Go to Heaven – Utah’s Amangiri Resort

January 4, 2011 | Updated: October 16, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More

Amangiri Resort is surrounded by Southern Utah’s splendid red rock scenery.

Amangiri took my breathe away – literally. The approach to the resort is down a long, winding road with expanses of desert and huge sandstone boulders on both sides. The rocks, sculpted by wind for millions of years, resemble pieces of modern art.

I was stunned. I mean I’d been driving through beautiful Southern Utah scenery for several hours, but the drama of the approach was, well, breathtaking.

By contrast, the style of the buildings is minimalist and rectilinear, as if not wanting to compete with the natural terrain. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, dining room, and all guest suites frame picture-postcard vistas.

I was prepared to be impressed. Aman Resorts – a string of small luxury hotels - consistently top the lists compiled by Zagat, Travel + Leisure, and Condé Nast Traveler. However, Amangiri exceeded my expectations.

The Amangiri pool flows around natural rock formations.

It took an Act of Congress to build Amangiri

The company had purchased 600 acres in a protected valley near Lake Powell, but when Aman CEO Adrian Zecha hiked over the property, the building site he favored was adjacent — and owned by the U. S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Fortunately, BLM was amenable to a swap and Congress approved, so today, guests at the 34-suite resort gaze out at sweeping views of the rock formations in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

In addition to spectacular scenery, Amangiri guests enjoy warm hospitality, peaceful surroundings, innovative meals, and wonderful adventures. Throughout the resort, numerous contemporary water features make hot days seem cooler, and gas fireplaces are cozy gathering spots in the evening.

Hiking the Hoodoo Trail at Amangiri.

Hiking the Hoodoo Trail at Amangiri

One morning I joined three other women and a guide on the Hoodoo Trail, named for the phallic-like formations of Entrada sandstone and Dakota rock we passed along the way. We walked on slickrock and sand, pausing to drink in the spiritual energy of the area and to photograph profusions of wildflowers, as well as gorgeous views of mountains shaped like Buddhist shrines, flat-topped mesas, and reclining quadrupeds. The one-hour “tasting hike” turned into a three-hour outing because we were having so much fun.

Sorties from Amangiri

Many guests use Amangiri as a base for touring Bryce Canyon National Park, Staircase-Escalante, and Zion National Park. Personally, I was disinclined to leave the resort for even a minute, but my yen to see Lake Powell and the Colorado River’s Horseshoe Bend got the better of me. When the valet appeared with my car, it arrived with the A/C running and cold bottles of water at hand. “It’s the Aman way,” was the explanation.

The Aman Spa at Amangiri

My excursion to the scenic spots was worth the effort, but when I came “home” I headed for the Amangiri Spa and stayed there as long as I could. This area includes five candlelit treatment rooms, two outdoor treatment pavilions, the Yoga Pavilion, the Fitness Center, the Water Pavilion, and the Flotation Pool.

The Aman Spa at Amangiri is a peaceful oasis.

Amangiri spa experiences reflect authentic elements of the Navajo culture and healing traditions. Treatments are designed to restore “hozho,” which in Navajo means “beauty, harmony, balance, and health.”

At first I thought I’d have a Thai massage because the pavilions for that purpose are literally steps from the desert and have a great view of sandstone boulders. However, in the end, I opted for the “Twilight Journey,” which includes a hot stone massage and 30 minutes of flotation therapy.

It had been a long day of hiking and sightseeing, but as I floated in the dark surrounded by 98-degree water and air, I went into a meditative state and awoke feeling rested — and with my hozho fully restored.

I hope you’ll be able to enjoy this very special resort.

BTW, a very special Wellness Retreat will take place at Amangiri November 12-16, 2015. Three renown experts will lead participants through yoga, movement, meditation, and healing experiences. There’s more information at this link.

Cheers,

Elizabeth Hansen