Amangiri in the Heart of the Desert: Luxury Awaits

Aman Resorts, that elusive luxury brand, has always piqued my interest. Known for its ultra-luxury properties, it’s as exclusive as it is intriguing. To experience Aman to myself, I head out to Amangiri, one of Aman Resort’s crown jewels. I can’t think of anywhere else that offers such a perfect combination of privacy, unlimited access to nature, breathtaking geological wonders, minimalist architecture seamlessly integrated with its surroundings, and impeccable five-star hospitality.

The Setting

Set in Canyon Point, Amangiri lies within the Four Corners region of the U.S., where the borders of Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado meet, the property is built around 165 million-year-old Navajo Sandstone formations, which date back to the Jurassic period. With such raw nature, it is a place for anyone looking to experience the serene silence and slow rhythm of life in the desert, where time seems to stretch. The sense of seclusion here is grand and unmatched which is beautifully reflected in the name “Amangiri.” Derived from Sanskrit, where “Aman” means “peace” and “Giri” means “mountain.” As such, Amangiri translates to “peaceful mountain,” perfectly capturing the resort’s serene desert setting in Utah.

“Formed nearly 190 million years ago, Utah’s Navajo Sandstone tells a story of ancient deserts. Composed of fine quartz grains and tinted by iron, these striking red and orange cliffs are a timeless testament to wind, sand, and time.”

Getting There

The journey to Amangiri may seem far for some, typically taking 7-9 hours depending on connecting flights, but it is well worth it. The best way to travel from Miami to Amangiri is to fly to Page Municipal Airport (PGA) in Arizona via Phoenix or Denver, then take a private transfer to the property, which can be arranged by Amangiri.

Arriving at Amangiri is an experience in itself. After landing at Page Airport, I was transported to the property—an unforgettable 25-minute drive through raw, cinematic landscapes. As I approached the edge of the resort, a modest sign and understated entrance greeted me, almost blending into the terrain. From there, we drove along a winding road toward the resort, which revealed sweeping vistas and the iconic Navajo Sandstone formations, known for their smooth curves and towering vertical cliffs. The surrounding landscape looked almost surreal—like ancient, dune-like sculptures carved by time. I later learned these dramatic formations were shaped over centuries by wind and water, preserving the desert’s natural artistry in every contour

The Commons

As I arrived at the property, I was immediately struck by Amangiri’s minimalist, modern design—perfectly integrated into the surrounding desert landscape. The resort was designed by three architects: Marwan Al-Sayed, Wendell Burnette, and Rick Joy. Their vision was to create a space where minimalism allows the raw beauty of the land and the spirit of the region’s Navajo heritage to take center stage.

The main building, what I like to call The Commons, sits at the heart of the resort and serves as a central gathering space. It houses the front desk, a gallery, boutique, dining areas, and a sleek open-concept kitchen that anchors the restaurant. On one side, it overlooks a stunning circular heated pool that wraps around a massive rock formation, seamlessly blending the architecture with the natural desert landscape. On the other, oversized windows frame expansive views of the surrounding mountain range. There are no homes, no buildings, just untouched nature stretching endlessly in every direction.

During my visit to Amangiri in late March, the four fireplaces were lit throughout the space as the weather remained chilly outside, adding a comforting and atmospheric warmth. A subtle smoky scent lingered in the air, an earthy, nostalgic aroma that complemented the surroundings. For me, it felt like a quiet reminder of the early ancestors who may have once wandered this sacred land.

Accomodations

A stay at Amangiri typically costs around $5,000 per night for a 1,000-square-foot Desert View Suite which I stayed at. It is inclusive, pay extra for certain activities , except alcohol. This rate includes round-trip transfers from Page Municipal Airport, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner for two guests per room (excluding alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and most excursions). Additional perks include a scheduled group wellness class, daily guided group hikes, and in-room refreshments, including non-alcoholic beverages.

My Desert View Suite featured a private entrance with a minimalist water feature, setting a serene tone from the moment I arrived. Inside, the space blended distressed concrete walls—crafted with the region’s own sands mixed into the concrete—with rich wooden accents and a calming palette of beige and earthy furnishings. The bathroom, designed in a linear format, featured a handmade vase by the toilet, beautifully illuminated and resembling a museum piece. On the opposite side, the shower and bathtub were positioned to face a tall vertical window, framing breathtaking views of the mountain range and seamlessly bringing the outdoors into the space.

The suite echoed the earthy tones of the surrounding desert, with the bed as the central feature, offering direct views of the expansive canyon and mesas in the distance. Notably, there was a comfortable work desk positioned behind the bed and a cozy sofa in front of it. A covered sitting area with minimalist furniture was carefully placed to avoid any visual distractions from the raw beauty of nature outside.

In total, Amangiri offers 34 luxurious suites, ranging from 1,000 ft² (93 m²) to 3,742 ft² (348 m²), thoughtfully spread across two elegant wings that extend from either side of the resort’s central pavilion. In addition to the Desert Suites, the property includes Mesa Suites, Orchard Suites, Desert Pool Suites, Mesa Pool Suites, the Girijaala Suite, and the singular, ultra-exclusive Amangiri Suite. While I didn’t stay in the Amangiri Suite, it stands as the crown jewel of the resort. This expansive suite offers panoramic views of rolling dunes and plateaus, a 671 ft² (62 m²) private swimming pool with floating steps, an expansive terrace complete with a fire pit, and a private sky terrace, making it an exceptional escape.

For those seeking more privacy and a deeper connection to nature, Camp Sarika at Amangiri offers exactly that. These tented pavilions are actually luxurious suites, complete with private pools, fireplaces, and sweeping views in every direction. Camp Sarika is part of the Amangiri resort, just a five-minute drive or a short walk away.

Culinary

Amangiri offers several dining options that celebrate the culinary traditions of the American Southwest. The main Amangiri Resort Restaurant serves Southwest-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on health-conscious dishes. I dined there daily, beginning each morning with a glass of freshly pressed green juice (apple, kale, spinach, and celery), followed by avocado toast and a standout Bircher muesli. Made with overnight oats and topped with kiwi, raisins, mango, blueberries, and coconut-almond clusters, it was easily one of the best I’ve ever had.

For lunch, my go-to dishes were the quinoa and farro pilaf salad and the sea bass tacos, served with guacamole—both light, flavorful, and satisfying. Dinner was just as delightful. I started with the black oak carrot bisque, infused with blue ginger essence and sage, followed by Atlantic salmon glazed with saikyo miso sauce. Other signature dishes on the menu included duck confit biryani, Colorado River trout, tandoori masala native lamb, and ancho chili–blackened Cedar River beef. I especially enjoyed the open kitchen and wood-fired oven, which provided an intimate view of the cooking process. Notably, the restaurant overlooks the main swimming pool and offers both indoor and outdoor seating, all with postcard-worthy desert views.

Guests also have access to Camp Sarika Restaurant, which features seasonal menus crafted around local ingredients and flavors.

Private dining experiences are available on the property and at scenic desert locations. One standout is Dinner on the Rocks, a four-person setup nestled within sandstone walls behind the spa—perfect for a quiet, outdoor dining experience. The resort also offers a private dining room for up to 10 guests, ideal for small gatherings or special events. The Desert Lounge is perfect for cocktail receptions, while the Fireside Pavilion, an open-air venue, is suited for intimate occasions. Amangiri is fully equipped to host weddings, celebrations, and business meetings.

Aman Wellness

The modern, bold structure of Amangiri’s spa is a true oasis in the Utah desert, featuring a Water Pavilion with a steam room, sauna, cold plunge pool, and heated step pool—an unexpected luxury in such a remote, rugged landscape.

Spanning 2,322 m² (25,000 ft²), the spa is designed to immerse guests in healing traditions and provide a serene space for rejuvenation and relaxation.

Other wellness amenities include a Flotation Pavilion, private relaxation areas, and a finishing salon. The spa also offers five treatment rooms (four singles and one double), two outdoor treatment terraces, and an extensive menu of massages and beauty treatments—all using natural Aman Skincare products.

There’s also a fully equipped Fitness Centre with both cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, a Pilates Studio with reformers available for private sessions, and a Yoga Studio with wooden floors and a calming view of the mesa wall.

Experiences

Amangiri offers a range of complimentary daily activities, including guided hikes and educational experiences like dreamcatcher-making, local flora and fauna workshops, and live music sessions. For more adventurous pursuits, the resort works with a curated team of experts to lead guests through unforgettable outdoor experiences—most notably the Via Ferrata climbing routes, which I highly recommend. All trails are graded by intensity, with some featuring fixed cables and ladders for an added thrill. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, blending fear, excitement, and a deep sense of accomplishment—plus, the panoramic views are absolutely jaw-dropping.

Exploring Lake Powell is another experience I highly recommend. A high-speed motorboat takes you deep into the heart of the Colorado Plateau, where vibrant turquoise waters carve through towering canyons in shades of red and brown. With each twist and turn, the landscape transforms, revealing hidden coves, narrow passageways, and surreal rock formations. It truly felt like I was in a completely different world.

Other notable experiences at Amangiri include stargazing, off-property horseback rides suitable for all experience levels, and hiking on several trails that begin right from the resort. Guests can also enjoy air tours via fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter, including hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), offering a unique vantage point to admire the diverse landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.

Amangiri is situated in the area with the highest concentration of national parks in the United States, including Bryce Canyon, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. I couldn’t bring myself to leave the resort to explore them, as Amangiri’s magic captivated me.