Four-Hands Dialogue of Land and Fermentation with Chef Eka Sunarya & Chef Lee Daejin: a refined, fermentation-led dinner menu that celebrates Bali’s biodiversity while weaving in global perspective.

Spirited Social

  • Ambar x Gold Bar with Andrei Marcu: Japanese precision and minimalist craft’s takeover at Mandapa’s sophisticated jungle bar overlooking the Ayung River.

Journey To Exceptional Taste

  • Forage, Feast & Unwind: a guided foraging journey and a jungle lunch featuring locally inspired specialties served in an extraordinary natural setting with Chef Eka Sunarya & Chef Adi San, complemented by a 90-minute massage at Mandapa Spa and dinner at Kubu.

Japan, September 23 to 26 – The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Chefs [At The] Table

  • The Harmony of Japanese and European Traditions with Katsuhito Inoue & Valentin Fouache: a showcase of European and Japanese artistic experience. Choice of lunch or dinner experience.

  • The Flow of Kaiseki with Chef Ryo Okamoto & Chef Shuichi Yamashita: a multi-course culinary narrative rooted in traditional Japanese hospitality.

  • Preserving Perfection Edomae-style with Chef Tomohiro Goda: a celebration of sushi through an intimate omakase journey.

Heirloom PM

  • Kyoto’s Seasons at Mizuki with Chef Shuichi Yamashita, Chef Takuji Fujisawa and Chef Ryuta Iizuka: an exclusive, walk-around journey translates Kyoto’s changing landscapes into an immersive culinary celebration.

  • A Symphony of Tempura x Sushi with Chef Taiseki Kojima & Chef Takuji Fujisawa: a four-hands menu pairing Edomae sushi precision with light, seasonal tempura.

  • Fire and Flair with Chef Mizuki Goro Koide and Chef Ryuta Iizuka: the artistry and energy of teppanyaki.

Page to Plate

  • Chef Angelo’s Italian Expressions at La Locanda: celebrate Mediterranean principles and Japan's micro-seasons through a contemporary expression of regional Italian cuisine.

  • An Afternoon with PIERRE HERMÉ PARIS reimagining afternoon tea as a sensory journey blending timeless elegance with Kyoto’s contemporary serenity.

The Shared Memory Menu

  • Where Kyoto’s Heritage Meets Fukuoka’s Gateway Spirit with Yosuke Asano and Shuto Yamanaka for a sensory dialogue between Japan's historic maritime gateway and vibrant merchant hub.

Spirited Social

  • A Celebration of Japanese Craftsmanship with Yosuke Asano, Yasuhiro Kawakubo & Hajime Oshima: a masterclass in monozukuri to bridge Kyoto’s understated elegance with the sleek, contemporary energy of Tokyo's cocktail culture.

Japan, October 9 to 18 – Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Chefs [At The] Table

  • A Kyoto Culinary Journey with Chef Katsuhito Inoue: an elegant 4-course menu shaped by the philosophy of shichijuni-kou, accompanied by curated cocktail pairings.

  • Chef Kenji Yamanaka’s Seasonal Expression: a traditional Kyushu experience guided by the rhythm of the season.

Spirited Social

  • An Evening with Kentaro Wada: featuring refined, seasonal cocktails that reflect his precise, understated style.

Journey To Exceptional Taste

  • The Pastry Edit with Richard Long: a series of refined pastry experiences across multiple moments throughout the voyage, including a live demonstration.

Exclusive hotel stay packages are available across destinations, whilst the Luxury Dining Series onboard Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is exclusively available for guests booked on the Japan voyage. Marriott Bonvoy members can also bid on these exceptional dining events using their Marriott Bonvoy Moments loyalty points. Visit Luxury Dining Series for more information.