Amangiri (Utah)
Dec 27, 2009, 5:56 pm
#31
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1K, AA Gold, Amex Plat, Hyatt Diamond, *W Gold, Leader's Club (?worthless)
Posts: 210
Video of Amangiri Opening
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNIeQySjvnA
Well, had just a bit of time to catch my breath during the holidays and I finally posted a video of my stay at Amangiri during its opening in October 2009. I stayed in a Mesa View room. Hope you enjoy!
I booked through Virtuoso and was able to take advantage of benefits including two free spa treatments! Very nice spa, and the Mesa View suites are very conveniently located to both the spa and the lounges and restaurant.
Cheers,
ether
p.s. I've got many more videos to post, hopefully will find time to post BT Mayakoba and Aria one-bedroom Skysuite in 2010.
Dec 28, 2009, 2:21 pm
#34
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1K, AA Gold, Amex Plat, Hyatt Diamond, *W Gold, Leader's Club (?worthless)
Posts: 210
Dec 28, 2009, 2:27 pm
#35
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1K, AA Gold, Amex Plat, Hyatt Diamond, *W Gold, Leader's Club (?worthless)
Posts: 210
I never got the sense of being too isolated though. But part of relaxing for me is getting away and isolating myself from emails, telephone calls, etc.
The nearby town of Page Arizona is very small as well. This is definitely not an urban environment.
In the summer, I could see spending the day on a houseboat mixing with the locals on Lake Powell. But I tend to like isolated places where the landscape and nature take over (e.g. Explora Patagonia).
So, no, not too isolated for me. But I can definitely see it being so for others (like the 20-year old kid with the iphone on the plane texting in the left hand while holding the Blackberry in his right hand also texting, all this while talking to his friend). Cell phone reception is pretty nil at the resort: that kid would go into withdrawal pretty quick!
Dec 28, 2009, 2:38 pm
#36
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Dublin,Ireland
Posts: 1,294
I'll try to post a more extensive review to go with the video soon. But short answer is yes, you feel very isolated, almost like you are on another planet given the martian-like landscape.
I never got the sense of being too isolated though. But part of relaxing for me is getting away and isolating myself from emails, telephone calls, etc.
The nearby town of Page Arizona is very small as well. This is definitely not an urban environment.
In the summer, I could see spending the day on a houseboat mixing with the locals on Lake Powell. But I tend to like isolated places where the landscape and nature take over (e.g. Explora Patagonia).
So, no, not too isolated for me. But I can definitely see it being so for others (like the 20-year old kid with the iphone on the plane texting in the left hand while holding the Blackberry in his right hand also texting, all this while talking to his friend). Cell phone reception is pretty nil at the resort: that kid would go into withdrawal pretty quick!
I never got the sense of being too isolated though. But part of relaxing for me is getting away and isolating myself from emails, telephone calls, etc.
The nearby town of Page Arizona is very small as well. This is definitely not an urban environment.
In the summer, I could see spending the day on a houseboat mixing with the locals on Lake Powell. But I tend to like isolated places where the landscape and nature take over (e.g. Explora Patagonia).
So, no, not too isolated for me. But I can definitely see it being so for others (like the 20-year old kid with the iphone on the plane texting in the left hand while holding the Blackberry in his right hand also texting, all this while talking to his friend). Cell phone reception is pretty nil at the resort: that kid would go into withdrawal pretty quick!
Last edited by paul2; Dec 28, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Dec 28, 2009, 6:40 pm
#37
Moderator: Asiana & Qantas Frequent Flyer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: STR/SYD/SMF
Programs: QF Lifetime SG, LH HON, OZ Lifetime Diamond +, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 14,373
As promised here is our review after our stay this month. We booked the Terrace Suite through Amex and received the free breakfast, room upgrade, 2 spa treatments and a free dinner for 2.5.
Location/Arrival
The resort is 15 minutes from Page, AZ just shortly after the Utah state line. It is nestled on 600 acres of stunning desert and canyon land which was federal land until sold under the previous US administration. Drive from LV is about 4 hours. The road is signposted, there also is a Amangiri sign which is a lot harder to spot.
We arrived at the gate after dark and you need to drive for about 3-5 minutes on the property before you get to the resort. The drive is very scenic and the resort is invisible until you are almost at the main entrance. A welcoming party was right there to support us with our luggage and we were given a hot drink and hot towels as a welcome. In summer this would be a cold drink and cold towels of course.
Main entrance to the resort
Resort Layout / Architecture
The main resort building houses many communal resort facilities. The restaurant, reception, library, fireplaces and casual sitting areas are all arranged in a giant open plan room with views on one side and the pool on the other side.
View from the library area to the open kitchen
Library area
Sitting area at fire place with views
The kitchen is open and you can sit right at the counter "bar style" and watch the chef prepare your meal or use one of the tables facing the pool. This being Utah, there is no "proper" bar.
There is also a private dining room which can be useful when traveling with a larger family or if privacy is needed.
From the main building, two wings reach out into the desert: The desert wing is from the entrance to the left and has a very enclosed, castle like feel (suits 1-18 IIRC). The spa wing is at the other end of the communal building and is a lot more open. The difference is quite striking.
Desert wing. Note the water features on the wall.
Spa wing. Spa lies ahead, pool and communal building to the right.
The architecture uses brutal straight lines and use of concrete but softens the effect by the use of natural grinded stone in the concrete mix and by a clever resort layout which hugs the surrounding hills and features. Everything has been designed to provide shelter from the harsh environment while connecting you to the outdoors through carefully framed views.
Suites
We had reserved the one Terrace Suite but got upgraded to a pool suite. One thing to note is that the interior of all suites is virtually identical. The difference lies only in the view and in the outdoor areas. The Terrace Suite for example doesn't have a nice few but the actual outdoor terrace is larger than at the standard suites.
Typical Main Bedroom
Terrace Suite terrace
Typical Bathroom
The bathroom has dual shower heads and a bathtub. The toilet is separated from the suite by a rustic sliding door which does't provide much level of privacy.
The pool suite we used had a private heated plunge pool at the front of the suite and a private stargazing deck reachable from our courtyard.
Suites have original Eco Smart fireplaces on the terrace which provides a great touch at night or during sunset. Each suite features a mini bar but again, this being Utah you will not find alcohol in them. You can get alcohol delivered to your room however.
One thing which might interest many here is that both the Amangiri and Girijaala suites are just studio suites like all the other ones. The interior is almost identical. The main difference lies in the outdoor areas.
Amangiri Suite
Amangiri Suite Bathroom. Note that showers and bathtub are located in separate interconnecting rooms rather than in one room like in the other suites.
Amangiri Suite Pool
Amangiri Suite outdoor area
Suites in the desert wing (like the Amangiri Suite) are closer to the driveway of the resort building so you might be subject to car noise. There is an employee shuttle running constantly between the main building and the service building 3 minutes drive away.
Spa / Pools
A huge heated outdoor pool sits between the main building and a rock cliff. There also is a hot tub in the vicinity and an area which can be used for story telling (it is the only area of the hotel incorporating native designs into the resort).
Main pool
More main pool
The Spa building (which also houses the gym) can only be described as amazing (sorry, no pictures). On more than 2000m2 you find a collection of treatment rooms, yoga rooms (underfloor heating), saunas, pools and almost anything you could wish for. A flotation room is under construction. The Spa area alone has the size of a small boutique hotel.
Service (non food)
Service was always friendly and courteous. The staff was always trying to engage in a conversation with us which made the experience very personal. Many of the were bored as there were only 2 suites occupied during some times of our stay.
Sitting area near the main building
Staff is a mixture of Aman veterans with experiences at many other properties, former FS employees and people straight out of Uni.
Food
The quality of the food was good, without being really outstanding. The menu is okay but doesn't make use of many local flavours. We had quite a few service issues with our meals ranging from wrong drinks being served to special food requests ("hard boiled egg") not being executed correctly. Service was also slow which makes me wonder how they will cope when the resort is full.
Other observations
There is (almost) no parking at the resort. If you arrive by car, then your vehicle will be valet parked at the service building about 3 minutes drive away. If you need your car you need to give enough notice.
The outdoor company which organizes many activities currently has their HQ at a log cabin up the hill from the resort, 3 minutes drive away (near the service building) but is said to move to the main building in the near future.
Spa wing suites.
Children
Amangiri is well suited for children with staff providing friendly service and the library, restaurant and other parts of the resort have been designed with kids in mind. Teenagers might find it a bit boring potentially.
Villas
Some of you might wonder what the status of the Amangiri villas is. While we were there, ground was broken for a display villa which will be completed later next year, maybe even 2011.
The location of the other villas can already be seen when driving to the resort as a small wooden frame has been build at each location to give potential buyers a chance to imagine their position.
Most villas will be a short drive away from the main building (how will they handle parking then?) and are between the main gate and the resort. The villas will not be visible from the resort and vv as a small hill blocks the view between the two parts of the land.
Plan of the resort area
Any questions, please shout.
Location/Arrival
The resort is 15 minutes from Page, AZ just shortly after the Utah state line. It is nestled on 600 acres of stunning desert and canyon land which was federal land until sold under the previous US administration. Drive from LV is about 4 hours. The road is signposted, there also is a Amangiri sign which is a lot harder to spot.
We arrived at the gate after dark and you need to drive for about 3-5 minutes on the property before you get to the resort. The drive is very scenic and the resort is invisible until you are almost at the main entrance. A welcoming party was right there to support us with our luggage and we were given a hot drink and hot towels as a welcome. In summer this would be a cold drink and cold towels of course.
Main entrance to the resort
Resort Layout / Architecture
The main resort building houses many communal resort facilities. The restaurant, reception, library, fireplaces and casual sitting areas are all arranged in a giant open plan room with views on one side and the pool on the other side.
View from the library area to the open kitchen
Library area
Sitting area at fire place with views
The kitchen is open and you can sit right at the counter "bar style" and watch the chef prepare your meal or use one of the tables facing the pool. This being Utah, there is no "proper" bar.
There is also a private dining room which can be useful when traveling with a larger family or if privacy is needed.
From the main building, two wings reach out into the desert: The desert wing is from the entrance to the left and has a very enclosed, castle like feel (suits 1-18 IIRC). The spa wing is at the other end of the communal building and is a lot more open. The difference is quite striking.
Desert wing. Note the water features on the wall.
Spa wing. Spa lies ahead, pool and communal building to the right.
The architecture uses brutal straight lines and use of concrete but softens the effect by the use of natural grinded stone in the concrete mix and by a clever resort layout which hugs the surrounding hills and features. Everything has been designed to provide shelter from the harsh environment while connecting you to the outdoors through carefully framed views.
Suites
We had reserved the one Terrace Suite but got upgraded to a pool suite. One thing to note is that the interior of all suites is virtually identical. The difference lies only in the view and in the outdoor areas. The Terrace Suite for example doesn't have a nice few but the actual outdoor terrace is larger than at the standard suites.
Typical Main Bedroom
Terrace Suite terrace
Typical Bathroom
The bathroom has dual shower heads and a bathtub. The toilet is separated from the suite by a rustic sliding door which does't provide much level of privacy.
The pool suite we used had a private heated plunge pool at the front of the suite and a private stargazing deck reachable from our courtyard.
Suites have original Eco Smart fireplaces on the terrace which provides a great touch at night or during sunset. Each suite features a mini bar but again, this being Utah you will not find alcohol in them. You can get alcohol delivered to your room however.
One thing which might interest many here is that both the Amangiri and Girijaala suites are just studio suites like all the other ones. The interior is almost identical. The main difference lies in the outdoor areas.
Amangiri Suite
Amangiri Suite Bathroom. Note that showers and bathtub are located in separate interconnecting rooms rather than in one room like in the other suites.
Amangiri Suite Pool
Amangiri Suite outdoor area
Suites in the desert wing (like the Amangiri Suite) are closer to the driveway of the resort building so you might be subject to car noise. There is an employee shuttle running constantly between the main building and the service building 3 minutes drive away.
Spa / Pools
A huge heated outdoor pool sits between the main building and a rock cliff. There also is a hot tub in the vicinity and an area which can be used for story telling (it is the only area of the hotel incorporating native designs into the resort).
Main pool
More main pool
The Spa building (which also houses the gym) can only be described as amazing (sorry, no pictures). On more than 2000m2 you find a collection of treatment rooms, yoga rooms (underfloor heating), saunas, pools and almost anything you could wish for. A flotation room is under construction. The Spa area alone has the size of a small boutique hotel.
Service (non food)
Service was always friendly and courteous. The staff was always trying to engage in a conversation with us which made the experience very personal. Many of the were bored as there were only 2 suites occupied during some times of our stay.
Sitting area near the main building
Staff is a mixture of Aman veterans with experiences at many other properties, former FS employees and people straight out of Uni.
Food
The quality of the food was good, without being really outstanding. The menu is okay but doesn't make use of many local flavours. We had quite a few service issues with our meals ranging from wrong drinks being served to special food requests ("hard boiled egg") not being executed correctly. Service was also slow which makes me wonder how they will cope when the resort is full.
Other observations
There is (almost) no parking at the resort. If you arrive by car, then your vehicle will be valet parked at the service building about 3 minutes drive away. If you need your car you need to give enough notice.
The outdoor company which organizes many activities currently has their HQ at a log cabin up the hill from the resort, 3 minutes drive away (near the service building) but is said to move to the main building in the near future.
Spa wing suites.
Children
Amangiri is well suited for children with staff providing friendly service and the library, restaurant and other parts of the resort have been designed with kids in mind. Teenagers might find it a bit boring potentially.
Villas
Some of you might wonder what the status of the Amangiri villas is. While we were there, ground was broken for a display villa which will be completed later next year, maybe even 2011.
The location of the other villas can already be seen when driving to the resort as a small wooden frame has been build at each location to give potential buyers a chance to imagine their position.
Most villas will be a short drive away from the main building (how will they handle parking then?) and are between the main gate and the resort. The villas will not be visible from the resort and vv as a small hill blocks the view between the two parts of the land.
Plan of the resort area
Any questions, please shout.
Last edited by DownUnderFlyer; Dec 30, 2009 at 1:44 am Reason: spelling only
Dec 28, 2009, 7:06 pm
#39
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: just West of London, UK
Programs: British Airways Silver
Posts: 123
Thank you so much for the review and the superb pics. We are booked at Amangiri for a few days in April. I think the setting looks extraordinary but am yet to be convinced about the overlal design/ decor. We have never stayed in an Aman before and - unlike many members of this forum - I am not sold on the entire aesthetic but will give this a go!
Dec 28, 2009, 7:08 pm
#40
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New York City
Posts: 408
Wow. This is tremendously helpful, since I've booked a 3-night stay in May. I'm curious to know more about how you spent your time there. Frankly, I'll enjoy just relaxing at the pool and in the spa, but am tempted by their slot canyon tour. At other Amans there have also been complimentary activities and cultural experiences--any of that at Amangiri?
Dec 28, 2009, 7:16 pm
#41
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Dublin,Ireland
Posts: 1,294
Thank you so much for the review and the superb pics. We are booked at Amangiri for a few days in April. I think the setting looks extraordinary but am yet to be convinced about the overlal design/ decor. We have never stayed in an Aman before and - unlike many members of this forum - I am not sold on the entire aesthetic but will give this a go!
Dec 29, 2009, 6:31 am
#43
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Yes, Ericka, I am 'creeped out' by the concrete, too. It reminds me of Aman Delhi. Aman has always been cutting edge in design terms, but the latest offerings are a bit too brutal for me. It's as though they built the place and forgot to get a stylist in to add the art. So cold, it makes me shiver.
Dec 29, 2009, 3:26 pm
#44
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Dublin,Ireland
Posts: 1,294
The landscape around Amangiri looks stunning and 'other-worldly'. Perhaps framed by minimalistic concrete structures (and in time softened by planting) the stunning lanscape will look perfect with the resort.
Dec 29, 2009, 4:29 pm
#45
Moderator: Asiana & Qantas Frequent Flyer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: STR/SYD/SMF
Programs: QF Lifetime SG, LH HON, OZ Lifetime Diamond +, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 14,373
Thank you so much for the review and the superb pics. We are booked at Amangiri for a few days in April. I think the setting looks extraordinary but am yet to be convinced about the overlal design/ decor. We have never stayed in an Aman before and - unlike many members of this forum - I am not sold on the entire aesthetic but will give this a go!
Wow. This is tremendously helpful, since I've booked a 3-night stay in May. I'm curious to know more about how you spent your time there. Frankly, I'll enjoy just relaxing at the pool and in the spa, but am tempted by their slot canyon tour. At other Amans there have also been complimentary activities and cultural experiences--any of that at Amangiri?
All other activities are organised by an outside tour company. For example they offer balloon rides or a private visit to Secret Canyon, a slot canyon in the local area (this is a very private tour as no other groups go there).
Of course you could also take a tour to the famous Antelope Canyon by using one of the operators in Page. The Upper Canyon is the one from the famous pictures. Make sure you take a tour which leaves between 1000 and 1100 and try not to change camera lenses while in the canyon.
Of course there are all the attractions of the lake including cruises and a visit to Rainbow Bridge. There are also some excellent and challenging 4WD tracks in the area.
There is one other aspect which I had forgotten in my review:
Environment / Sustainability
The resort is almost exclusively built out of concrete. The amount used must be similar to what was needed to build Hoover Dam and the CO2 emissions from that could be enough to make the Indian Ocean swallow the W Maldives Resort.
The resort pools are heated to 27C during winter, the Sauna is heated even at night and the entire hotel is not build around ecological principals.
The only redeeming feature is that the water pressure in the showers is so low that they involuntarily count as water saving shower heads.
If sustainability is part of your decision making matrix when selecting a holiday destination you might want to look at other alternatives.