Amangiri :: Spa in the Desert

Blink and you might miss it. A tiny sign on the side of a desert highway quietly directing you to a hidden desert oasis. One of the most spectacular and secluded hotel spas in the world.

Follow me to Amangiri.

Once we had bid a fond farewell to Death Valley, we packed up and set off for Page, Arizona. Miles upon miles of desert highway, Area 51 pitstops, a brothel and the one stealth fighter not-so-stealthily covered by a tarp on the side of the road.

You know, just the normal roadside attractions.

☀️Desert selfie 😎 #travel #desert #highway #roadtrip #instamood #zion #arizona

A photo posted by Life+1 (@mylifeplus1) on Oct 10, 2014 at 5:11pm PDT

After spending 24/7 with a sick and cranky toddler, I was keen to bugger off to an oasis in the desert. A place touted by their own valet as the #1 spa in the world, Amangiri.

While I can't find anything to verify his lofty claim, I have seen it on Top Spa/Hotel lists from the likes of Condé Nast and Travel & Leisure.

But you have to find it first. You see, it is tucked away behind miles of desert rocks and mountains, barely labeled with the most modest of signs.

And then, after what seems like miles of nothingness, you arrive at this.

A solitary, simple call box next to a rather farm-like gate. The voice on the other end kindly gives you directions that read like a Wiley Cyote/Road Runner cartoon. "Drive to the top of the hill. Turn left at the cabin. Then drive on until you see a rock formation."

10 minutes later I arrived at a very minimalist looking concrete super structure. Once inside, I could have sworn I'd stepped right into a James Bond movie (ala Craig, not Connery). It was a minimalist's modernist's dream.

While I wish the minimum $1600 per night room rates were within our budget, I stuck to reality, and our budget, and settled on a spa afternoon instead. Not a cheap endeavor either, but a more realistic splurge.

The super friendly and chatty valet walked me through the hotel to the spa. It was a maze of concrete walls, hidden water fountains and mountains peeking through every carefully placed gap in the walls.

After checking in, followed by a quick visit to the über modern changing room, I was ushered over to the 'Water Pavillion' where it appeared I had the entire place to myself. What does one do with a completely empty desert spa?

Soak up the views and take selfies!

After 30 relaxing minutes of having a nose around the endless hallways and a soak in the pool, I was greeted by a therapist and indulged in a Red Clay Wrap. You know, when in the desert...cover yourself in clay?

Was it worth the exorbitant cost? Nope. But the unique beauty of the setting fortunately made up for that as well as a very hit and miss staff.

 

On my way out I took in the silence and the desert views that make this place so unreal.

That and the most amazing hotel pool you'll ever see. Cut into natural rock.

Source

Back to my car, and reality. As overpriced as it may have been, I just feel fortunate to enjoy the beauty of such unique places as this.

Onward ho! Next stop, the wonders of Horseshoe Bend and the infamous Antelope Canyon. I hope you'll stick around for the rest of the adventure!