You can navigate breathtaking mesas and hike historic canyons while taking in the dramatic scenery at the ultra exclusive hidden gem known as Amangiri. The southern Utah property consists of 600 acres of mountains and desert nestled into the Colorado Plateau. The remote location is so unlike any other that it actually required an Act of Congress to be passed so the property could be constructed.
Photo Credit: Amangiri
There are just 34 suites here (six with private pools) and one standalone four-bedroom home along with an outdoor swimming pool, gallery, desert lounge, Aman Spa, fitness center, indoor plunge pool and water pavilion with sauna and steam room. Fly private into nearby Page Airport and Amangiri will arrange to have you picked up and taken to the property (it’s just a 25-minute drive from the airport).
Whether you choose to do it all (they offer packages for hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, helicopter tours, horseback riding, hot air ballooning and fly fishing) or simply wish to relax with a prickly pear margarita on your private patio complete with fire pit (be sure to request s’mores be delivered to your room at night), there is something for everyone here. We recommend taking a 1.5-hour boat tour of Antelope Canyon available from nearby Lake Powell Resort where you will see the second largest concrete arch dam in the United States and view breathtaking red and orange geologic formations.
Photo Credit: Amangiri
The “mountain of peace” is surrounded by some of the largest and best national parks in the country (five to be exact, think Bryce and Zion National Park, not to mention the nearby Grand Canyon) and the Navajo Nation Reservation, the largest Native American reservation in the country. We recently visited the property and stayed in a 1,000-square foot desert view suite that overlooked the southwest’s awe-inspiring topography. The building’s contemporary design consists of concrete walls and floors that blend with the color of the desert scenery, a 165 million-year-old ecosystem. All of the water here comes from three natural wells located 1,100 feet below the ground so all of the tap water is safe and clean to drink.
Photo Credit: Amangiri
Although check-in is at 2 p.m., when we arrived, we had to wait for our room to be ready until after 5 p.m. as we were told the guests before us requested a late check-out. With rates ranging from $2,000 to nearly $10,000 a night during peak summer season, we were somewhat surprised we had to wait, but they did agree to extend our check-out time until 2 p.m. for the inconvenience.
Photo Credit: Amangiri
There is one dining room that serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (all food and non-alcoholic beverages are included in your stay). Reservations are recommended (although we were told the dining room was fully committed despite having a reservation as the tables are on a “first come first serve basis,” which we are still unclear about) so overflow guests are seated poolside for al fresco dining. The southwestern inspired menu, which was the same offering for dinner both nights we were there) included a tasty starter of buffalo carpaccio and a melt-in-your-mouth dry aged ribeye served with cheesy grits and a super tender buffalo filet mignon with roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Be sure to request Dominique as your server as he made our dining experiences extremely memorable with his friendly personality and attentive service.
A list of the day’s complimentary activities are placed in your room and include yoga, stretch and mat Pilates classes and a guided morning hike along Amangiri’s trail system to the Broken Arrow Cave.
Photo Credit: Amangiri
Be sure to keep an eye out for nightly events like the ones being held when we were there – a fry bread demonstration at the chef’s counter, Navajo flutist playing in the dining room and a visit with resident astronomer to have an incredible view of the stars through his powerful Catadioptric telescope. When we visited, we were lucky enough to catch a view of the Perseids Meteor Shower, an unforgettable show of shooting stars illuminating the spectacular clear sky.
Tipping is not necessary during your stay as there is a gratuity automatically added at the end of your stay (10 percent per day based upon your suite) along with an 18 percent gratuity for spa services. The overall service here could use some improvement, but if you are looking for a true escape from it all to relax and unwind, Amangiri certainly delivers.
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