A desert sanctuary that defies imagination

Hugging the rugged cliff face like a chameleon dressed in sand and rusty tones, Amangiri is an escape to the Old West as it once was, devoid of the distractions presented by the modern world. 

It’s set amid 600 acres of pure desert in Canyon Point, USA, where outcroppings of red rock merge into steep gorges that invite the brave of heart to explore what it feels like to truly be one with the wilds. Here, the Colorado Plateau spreads out totally untouched, a medley of canyons, ridges and unearthly mesas. This vast openness, uninterrupted by the whims of civilisation, is taken over by the most soul-stirring sunrises and sunsets, that demand the undivided attention of their onlookers with brilliant shades of burning magenta, interspersed by violet clouds and beams of pure gold.

Camp Sarika, a retreat in the soul of nature

At Camp Sarika, the hotel’s tented retreat, endless skies studded with stars and galaxies set the scene for nights spent around crackling campfires and stories that are amplified by the freedom of far-reaching landscapes. Here, ten private pavilions cluster in the shade of a vast rock formation beneath ochre canopies, each with its own plunge pool, private outdoor hearth and an endless desert view that invites in a glorious feeling of isolation. Seclusion and a sense of community intertwine in a place that encourages introspection, as well as group meditation and excursions on horseback to the Navajo Nation Reservation.

Amangiri, one with the wilds

Just a short hike away, Amangiri itself wraps around the side of a smooth outcropping of rounded rock that swirls with patterns hewn by the elements. Where the cliff merges into the desert plateau, the hotel swimming pool begins, a place to dive into turquoise waters whilst remaining protected from the sun. Just above its surface, as well as within freeform inner spaces that look out to the Wild West, an open kitchen serves a range of dishes that seek inspiration from Native American cuisine, interspersed with various international touches. Guests are encouraged to partake in the ‘Spirit of the Journey’ tasting menu, that honours the region’s five tribes with its distinctive pairings.

Like its gastronomic counterparts, its suites pay a tribute to their surroundings, reflecting the ebb and flow of the region’s landscape with materials that mirror the earthen colours of the desert. The Girijaala Suite sees to billowing rock formations, casting their shadows to create inimitable patterns and contrasts, with a private pool and hearth that leave guests no choice but to let in the unaltered beauty of the outdoors. An invitation to a family retreat, the Four-Bedroom Mesa Home acts as a self-sufficient sanctuary with its private pool and rugged surrounds, totally secluded and yet with ease of access to the hotel’s services; including its collection of wellness experiences.

A way to encourage bonding or even self-reflection, many of these practices have found their calling in Navajo tradition, including the hózhó healing rituals, which restore a feeling of inner harmony and oneness with the universe. To find rejuvenation from the stressors of daily life, the Grounding Journey offers three steps to foster a new sense of connection with the earth, ending in a soothing Shirodhara scalp treatment, while yoga before the Navajo National Park sparks a unique feeling of togetherness before the vastness of nature.

To discover this region of unfettered beauty, one has but to embark on a tour down canyons, up cliff faces and through gorges. Certain trails are facilitated with metal rungs and fixings, allowing explorers to access the rarest of views on a once-in-a-lifetime excursion. All the while, the geological wonders of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park lay close by – reachable even on foot – discoverable through tailor-made itineraries created for beginners or weathered wanderers. No matter where one chooses to go while at Amangiri, one thing is certain: the truth of natural seclusion is a gift that unlocks a myriad of possibilities on the desert floor.