The 50 Best ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction ends on Sunday 12th July – so we are now entering the final stages for your chance to snap up an experience of a lifetime. This round-up features the top auction lots where a heavy dose of extreme luxury comes as standard – so whether it’s pristine beaches, the world’s best restaurants or superlative hotels that define a good time for you, there’s bound to be plenty to pique your interest
Three Days in Mexico with Cocktails, Helicopters and Hot-Air Balloons Rides with Fifty Mils and Four Seasons
Take the ultimate Mexican adventure with this 3-day experience, courtesy of World’s 50 Best Bars regular Fifty Mils, and stay in a suite at Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City. After a leisurely arrival on day 1, you’ll take sunset cocktails at Our Little Secret before heading to Fifty Mils for a cocktail masterclass and going on for a guided bar hop through swanky Condesa and Roma. The next day, you’ll have a leisurely recovery brunch before taking your private helicopter to Casa Nayaa for a unique tour of the agave fields, followed by lunch and a tasting from the owner’s private cellar, then dinner at fine-dining restaurant Zanaya in the evening. Your final day will begin with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the magnificent Teotihuacan pyramids, followed by lunch and a tour of the historical centre. Then relax at the hotel with time by the pool and 2 spa treatments, followed by dinner at Il Becco.
The Ultimate Four-Day Singapore Gastronomy and Hotel Package with Odette – Flights Included
Get to know the ultra-exclusive side of Singapore, one of the culinary capitals of the world and home to the No.1 in both Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020. As part of this 4-day experience where flights from anywhere in the world are included, as well as accommodation at both the iconic Marina Bay Sands and opulent Capella Singapore hotels, you will take in the very best of the city’s cuisine and cocktails, including meals at 2-time Best Restaurant in Asia, Odette, and Burnt Ends and Atlas, No.5 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars, respectively. Your stay will also include a breakfast tour of Singapore’s hawker stalls with local expert and 50 Best Academy Chair Evelyn Chen, as well as an exclusive tour to one of Julien Royer’s favourite places, guided by the chef himself.
2021 Roland Garros Women's Final and Three Days in Paris Staying in the City’s Top Hotel
Enjoy the ultimate Paris tennis experience with seats at the French Open Women’s Final at Roland Garros, courtesy of Perrier. As part of this package, you will stay for 2 nights at the legendary Four Seasons Hotel George V, with meals at its renowned restaurants Le Cinq and Le George, plus a fragrance workshop where you will create your own bespoke perfume. For the entire three-day period in the city, you will also have a private chauffeur at your disposal to take you anywhere in town.
High-end Couture, Cooking and Culture in St. Petersburg with Cococo
Immerse yourself in the historic Russian capital with this tour of the city’s finest wares, guided by Cococo owner Matilda Shnurova. With 3 nights at the 5-star SO Sofitel hotel, you will enjoy cultural activities including guided tours of the Russian Museum of Fine Arts and the iconic Hermitage Museum, a boat trip through the waterways of St. Petersburg and an unforgettable grand ballet performance at the Mariinsky Theatre. Your cultural tour will be peppered with the finest culinary experiences, including cocktails at Xander, a healthy modern Russian lunch at Bio My Bio, a Georgian dinner at Mindal Café and a visit to Pyshechnaya, the oldest café in the city, for Soviet era-style doughnuts. The trip will be topped off by a special dinner at Cococo Bistro and a full tasting menu at CoCoCouture, telling the tale of the opulent era of the Romanovs, the Soviet Union and New Russian Cuisine.
Velaa Luxury Private Island & Fine Dining Experience in Maldives with Business Class Flights
Enjoy what will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable times of your life on the most exclusive private island in the Maldives with Gin Mare, staying in the Sunrise Water Villa. During your 3-night stay on this stunning private island, you will experience the perfect balance of sport, relaxation and gastronomy. Full board food and Gin Mare drinks are provided, including a contemporary Maldivian tasting menu and fine dining experience at restaurant Aragu led by talented chef Gaushan de Silva. More than a resort, Velaa is the passion project of a couple to create the world’s most perfect home. It is a place where guests are truly carefree and able to indulge in the best the world has to offer – food, wine, adventures and serenity.
Caribbean Gastronomy and Rum Escape in the Dominican Republic
Take a luxury 3-night stay in the Dominican Republic with the finest food and beverages, courtesy of Matusalem Rum. With accommodation in a suite at a top eco hotel, you will enjoy experiences including dinner at the chef’s table at contemporary fine dining restaurant Ajaüla for an 8-course extravaganza and a private tour of Matusalem Rum’s production facilities. You’ll also take a boat trip to 3 secret beaches in the Samaná area with a special seafood lunch.
3-Day Barcelona Package with El Celler de Can Roca and FC Barcelona Match
Experience the best of Mediterranean gastronomy with this 3-day package including tasting menus at 2-time World’s Best Restaurant El Celler de Can Roca and Albert Adrià’s award-winning Tickets, courtesy of Estrella Damm, the beer of Barcelona. With return flights to Barcelona included, you will stay in the finest accommodation, including a hotel in Barcelona and the Roca brothers’ new Casa Cacao boutique chocolate hotel in Girona. Take a walking tour of the El Barri restaurants, tickets to an FC Barcelona football match, visit the Estrella Damm factory and dine at Tickets with Damm beers. After transfer to Girona, you will dine at El Celler de Can Roca, before staying at the unique Casa Cacao.
All-Inclusive 2-night Stay at Vila Mare in Ibiza for 12 People
Enjoy a luxury stay with family or friends at Vila Mare, courtesy of Gin Mare. With your base at a wonderful house overlooking the Mediterranean sea, you’ll enjoy unique gastronomic experiences with access to some of the best nightclubs and restaurants in Ibiza, as well as a sailing trip and full access to the villa’s extensive facilities.
Steirereck Extravaganza with Vienna Culinary Tour, Hotels and Helicopter Flight
Take the ultimate tour of Austrian gastronomy, courtesy of Steirereck, No.17 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019. As part of this 2-day tour, you will spend day 1 exploring historic Vienna, beginning with coffee and pastries in the best Viennese café with one of your hosts, either Birgit or Heinz Reitbauer, followed by a visit to the Orangerie at Schönbrunn, one of the oldest citrus collections in the world, dating back to the time of Empress Maria Theresia. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Wieninger am Nussberg, a traditional Heuriger wine tavern, before a full tasting menu dinner at Steirereck and overnight hotel stay. On the second day, you’ll explore the magical Austrian countryside with a helicopter shuttle from Vienna to the Pogusch, the Reitbauers’ countryside inn. In the afternoon, you’ll go wild-mushroom hunting, followed by dinner at Restaurant Wirtshaus Steirereck in Pogusch and an overnight stay in one of the Vogelhaus chalets overlooking the mountains.
Tour de France Final Stage and Gastronomy Experience in Paris
Spend 3 days in July in Paris taking in the culmination of the world’s most famous cycle race, courtesy of Perrier, which has proudly partnered with Tour de France since 1933, and the iconic Four Seasons Hotel George V. As part of this experience for 4 people, you’ll watch the final stage of the Tour from the Champs-Élysées, as well as taking a tuk-tuk tour of The World’s 50 Best Bars for a special Paris bar-athon. You will then return to your prestigious home for 2 nights: the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel George V, complete with decadent spa and world-renowned gastronomy.
2-Year Supply of Oysters by Huîtres Amelie
Nothing says ultra-luxury like oysters and this auction lot offers you 100 boxes, which can be delivered at your discretion. Each customised box contains 24 Spéciale No.2 oysters, Huîtres Amélie’s most-awarded oyster. Share the boxes with friends and relatives by providing your own design to Amélie, which will print it on all 100 boxes to be sent to the addresses of your choosing, in the quantity of your choosing, over the course of up to 2 years.
Head to 50BestForRecovery.com to place your bids and read all articles about the 'Bid for Recovery' Auction by clicking here. Visit the Restaurant Recovery Hub and the Bar Recovery Hub to explore useful resources during the coronavirus pandemic and read the stories of chefs and bartenders around the world. Follow 50 Best on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for the latest news on our fundraising initiatives.
Reporting by Laura Price and Mark Sansom
