For those who see jewelry and timepieces as art, a new kind of travel is emerging – one that invites collectors and enthusiasts to go behind the velvet curtain and immerse themselves in the worlds of gem-setting, watchmaking and design heritage. These retreats offer more than a holiday; they are immersive pilgrimages into the heart of luxury craftsmanship.

In Paris, guests can book intimate stays that include private tours of Place Vendôme’s most storied maisons. Imagine a day spent at a high-jewelry atelier watching artisans set diamonds under a microscope, followed by an evening gala at a historic hôtel particulier.

Switzerland is the heart of watchmaking, and both Geneva and Basel have become must-visit destinations for horology devotees. In Geneva, collectors can tour historic manufactures, explore the Patek Philippe Museum, and attend private previews timed around Watches & Wonders. Basel offers a deep dive into watch culture with behind-the-scenes access to independent ateliers and curated visits to horological museums, perfect for those seeking a more artisanal perspective. Nearby, the Vallée de Joux immerses guests in the rhythm of watchmaking, with opportunities to assemble a movement under a master watchmaker’s guidance and tour legendary workshops.

For those seeking sun-soaked inspiration, Dubai and Doha are hosting exclusive jewelry weekends – such as LVMH Watch Week and Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition – combining desert luxury resorts, curated gemstone talks, and private trunk shows featuring limited-edition creations.

And in New York, urban collectors can indulge in long weekends of gallery-style exhibitions, cocktail soirées with designers, and even personal vault visits at renowned auction houses.

These global retreats offer a rare chance to collect experiences, not just objects, while blending travel, culture and craftsmanship into a narrative as precious as the treasures they celebrate. For the aficionado, it’s the ultimate slow luxury: a chance to understand the soul of every stone and the heartbeat of every movement.

Article Written by Mirella Haddad