Drive by

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, the mind-blowing Norikura, which rises to 2,700 metres and offers extraordinary views of the Yatigatake and Hodaka Mountain Ranges.

While at Amanemu, time in a private onsen and forest treks to Shinto temples instil a deep sense of peace, while at Aman Kyoto, picnics in the private gardens and visits to the area’s many Unesco World Heritage Sites provide natural and cultural distraction.

Leaving the cars behind, guests can further extend the experience with the option of taking the bullet train to Aman Tokyo for two nights to explore the capital.

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 world’s most breathtaking routes. 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.

There is plenty of time at the end of each day to experience the healing powers of Amangiri’s 2,322 square-metres 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 its setting’s raw beauty with pared-back serenity.

Perched atop East Gros Ventre Butte with awe-inspiring views of the Grand Tetons, Amangani is the perfect base from which to experience the thrill of Wyoming’s open roads. From the wonders of Yellowstone National Park into the long, fast, winding highways of Idaho and around the Palisades Reservoir, the surrounding regions offer a fantastic mix of scenery and wide, smooth roads suited to both sports and classic cars.

Back at the resort, soak in the open-air heated pool and jacuzzi overlooking the Snake River Valley or dine by a roaring log fire in the Grill Restaurant, the perfect antidote to a day of driving.

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 driving itineraries are one-of-a-kind.

Commencing from Amanzoe, Aman Venice, Amanjena and Aman Sveti Stefan allows guests to experience each region’s best. 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 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 Astros and uncover ancient Greek structures including Epidavros.

Island-hopping can also be incorporated, with luxury Riva boat transfers to Poros and Hydra’s small islands, 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.

While the floating city might not be the most obvious location for a driving experience, private speedboats whisk guests from the palazzo to the dock, where cars are ready and waiting for guests to explore the Padua Hills, the foothills of the Dolomites, Lake Garda and the Valpolicella vineyards. Venture along the edge of the dramatic Eugenean hills and visit Fiorano – home to Ferrari’s private racing track – where lunch can be enjoyed in the iconic Ferrari restaurant before an optional tour of the Ferrari museum.

Alternately, head to the beguiling waters of Lake Garda, driving the tunnels featured in James Bond’s Casino Royale en-route.

Return to Venice to enjoy the evening’s atmosphere or continue onwards to spend the second half of the journey driving the Dolomite mountains’ roads from Aman’s partner hotel, Rosa Alpina.

Elsewhere on Montenegro’s coastline, Aman Sveti Stefan driving journeys traverse the Aegean and can include Kotor’s famous hill climb, the backroads to Croatia and numerous mountain passes. Driving through the Bay of Kotor, experience winding roads surrounded by dramatic vistas or venture into the country with its cliffsides hiding secret beaches.

Cross the border to visit Dubrovnik for lunch on the Old Town’s cobbled streets, stroll through the vineyards of the famous Radevic Wine Estate or stop at the Skadar Lake for a picnic surrounded by an abundance of birdlife. Return to the island solace of Aman Sveti Stefan at dusk, just in time for a pre-dinner treatment in the extensive beachfront Aman Spa.

Resting on the outskirts of Marrakech, Amanjena is perfectly situated for an Aman Drive 4×4 experience designed for dedicated drivers and thrill-seekers alike.

Morocco is a country made for adventurous driving from coastal tracks and rolling hills to cedar forests and vast tracts of desert sand and dune. The terrain is rugged, the scenery magnificent and the roads stretch for miles.

With some of the finest routes reaching the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, guests can experience lunch in the unique locations, before being flown back to Amanjena by helicopter. Camel rides, Bedouin picnic lunches and elegant alfresco dinners in Amanjena’s tranquil gardens enhance the experience.

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