The Allure of the Open Road: Aman Driving Journeys

By Christina Tsangaris

The allure of the open road is undeniable – the possibilities it holds, the freedom it promises. An invitation to journey into the unknown, each stretch of road or trail claims its own distinct horizon ready to unfurl.

Set in the world’s most beautiful destinations, Aman properties offer unparalleled
access to some of the globe’s finest driving terrain, whether through the mountains and canyons of the American West, the wind-carved dunes of the Sahara or the sacred forests of Japan. Taking advantage of this proximity, Aman is proud to announce Aman Driving Journeys, offering the ultimate personalised selfdrive road trips.

Bringing Aman’s legendary service to the roads, the new bespoke journeys provide the opportunity for guests to drive impeccable sportscars, SUVs or classic vehicles on supported three to five-day trips using Aman’s incredible locations as a base. Events are ideal for like-minded friends and family members with a passion for motoring and independent travel, with guests also able use their own vehicles to travel in utmost comfort, with Aman assisting with any shipping required. With flexible itineraries and between three to five hours of driving per day, guests are free to set off in their own time, exploring and pausing en-route as the mood takes them. Personalised Aman iPhones will be preloaded with bespoke guides, recommending off-the-beaten-track stop-off points - from coffee shops and galleries to all the best photo opportunities. Lunch stops range from picnics and casual meals in authentic road-side eateries, to exquisite fine dining when the opportunity arises, all arranged by Aman. Aman GPS systems ensure easy route-finding, and a support vehicle is never far away. For a more relaxed approach, shamrock-style routes even allow for non-drivers to skip a day on the road and spend it relaxing at the resort instead. Best planned for spring and autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, Aman Driving Journeys can be arranged from a number of iconic Aman resorts and hotels worldwide.

These include Amangani and Amangiri in the USA, Amanjena in Morocco, Aman Kyoto and Amanemu in Japan, Amanzoe in Greece, Aman Venice and Rosa Alpina in Italy and Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro. No matter where in the world they take place, every experience is tailored to the finest detail to suit individual needs and to ensure the ultimate adventure of a lifetime. 

USA

Aman’s properties in the USA offer on and off-road experiences with bespoke itineraries to suit the seasons. From the untamed wilderness of Amangiri in Utah to the wildlife inhabited valleys surrounding Amangani in Wyoming, Aman Driving Experiences in the USA showcase the very best of America’s great roads.

Set on over 200 pristine hectares, Amangiri claims sweeping desert views and access to some of the most breathtaking roads in the world. Driving through Escalante National Park, Monument Valley and around the North Rim of the Grand Canyon the journey can be complemented by a half-day in speedboats on Lake Powell and a helicopter ride up Tower Butte for sunrise yoga, with plenty of time at the end of each day to experience the healing powers of Amangiri’s 2,322 sqm spa and otherworldly surroundings. Built around a central swimming pool with elegant dining areas, indoor and outdoor lounges and just 34 spacious suites and a four-bedroom Mesa Home, the resort reflects the raw beauty of its setting with pared back serenity.

Europe

From the impossibly scenic Peloponnese, where coastal roads lead to bustling seaside villages and ancient ruins, to the spectacular mountain passes of Morocco, Montenegro and Italy, Aman’s one-of-a-kind driving itineraries commencing from Amanzoe, Aman Venice, Amanjena and Aman Sveti Stefan allow guests to experience the best of each region. Including both seaside and mountain routes, Amanzoe’s hilltop setting in Greece is an island-lovers adventure, where driving routes showcase the rolling Peloponnese countryside.

Surrounded by 360-degree views of olive groves and with the Tripoli Mountains in the distance, guests can admire the epic scenery, savour coffee breaks in traditional villages, explore quaint port towns such as Paralios Astos and uncover ancient Greek structures including Epidavros. Island-hopping can also be incorporated, with luxury Riva boat transfers to the small islands of Poros and Hydra, where an opportunity to explore one of the region’s hidden gems awaits before returning to Amanzoe in time for cocktails at sunset or a private villa dinner.

Japan

In a country famed for its natural beauty and the sheer variety of its geology, Aman Kyoto and Amanemu are ideally placed for exploring the countryside between and around them.

From the shores of Ago Bay where the sacred forests of Ise Shima embrace Amanemu and its healing hot springs, to Aman Kyoto’s secret garden in the country’s ancient capital, the roads between these two private sanctuaries are some of the most stunning on Earth. Starting and finishing at Aman Kyoto, two distinct driving routes to and from Amanemu take in the Japanese Alps, cross the Kanto Plain, and include the famous Hakone Turnpike, Venus and Izu Skylines with their twisting turns, huge elevation changes and panoramic views. Guests also journey along Japan’s highest road, 

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By Christina Tsangaris