Amangiri, 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!
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.