By { Misty Milioto & Beth Weitzman
Photos courtesy of Hilton
Bringing together gorgeous properties, exceptional service and some of the world’s most dynamic and beautiful luxury sports cars—it’s a match made in heaven between luxury brands Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Aston Martin, who have teamed up to offer hotel guests unique driving opportunities at Waldorf Astoria properties around the world.
Hotel guests in some of the most sought-after destinations in the Waldorf Astoria portfolio of more than 30 iconic properties will now have exclusive guest access to Aston Martin’s latest models—the Vantage, DB11 or DBS Superleggera—through bespoke drive and stay packages. The program kicked off earlier this year with upcoming Driving Experiences scheduled at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead (Oct. 10-12) ; Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas (Oct. 18-20); Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, the Rome Cavalieri (Nov. 15-17); Waldorf Astoria Chengdu (China) (dates to be determined); and more to be announced.
Each Driving Experience package includes a one-hour curated driving experience alongside an Aston Martin performance driving instructor designed to showcase the car’s performance through carefully tailored routes. While Hilton Honors members can choose to bid points on this exceptional experience for the Rome, Chengdu and future driving experiences, the Atlanta and Las Vegas experiences are now available for purchase only (details here).
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, formerly the Mandarin Oriental Atlanta, represents the first hotel in Atlanta for the brand. Located in the heart of Buckhead—nearby world-class shopping, dining and cultural attractions—the 42-story hotel boasts a residential feel and 127 beatifically appointed accommodations (including 10 suites). Tasty bites are offered at the hotel’s Café & Bar, which features an all-day menu by Executive Chef Christophe Truchet. Not-to-be missed is the 15,000-square-foot, three level Waldorf Astoria Spa featuring13 private treatment rooms, 60-foot indoor saline lap pool and state-of-the-art fitness center. The driving experience package for the weekend of Oct 10-12 includes a two-night stay in a Buckhead Private Terrace King Room or Buckhead One Bedroom Suite, a $150 hotel credit that can be applied toward spa services, food and/or beverage, and the Aston Martin driving experience for one on Oct. 11.
Serenity can be found in the heart of the Vegas strip at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas (formerly Mandarin Oriental). Boasting 389 guest rooms—including 55 super spacious suites and three Presidential Suites—all with sleek, contemporary design paired with ultra luxe bedding and amenities. The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas’ award-winning, 27,000 square foot spa is spectacular. A total escape from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, the oasis spans two entire guest floors with floor-to-ceiling windows in which to take in the jaw-dropping views, and unique offerings including an hammam, laconium, experience showers, an ice fountain, vitality pool and a separate Zen Foot Spa. Those in the know, ask for The Spa’s speakeasy-style “secret menu,” which offers a rotating selection of treatments and services. The hotel also impresses with its pool deck with two pools, two hot tubs and one plunge pool. The afternoon teas, as well as the dining and nightlife—either at SkyBar on the 23rd floor with its whimsical cocktails, or at the Forbes Five-Star French restaurant, Twist, by renowned Chef Pierre Gagnaire—also can’t be beat. Add to that the Driving Experience Weekend (Oct. 18-20), which includes two nights accommodation in a Penthouse Suite, a private cabana at the pool deck, a spa treatment, a four-course chef’s tasting dinner at Twist and a one-hour curated driving experience, and you have a truly bespoke adventure ahead.
In Italy, the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, the Rome Cavalieri, has gained an enviable reputation as one of the Eternal City’s leading hotels. Situated in a 15-acre private Mediterranean park, overlooking Rome and the Vatican City, the hotel features 345 spacious rooms (including 25 luxe suites) with private balconies. The property also is home to the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in Rome, La Pergola Restaurant & Bar, helmed by celebrated chef Heinz Beck. Additionally, the Cavalieri Grand Spa Club is one of Italy’s most luxurious spa and fitness facilities, encompassing more than 26,900 square feet of wellness space. With 10 treatment rooms, two saunas, an amethyst Turkish bath, four pools and more, this is one place for R&R you won’t soon forget. The Driving Experience Weekend here (Nov. 15-17) includes a two-night stay at the posh hotel; dinner at La Pergola; a private tour of Palazzo Colonna (the largest and oldest private palace in Rome); an authentic cooking class, lunch and vineyard tour at Cantine Santa Benedetta; a scenic drive to the south of Rome through the Castelli Romani countryside and Alban Hills; and more.
The Waldorf Astoria Chengdu, the newest luxury hotel in the burgeoning Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone, soars 52 stories high and makes quite a statement. Blending classic elegance and modern grandeur, everything about this hotel impresses, especially the epics views seen through floor-to-ceiling windows in every guest room. Six restaurants and lounges, including a rooftop bar; an indoor pool overlooking the city; a 24-hour fitness center; and the Spa at the Waldorf Astoria round out the offerings. Drive package details to be announced.
For more information and pricing on the Aston Martin x Waldorf Astoria Driving Experiences, call 800.925.3673 or click here.