A true oasis in remote south-central Utah.
by SunHee Grinnell
man hotel and resort properties are synonymous with quiet and exquisite luxury. They are located all over the world, 32 properties in 20 countries to be exact, with their latest venture Amanyangyun opening just last month outside Shanghai. Amanyangyan was the result of a 15-year conservation effort and is supposedly their most ambitious project to date. Simply flipping through the photos of the property, you may be booking that flight sooner than you think.
If you are looking for a true getaway surrounded by nothing but nature (and one that doesn’t require the 15 hour flight to China), you may want to consider Amangiri (which means peaceful mountain) in Canyon Point, Utah.
This remote 600-acre hideaway is tucked in a protected valley with spectacular, sweeping views of the majestic Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, surrounded by a raw landscape that creates an awe-inspiring and humbling experience. Through the end of this month (it’s not too late to book that Valentine’s Day weekend!), they are offering a Kokoro (a Japanese word that stands for Mind, Body & Soul) Retreat, a personalized wellness experience focused on quieting the mind, rejuvenating the body, and nurturing the soul. Led by wellness specialists Svet Bananov, Connie Beingessner, and Holly Crandall, the four-night retreat features meditation classes, crystal sound bath experiences, floatation therapy, massages, mountain biking, a Via Ferrata climb, an indigenous cooking class to discover Native American traditions, and more.
The program includes:
Three meals daily, excluding alcoholic beverages.
Two daily on property hikes.
One daily group fitness class.
Two 30-minute consultations, one upon arrival and one on departure.
Three 30-minute meditation classes: crystal sound bath, floatation or guided meditation.
Three 90-minute movement classes: Pilates, personal training or yoga.
Two 105-minute massages.
One 90-minute massage.
On property three hour mountain biking session.
Choice of any on property Via Ferrata climb.
An indigenous cooking class.
The rates run from $2,505-$2,885, depending on occupancy.
For those looking for adventures that can include the whole family, Amangiri has introduced their aerial adventure concept designed for younger guests, and a family-friendly addition to the six existing Via Ferrata climbs (prices start at $675 for 2 people). Comprised of exhilarating rock scrambles, challenging Via Ferrata traverses, and four distinctive suspension bridge passages, the natural desert environment makes up an integral part of this new project and allows guests to truly take in the treasures of the remarkable location. Families can also learn about the region’s ancient inhabitants through interactive activities that are designed to educate, engage, and inspire. There’s a lot to discover at the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, including actual castings from dinosaur fossils and trackways. You can also expect a program for children’s cooking classes and watersports as well as family yoga! Can you say, spring break? Book it now!
Travel tip: The closest airport to Amangiri is Page, Arizona, which is about 20 minutes away from the resort. LAX has connecting flights to this airport. One can also fly direct from LAX to St. George airport, located two hours away from the resort, as LAX offers some direct flights is 2 hours away from the resort. For those into adding on a road trip, the point of departure would be Las Vegas.