Auberge Resorts Collection And Black Tomato Unveil Bespoke Road Trip Itineraries

From Awe Inspiring Mountains in Utah to Charming New England Towns, New Road Trip Routes and Immersive Guest Experiences Celebrate Iconic U.S. Destinations

MILL VALLEY, CALIF. (June 20, 2020) – Auberge Resorts Collection, a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts and residences, and award-winning luxury travel company, Black Tomato, have collaborated to create a new series of bespoke road trip itineraries to Auberge properties throughout the United States. The result is a new program called Take the Open Road with Auberge and Black Tomato. Beginning June 20th, travelers will have access to four tailor-made road trip itineraries that will allow guests to journey to America’s most iconic destinations— from Northern and Southern California, to the mountains out west to charming towns throughout New England.  Through an exclusive collaboration with Mercedes-Benz USA, a long-standing automotive partner of several Auberge Resorts Collection properties, guests will be able to experience the ultimate test drive in one of the brand’s luxurious vehicles for the duration of their trip.  Each itinerary has been carefully curated to celebrate the destination’s unique character, an extraordinary sense of place, and the people that make it so special. From land, sky, and sea, guests will engage with passionate and innovative local artisans and tastemakers who help define each location.

“These journeys were designed for discerning, curious travelers who are seeking unparalleled access and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in iconic US settings—from private wine tasting in Napa to lobster fishing in Kennebunk, to heli-yoga in Utah—all while staying at award-winning Auberge properties,” said Craig Reid, president & chief executive officer, Auberge Resorts Collection. “Our collaboration with Black Tomato was designed to offer iconic expeditions that provide exciting new ways for guests to experience destinations that are right in our backyard yet feel a world away.”

All itineraries begin at an Auberge Resort and feature two or three stops along the way. Each tailor-made experience highlights seasonal, destination-driven activities, outdoor adventures in secluded settings, and immersive experiences with local tastemakers, artisans, and independent businesses that allow guests to experience the true essence of the destination.  All routes can be further customized for families and couples.

“We know the world is yearning to travel, and for us, the embodiment of travel is often manifested in the road trip. Nowhere is more emblematic than what lies right beyond our doorsteps. The opportunity to collaborate on creating road trips that deliver authentic adventures with the most iconic hotels in exemplary U.S. destinations was something we were excited to develop and are delighted to see it come to life.” explains Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato. “At Black Tomato, we are driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover and share rare moments and extraordinary experiences with our travelers and with Auberge Resorts Collection, we found a partner who shares this drive. Both brands are fueled by an obsession for uncompromising service, detail and innovation, and it is our hope that these road trip itineraries will inspire you to immerse yourself in the U.S.”

As part of a joint collaboration with Mercedes-Benz USA, guests will have the ability to loan a brand-new Mercedes-Benz vehicle to take on the road with them in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York areas. A range of models will be available from the brand’s premium offerings, including the Maybach S 560, AMG S 63 Coupe, S 560 Sedan, G 550 SUV, GLS 450 SUV and more, to ensure a luxurious ride complete with all of the latest in-car tech the brand has to offer. Guests living within 100 miles of these locations will enjoy complimentary home delivery and pick-up. To complete the experience, travelers will be provided with picnic baskets filled with snacks for the road.  The itinerary and a selection of road trip playlists specifically curated for each destination will be preprogrammed in the car’s infotainment system for guests’ ease and enjoyment.

The four itinerary experiences include:

Charming New England

On this seven-night itinerary, guests will journey through some of New England’s quaintest towns and stay at Auberge’s three Northeast properties, including The Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection in Washington, Connecticut, The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection in Newport, Rhode Island and White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection in Kennebunk, Maine.

The trip begins with a three-night stay at the newly renovated and Celerie Kemble designed Mayflower Inn & Spa, where guests will be introduced to the region’s leading artisans.  Sample experiences include a private antiquing day with the owners of the iconic local lifestyle shop, Plain Goods, and a private dining experience in a canoe on the Mayflower Pond.

It’s then onto Newport, Rhode Island, and a stay at The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection. In Newport, guests will explore on foot with a privately led design tour of Newport’s famous mansions, by sea on a trip to historic Jamestown aboard an America’s Cup yacht and by sky with a helicopter trip to the Block Island lighthouses.

The road trip concludes in Kennebunk, Maine at the newly renovated White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection where guests will get a true taste of New England by fishing alongside lobster fishermen, dining with local producers, and via a private seaplane flight over stunning Acadia National Park.

Package starts from $5,890 per person, including seven nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast and a customized program of private experiences

Journey Through the Mountains

This seven-night road trip through Colorado and Utah will immerse guests in some of America’s most spectacular mountain destinations, starting at Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection in Aspen, CO. Under the care of private guides, guests will hike the Maroon Bells, bike the Rio Grande and enjoy a private flight over Aspen. They’ll also spend a day discovering hidden gems in Aspen with a beloved local, outdoor enthusiast and owner of one of Aspen’s most famous luxury boutiques.

Heading west, guests will have the opportunity to journey on to Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection in Telluride, Moab or into Arches National Park for an intensely private overnight stay in a bespoke Blink Camp, a luxurious pop-up accommodation tailored to travelers’ every whim, set to dramatic and remote backdrops. No matter which route guests take, all roads lead to Park City and the award-winning The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection. Here, travelers will explore the property’s 3,500 acres through heli-hiking, horseback riding, and fly fishing on Blue Ribbon streams.

Package starts from $6,250 per person, including seven nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast and a customized program of private experiences

California for Grown-Up Gourmands

Spend five nights traveling through Northern California on the ultimate couples’ retreat. Indulge in Napa’s most luxurious and romantic accommodations at Auberge du Soleil, renowned for warm, welcoming hospitality, spectacular views and culinary delights. The trip starts with a bird’s eye view over the valley on a private hot air balloon flight. Throughout the three-night stay in wine country, guests will partake in curated tastings at members-only wine clubs, a chocolate workshop with a renowned chocolatier, and tastings at renowned cellars in the company of a leading sommelier.

The trip continues as guests revel in a coastal drive to Carmel and spend their final few nights at L’Auberge Carmel. Here, nature takes the reins with outdoor adventures including an eco-rafting ocean safari in search of humpback whales and dolphins, horseback riding along the beach and sailing on a private yacht into the most bio-diverse ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest. Guests will end the trip with a helicopter tour that concludes with one last private tasting at a renowned winery.

Package starts from $4,995 per person including five nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast and a customized program of private experiences

Vine to Coast

Pairing the haute-cuisine of Napa Valley and the Santa Barbara coast, this six-night road trip will take guests on a journey to discover the finest flavors of California, beginning with three nights at Calistoga Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, a private canyon retreat for complete renewal in nature. In Napa, guests will soak in the rural surroundings, partake in a wine tasting on horseback and enjoy a Point Reyes food & farm experience, as well as several farm-to-fork dining experiences at exclusive access wineries.

With a gourmet Calistoga Ranch picnic in the trunk, travelers will cruise down the coast to Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara. Here, the flavors continue with farm-to-table foraging for produce in the Santa Ynez Valley and access to private experiences with cheesemakers and vintners. Guests will also partake in whale watching on a private zodiac, kayaking through the Channel Islands and a private vineyard yoga class, before ending the trip quite literally sailing into the sunset on a private yacht.

Package starts from $5,975 per person, including six nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast and a customized program of private experiences

For further information on each road trip itinerary and to book your next road trip, visit https://aubergeresorts.com/roadtrips/.