Amangiri, Utah

The remote, otherworldly landscape of Utah

The remote, otherworldly landscape of Utah

Amangiri (which means “peaceful mountain”) is set in Utah’s stunning canyon country and incorporates the beauty of the Four Corners desert into its design. The central pavilion, built around a dramatic swimming pool, houses the living room, gallery, library, and dining room/cellar. Amangiri’s 34 suites and 1 private four-bedroom home offer modern, airy living, dining, and sleeping areas with white-stone floors that echo the area’s natural stone; some provide private plunge pools and rooftop terraces. Be sure to experience the Aman Spa, with its water pavilion, Pilates studio, candlelit rooms, and outdoor treatment terraces.


Essential Info:

Property Size: 35 rooms + 10 tents

Room Style: Modern Indigenous

Vibe: Sophisticated Chic

Dress Code: Fancy Casual (think Vicuna, not Merino)

Key Features: Epic Landscapes, Seclusion

Key Amenities: Pool, Spa

Restaurant Style: Casual locavore

Best time to Go: Spring & Fall

Location: Canyon Point, Utah

Price point: Don’t ask

Perfect For: Design aficionados with plenty of disposable income

HV Verdict: Go now (if you can afford it)!

 

What Works:

The combination of the otherworldly lunar landscape and the futuristic architecture and design makes this property feel like the lair of a James Bond villain. The sharp lines and imposing concrete wall are balanced by the warm, earthy colours of the surrounding desert and the gracious, thoughtful service.

What Doesn’t:

The lodge is epically difficult to get to (unless you fly private) , and is equally difficult to book during peak seasons. The price-value relationship is always a bit stretched at Aman properties, and the Aman bubble of hushed privilege can feel a little uncomfortable if you don’t always breath this rarefied air.

Insiders tip:

The outdoor experiences are all exceptional, but the one, don’t miss activity, is climbing the Studhorse Via Ferrata (Iron Road). No previous experience is necessary, the level of difficulty is manageable for anyone, and the views are out of this world!


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HV Travel VIP Benefits

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom

  • Spa credit of $125 per person, once, for up to 2 guests, applicable to spa treatments scheduled between 9am-3pm

  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi


The Basics

The Terrain

 

Resort Overview

An otherworldly desert retreat, Amangiri is situated on 600 pristine acres in Canyon Point, Utah with sweeping views towards Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Located in the centre of the Grand Circle, the all-season resort, its landmark Aman Spa and its secluded camp known as Camp Sarika by Amangiri are surrounded by such iconic attractions as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Bryce and Zion National Parks. The region has been home for centuries to the native Navajo tribe and presents the raw landscape for which the American Southwest is famed.

Tucked into a protected valley, the resort’s Central Pavilion is approached via a winding road through starkly beautiful desert scenery. Built around the main swimming pool, which embraces a dramatic stone escarpment, the Central Pavilion houses a living room, library and gallery, as well as an elegant restaurant.

The Dining Room features floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to an outdoor dining terrace overlooking the pool. A focal point is the open kitchen with its wood-fired oven imparting unique flavours and rustic authenticity to Amangiri's cuisine. 

Set apart from Amangiri’s Central Pavilion, the Desert Lounge serves as an open-air relaxation area for sunsets and stargazing, while the 2322 square-metre Aman Spa features hydrotherapy and floatation pavilions, a watsu pool, finishing salon, yoga studio, gym and tranquil indoor and outdoor treatment suites.

Two accommodation wings lead from the Central Pavilion into the desert. All 34 suites provide spacious terraces with breathtaking desert or mesa views. Air-conditioned in summer, they are heated in the cooler months. 

Adding ten luxurious one- and two-bedroom Pavilions to Amangiri’s accommodation offering, Camp Sarika by Amangiri lies a ten minute drive or a picturesque 30-minute hike from the Central Pavilion. Continuing the clean lines and natural aesthetic of the resort, the camp’s canvas-topped pavilions each have spacious sleeping and living areas, expansive terraces with fire pits, and plunge pools. A self-contained retreat, the camp has a common area with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, two tranquil spa suites, a lounge and a restaurant.

Open throughout the day, the camp’s restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with breathtaking views. Paying homage to its wilderness setting, the open kitchen features a rotisserie grill with dishes served on cedar and slate carving boards. Camp guests have full access to the resort’s extensive facilities.

Serving as a springboard for exploration of the area, Amangiri offers private hiking trails, morning and afternoon Wellness experiences indoors and out, canyoneering, Via Ferrata routes, hot air ballooning, horseback riding and many other adventure activities. Fireside storytelling and star gazing in the evenings enable a deeper immersion in Native American culture, and guests can also learn more about the region’s history from expert archaeologists and palaeontologists.


Norman Howe

Norman is an Oxford-educated lawyer and itinerant wordsmith who stuck with law long enough to prove that he was tough enough to handle the pressure, but not long enough to be stupid about it (about 3 years, for the record).

He then made the fatal mistake of guiding for Butterfield & Robinson (B&R), the world’s best luxury travel company, during the supposedly brief interregnum prior to taking up a career in academia. Shortly thereafter, he abandoned all pretence of responsibility and embraced the peripatetic pursuit of pleasure on behalf of B&R.

After a decade of nomadic explorations and travel innovation, having exhausted the possibilities for trying out new roles within B&R, he took a seven-year sabbatical during which time he bought, reinvented and sold Horizon & Co, one of Canada’s oldest and most storied travel companies. Along the way, he also managed to marry an awesome wife (Emily) and produce three delightful offspring – Grace, Max & Oscar.

Norman eventually returned to B&R as President & CEO, where he found the company in a downward spiral and was able to turn it around, doubling revenue and travellers and returning it to profitability. Most importantly, he did it without sacrificing the culture of creativity or the commitment to excellence (NPS increased by 20% and B&R won the coveted #1 spot on the T+L list of world’s best travel outfitters).

After a successful 8-year run, the inevitability of a founder-driven, family-business dynamic kicked in and Norman left B&R in 2019. He now spends his time advising and working with entrepreneurs and luxury travel brands to help them grow and innovate.

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