Elite hotel brand Aman is offering self-drive road trips complete with support vehicles, catering and bespoke GPS systems. Olivia Palamountain reports

Aman Driving Journeys are more than just an excuse to drive impeccable sportscars, SUVs or classic vehicles. In the age of Covid-19, not only are these bespoke, self-drive trips naturally socially distanced but they allow guests to explore various Aman properties while enjoying the freedom of the open road.

Itineraries are flexible with between three- to five-hours of driving per day. Guests can set off in their own time, exploring and pausing en route as the mood takes them. For those that prefer to use their own car, Aman will also take care of vehicle shipping.

Bespoke GPS systems ensure easy route-finding, and a support vehicle is never far away – especially useful when travelling in a classic car.

(Whether you are looking for reliability, durability, versatility or a user-friendly option, TheDrive takes a look at the best GPS systems for cars to fit for your next road trip.)

With Aman, the mobile guide is a personalised iPhone, pre-loaded with recommendations for off-the-beaten-track stop-off points such as coffee shops and galleries, and all the best photo opportunities.Aman Driving JourneysFor a more laid-back approach, “shamrock-style” routes allow for non-drivers to skip a day on the road and spend it relaxing at the resort instead.

Every road trip deserves a good lunch and Aman will arrange it all, with stops ranging from picnics and casual meals in authentic road-side eateries, to fine-dining restaurants.Aman Driving Journeys - ItalyAman Driving Journeys can be arranged from a number of iconic Aman resorts and hotels worldwide, best planned for spring and autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

Participating properties include Amangani and Amangiri in the US, 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.Aman Driving Journeys - Monument Valley, USA

Supercharged road trips

As previously noted by Globetrender here, at a time when hotel numbers are down and travelling privately is more in demand than ever, it’s unsurprising that road trips are on the rise.

Aman now joins the likes of Marriott International, Kempinski and Four Seasons in pitching road trip itineraries to entice guests.

Marriott International, which has a portfolio of brands including Ritz-Carlton, St Regis Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection, EDITION and W Hotels, has unveiled a collection of “one-of-a-kind adventures” created in partnership with luxury concierge company Quintessentially.

Several distinct itineraries and immersive experiences are available in the US and Europe, taking in destinations such as Lake Tahoe, Bal Harbour and Venice, and with access to vintage cars, such as a 1960s Ford Mustang Convertible.

In Europe-only, Four Seasons is focusing on La Dolce Vita for its road trip experiences, taking customers on a road trip through southern France and Italy in classic cars, while Kempinski’s “Your 5-star Road Trip” twins two of its hotels with a private road trip planned out between them.

Routes are covered in guests’ own cars or motorbikes or through Kempinski’s mobility partner Sixt.

What’s coming next? Trend reports available to download HERE