Tucked away in the vast, dramatic landscape of Southern Utah, where the sculpted sandstone cliffs meet the endless horizon, lies Amangiri—a retreat that redefines the meaning of luxury, seclusion, and connection to nature. This exclusive resort, part of the Aman collection, is a sanctuary of minimalist elegance. Just a short distance away, Camp Sarika, Amangiri’s more intimate and adventure-driven sister property, offers a refined glamping experience that allows guests to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Southwest while maintaining the highest level of comfort.
Located in Canyon Point, Utah, Amangiri seamlessly blends into the untouched and otherworldly red-rock country on over 900 acres of the Colorado Plateau. The resort’s design is truly a masterpiece of modern architecture, where concrete walls, clean lines, and floor-to-ceiling windows seem to have been born out of the natural landscape. The muted tones of the structures allow them to blend harmoniously into the sandstone hues of the desert, creating a meditative, almost surreal ambiance.
Immediately upon arrival, guests are enveloped in an atmosphere of serenity and exclusivity. The resort’s main pavilion, which houses the reception, dining areas, and the iconic swimming pool wrapped around a monolithic rock formation, serves as the heart of Amangiri. Whether soaking in the sun-drenched pool, savoring cuisine infused with Native American and Southwestern influences, or gazing at the infinite stars in the night sky, every moment on this property feels cinematic.
When guests secure their reservation at Amangiri, they have two choices for accommodations. Both of which are a masterclass in understated luxury. Amangiri itself has only 34 suites along with a handful of private villas which are designed to maximize the stunning desert views while maintaining an atmosphere of seclusion and tranquility. Rooms are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto expansive terraces, many featuring private plunge pools and fire pits, allowing guests to fully embrace the desert’s raw beauty.
For guests looking for an elevated wilderness experience or just to take their desert adventure to a more immersive level, Camp Sarika—located just a short drive or scenic hike from Amangiri—provides a unique glamping experience unlike any other. With just ten tented pavilions, Camp Sarika offers an intimate and luxurious retreat that brings guests closer to nature without compromising on sophistication.
Each pavilion, constructed with canvas, stone, and timber, features private plunge pools, fire pits, and outdoor lounges where guests can enjoy the warm desert sun during the day and bask in the beauty of the celestial sky at night. The interiors echo Amangiri’s minimalist aesthetic, with neutral tones, handcrafted furnishings, and subtle design details that pay homage to the Navajo culture and surrounding landscapes. The bathrooms are spa-like sanctuaries, complete with deep soaking tubs and indoor and outdoor rain showers so guests can continuously enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Camp Sarika also offers an exclusive dining experience, with a private restaurant serving seasonal, locally inspired dishes. Whether it’s a sunrise breakfast overlooking the mesas or a fireside dinner beneath a blanket of stars, every meal at Camp Sarika is an experience in itself.
A visit to Amangiri and Camp Sarika is not merely a stay—it’s a journey of wellness, relaxation, and adventure. The Amangiri Spa, a 25,000-square-foot sanctuary of holistic wellness, offers an array of treatments inspired by ancient Navajo healing traditions. Guests can indulge in hot stone massages, desert clay body wraps, and sound baths designed to restore balance and harmony. The spa and fitness center also offer daily classes like yoga, Pilates, and mindfulness walks to ensure a day filled with tranquility.
For adventure seekers, the resort provides an extensive menu of outdoor activities, each designed to showcase the breathtaking landscape. Daily guided hikes lead guests through slot canyons and hidden mesas, where the region’s rich cultural heritage is also woven into the experience. There are many opportunities to explore the sacred lands of the Navajo Nation, visit ancient petroglyph sites, and learn about the traditions and stories of the indigenous people who have called this land home for centuries.
Perhaps their most famous activity is the Via Ferrata. Via Ferrata translates to “Iron Way” in Italian, an ode to its origin. Amangiri’s seven Via Ferrata climbing routes offer a thrilling way to scale sheer rock faces with the help of a series of steel cables and ladders. Each route offers breathtaking 360-degree views.
To ensure every guest’s desires are met, Amangiri also offers an array of bespoke experiences that allow visitors to explore the surrounding landscape in unique and exhilarating ways. For example, for a more serene experience, hot air balloon rides provide a bird’s-eye view of the undulating desert terrain at sunrise, an unforgettable spectacle of light and shadow. Helicopter rides provide breathtaking aerial views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante and the iconic Lake Powell, while horseback riding excursions offer a more grounded yet equally scenic journey through the desert’s vast, rugged terrain. Guests can embark on guided, more extensive hikes that reveal hidden gems of the region, or take to the waters of Lake Powell for an unforgettable boating adventure.
If slower is more your speed, Amangiri and Camp Sarika offer activities at the main pavilion for all guests to enjoy such as a bespoke candle making class, Native American Hoop Dancing, a chance to get familiar with the local flora and fauna, just to name a few.
What makes Amangiri and Camp Sarika truly special is the feeling of profound stillness and connection that they evoke. In a world that often feels chaotic and fast-paced, this desert retreat offers a rare opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply exist in the moment. A vacation that you return from actually rested and rejuvenated. From the golden glow of the sunset against the cliffs, to the soothing embrace of a desert-inspired spa treatment, or even the sheer awe of standing beneath an endless sky filled with stars, every experience here feels deeply intentional and transformative.
For travelers seeking an escape that is equal parts luxury and adventure, Amangiri and Camp Sarika stand as beacons of exclusivity, serenity, and unspoiled natural beauty. In the heart of the Utah desert, where time seems to stand still, this is a place where the soul finds solace, the mind finds clarity, and the body finds rest. Amangiri and Camp Sarika are not just destinations—they’re an experience that lingers long after you’ve departed, calling you back to the magic of the desert once more.
Anna Barnes has spent the past eight years embracing life in beautiful coastal Connecticut. As a writer and the voice behind Bliss & Bellinis, she shares her passion for exploring new destinations, uncovering unique experiences, and curating a life filled with style, adventure, and inspiration. Dedicated to supporting local, she loves showcasing the incredible small businesses that make Fairfield County so special. When she’s not writing or planning her next trip, she works full-time in PR, blending her love for storytelling with her professional career.
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