Originally Posted by
Tanyam99
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!
While same of the design is very modernist and feels almost brutal, there are many features which soften the look and feel. The resort is build to protect you from the outside environment but at the same time blends in and draws you to the surrounding landscape. It is still a luxury resort at heart, not an over engineered designer hotel.
Originally Posted by
Groombridge
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?
Currently, there are no free cultural activities. There is a plan to have Navajo storytelling in the future but currently this is just a plan. There are huided hikes which leave the resort daily and explore the surrounding mesas and valleys.
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.