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T his fall, an exclusive Sotheby’s initiative in partnership with Luxury Group by Marriott International is offering prospective bidders two exclusive experiences, each with a bespoke itinerary delving into some of Asia’s most storied realms.
On the Japan itinerary, guests spend four nights between Tokyo’s glittering skyline and the cedar-clad sanctuaries of Nikko. Expect a master-led tour of the heart of Japan’s seafood trade, a bespoke cocktail session with rare spirits and a private meditation session led by the head monk of one of the Japan’s oldest temples.
The China sojourn invites guests to start the journey with one night in Chengdu, followed by three extraordinary nights in Jiuzhaigou’s mist-veiled valleys, deep in Sichuan’s ethereal Min Mountains. In one of China’s most visited natural wonders, guests enjoy private access to turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls and snow-dusted peaks – with exclusive entry to hidden trails and quiet vantage points.
Though distinct in character, both odysseys weave together untouched nature, culinary artistry and unparalleled access – a celebration of tradition meeting modernity at its most rarefied, for collectors who appreciate that the most coveted treasures are ephemeral moments that leave lasting memories.
This itinerary for up to two guests opens with a two-night stay in the Luxury suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. Enjoy sweeping views of landmarks such as Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji from above the 47th floor of Midtown Tower in Roppongi Hills, one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. The suites balance modern Japanese aesthetics with understated refinement. Luxury Italian linens, marble bathrooms and soothing textures evoke a sense of composed indulgence.
Guests begin their morning by joining sushi master Tadaaki Nomura of Hinokizaka at Toyosu Market, Tokyo’s seafood epicenter. Granted coveted auction-floor access normally closed to the public, guests observe Nomura’s exacting hunt for ocean treasures, while he shares time-honoured techniques for identifying the finest catch. Back at Hinokizaka, his culinary team transforms the market haul into a bespoke omakase dinner, served alongside a sommelier-curated flight of rare sakes sourced from Japan’s storied brewing regions; a distillation of the nation’s culinary artistry into a single, unforgettable dawn-to-dusk immersion.
To wind down, guests gather at The Bar, an intimate jewel box of cut glass and lacquer set against the city’s glittering skyline on the 45th floor. Head bartender Kentaro Wada crafts personalised drinks that reflect each guest’s palate. He’ll draw on a fine collection of limited-edition Japanese and international spirits. Among the exceptional pours is a vintage Caroni rum distilled in 1997 in Trinidad and Tobago and aged for over two decades in American oak once used for bourbon.
The transfer to Nikko occurs aboard Spacia X, one of Japan’s newest and most refined limited express trains. Guests ride in the cockpit suite, a spacious private cabin with plush seating and kumiko-inspired hexagonal windows. This two-hour journey cuts across picturesque rivers, revealing forested hills, quiet towns, and terraced countryside. Along the way, a dedicated host presents a curated tasting of regional whisky, wine, or sake.
As the urban skyline fades, Nikko’s highland forests come into view and time slows. This is where Buddhist ascetic Shōdō Shōnin founded Chūzenji Temple in 784 CE, in search of solitude and spiritual clarity. More than a millennium later, the temple remains a sanctuary of stillness, deeply connected to its natural setting.
Guests stay two nights at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, in a sumptuous lakeview suite with a spacious engawa-style porch overlooking Lake Chūzenji. Interiors pair minimalist architecture with warm, traditional detailing, fostering a mood of contemplative ease.
Dinner is served at the Lakehouse, a Western-inspired, farm-to-table tasting menu created in collaboration with chef Kanji Kobayashi of villa aida fame. Seasonal produce from the region – such as Tochigi wagyu and Nyoho strawberry – anchors the meal that is deeply rooted in sense of place.
As dawn breaks, guests are invited to a private meditation session and tour of Chūzenji, led by the head monk. In this landscape shaped by ritual and silence, reflection feels instinctive. One recalls the words of Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō: “Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.”
This journey from the spectacle of Tokyo to the stillness of Nikko is a study in contrast, told through a series of exceptional moments.
This three-night itinerary invites up to four guests on a spectacular retreat to Jiuzhai Valley, a highland sanctuary tucked within the folds of the Min Mountains in northern Sichuan. Meaning the “Valley of Nine Villages,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its vividly hued alpine lakes, where mineral-rich waters shift in colour with the seasons and changing light. It’s one of China’s most pristine and storied ecosystems, and home to more than 140 bird species and rare wildlife, including the elusive giant panda.
The journey begins in Chengdu, where guests spend one night in the whimsically furnished Fantastic Suite at W Chengdu, before setting off on the 5.5-hour-long drive in a Bentley limousine, champagne in hand.
Lush pine forests and emerald lakes pull back to reveal Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – the first of its kind in China, and one of six worldwide. The resort is modelled after traditional local dwellings, with earth-toned interiors and dreamy mountain vistas at every turn creating a sense of quiet continuity between indoors and out; a transportive retreat into one of China’s most untouched regions.
Guests stay three nights in the Presidential Villa, a palatial three-bedroom villa that features an infinity pool mirroring the valley landscapes, an expansive veranda with a fireplace and an oversized stone bathtub. Designed by the late Jaya Ibrahim, Rissai Valley’s interiors blend traditional Tibetan architecture with contemporary elegance. Locally inspired details such as hand embroidery by renowned Qiang artisans root the experience in the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Meals take place across the resort’s four restaurants, which offer a range of cuisines from comforting Sichuan hotpot to Mediterranean-inspired dishes and international fare. Local specialities like yak meat and spicy noodles are thoughtfully adapted for global palates. A dedicated butler is on hand throughout the stay to anticipate every need.
One full day is dedicated to a guided exploration of the mystical Jiuzhaigou National Park, where guests gain exclusive access to private trails. Led by expert local guides, guests explore a landscape of otherworldly lakes, ancient forests and sacred peaks, learning about the Tibetan conservation practices that have protected this ecosystem for generations.
At midday, guests enjoy Dining Beyond, a signature Ritz-Carlton Reserve experience. This alfresco lunch takes place deep within the valley, and features a seasonal menu of highland ingredients, paired with premium wines and unparalleled panoramic views.
Back at the villa, evenings ease into quiet leisure. Enjoy a poolside barbecue under the stars, followed by a bespoke in-villa spa ritual. Treatments include singing bowl sound therapy and massages that incorporate plateau herbs and time-honoured techniques drawn from Tibetan wellness traditions.
The experience concludes with a day of charming encounters with local culture. Guests can try their hand at Tibetan incense making or discover the artistry of Tibetan calligraphy, and choose a pool floating meditation offering profound tranquility through zero-gravity sensory isolation or meditation in nature. At night, try out a Tibetan evening ritual, a multisensory journey through Aba's cultural heartland reveals living spirituality through ritual, art, and communal reverence. For a memorable finale, guests may also slip into traditional Tibetan robes for a striking portrait session set against the dramatic highland landscape, captured by a professional photographer.
With rarefied comforts and exclusive access amid one of China’s most pristine and poetic landscapes, this sojourn invites memories that linger long after the last mountain mist fades.
