Situated against the natural rock formations of the Four Corners (the region where Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico meet), Amangiri blends harmoniously into the natural landscape of sand and rock, evoking feelings of an ancient settlement.   Adrian Zecha of Amanresorts, was clear in wanting to build something that was ‘a contemporary interpretation of native Indian architecture… that would respect the natural environment’ – and he succeeded.  Amangiri makes a bold, raw statement, celebrating the mesmerizing light which changes every other minute while nature takes center stage.  Minimal in design, it is constructed of large concrete blocks, which feel as if they move, while their colors and texture change according to the natural light: they feel frozen and timeless, yet at the same time they are the natural extension of the sites’ unique geology.

During the days I spent at Amangiri, I hiked, climbed,  walked through slot canyons, went  horseback riding and  ‘boated’ at Lake Powell, but nothing compared to the hotel experience itself: such is the boldness of the structure and the surreal beauty of the surrounding environment, that you can’t help but just sit there and try to take it all in. Sitting at the desert lounge, wrapped up in my cashmere blanket, I enjoyed the unrivaled Aman service, the understated elegance, and just couldn’t have enough of the ever changing magical desert light and the star-lit skies.

Driving through a winding road amidst the National Park, gazing out to deep canyons and towering plateaus, we descended into a valley and arrived at the hotels central Pavilion.  The Pavilion, houses all dining, reading and living facilities, while boasting breathtaking views of the Grand Park – Escalante National Monument. The main swimming pool carved around yet another rock, is attached to the Pavilion, and leading from it are two separate wings housing the suites: the Desert Wing to the East houses 16 suites reached via an external walled lane, complete with sound (natural running water) and verdant moss. To the South, the Mesa wing houses 18 suites along undulating rock formations, and the Aman Spa, an architectural marvel in its own right: water is predominant throughout, while small shafts allow wind and light to flow in mysteriously, creating spaces ideal for relaxation and reflection (the sauna gives you the best sauna views you have ever seen in your life!). Treatments are created to reflect the traditional Navajo healing traditions, and offer a totally holistic approach to rejuvenation.

The interiors of the suites from the lamps to the chairs, and the hooks to the subdued color palette and the comfy throws, have all been custom designed to capture something unique about the American southwest, in a very modern way. Hides, leather, blackened steel and a lot of wood, are perfectly juxtaposed against the ‘raw’ yet smooth concrete. Entering the suite, the majestic scenery takes center stage: my room – just like all of them – had uninterrupted views towards the dunes and the plateaus, even from the shower and the bathtub, and I just couldn’t help but leave all the curtains open, light the bonfire in my terrace, and just watch the colors change as day gave way into night and vice versa. In pure awe I couldn’t sleep for two nights in a row, but not for a minute did I feel tired.

During the days I spent at Amangiri, I hiked, climbed,  walked through slot canyons, went  horseback riding and  ‘boated’ at Lake Powell, but nothing compared to the hotel experience itself: such is the boldness of the structure and the surreal beauty of the surrounding environment, that you can’t help but just sit there and try to take it all in. Sitting at the desert lounge, wrapped up in my cashmere blanket, I enjoyed the unrivaled Aman service, the understated elegance, and just couldn’t have enough of the ever changing magical desert light and the star-lit skies.