Review: Amangiri
Photos
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Amenities
Rooms
Set the scene: What's the scoop with this place? A love letter to lunar landscape and wilderness, a triumph of concrete and architectural lines, a game-changer for the whole industry. A sensation when it opened, and a sensation now, Amangiri is a hotel masterstroke that's not only stunning, but a wild ride if you want it to be. Otherworldly is the first thing that comes to mind as you bump along the dusty road to Amangiri, past orange promontories as tall as skyscrapers and barren stretches of 180-million-year-old desert. On the horizon, a coyote is silhouetted against a swollen pink sky. When you spot the hotel from afar it seems to disappear when you blink, then reappear like a mirage. It’s a four-hour drive from Las Vegas and a world away from civilization.
Wow—that sounds pretty incredible. What’s the story behind it? Aman Resorts are strong on sense of place, serving as portals to their destinations, with a focus on architecture, service, food, and spa.
Got it. What can we expect from the bedrooms? Spartan, minimalistic, and very well appointed. The 34 rooms are a contemporary interpretation of Native American shelters, and keep you focused on the outdoors: beds face panoramic windows with mind-blowing views; terraces have outdoor fireplaces—and, in the Desert Pool Suite, an outdoor bed, where you can gaze at the ancient desert’s largesse under a panoply of stars.
We'll definitely have to book that one. How about the food and drink?
Mexico meets Native American, showcasing ingredients such as blue corn, green chili, avocado. Try the bison steak or bison chili. You’re in the hinterlands of the West, so expect to eat most meals at Amangiri—it’s all-inclusive.
That makes it easy. Anything stand out about the service? Everyone seems to know you—it’s as if you’ve been coming here your entire life. The concierge is king, organizing dinosaur digs and canyon trips so you don’t miss anything.
We love that. What type of person stays here? Seekers—an affluent crowd after a more authentic experience. Rockstars, bohemians, families, honeymooners. Come with a kindred spirit.
Well, what’s the surrounding neighborhood like? There is no neighborhood—that’s the point. Lake Powell and its sleepy (read: comatose) town are a 20-minute drive away. Nearby is the Navajo Reservation, with its slot canyons for exploring, national parks such as Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Zion, and colossal rocks to climb, making it a haven for adrenaline junkies.
Sounds like there's plenty around. Anything we missed? You could spend a week in the Navajo-influenced spa—it’s magnificent.
Done and done. And anything you’d change? Families are welcome at Amangiri, which is great—though a separate dining area for evening quietude might be a good idea for those after romance or extreme R&R.
Fair point—thanks for the tip. So, is it worth it—and why? It’s worth it. It’s expensive, hard to get to, and limited, in a way. But that's why you visit Amangiri: to immerse yourself in its surrounding nature, vast and ridiculously gorgeous. There’s something transforming here. You’ll leave a deeper person—which we all want, ultimately, don’t we? If not, just come for the food, the views, and the spa treatments.
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