Amanjiwo, Indonesia
A hidden jewel at Java’s centre Amanjiwo rests in the shadows of the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world, Borobudur, which reopens to visitors from 1 March 2023.
Taking Aman’s service to the roads, Aman Driving Journeys provide the opportunity for guests to drive impeccable sports and luxury cars, SUVs, or their own vehicle in the world’s most dramatic locations. On supported five-day trips, guests will spend three-days traversing the incredible landscapes that surround Aman properties with fully customisable itineraries. From three to five hours of driving per day, guests are free to set off in their own time, exploring and pausing on-route as the mood takes them, with Amangiri or Amangani as their base.
Personalised iPhones provided to each guest will recommend off-the-beaten-track coffee shops, galleries and photo opportunities while lunch stops range from Aman picnics and local dining experiences in authentic eateries, to exquisite fine dining when the opportunity arises.
These social events are ideal for like-minded friends and family with an interest in experiencing motoring combined with the Aman lifestyle.
Amangani, Jackson Hole
Take to the roads, with the first day’s adventure beginning with a loop of the south end of Yellowstone Park capturing the lake, Old Faithful and some amazing wildlife in Hayden Valley. A morning stopover at the Snake River Overlook just outside of Teton National Park provides a perfect photo opportunity before venturing to the geothermals at Whiskey Flat for lunch provided by the Amangani chefs before heading south through Idaho and back across the pass to Amangani. For the adventurous, an optional afternoon stop can also include a short hike at Teton pass.
Wake in Amangani’s peaceful surroundings ahead of the second day of exploration. The morning starts with a drive to the top of Teton Pass - a stretch of Highway 22 that snakes around the southern border Mount Glory. Stop and take in the views, with the option of a short morning hike. Continue south through Swan Valley to the Palisades Reservoir for lunch before driving to Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge - a habitat for species of mammals including moose and elk. Make a coffee stop before heading through the town of Alpine, back to Amangani.
The final day of driving begins with incredible views, heading south from Amangani and into the Wind River range with its winding roads and mountain backdrop. A morning stopover showcases the Granite Hot Springs where guests are invited to go for a relaxing dip in warm waters. Continue to the mountains and enjoy lunch near the peak of Mt. McDougal – the perfect place to reflect on the experiences of the days-gone-by, before heading along the ridge and back down into the Snake River Valley for a final evening at Amangani.
From Amangani, the off-road experience leads to a true wilderness adventure. After crossing over Highway 191, drive towards the Gros Ventre mountain range - part of the Central Rocky Mountains - and across the National Elk Refuge, in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Make a stop at one of the few remaining structures from the homesteading era, Cunningham’s Cabin, before heading to Tracy Lake, where a private lunch awaits. Return via Buffalo Valley, with spectacular views of the Tetons allowing for photo opportunities before returning to Amangani.
On the second day, depart Amangani in the morning, driving through the Elk Refuge, with a morning stop along the Flat Creek under the Sleeping Indian – a peak named after its resemblance to a sleeping Native American. At the next stop - the Curtis Canyon Overlook - enjoy an incredible lunch prepared by Amangani’s chefs with stunning views of the Tetons and the Elk Refuge below. Return to Amangani through the city of Jackson where an optional stop-off can be arranged before an evening spent in Amangani’s Spa or the Grand Terrace Bar.
Savour a leisurely breakfast at Amangani before taking to the Teton Pass with its 360-degree mountain views and winding descending down into Idaho. Here, navigate through the fields of Idaho and into the Teton Forest, where a delicious lunch is served at the edge of the picturesque Loon Lake. On the drive back to Amangani, stop at Grassy Lake Reservoir where those seeking a moment of clarity can take a quick dip in the cold waters in before a final night at Amangani.
Amangiri, Utah
Waking up in this Utah desert setting, the first day of the driving journey begins on Highway 163, reaching the iconic Monument Valley to admire the famous rock formations, including Mexican Hat, Elephant Butte and Mittens Butte. A delicious barbeque lunch can be enjoyed at Gooseneck Canyon, overlooking some of the most spectacular scenery in the region, following which the opportunity for a private slot canyon experience awaits. The return journey to Amangiri includes a stop off at Horseshoe Bend, often referred to as the ‘east rim of the Grand Canyon’.
The second day begins with a journey to the incredible Zion National Park, complete with forest trails that offer for one of the most picturesque drives in the USA. The route heads west from Amangiri through Kanab, with a coffee stop in Paria – a ghost town now used as a filming location. Lunch is served overlooking Mt. Carmel before continuing into the park for an inspiring drive. To start the journey back to Amangiri, the park can be exited via the West Entrance with a loop through Colorado City and pit-stop at Pipe Springs National Monument on the way.
Prepare for a final day of driving with a healthy breakfast before heading across the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. A morning stop at the Navajo Bridge for coffee provides the opportunity to take a walk across the Colorado River at a height of 142m. After lunch in the midst of the 1.6 million-acre Kaibab Forest the drive descends the plateau before an afternoon stop at The Toadstools, where the adventurous can take a short hike to see the rock formations which look like mushrooms – a fascinating end to three days of exploring.
The first day of the experience starts with a brief trip on Highway 89 before going off-road on Cottonwood Road - a scenic, unpaved road that travels through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Continue on the dirt track to Grosvenor Arch to admire the unique sandstone double arch towering 45m above the ground then on to the Bryce Canyon where lunch is enjoyed. Head into the Canyon for an afternoon of exploration before taking a route home via the Johnson Western Movie Set – a perfect coffee-stop before an evening of relaxation at Amangiri.
Departing Amangiri after breakfast, the off-roading begins heading and straight down to the banks of Lake Powell where the beach awaits, with its inviting waters for swimming. Onwards, drive back through Crosby Canyon stopping at Alstrom Point for lunch. Here, experience one of the best aerial views of Lake Powell with amazing sights looking down from the top of Gunsight Butte. After lunch, venture to Nipple Creek, the Wahweap Hoodoos and Slot Canyon for an afternoon exploring these unique rock formations.
The final day of off-road exploration takes a route into the deep sands of House Rock Valley Road. This area is where the famous swirling layers of Navajo sandstone known as ‘The Wave’ sits and the view can be enjoyed from the road. Lunch is served at South Coyote Buttes, with its visually striking rock formations. Afterwards, head further south through a series of canyons and washes, stopping as many times as desired to soak up the views before enjoying a final evening at Amangiri.