TravelNewsAsia.com
Tue, 12 Sept 2017

Amans Luxurious 9-Country Private Jet Expedition to Take Off 15 April 2018

Aman and Remote Lands has unveiled details of a Private Jet Expedition scheduled to take place from 15 April to 6 May 2018.

Just 16 guests will travel in consummate comfort aboard an Airbus ACJ 319 to nine countries in twenty two days, to discover their rich cultures and outstanding natural beauty.

Destinations include some of the most exclusive and luxurious hotels in the world: Aman Tokyo in Japan, Amanyangyun in China, Amanoi in Vietnam, Amanpuri in Thailand, Amankoras Paro and Thimphu lodges in Bhutan, Amanbagh in India, Amanzoe in Greece, Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro and Aman Venice in Italy.

The Airbus, originally designed for 126 passengers, has been refitted for just 16 and features living rooms with sumptuous leather seats that fold completely flat, bedrooms and bathrooms with showers.

Spa pool at the Aman Tokyo in Japan. Click to enlarge.

While time in the air will be swift and infinitely cossetting, days will pass languidly amid drifting cherry blossoms in Japan, swimming in Phukets Andaman Sea, trekking in the Himalayas or floating dreamily down Venices Grand Canal. Nights will be spent in unrivalled opulence at a selection of signature Aman destinations, with elegant cocktail and dinner parties throughout the adventure providing opportunities for guests to mingle. Every couple or solo traveller, however will have their own private car, driver and guide for all transfers and excursions, ensuring privacy and solitude whenever needed.

This exceptional journey begins on 15 April, with three nights in Tokyo, amid Sakura season, when the city turns a shade of pink by the flowering of its cherry blossoms. The city of fascinating contrasts: ancient palaces and manicured parks lie alongside gleaming skyscrapers; narrow alleys crammed with tiny bars tucked between serene temples; and world class restaurants, galleries and museums juxtaposed with a captivating pop culture scene. From the lofty sanctuary that is Aman Tokyo housed atop The Otemachi Tower, guests will enjoy sushi-making classes, lessons in the sword-fighting martial art known as laido and tea ceremonies, as well as private guided tours of the citys finest attractions including Tsukiji Fish Market, the widely recognised Asakusa restaurant and the Imperial Palace Gardens. With a host of choices and activities to choose from, the Tokyo itinerary guarantees guests an illuminating glimpse into the most authentic and exhilarating aspects of Japans dynamic culture.

The next leg of the journey takes guests to Shanghai, one of Asias most dynamic metropolises offering world-class dining, shopping, arts and nightlife. Of the citys many unique traits, perhaps the most striking is its mix of architectural styles: traditional Chinese, colonial European and ultra-modern. Over the course of a two-night stay (18 - 20 April), guests have the opportunity to admire the magnificent Yu Gardens, stroll the length of the Bund, explore the French Concession and browse the galleries of M50 Art District, among many other personalised excursions. The perfect foil to Shanghais intoxicating energy, Amanyangyun is set on 100 acres in a forest of giant camphor trees on the outskirts of the city, a haven of tranquility seemingly lost in time. Its graceful contemporary structures including 24 suites and six dining venues designed by Kerry Hill complement 26 Antique Villas. These historic Chinese houses were saved from the waters of Liao Fang Reservoir when they were moved stone by stone from Fuzhou, almost 700km away.

From Shanghai, follows a two-night stay (20 22 April) at a blissful beachside idyll on the remote shores of the East Sea on Vietnams dramatic coastline. Backed by the vast wilderness of Nui Chua National Park and renowned for its crystal seas and pearly white sand, Vinh Hy Bay is home to Amanoi and just a few tiny fishing villages. The resort is a destination unto itself, with standalone guest pavilions riding a ridge with views either of the ocean or the National Parks undulating hills. A comprehensive Aman Spa and two recently unveiled, unique Spa Houses, offer an exclusive spa experience allowing guests to cocoon themselves away, their minds to quieten and heal from the outside in, within this meditative outpost. Guests can also cycle through local villages for the rush of the morning markets, snorkel in the pristine coral reefs of the marine reserve or hike to Goga Peaks heights and prepare to indulge in paradise itself.

Swimming pool at one of Thailand's most famous luxury resorts, the Amanpuri in Phuket. Click to enlarge.

A short hop to Thailand is next on the itinerary for two nights (22 - 24 April), ensuring that any further appetite for golden-sand and balmy, turquoise water is well and truly satiated. Amanpuri claims a private peninsula on Phukets lauded west coast, its graceful Ayutthaya-inspired rooflines peeking through coconut palms above a beach, lapped by the Andaman Sea. A destination unto itself, Amanpuris gastronomic fare is second to none from authentic Thai cuisine incorporating Phukets abundance of natural produce to create fragrant curries and Thai salads to Nama, Amans first culinary concept and Japanese restaurant celebrating Japan's UNESCO-recognised tradition of Washoku, featuring seafood, vibrant organic produce, with specialist ingredients sourced directly from the markets of Osaka and Kyoto. For adventurous guests who can tear themselves away from the resorts restaurants, the midnight-blue swimming pool and comprehensive Aman Spa, there are a range of activities in close proximity from cultural attractions and dive sites among them the Similan Islands, Koh Phi Phi and the striking limestone pinnacles of Phang Nga Bay.

Guests will board two G200 - smaller private jets, for the northward journey into another Kingdom the last remaining Buddhist realm of Bhutan. Swapping palm trees and beaches for snow-capped peaks and valleys strung with prayer flags, travellers will now experience one of the most intact cultures worldwide, in a country which values the happiness of its people more than its GDP. Over four nights (24 - 28 April), guests will explore the valleys of Thimpu and Paro, staying in two of Amankoras five lodges spread across the western valleys of this majestic land.

Situated in a blue pine forest in the upper reaches of the Motithang area, the 16-suite Amankora Thimphu is close to the capitals sights and shopping, whilst remaining a quiet retreat. Amankora Paro rests on the brush-covered hills of Paro Valley, near some of Bhutans most treasured historical sites including Taktsang, the fabled Tigers Nest Monastery. Whether marvelling at the purity of the Kingdoms air and its breathtaking natural beauty while hiking, absorbing the spiritual peace of local monasteries, admiring Kyichu Llakhang, Paro Dzong and other ancient temples and fortresses, or simply appreciating the sunset painting the sky a myriad of pinks every evening, this magical place is sure to be a highlight for many on the expedition, especially the final days blessing with his Eminence Neyphug Trulku Rinpoche, a spiritual master and one of Bhutans greatest living teachers.

Travelling south again on the twin G200 private jets will see travellers entering another land steeped in history and spirituality: India. The palatial haveli estate of Amanbagh lies in Rajasthans starkly beautiful Aravalli Hills, a scenic drive from Jaipur and a living reminder of the Mughal Era. Marble floors, domed cupolas, lush gardens, colourful villages and ancient ruins all contribute to setting a scene that could be drawn from centuries past, with gracious modern touches ensuring supreme comfort over the two-night stay (28 - 30 April). Guests will explore the so-called Pink City of Jaipur by private car, driver and guide, visiting the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), Amber Fort and Johri Bazaar, cruise Mansarover Lake in a Kashmiri-built Shikara boat, discover the eerie ruins of deserted Bhangarh, City of Ghosts, and witness the Meena way of life in remote Ajabgarh, a tribal village that has maintained its peoples unique customs due to their isolation. Perhaps the simplest yet most profound experience offered by Amanbagh is the Cow Dust Tour an evening drive: the dust kicked up by goats and cows returning home for the night turns dusk golden, lit by the smiles of locals.

Once again boarding the Airbus ACJ 319, guests leave the Indian Subcontinent and head to Greece. On arrival in Athens, helicopters await for the short flight from the capital to Amanzoe in the hills of the Peloponnese. This legendary peninsula is home to great archeological sites such as ancient Olympia and UNESCO-protected Epidaurus, and is equally fabled for its beaches, the cosmopolitan island of Spetses, and the regions natural produce from olives, pomegranates  and honey, to wine and cheese. Inspired by classical Greek architecture, Amanzoe commands almost 360-degree views of the coast and the Aegean Sea from its hilltop setting, with its own private amphitheatre surrounded by olive groves, and a Beach Club and private beach on the shore. During the two-night stay (30 April 2 May) guests can cruise the azure waters of the Argo-Saronic Gulf to Spetses to stroll the historic car-free streets and enjoy an exquisite seafood lunch in a local taverna. Guests can also explore the wonders of Athens, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon, with their private drivers and guides on the final day of their visit, visiting Epidaurus along the way.

Leaving the Aegean behind and venturing north along the Adriatic coastline, the next destination is Montenegros iconic islet of Sveti Stefan for a two-night stay (2 - 4 May). Incorporating a once fortified fishing village dating back to the 15th century on an islet, Villa Milocer - the former summer residence of Montenegrin royalty, a free-standing Aman Spa and multiple pink-hued beaches, Aman Sveti Stefan lies close to many of the countrys premier attractions. These include Skadar Lake, the historic towns of Budva and Perast, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor one of the best-preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic. Guests can stroll its winding, cobbled streets and explore the medieval maze of museums, churches and cafe-strewn squares, before returning to Aman Sveti Stefan for farewell cocktails and dinner.

Day 20 of the expedition takes guests to their final destination, Venice, delivering them into the gracious embrace of a 16th century palazzo on the Grand Canal for the final two nights (4 - 6 May) of the expedition. As sumptuous and romantic as the city itself, Aman Venice is home to museum-quality treasures including Tiepolo frescoes, Sansovino fireplaces, gilded ceilings and centuries-old leather wall coverings. More home than hotel, the palazzo offers the rare privilege of space in the centre of the Floating City, one of the finest piano nobiles and two private gardens. Exploring the city with the hotels knowledgeable guides will curate magical moments whether visiting St Marks Basilica, Piazza San Marco, the Doges Palace or Rialto Market. Bespoke cultural tours of the citys impressive art galleries and collections can also be arranged. The expeditions final dinner will be held in one of the palazzos opulent dining rooms, overlooking the Grand Canal as it reflects the setting sun.

Headlines: AirAsia Cambodia Prepares for Take Off  Alex Schellenberger Joins Mandarin Oriental as Senior Vice President Brand  Ethiopian Airlines Opens E-Commerce Logistics Facility at Bole Addis Ababa Airport  Routes Americas 2024 Taking Place in Bogota, Colombia  Air Botswana Appoints APG as GSA in 16 Markets  Korean Air to Resume More Flights; Increase Services to Select Destinations  WestJet Appoints APG as Representative in South Korea; Airline to Launch YYC-ICN Flights in May  Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Opens in Fukui, Japan  Rolls-Royce to Expand Engine Build and Services Capacity in UK and Germany  United Airlines to Launch Los Angeles - Shanghai Flights; Increase LAX - HKG Service  Nine Exclusive HD Video Interviews from Routes Asia 2024 in Langkawi, Malaysia  AirAsia X Launches Direct Flights Between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty, Kazakhstan  Singapore Airlines Revamps Premium Economy Class with New Menu and Amenity Kit  Amadeus Completes Acquisition of Voxel  Minor to Rebrand NH Museum Quarter Hotel in Amsterdam, Netherlands  U-Tapao Airport (UTP) in Rayong / Pattaya, Thailand - HD Video Interview with Ampika Chadawong  IndiGo to Launch Flights Between Mumbai and Colombo, Sri Lanka  Perth Airport (PER) in Western Australia - HD Video Interview with Stephanie Juszkiewicz  China Airlines to Launch Flights Between Taipei and Seattle, USA  TUMI Launches Capsule Collection in Partnership with NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team  AirAsia Malaysia to Resume Flights Between Kuala Lumpur and Pattaya, Thailand  Thai Airways to Launch Flights from Bangkok to Colombo, Kochi and Perth  Munich Airport (MUC) in Bavaria, Germany - HD Video Interview with Michael Haeffner  Japan Tourism, World Expo 2025 and Japan Expo 2025 - HD Video Interview with Akira Watabe of JNTO  BBN Airlines Indonesia Receives Additional AOC from DGCA  Vietnam Airlines to Launch Flights from HAN and SGN to Munich Airport in Bavaria, Germany  Sabre Launches Booking Solution for New and Independent Travel Consultants  AirAsia Malaysia Launches A321neo Flights Between Kuala Lumpur and Perth, Australia  Saudi Arabia's Air Connectivity Program - HD Video Interview with Rashed Alshammari, Vice President Commercial  Lui Chong Chee to Succeed Bob Tan as Chairman of the Boards of CapitaLand Ascott Trust  Sabah Tourism Board - HD Video Interview with Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer  Berlin Airport (BER) - HD Video Interview with Simon Miller, Senior Manager Market Intelligence  IndiGo to Launch Flights Between Chandigarh and Dharamshala, India  Skyco Partners Airbus; Orders Six H175 Helicopters  Jumeirah Appoints Michael Grieve as Chief Brand Officer  Cam Ranh Airport (CXR) in Nha Trang, Vietnam - HD Video Interview with Le Thi Hong Minh  Mercure Langkawi Pantai Cenang - HD Video Interview with Hotel GM, Jasmine Keh  Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh Appoints Lenen Mar Porras as ADOSM  United Confirms Flights to Cebu, Philippines as Airline Expands Network  Jumeirah Soft Opens First Hotel in Saudi Arabia  IHG Signs Two Luxury Hotels in KAFD Riyadh, Saudi Arabia  Qatar Airways' NDC Content Now Available on Travelport+  Estelle Vassallo Moves to Italy as GM of Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel  Aviation: International RPK Up 20.8% in January 2024  Amora Completes Refurbishment and Rebranding of Hotel in Brisbane, Australia  Scoot Unveils Embraer E190-E2 Routes  IndiGo to Launch Flights from Jagdalpur to Hyderabad and Raipur  Jazeera Airways Appoints Barathan Pasupathi as CEO  Marriott Signs Le Meridien Hotel in Zanzibar  IATA Reports Air Cargo Data for January 2024  BFS Receives GDP Certification for Dedicated Pharma Handling Facility at BKK  Solomon Islands Welcomed 26,036 Visitors in 2023; Positive Outlook for 2024  Vietjet Signs MOU with Airbus for 20 A330-900 Aircraft  Hong Kong Airport Reports January 2024 Passenger and Cargo Numbers  Malaysia Aviation Group Becomes Official Airline Partner of MATTA Fair 2024  AirAsia Malaysia Launches Flights Between Kota Kinabalu and Shanghai, China  Taiwan's Starlux Airlines Orders Five Airbus A350 Freighters and Three A330neos  United Airlines to Resume Flights to Tel Aviv, Israel  Hahnair Appoints Stephen Chung as Regional Vice President Asia Pacific  Korean Air Cargo Expands Partnership with Vienna Airport  IndiGo to Launch Daily Flights Between Bengaluru and Bali, Indonesia  Thai Airways Confirms Boeing 787-9 Order  SkyScape Becomes Eve Air Mobility's First Urban ATM Customer in Japan  Royal Brunei Airlines Orders Four Boeing 787-9 Aircraft  TransNusa Airlines Rebranding as a Premium Service Carrier  Moxy Hotel Opens in Bangkok, Thailand  Peninsula Bangkok Appoints Masahisa Oba as Managing Director  Silk Avia Takes Delivery of First New ATR 72-600 Turboprop Aircraft in Central Asia  Korean Air to Enhance Retailing Strategy with Accelya's FLX Platform  Rohit Pandey Returns to Minor as GM of the Anantara Jaipur Hotel  Marriott Soft Opens First Moxy Hotel in Malaysia  AirAsia X to Launch Flights Between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty, Kazakhstan on 14 March  Malaysia Airlines Opens Ticketing Outlet at Paradigm Mall in Petaling Jaya  Marriott Expands Apartments with Properties Signed in Italy, USA and Saudi Arabia  Stockholders of Hawaiian Holdings Vote to Adopt Merger Agreement with Alaska Airlines  Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024 Opens Online Registration for Buyers and Sellers  Lore Group's Five Design-Led Hotels Join Global Hotel Alliance  Hilton Partners Small Luxury Hotels of the World  British Airways Using E-Logs Platform to Predict and Enhance Aircraft Maintenance Issues  Surf Air Mobility Secures Early Delivery Positions for 90 Electra eSTOL Aircraft  Nine Exclusive Video Interviews with VIPs at ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos  Thai Airways to Unveil Details of Boeing Aircraft Order at Singapore Air Show 2024  Hong Kong Reports Provisional Visitor Arrival Numbers for January 2024  Accor Hotels in New Zealand to Become Gold Standard Sustainable Tourism Businesses  American Express Opens World's Largest Centurion Lounge at ATL Airport in USA  Minor Hotels Reports Record Full Year Figures  Korean Air's Acquisition of Asiana Gets Conditional Clearance from European Commission  CapitaLand Establishes CLARA Fund II; Acquires Two lyf-Branded Properties as Seed Assets  ATR Receives B-Score from CDP Climate Change  Dassault to Showcase Falcon 6X and Falcon 2000LXS at the Singapore Air Show 2024  IHG's Expanding Hotel Portfolio in Vientiane - Interview with Murali Viswanathan, CGM  Settha Palace Hotel in Vientiane, Laos - Interview with Hala Krimi, General Manager  Vietjet Launches Flights Between Saigon and Chengdu, China  Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel in Laos - Interview with Charles-David Hay, General Manager  IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City Appoints Pranav Vohra as Cluster Commercial Director  S Vang Vieng Boutique Hotel in Laos - Interview with Sengnikone Bouphaphanh  Full Moon Island Resort in Kaoh Sdach, Cambodia - Interview with Indra Khanitha Lay Prohas  Jetstar Launches Flights from Brisbane to Osaka and Seoul  IHG to Expand Six Senses Brand to Kyoto, Japan  DiscoverLaos - HD Video Interview with Southisack Sayasavanh, Tours Director  Cosi Vientiane Nam Phu Hotel - Interview with Pasin Nopsuwan, General Manager  Hyatt Expands JdV Brand of Hotels to Goa, India  Thailand to See Increase in Chinese New Year Tourism Spend  Lao Airlines - Exclusive Video Interview with Chanthanon Khampheng at ATF 2024  Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort in Laos - Interview with Michelle Wang, Travel Director  Marriott Hotel Opens on Gurney Drive in Penang, Malaysia  Emirates to Increase Capacity on Flights to Osaka, Japan  Michelle Lee Joins Pullman Bangkok Hotel G as General Manager  Rosewood Makes Changes to Senior Management Team  Smiths Detection to Upgrade Security at Fukuoka Airport in Japan  Standard to Open Residences in Hua Hin and Phuket, Thailand; Video Interview with Amar Lalvani  AirAsia Indonesia Launches Flights Between Jakarta and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia  Philippine Airlines to Deploy Amadeus Traveler DNA  Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach Completes A$8 Million Refurbishment of All 160 Guestrooms  Vietjet Wet Leases Two Aircraft to Meet Surge in Lunar New Year Travel Demand  Singapore Cruise Centre to Upgrade Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal  IHG Signs New-Build 150-Key Holiday Inn Hotel in Guwahati, India  Thai AirAsia Launches Flights from Bangkok (DMK) to Shanghai and Kaohsiung  TFE Signs New-Build Apartment Hotel in Brisbane, Australia  Ritz-Carlton Hotel Opens in Las Colinas Area of Dallas, USA  8 NTO Press Conferences from the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos  13 Exclusive HD Video Interviews from World Travel Market 2023 in London, England  5 Exclusive HD Video Interviews from APG World Connect 2023 in Monaco, France  15 Exclusive HD Video Interviews from Routes World 2023 in Istanbul, Türkiye  Electric Airport Taxis at Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan - Video Interview with Co-Founder  Pictures from Miss International Queen 2023 Transgender Beauty Pageant in Pattaya, Thailand  Exclusive Video Interviews with 17 Miss International Queen 2023 Contestants  Living With One Eye - Six Years On by Steven Howard  HD Videos and Interviews  Podcasts from HD Video Interviews  RSS Feed - Travel Industry News  Ticker - Travel Industry News  Travel Industry News Archives  Travel Trade Shows  High-Res Picture Galleries  Travel News Asia - Latest Travel Industry News 

See latest HD Video Interviews, Podcasts and other news regarding: Aman, Airbus, ACJ.

Subscribe to our Travel Industry News RSS Feed Travel Industry News RSS Feed from TravelNewsAsia.com. To do that in Outlook, right-click the RSS Feeds folder, select Add a New RSS Feed, enter the URL of our RSS Feed which is: https://www.travelnewsasia.com/travelnews.xml and click Add. The feed can also be used to add the headlines to your website or channel via a customisable applet. Have questions? Please read our Travel News FAQ. Thank you.

     
Advertising
Advertising
Copyright © 1997-2024 TravelNewsAsia.com