The Best New Nature Hotels Around the World: 2021 Hot List

Why book? Aman is always a correct choice, but if you’re deciding between Amangiri and Camp Sarika, you’re booking the latter for its privacy and space to spread out. Each one- and two-bedroom pavilion is standalone and outfitted with a roomy lounge, its own golf cart, plunge pool, and fire pit. When relaxing on the porches, which are built to drink in the dramatic surrounding landscape, it’s impossible to see another person or the main Amangiri complex, which is just a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk across the lunar Colorado Plateau.

Set the scene: Amangiri is a hike from anywhere. Four hours from Vegas, four-and-a-half hours from Phoenix, and six hours from Salt Lake, it’s a destination. The vibe is casual luxury with a mix of young, Patagonia vest-wearing tech types, athleisure-outfitted Russian nationals, and hedge fund dads in Tods. Another breed of guest—so-called Aman junkies—are identifiable by their suitcases whose handles are looped through with cadre of Aman-branded leather luggage tags.

The backstory: The original Amangiri property was conceived when founder Adrian Zecha, scouting land for a future property, spotted the rock around which the resort’s pool is now built, and embarked on getting the federal land re-designated so he might build a hotel there. The staff will gladly tell you it took an act of Congress to bring the hotel into being. The land where it resides is stippled with canyons, mesas, and hidden caves like Broken Arrow (which takes its name from the 1986 film starring John Travolta and Keanu Reeves) where petroglyphs dated to around 6,000 B.C. can be viewed with the supervision of a hiking guide.

The rooms: The pavilions are one- and two-bedroom affairs, each laid out with a roomy lounge space that includes a dining table, sitting area, bar, and kitchen storage. Bathrooms are super spacious with showers that open to the elements in temperate weather and deep bathtubs meant for post-hike relaxation. Each pavilion is entirely private, meaning when you step out onto your porch, you won't see (or likely hear) another soul, save for the birds and lizards and crickets. Porches overlook the dramatic landscape and are outfitted with heated plunge pools and fire pits. Request a telescope for midnight stargazing.

Food and drink: As with the menu at Amangiri, the food takes its cues from the Southwest (pozole rojo, wild game chili) with fish and meats sourced from the surrounding area. The chef at the main resort prepares a tasting menu woven through with elements of Navajo culture (fry bread, Navajo corn, and rabbit). Drinks markups are expensive (it’s Utah after all), and the wine list runs a gamut from safe to bluechip.

The area: Five national parks as well as Navajo Nation are within driving (or helicoptering) distance of the Amangiri complex. One of the lesser known nearby wonders, Lake Powell, can be explored by boat or—in truly over-the-top Aman fashion—by a sunset hot air balloon ride. Known for their ability to cater to guests’ bombastic and/or minutely specific requests, the Aman staff will personalize tours to any and all of southern Utah’s stunning landscape.

The service The service to guest ratio at the Amangiri is, in normal times two to one (in lower capacity times like now it's more like three-and-a-half to one), and the fluidity works like a human algorithm. Each time you make a request or show preference—water to wake time—it is noted and learned by the indefatigably cheerful staff, many of whom are locals or longtime Aman employees. How much or little you want to interact is up to you.

For families The scene skews adult vacation, but families and children are welcome with plenty of activities and programming for all ages.

Accessibility One pavilion is ADA accessible.

Anything left to mention? Guests of Camp Sarika have full access to the main Amangiri property. Take advantage of the 25,000-square foot spa, restaurant, and pool. The beauty of the massive complex is how permutable the experience is. In summer, you can lie by the pool and do absolutely nothing or complete a Via Ferrata (canyon-scaling) by noon, get a massage at 2, and be horseback riding by sunset.