Amangiri, Southern Utah

In the heart of dramatic desert landscape in Southern Utah you`ll find a new, refreshing resort that`s set to launch this September 09. It`s called Amangiri and has been created by luxury group, Amanresorts.

It`s set within quite extraordinary scenes of canyons and plateaus that have housed the native Navajo and Hopi Indian tribes for centuries. It`s situated 4,000 feet above sea level and among a plethora of endangered species, including the California condor, and fossils dating back more than 160 million years.

The resort itself comprises 243 hectares (600 acres) of complete wilderness, and is reached via a winding road that descends into the valley and leads to the resort’s central Pavilion. Within the Pavilion you`ll find 34 suites and the 2,322 square metre (25,000 square feet) Aman Spa.

Every suite has uninterrupted panoramic views of the desert and features a private entrance courtyard, a combined bedroom and living area, a sky-lit dressing room, a roomy bathroom with views from the sunken bath tub and a desert lounge with central fireplace. Pool Suites, Terrace Pool Suites and the Girijaala and Amangiri Suites also offer private pools and secluded outdoor sky terraces, ideal both for daytime relaxation and night time star gazing.

The centre piece of Amangiri is the Pavilion which is reached via a flight of wide, gentle steps. Its desert coloured stone and concrete is counterpointed by splashes of scarlet tenting: red is the traditional colour of celebration for the Navajo. With dramatic views of rock formations and the desert to one side, and panoramic views of the surrounding plateaus to the other, the Pavilion houses the Living Room (three spacious alcoves with fireplaces, cosy seating and incredible views), the Gallery (showcasing the region’s best art, jewellery and handicrafts), the Library and the Dining Room. Through floor-to-ceiling glass doors the Dining Room leads onto the pool terrace which overlooks the swimming pool. Set in a sunken courtyard, the pool wraps around a giant outcrop of rock and finishes with a hot tub which sits at the base of a rock wall.

Amangiri’s Aman Spa is a destination unto itself, providing a serene setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. A vast complex of stone, water features and streams of light, it offers a number of unique treatment venues. The Water Pavilion offers hydrotherapy treatments, while the Floatation Pavilion offers colour therapy-enhanced floatation treatment. The Aman Spa also provides both indoor and outdoor pools and treatment rooms, and generous spaces for exercise, yoga and Amanresort’s unique Pilates assessment.

The cuisine at Amangiri reflects the resort’s relaxed nature. The Dining Room’s focal point is the open kitchen with its wood-fired oven, producing a rustic authenticity to Amangiri’s cuisine, which emphasises locally-sourced, seasonal produce. Situated within the Dining Room are the Private Dining Room and the Cellar which has state-of-the-art climate control, space for 900 bottles and the technology to serve even the finest vintages by the glass.

A suite at Amangiri starts from £372 (USD600) per night and includes complimentary airport transfers from Page Airport.