Canyon Point, Utah
I need this wild life, this freedom.
— Zane Grey
The desert opens up as you sail down the long stretch of highway that leads to one of the West’s most iconic destinations—Amangiri. In recent years, the secluded Aman property has become a haven for exclusive celebrations and luxurious getaways. Known for its otherworldly landscapes and striking architecture, it made an unforgettable impression on me when I stopped in for a visit this Spring. When you escape to Amangiri resort, you experience the magic of the Utah desert and discover why you’ll be planning your next adventure—be it your wedding, your honeymoon or a luxurious getaway—here.
Escaping to Amangiri
As we made our way down the lone highway, Utah’s iconic rocks darted the landscape, giving us a glimpse of the unique terrain we were entering. After a turn off the highway to a nearly unmarked entrance, we passed through a gate and onto the long road leading to our destination.
The property is extremely private, remote and nestled carefully in a valley of stone carved by rivers millions of years ago. Against the harsh and dramatic landscape sits the property, impeccably designed around the surrounding canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges. This ‘original Wild West’—and the actual Colorado Plateau—is what anchors the pool and the magnificent views from the lobby.
And once you’ve arrived, you begin to let the natural landscape and the clean palette of the Amangiri experience transform you…
The Magic of Amangiri
Each Aman property embraces the region, but Amangiri resort seems to stand apart from the rest. The understated architecture (designed by Marwan Al-Sayed, Wendell Burnette and Rick Joy) appears to meld into the surroundings and blur the line between civilization and rugged isolation. Similarly, this blur begins to happen inside you, as you acclimate to a more serene, more natural and instinctive existence.
Amangiri is a place to get away from the noise, distraction and busyness of everyday life. It’s a place to reconnect with a sense of adventure, of being and of exploration—internally or out in the canyons.
The property has effortlessly matched rugged adventure with decadent luxury. There are hiking trails that head off into the hills directly from the lobby. You can enjoy a private picnic on the nearby mountaintops; or, if you’re inclined like me, take a horseback ride through canyons. No request that your wandering heart may have is too big.
During our time there, we walked through slot canyons, road horses and even explored the wonder of Lake Powell. For those with an adventurous spirit, this property will match you head to toe.
And for those needing solitude, restoration and healing, the 25,000 square foot spa has plenty to say about that. While I didn’t partake in the spa’s offerings, wellness is the underlying heartbeat of Amangiri, and I was incredibly tempted by the holistic treatments on offer—especially the traditional Navajo therapies. Definitely a must for my next visit!
Weddings at Amangiri
Of course, I couldn’t stop ooh-ing and ah-ing over the endlessly breathtaking photo-ops at Amangiri. The property is a photographer’s dream, with each corner revealing a new composition and something else to photograph. The dramatic angles and the way the structures frame the landscape truly allow you to feel as a part of it as each seamless building.
We found the property was the perfect place for a wedding that was seeking something ‘out of this world.’ Their indoor/outdoor spaces offer the best of both the landscape and a private event. Not to mention, again, the epic photos waiting to be taken, whether from a vast plateau or a hidden crevice in the canyons.
The variety of accommodations, from suites to private homes, allows for wedding parties of all sizes. Can you imagine the getaway your guests would soak up sitting by their private fireplace or rooftop terrace?
I am already devising ways to get back to Amangiri resort to breathe in the stunning landscape and be reminded of all the beauty this Earth holds. If I’m lucky enough, I’ll be shooting the wedding of an adventurous couple on the property again in no time. Because as soon as word gets out, there will be a rush of travelers heading west for the golden sunset views and that wild life of freedom.
See more photos from my visit below and stayed tuned for Amangiri wedding coming to the Journal soon!
Inspired by the rustic landscape?
See this bridal editorial shot on Aman’s Jackson Hole property, Amangani:
XX,
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