Venice, a city that already feels like a living fairytale, transforms into something even more extraordinary during its annual carnival week. 

For one night every year, the iconic Il Ballo Del Doge in Venice, curated by the visionary artist Antonia Sautter, is THE masquerade ball. It blends performance and party in an unapologetic celebration of decadence, art and theatrical enchantment immersing its guests in a captivating fantasy world.

On the event's subject, Brunilde stated: “there’s nothing else quite like this event in our calendar, or anywhere in the world for that matter – it’s definitely one of our favourites!”.

This sold-out event was hosted in the grand Palazzo Pisani Moretta, a 15th-century jewel perched along the Grand Canal. Once you step through its doors, the Venetian world outside – a labyrinth of narrow streets and bobbing gondolas, becomes a distant memory. Inside, you’re transported into Venice’s storied past, blurring the boundaries between myth and reality.

Beneath the gilded ceilings and glistening chandeliers, our members donned elaborate costumes and masks, immersing themselves in the heady mix of performers such as acrobats, dancers and opera singers with goblets of prosecco in hand, weaving around tables laden with Venetian delicacies. 

Brunilde added: “members were so close to the action it, you couldn't tell where the organised entertainment ended and the guests began...” before adding “...it’s like everyone was a player in this theatre, we loved it!”

The ASMALLWORLD Summer Weekend in Saint-Tropez was a standout event on the luxury travel calendar, bringing our community together in one of the most famed corners of the world – the Côte d’Azur, which is the jewel of the French Riviera. 

This superyacht hotspot is a favourite among the jet-set elite and is famed for its boutique shopping, sumptuous cuisine, sparkling marinas and chic clubs. Our members stayed at the timeless Hôtel Byblos, a temple of understated elegance and preferred enclave of the world’s glitterati.

The days were filled with lively lunches, featuring the finest Provençal cuisine and sun-soaked celebrations at Bagatelle offering dazzling views of the sparkling Golf de Saint-Tropez. Evenings brought the group together for glamorous dinners, spirited soirées, and a vibrant after-party, where star Dutch DJ ‘Afrojack’ delivered an electrifying performance and arguably the highlight of the proceedings, as members partied late into the summer night.

Members met a final time the next morning over a bountiful assortment of gourmet treats, regaling each other with traded stories and shared memories of the weekend’s events, strengthening the bonds between them until the next time they met.

This September, ASMALLWORLD members enjoyed an exclusive evening at the New York Film Festival (NYFF) for the premiere of Maria, starring Angelina Jolie. 

Held at the prestigious Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, the evening offered an intimate setting to experience Netflix's critically acclaimed biographical drama exploring the life of opera icon Maria Callas, where Jolie and other cast and crew members received a standing ovation from the audience. This evening was described by Brunilde as “the highlight of our NYC event calendar this year”.

After the screening, attendees were treated to an exclusive in-person Q&A session with Jolie, offering rare insights into her portrayal of one of the 20th century's most enigmatic stars. This event captured the essence of ASMALLWORLD: exclusive access to cultural moments that resonate deeply with our discerning members.

This quintessentially British event, held annually at Ascot Racecourse was founded in 1711. The grounds are meticulously manicured and radiant in summer bloom, providing the perfect stage for a spectacle that is as much about tradition and fashion as it is about horses and racing. 

The royal procession, with King Charles’ carriages greeted by cheers and applause, symbolises the essence of the event: a blend of heritage, pageantry, and shared national pride. Brunilde recalls “this event was a favourite among our members, as we enjoyed great views of the races while indulging in fine dining and champagne in a beautiful setting”.

The ASMALLWORLD Private Enclosure brought this celebrated tradition to life in true luxury, set on the exclusive Silks Lawn. Our members embraced the best of British fashion and racing tradition by donning their finest attire and immersing themselves in the day’s excitement as champagne flutes clinked, surrounded by the hum of gathering crowds and the buzz of anticipation as thoroughbred horses thundered past from our members’ trackside vantage points.

The exhilarating atmosphere of Royal Ascot, paired with the exclusivity of our private enclosure, ensured a memorable experience that perfectly reflected the sophistication of ASMALLWORLD Members, making this a standout event in the ASW 2024 event calendar.

And of course, we saved the best for last!

The 12th edition of our Winter Weekend, made its debut in the luxury winter playground of St. Moritz, marking a new chapter in the event's storied history. Perched high in Engandin Valley, this Alpine destination has a perennial appeal due to its glamorous history and picturesque snow-dusted peaks. Hosted at the distinguished Suvretta House, an unforgettable weekend followed; set against the stunning snowcapped backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

The festivities began with Friday night’s dazzling Studio 54-themed dinner, featuring mesmerising live performances that brought the glamour and energy of New York’s legendary nightclub to life. Saturday afternoon saw guests whisked to a ski hut, high in the Swiss Alps for a mouth-watering fondue feast, accompanied by live music and stunning vistas.

The pinnacle of the weekend's proceedings was the ASMALLWORLD Foundation Gala, as guests wore their finest clothes for a black-tie affair held in Suvretta House’s opulent dining room. Guests wined and dined, whilst embracing an evening not only of sophistication but also purpose, which raised vital funds for charitable initiatives while dancing well into the early hours.

The 12th Winter Weekend delivered an unforgettable blend of formal opulence, community camaraderie and philanthropic generosity – but most of all, great times! – cementing its well-deserved reputation as a highlight of ASMALLWORLD’s events calendar. 

Brunilde summed up the experience perfectly: “if you’re a member, this really is a must-visit, as nothing else really encapsulates the ASW experience like this does!”. The event left attendees with memories to treasure for years to come and served as the fitting finale to one of the most momentous years in ASMALLWORLD’s eventful 20-year history.

As ASMALLWORLD is now free, it’s never been easier to become a member and attend one of our 800+ members-only ASW events. To check out our upcoming events calendar, simply click here. We look forward to seeing you at an event soon and sharing incredible experiences with you!