Originally Posted by
callmedtop
What I would say is this: Amangiri is phenomenally beautiful and extremely relaxing, and would make a great place to disconnect for a week. Despite the plethora of service failures on our (one-night) stay, I would still like to return, if only rates weren't so high.
That said, I do think Amangiri's biggest value add (other than the location) is the activities. If you're planning on vegging out, I don't know if this is the best place to be. It would be fantastic - don't get me wrong - and the pool, rooms, common areas, spa, etc. are all excellent, but I wonder if there are better places for pure relaxation. Post Ranch Inn, though I've never stayed, would be a good idea, or perhaps a more wellness-focused property?
To me, Amangiri is synonymous with Blackberry Farm, Twin Farms, etc. in which the activities/excursions are the highlight. That isn't to say that you can't go there and simply relax, but I don't think its the core value prop of the resort.
EDIT: I would add that Amangiri is stupendously quiet and re-reading your original post, certainly location-inspiring, so maybe it is the right spot for you after all.
I'd say the Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina is another such place with a hauntingly-beautiful physical setting along with a wonderful hard product and privacy/relaxation especially if you do one of the cottages. Service is an issue there (I've stayed a dozen+ times and am always asked upon check-in if it's my first time; there was once an a late-night issue with a toilet that ended up with me driving an hour off-site to Walmart at 3am to rectify since the entire property didn't have a plunger). But I've found few better places in the United States to completely relax/unwind and not be bothered or feel out of place as a solo traveler. The quality of sleep I get there is unmatched (both overnight and afternoon naps with a good book on the screen porch overlooking the river), an early morning swim at the River House Pool or kayaking in the May River is the stuff of dreams.
I currently live on the West Coast and feel silly always returning to the East Coast to visit Palmetto Bluff instead of taking advantage of places out here or on the Pacific Rim. But I haven't found any other place so far that gives me the perfect escape that's easy to get to (FS Hualalai perhaps, but if traveling solo I almost feel out of place there with the number of families even though service does everything they can to not make it seem odd). Amansara and Amanjiwo fit the bill as well, but even from the West Coast it takes an incredible degree of traveling. Nowhere in Mexico has worked for me because of the "see and be seen vibe" and couples/families issue. I've never tried Post Ranch Inn since the room product looks old/dated/dank from photos, and that's a bit "too close to home" for me to feel like I'm getting away.