Amid the starkly beautiful and untouched desert in southern Utah lies Amangiri, a tranquil sanctuary looking out over the Colorado Plateau. Amangiri has always focused on creating a serene setting for relaxation and rejuvenation, with the Aman Spa at Amangiri becoming a destination in its own right. In celebration of the resort’s 15th anniversary this year, new holistic and integrative wellness experiences draw on the natural elements of earth, wind, fire and water, offering the chance to renew body, mind and soul.
READ MORE: Ultra-luxe Amangiri offers stillness and sanctuary
Wild Wellness at Amangiri
Earth and wind come together for Yoga on the Rocks, with a short hike to the top of a rock formation in the desert for a one-of-a-kind yoga experience high above the valley floor. Breathtaking 360º views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument set the scene for Amangiri’s resident fitness and yoga specialist, Connie Beingessner, to guide a personalised movement session focused on breathing patterns, using the visual reference of the horizon for deeper balance and grounding.
Fire and water are combined during Thermal Therapy sessions led by Amangiri’s expert practitioners. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the desert, experience the therapeutic use of the sauna, steam room, and cold plunge, creating a powerful wellness experience which aids in physical recovery and promotes mental clarity.
Surrounded by water, a unique and natural grounding element, participate in an Ai Chi session delivered by an Amangiri therapist. Drawing upon Tai Chi and Qi Gong, a four-thousand-year-old practice of harmonising mind, body, and breath to optimise the flow of energy, known as ‘qi’, the session promotes overall health and a long-lasting sense of relaxation. Exclusively available at Camp Sarika and in Amangiri’s suites with heated private pools, Aqua Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on therapy using the support of water to perform stretching and massage, drawing on the healing power of the water.
Sensory Wellness at Amangiri
The wide-open horizon and remote silence found in the heart of Amangiri’s desert landscape encourages a relaxed pace and practice of self-care. This season, Amangiri has expanded grounding practices such as a Mindfulness Walk to focus on sensory interactions with the natural elements, including the unique sights and sounds of the environment. Pair the Mindfulness Walk with Intentional Silent Time for a micro digital detox.
Also new this season, the ASMR Wellness Session (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Responses) clears the mind and engages the senses. Taking place in the Flotation Pavilion, the wellness experience rouses tingling sensations which travel down the body in response to sensory changes including soft chimes and whispered communication, ambient lighting, and gentle physical touch, stimulating a sense of serenity which lasts long beyond the therapy.
Dark Exposure Sessions encourage balance and harmony while experiencing a form of sensory deprivation. Intended to be a solo experience, enter a light-proofed space in the Floatation Pavilion to begin meditating, with a focus on affirmation and breathwork, supporting connection to self and acceptance of mind.
In-Pavilion Wellness at Camp Sarika
For elevated comfort at Camp Sarika, new Wellness Journeys have been launched within the privacy of each tented pavilion. The first, an Open Sky Sound Journey, starts with a hike to the nearby natural amphitheatre for an enchanting sound bowl experience promoting relaxation, wellbeing and a euphoric sense of expansion, followed by a therapeutic massage. The second, a Mindfulness Path Journey, begins with a walking meditation from the pavilion, followed by breathwork, guided meditation, yoga, and myofascial release, focusing on re-patterning the chains of connective tissue in the body for greater postural support. The experience concludes at the Pavilion with Fire Pit Aromatherapy. Using essential oils in ice, incense, and dried plants to melt or burn in the amber-hued fire, a guided meditation uses aroma stories representing the stark desert surrounds and movements of nature. Beginning with earthier base notes of woods and spices, followed by etheric aromas of herbs and florals, the session culminates by re-grounding through reversal of the aroma progression. Lastly, the Oasis Wellness Journey is centred around the healing power of water, with Ai Chi or floating mediation, aqua board yoga and a water shiatsu massage within the private heated plunge pool of the tented pavilion.
Desert Wellness
For those staying at Amangiri or Camp Sarika, the Desert Wellness Escape provides the opportunity to design a bespoke three-night all-inclusive wellness retreat. Tailored to suit individual wellbeing goals, enjoy two 60-minute movement or mindfulness sessions, such as yoga, strength training, myofascial release, Thai Boxing and guided meditation, promoting greater physical and mental flexibility. Additionally, experience three 60-minute personalised treatments such as a nourishing massage, a purifying wrap and polish and an Aman Advanced Facial which incorporates Aman’s Essential Skin, restoring skin’s youthfulness and radiance.
