There are hotels. There are luxury resorts. And then there’s Amangiri.
Tucked into the high desert of southern Utah, surrounded by 600 acres of raw, otherworldly landscape, Amangiri isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an experience in what happens when you strip away all the noise and get down to the essentials: space, silence, light, and some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth.
If you’ve ever wanted to disappear into the desert, reset your brain, and feel like you’re on another planet (while still enjoying world-class service and a spa that borders on spiritual), this is your place.
The Setting: Otherworldly Doesn’t Even Cover It
Amangiri sits on the border of Utah and Arizona, surrounded by national parks, monuments, and landscapes that look like they were designed by some cosmic artist having a really good day.
We’re talking:
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks within driving distance
The resort itself is built into a protected valley, with sandstone formations rising up around it in layers of rust, pink, cream, and burnt orange. The architecture—minimalist, clean lines, natural materials—blends so seamlessly into the landscape that it almost feels like it grew there.
Real talk: Photos don’t do it justice. The scale, the light, the way the landscape shifts throughout the day—you just have to see it.
The Rooms: Minimalist Desert Elegance
Amangiri has 34 suites and a four-bedroom Mesa Home, which means it never feels crowded. Ever.
Each suite is designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the desert like living artwork. The interiors are stripped-down in the best way—natural stone, concrete, warm wood—with every detail intentional and nothing unnecessary.
What you get:
- King bed with views that’ll make you never want to close the curtains
- Indoor/outdoor fireplace (because desert nights get cold)
- Deep soaking tub
- Private terrace
- Outdoor lounge area
The vibe: Calm. Quiet. Meditative. This isn’t the place for maximalist décor or over-the-top luxury. It’s about the experience of being here, not the thread count (though, let’s be real, the linens are perfect).
Upgrade worth considering: The Desert Lounge Suites and Mesa View Suites offer even more space and privacy. If you’re celebrating something big or just want that extra level of seclusion, they’re worth it.
The Pool: Instagram-Famous for a Reason
You’ve probably seen the photo: the pool wrapping around a massive sandstone outcrop, with the desert stretching endlessly beyond.
It’s not just for show. The pool is heated year-round, and swimming into that rock formation—then floating on your back staring up at the cliffs and sky—is one of those moments where you just… stop. And breathe. And realize you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Bonus: The pool area never feels crowded because there are so few guests. You can actually enjoy it without fighting for a lounger.
The Aman Spa: This Is Why You Came
The Aman Spa is 25,000 square feet of pure, unadulterated bliss. It’s built into the landscape with the same minimalist-meets-nature aesthetic as the rest of the resort.
What makes it special:
- Outdoor treatment spaces where you can have a massage while staring at the desert sky
- Watsu pool (warm-water therapy in a private, enclosed pool)
- Flotation therapy in a private pod (yes, really)
- Hammam-style spa suites with steam rooms and cold plunge pools
- Treatments incorporating Navajo-inspired healing traditions
Signature experience: The Amangiri Signature Journey is a 3-hour treatment that includes a full-body scrub, Watsu session, and massage. It’s the kind of thing where you emerge feeling like you’ve been gently reset to factory settings.
Pro tip: Book spa treatments when you make your reservation. They fill up fast, especially on weekends.
The Food: Elevated Desert Cuisine
Amangiri’s restaurant focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with Southwestern influences. It’s not flashy—it’s thoughtful, beautifully plated, and really, really good.
What to expect:
- Breakfast with views (the light in the morning is unreal)
- Lunch by the pool or on the terrace
- Dinner that feels intimate even when the restaurant is full
Dietary preferences? The kitchen is incredibly accommodating. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies—they’ll handle it without making you feel like you’re inconveniencing anyone.
Don’t skip: The wine list is excellent, with a strong focus on organic and biodynamic options. Let the sommelier guide you—they know their stuff.
The Experiences: More Than Just a Pretty Pool
Amangiri isn’t the kind of place where you stay on property the whole time (though you absolutely could). The surrounding landscape is begging to be explored, and the resort can arrange pretty much anything you can dream up.
Via Ferrata
This is Amangiri’s signature adventure. You’re basically rock climbing, but with cables, ladders, and a guide to keep you safe. The route goes up and over a massive sandstone ridge, with views that’ll make your heart race (or maybe that’s just the climbing).
Is it scary? A little. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Who should do it: Anyone reasonably fit who’s up for a challenge. The guides are amazing and will talk you through every step.
Helicopter Tours
Want to see the desert from above? Private helicopter tours can take you to Lake Powell, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, or Horseshoe Bend.
Fair warning: It’s not cheap. But if you’ve ever wanted to see these landscapes from the air, it’s unforgettable.
Hiking & Exploring
The resort offers guided hikes through slot canyons, to hidden arches, and across ancient rock formations. Some are easy strolls; others are full-day adventures.
Must-do hike: Buckskin Gulch, one of the longest slot canyons in the world. It’s narrow, dramatic, and absolutely stunning.
Alternative: If you’d rather explore on your own, rent a car and drive to Horseshoe Bend (about 40 minutes), Antelope Canyon (1 hour), or Monument Valley (1.5 hours). All worth the drive.
Hot Air Ballooning
Best reason to get out of bed? Sunrise hot air balloon rides over the desert. Nuff said.
Stargazing
With zero light pollution, the night sky here is insane. The resort offers private stargazing experiences with a telescope and astronomer guide.
Pro tip: Even if you don’t book the formal experience, just step outside at night and look up. You’ll see the Milky Way with your naked eye.
When to Go
Best times: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November). The weather is perfect—warm days, cool nights, and the desert is at its most beautiful.
Summer (June-August): HOT. Like, really hot. But if you can handle it (or plan to spend most of your time at the pool and spa), rates are often lower.
Winter (December-February): Cool to cold, but still stunning. You might even see snow on the surrounding peaks, which creates this surreal contrast with the red rock.
Real talk: Avoid major holidays unless you book way in advance. Amangiri is popular, and it’s small, so it fills up fast.
What It Costs (And Why It’s Worth It)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Amangiri is expensive. Suites start around $2,500+ per night, and that’s before you add activities, spa treatments, and meals.
But here’s what you’re paying for:
- One of the most unique settings on the planet
- Impeccable service without ever feeling stuffy
- Privacy and tranquility (this is not a party resort)
- Access to experiences you literally can’t do anywhere else
- The kind of reset that makes you feel like a different person when you leave
Is it worth it? If you’re looking for a transformative escape where every single detail has been considered—yes. Absolutely.
Not quite ready for Amangiri pricing? Consider Camp Sarika by Amangiri (their sister property nearby). It’s more affordable, still stunning, and shares access to some Amangiri facilities. (Photo below)
Who This Place Is For
Amangiri isn’t for everyone, and that’s kind of the point.
You’ll love it if:
- You appreciate minimalist design and understated luxury
- You want to unplug and actually relax (cell service is spotty, which is a feature, not a bug)
- You’re into wellness, spa experiences, and outdoor adventure
- You value privacy and tranquility over social scenes
- You want to experience one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth
You might not love it if:
- You need constant entertainment or nightlife
- You prefer maximalist, over-the-top luxury
- You’re looking for a family resort with kids’ programs (Amangiri welcomes children but it’s definitely adult-focused)
- You want to stay on property the whole time without exploring the surrounding area
The Bottom Line
Amangiri is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve checked out. It’s not just about the luxury (though that’s certainly there). It’s about the way the light hits the cliffs at sunset. The silence of the desert at dawn. The feeling of floating in that pool with nothing but sky and stone around you.
It’s about stepping away from the noise and remembering what it feels like to just… be.
If you’ve been considering Amangiri, stop considering and just go. Life’s too short to keep putting off the places that call to you.
Want help planning an Amangiri escape (or figuring out how to build a Southwest road trip around it)? Let’s talk!
Photos courtesy of Amangiri
