It’s no longer news that we desire more from our travels than the experience of passive, arm-chair sightseeing. Though eating your way through a country might be one way to sample its native cuisine, savvy vacationers know the chance to cook it alongside local chefscan be far more rewarding. The same goes for learning to play a locale’s national sport or pastime instead of simply witnessing it from the stands; or, seeing the countryside in style.
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is the latest to adopt the approach, giving their guests the chance to savor their surrounds behind the wheel of a Ferrari 458 Italia Spider, McLaren MP4-12C and Porsche 911 Turbo in the brand-new Waldorf Astoria Driving Experiences.
From now until December, guests can drive all three supercars on some of America’s most enthralling routes. Consider the winding roads through alpine forests near the hotel’s property in Palm Springs, California (October 15–20), or a ride alongside striking desert rock formations around Scottsdale, Arizona (December 2–7). Each leg of the journey, get pro tips from world-class race champion Didier Theys, who leads the three-hour, 100-mile sessions held morning, noon and early evening.
“While some still prefer to sit poolside and indulge in a recent best seller,” says Stuart Foster, vice president of marketing and the mind behind the initiative, “we’re finding that many of our guests are excited about booking high-end and bespoke experiences that connect them to the destination.”
Looking for an adventure beyond your own borders? Berlin, Rome, Edinburgh and other European stops are in the works for 2015.
$1,000 per couple (does not include accommodations); 800-925-3673;