The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – Exterior
(IN SHORT) Masterpieces & the Mediterranean is a one-off auction experience melding The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s luxury yachting with Sotheby’s art expertise. From October 17–24, 2025, the winner and a guest will sail aboard Luminara—enjoying the Owner’s Suite, gourmet dining (including Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s Italian tasting menu), spa treatments, and curated wine tastings. The bespoke itinerary features exclusive art encounters: private viewings of female-artist collections in Florence, curator-led tours of the FAMM museum in Saint-Tropez, a Fondation Maeght exhibition walkthrough, and a private lunch at La Colombe d’Or among Picasso and Matisse works. Bidding runs June 20–30 via Sotheby’s Sealed, aligning with London’s Summer Marquee Sales. This partnership underscores Marriott’s and Sotheby’s commitment to crafting unparalleled cultural travel experiences.
(PRESS RELEASE) FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, 2025-Jun-18 — /Travel PR News/ — Marriott International’s Luxury Group and Sotheby’s present Masterpieces & the Mediterranean: An Artistic Voyage aboard Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest superyacht. This bespoke auction package combines celebrated at-sea hospitality with Sotheby’s curatorial prowess, offering the winning bidder and a guest a seven-night journey from Rome to Barcelona (October 17–24, 2025), with calls at Livorno, Portofino, Saint-Tropez, and Mallorca.
Guests will reside in Luminara’s Owner’s Suite—complete with expansive indoor-outdoor living space, panoramic sea views, and a dedicated Suite Ambassador—and savour world-class dining at five restaurants and seven bars. Highlights include a modern Italian tasting menu at Seta su Luminara by Chef Fabio Trabocchi, a sommelier-led tasting in the Wine Vault, and ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi spa treatments. VIP airport meet-and-greet and luxury ground transfers in Florence and Saint-Tropez ensure seamless travel.
A Sotheby’s-curated cultural program grants behind-the-scenes access to private collections and landmark institutions:
- Florence: Private tour of the founder of FAMM’s residence, showcasing works by contemporary female artists.
- Saint-Tropez: Curator-led visit to the FAMM museum—home to paintings by Kahlo, Mitchell, Cassatt, Bourgeois, Goldin and more.
- Fondation Maeght (France): Exhibition walkthrough of “Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life” with Sotheby’s specialists.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Luncheon at La Colombe d’Or amid Picasso, Matisse, and Calder originals.
Ottilie Windsor of Sotheby’s notes, “The Mediterranean’s rich history of artistic exchange comes alive on this voyage, inviting guests to experience art as an ongoing dialogue.” Gaby Aiguesvives, CMO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, adds, “From private tours to epicurean moments at sea, this partnership creates journeys that resonate long after guests disembark.” George Hammer, Marriott’s Global Head of Luxury Marketing, emphasizes the collaboration’s focus on rare access and storytelling.
Bidding is open via Sotheby’s Sealed (June 20–30, 2025), coinciding with the Summer Marquee Sales Exhibition in London (June 18–24). The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will present the Fine Art Marquee Auction and co-host a celebratory brunch at Sotheby’s on June 22, 2025.
Media Contact
Bryce Dalzin
Senior Director, Global Luxury Brand PRMarriott International
Bryce.Dalzin@Marriott.com
SOURCE: Marriott International
