Hello! We're back and still beaming with radiance of our brief time at Amangani... Glorious setting - the supreme "perch and tuck" spot of Jackson... Food presentation was delightful, inspired and flavorful. The service details were thoughtful and personal... And our Amangani suite was a true respite- I loved the patio, napped under the moon and stars with Aspen tree leaves rustling in the cool, clean air.
The suite could use a re-carpeting, the spa and fitness facilities were tiny but other than that.. An intimately luxurious spot which exceeded our expectations.
"Paws Up" is in a heavenly area, miles of sight under big sky with hay farms, cattle, horses, active river and endless activities. The location is quite remote and had we not had our own car to take private excursions for unguided hikes, trips to the "ghost town," and general exploratory interests- we would have felt sequestered. The resort upsells every possible guided experience to the international tourists and reunioning families who subject themselves to the tarp covered yurt communities just feet from the river... Communal dining and only chauffeured escapes... Is that glamping? Not sure but we were contented in a meadow cabin with outdoor hot tub and requisite golf cart. The cabin was cozy and had great views but the bed linen (60:40 cotton polyester), sparse housekeeping and overburdened but earnest service was not worthy of the rates... The redeeming factor was the food... Delicious and full board is truly all you can eat, whenever and wherever you prefer- this was fun for our family as we love food and treasure private family meals. The food was truly awesome, kids loved the duck, halibut, salmon, custom pastries, prime cuts of meat all seasoned to perfection... I can recommend the "Resort at Paws Up" if you take a private house (with requisite Kia) or cabin, stay two nights and eat well, white water raft and take family hikes... Then a night in Big Sky to break up the drive to Yellowstone and Tetons... and end at Amangani!
Great trip overall--
Oh, and the cabin move was predictably botched by the staff but the people are so wholesome, woefully undertrained/staffed... I just had a couple huckleberry vodka lemonades and booked us up on a few excursions.
Thanks, FT luxury hotel forum! Your advice is quite right and I appreciate your insights we look forward to future luxury travels as we surely "live the dream!"