Elite Traveler November-December 2015

INSPIRE DESERT ESCAPES

Amangiri SOUTHERN UTAH DESERT, US

A-listers from Justin Timberlake to Brangelina have sought solace among the soothingly minimal walls of this thoughtfully pared-down hotel, cocooned by the valley of the Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the striking rocky landscape, which is especially stunning at full moon. Standout service The activities. Guests can try everything from condor spotting with local conservationists to hot air balloon rides over the Vermilion Cliffs and Lake Powell. One couple recently had their first camping trip organized by the resort, though the cliff-side location, pop-up toilets and portable Dutch ovens, transported by guides to cook gourmet dinners, made it rather more like five-star glamping. Special amenities With 810 acres of land, privacy is the name of the game here. The security gates, located miles from the actual hotel buildings – which include a library, wine cellar, restaurant, pavilion, pool and spa – make for ultimate seclusion. Room to book Take the entire resort, which includes 34 suites and the four-bedroomMesa Home, for your friends and staff. Then take the Amangiri Suite for yourself. It’s accessed through a private courtyard that incorporates the 60ft swimming pool. It also has a sky terrace that’s perfect for stargazing. Contact Caitlyn Burke, experience team assistant manager, cburke@amanresorts.com, amanresorts.com Price From $68,850 per night for exclusive use, plus tax and service

Try a session with Connie, the resort’s pilates instructor, who is bookedmonths in advance for her magical workouts