What is Amangiri Like? – At First Glance

Since we live in Las Vegas, we took a four-hour road trip here. Past a call box and through a discreet gate, we followed an unmarked private road for several miles.

When you finally reach the property, rather than entering into a grand lobby, it almost feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret society or fortress in the desert.

Friends have asked me if it has White Lotus vibes. At first glance, no. They are all about understated luxury, rather than opulence. Think Zen minimalism meets nature.

That said, it could easily be the setting for a future season.

See More: Your Ultimate Utah Bucket List

Amangiri Pool + Desert Modernism

The resort blends seamlessly into the backdrop of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and was co-designed by three architects: Marwan Al-Sayed, Wendell Burnette, and Rick Joy. The pool wraps around a striking sandstone monolith, nicknamed the “Praying Monk,” and looks like a work of art.

See More: The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip

Amangiri Desert Pool Suite

There are 34 suites total. Between staying for four nights or opting for a larger suite for two nights, we chose the latter, which included a plunge pool and a sky terrace for stargazing. Our Aman junkie friends told us the sky terrace was their favorite part.

Since we visited in March instead of during peak Milky Way season, I created a composite using an astroshot I took in Bryce Canyon.

See More: 11 Breathtaking Things to Do in Kanab Utah

Amangiri Food vs Camp Sarika Food

Our friend’s first piece of advice? Have dinner at Camp Sarika every night. It’s a prix fixe menu and a better dining experience. We ordered room service for breakfast and had lunch on the main property, either by the main pool or overlooking Grand Staircase-Escalante.

The food was good, but not exceptional. If you’re expecting three-Michelin-star food, your expectations are too high. The gem salad was my favorite item on the lunch menu, and I didn’t find the Camp Sarika courses particularly memorable. Still, I was content and thought everything fell within my expectations.

Pro Tip: Make reservations at Camp Sarika every night. Seats may fill up.

See More: 15 Best Hikes in Zion National Park

Amangiri Spa

We didn’t end up getting a spa treatment this time, but we enjoyed the facilities.

See More: 11 Things to Do in Lake Powell

Wellness Class

We participated in a candle-making class. The night before we arrived, they held a dreamcatcher weaving class. Even though we didn’t take the dreamcatcher class, they left one in our room as a surprise.

See More: 15 Best Things to Do in St George Utah

Artist in Residence – Ulrike Arnold

Since I’m in my art era, I loved meeting Ulrike Arnold, who paints with pigments from the land. Her pieces sold at Amangiri were made from materials found on the property.

Currently, I’m experimenting with various mediums and styles, but her work inspired me to explore beyond traditional mediums. I can’t wait to discover what I can call my own art style in the future.

See More: Bryce Canyon National Park Guide

Things to Do near Amangiri

Since we had already explored this part of Utah on past trips, we stayed on property the entire time to soak in every amenity. I treated it like a luxury wellness retreat, spending my day painting the view from our room and learning sashiko, a traditional Japanese hand-stitching technique.

If you’ve never been to the area, these are our favorite places:

• Horseshoe Bend (19.2 mi SE, 30 min drive)
• Toadstool Hoodoos Trail (19.6 mi west, 25 min drive)
• Antelope Canyon (22.9 mi SE, 35 min drive)
• Lake Powell & Glen Canyon (14.4 mi SE, 25 min drive)
• The Wave (36.2 mi west, 60 min drive)
• White Pocket (60.5 mi west, 2 h 10 min drive)
• Kanab (64.6 mi west, 1 h 5 min drive)
• Zion National Park (94.7 mi west, 1 h 40 min drive)
• Grand Canyon National Park (128 mi south, 2 h 15 min drive)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (141 mi NW, 2 h 30 min drive)

They also have hiking trails and a via ferrata on site.

See More: 15 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

Was it worth the Price?

This is not your average hotel stay. It’s a bucket list destination in itself, at least for us, who are not the Kardashians or the Zuckerbergs of the world.

Whether it’s worth the spend depends solely on you. I saw photos of it years ago and knew I would want to take photos here someday. Having worked in the travel industry for over 10 years, staying here was aspirational.

While chatting with some friends, the consensus was that after a certain price point, the returns on services or tangible upgrades diminish a lot. After that, you’re paying for more privacy and exclusivity. However, staying here felt like I was living in a James Turrell art installation.

With your room rate, pretty much everything is included except alcohol, spa treatments, and private excursions. It includes all your meals for two guests, in-room refreshments with snacks, guided group hikes, group fitness classes, use of the fitness center and water pavilion, internet, self-guided hikes, and custom itinerary planning services.

Amangiri was an absolute dream for me.

For Jacob? He would not pay for it if it were just him, but he told me it was worth seeing me happy.

Would we stay here again?

There are plenty of other places we want to see and stay at before considering a return visit. But that’s with most places.

See More: How to Hike to Toadstool Hoodoos

How to Get to Amangiri

Since we were within driving distance, we drove there ourselves. Other travelers arrive via Aman’s private car service from the nearby airport, rental car, or private jet.

The closest international airports are Las Vegas, NV (LAS) and Phoenix, AZ (PHX). Both are roughly 4.5 hours away.

For domestic flights, you can look for flights into Page, AZ (PGA) from Phoenix, which is only 25 minutes away from Amangiri. Amangiri offers complimentary airport transfers from Page, AZ. You could also look into St George, UT (SGU) or Flagstaff, AZ (FLG) but will still need to rent a car from these airports.

What are the hotels or resorts on your bucket list?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

1. Detaille Island

-66.8666663,-66.7936327, map

Highlights: Research Station Base W’s historic huts, Adelie Penguin Colony
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Antarctic Shag, Weddell Seals, Crabeater Seals, Whales, Brown Skua, Petrels

Detaille Island was our very first stop in Antarctica. We didn’t know what to expect, but looking back, it was the perfect introduction. It had everything: our first wildlife encounters, beautiful icebergs, and historic huts.

The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust maintains the island and the huts, which are like living museums. It was a former British research station, Base W, operating between 1956 and 1959. You can see an Adelie colony from far away, but we also saw one solo Adelie hopping around near our landing site.

After our landing, we went on a zodiac cruise around the area to see some of the ice formations and wildlife floating on the ice closer up.

Photo Tip: You need a long lens to shoot the penguin colony (this is the lens I shot with), and they were still tiny. The last photo was of a solo adelie on an iceberg.

2. Horseshoe Island

-67.8499993,-67.2102998, map

Highlights: Rocks with Malachite, British Antarctic Survey’s Station E Historic Buildings
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Weddell Seal, Crabeater Seal, Petrels, Gulls, Terns

When you walk onto Horseshoe Island, it’s hard to ignore the bright green veins in the rocks. Malachite makes them look like they’re from a different planet. Jacob kept referring to them as kryptonite.

You can walk up to a couple of viewpoints at Horseshoe Island, explore the historic buildings of Station E, or keep your eye out for wildlife. We saw a lone Adelie, Petrels with chicks, and some seals lazing in the bay.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for seal bones. The shoreline near the bay had many seal bone pieces all over the place that you may walk past if you’re not looking for them.

3. Bongrain Point

-67.7166667,-67.8025749, map

Highlights: Adelie Penguin Colony
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Cormorants

We went on a SUP excursion at Bongrain Point, a great way to have a quieter, meditative experience (Scenic Eclipse II fully outfits you in dry suits). But the wind picked up, so we had to cut it short and head to the Adelie penguin colony instead.

The Adelie Penguins were everywhere, bathing on the shore, walking to and from their colony, and many huddled together nursing their chicks.

Since there were so many penguins moving back and forth, you had to be extra diligent to give them space (stay at least 5 meters or 15 feet away).

Photo Tip: Having your camera without underwater housing can be nerve-wracking, so if photography is your primary goal, it’s better to be on zodiac boats or to opt for a landing.

4. Stonington Island

-68.1833281,-67.0389247, map

Highlights: East Base of the United States Antarctic Service Expedition, British Antarctic Survey’s Station E, Huge Ice Shelf, Helicopter Tour, Polar Plunge
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguin, Skuas, Various Seals, Various Whales

Stonington Island was the first chance for us to see an American Base. One of the unique features here is the two out-of-commission tanks they brought down as a mode of transportation (‘Murica!). There’s also Station E here, but it wasn’t open. Across the way, you can admire a giant ice shelf where some guests saw a big ice calving.

Afterward, we did a helicopter tour to appreciate the landscape and vastness from a bird’s-eye view. We even saw some whales.

Finally, conditions were perfect for a polar plunge. Luckily, it was a rare warm, sunny day to ease us into polar plunges. After setting up, we headed to the back of the ship, where they tied a safety belt on you before jumping in the water.

Once you get out, they have towels ready to wrap you and a choice of a shot or hot chocolate to warm yourself. The anticipation of jumping in was worse than actually doing it, plus I swam so fast that my brain didn’t have time to process what just happened.

Pro Tip: Wear robes over your bathing suit during the polar plunge. It keeps you warm while waiting, and it’s nice to throw back on after.

5. Jenny Island

-67.7333324,-68.4103212, map

Highlights: Elephant Seals
Wildlife Spotting: Elephant Seals, Leopard Seals, Fur Seals, Weddel Seals, Crabeater Seals

We saw a massive group of Elephant Seals at Jenny Island basking in the sun and throwing their weight around. Afterward, we zodiac cruised around and saw a Leopard Seal floating on ice, too. Some guests said they saw all five seal types here.

6. Rothera Station

-67.5678406,-68.1292501, map

Highlights: Active Research Station
Wildlife Spotting: Whales, Birds

Rothera Research Station was established in 1975 and is the starting point for most British Antarctic Survey missions. We didn’t stop since it was an acting station, but we got to cruise by to see the scale of the station in comparison to the historic ones we visited.

7. Fish Islands

-66.0333333,-65.419247, map

Highlights: Adelie Penguin Colony 
Wildlife Spotting: Antarctic Shags, Adelie Penguins, Wilsons Storm Petrel

We zodiac cruised around Fish Islands, which ended up being one of our favorite outings.

An estimated 4000 breeding pairs of Adelie penguins, along with Antarctic shags, inhabit Fish Islands and the Minnows. They were hard to tell apart at times because of their similar color patterns. We spent hours watching three goofy Adelie penguins play. Fish Islands is also where I shot my favorite penguin photo from this trip, the “Penguin Wedding.”

8. Grandidier Channel

-65.5833333,-64.7525803, map

Highlights: Whales Galore, Beautiful Icebergs, Stunning Mountain Scenery
Wildlife Spotting: Humpback Whales, Antarctic Minke Whale, Orcas

While traveling through the Grandidier Channel, we were amazed by the beautiful ice formations and mountain scenery. Someone spotted a pod of orcas in the distance, followed by another pod. Then, two pods of humpback whales joined in. It was the craziest whale-watching experience of our lives. They were continuously peeping at us or showing off their tales.

Pro Tip: Go to the Navigation Bridge to watch whales. Scenic has an open bridge policy, and it’s the best place to stay informed since they’re always on the lookout and have more experience spotting wildlife.

Photo Tip: Make sure you always have your long lens ready and layers on you. You never know when you’ll have to hop outside.

9. Lemaire Channel

-65.133,-64.0025803, map

Highlights: Most Beautiful and Narrow Passage
Wildlife Spotting: Humpback Whales, Adelie Penguins, Gulls and Terns, Petrel

Many call the Lemaire Channel the most beautiful place in Antarctica. It’s a narrow passage with towering mountains on both sides. We saw Humpback Whales feeding in the area as we entered the channel.

We were at a set coursed menu when passing through, but they allowed us to go up to the ship’s bow for ten minutes to see it first. Even during our meal, whales came up less than 50 feet from the window beside us.

10. Flandres Bay

-65.0207214,-63.7911339, map

Highlights: Kayaking, Ice Formations
Wildlife Spotting: Giant Petrels, Brown Skua, Antarctic Shag, Humpback Whale, Seals

We kayaked in Flandres Bay. The water was glassy smooth, with stunning ice formations and mountains surrounding us. We saw very little wildlife compared to other days, like one sleeping humpback whale from a distance and a few Giant Petrels and Skuas.

It worked out perfectly as a photographer so that we could focus on the kayaking. If there had been tons of wildlife, I would have preferred to be on a zodiac since shooting on them is more manageable. We could hear some small avalanches and ice calving in the distance.

11. Port Lockroy

-64.8250761,-63.5331398, map

Highlights: Gentoo Penguin Colony, Penguin Post Office, Gift Shop
Wildlife Spotting: Gentoo Penguins

The UK Antarctic Trust runs Port Lockroy. During our visit, they were not taking visitors to protect the local Gentoo Penguin colony from the Avian Flu. Instead, a handful of the team came aboard our ship to give a presentation on their work. The staff there counts penguins, maintains the buildings, runs a gift shop, and has a post office.

After the presentation, they set up a pop-up post office and souvenir shop on our ship. They had clothes, alcohol, calendars, ornaments, postcards and more. Any purchases help support the UK Antarctic Trust. We purchased a handful of postcards to mail to our friends and family. Postcards were 2.5£, and postage was 2£ per postcard.

They said the postcards can take from one to three months to deliver. Ours took about a month before they arrived on the East Coast.

Pro Tip: They also have a passport stamp to stamp your passport, or we stamped the outgoing postcards.

12. Palaver Point

-64.15,-61.7525803, map

Highlights: Chinstrap Penguin Colony
Wildlife Spotting: Chinstrap Penguins, Seals, Skuas, Petrels, Gulls, Terns

After mainly seeing Adelies, we were excited to meet our first Chinstrap Penguins. They were so fun to watch and had chicks they were nursing. Palaver Point involved a short hike up to get a better vantage point of the colony. I could watch them all day! You can watch our fun video of them here.

13. Spert Island

-63.8499943,-60.9889249, map

Highlights: Beautiful Glaciers, Caves
Wildlife Spotting: Elephant Seals, Leopard Seals, Chinstrap Penguins, Gentoo Penguin

The staff was excited when we headed to Spert Island. We had people on our ship nearing 100 voyages to Antarctica who had never been because conditions didn’t work out.

Just when we thought the trip couldn’t get better, Spert Island wowed us with its ice formations and sculptures carved out by nature. They were the most beautiful we’ve seen on the entire trip.

14. Fournier Bay

-64.5166127,-63.1103215, map

Highlights: Ice Formations, Pancake Ice
Wildlife Spotting: Leopard Seals, Petrels, Antarctic Tern

Using a scope, we guessed that one iceberg was over 900 feet tall. We saw all ice forms here: glaciers, ice sheets, icebergs, growlers, brash ice, and pancake ice.

15. Neko Harbour

-64.8375963,-62.7515093, map

Highlights: Gentoo Penguin Colony, Continental Landing
Wildlife Spotting: Gentoo Penguin, Humpback Whales, Fur Seal, Brown Skua, Petrels

Our final stop was Neko Harbour, where we made our continental landing and finally saw the Gentoo Penguins. I loved seeing their penguin highways. They were deeper highways than the other colonies, perhaps because they were larger penguins.

They also had the youngest chicks, some only a few days old. Since it was our last outing, we stayed as long as possible to watch them nurse and steal rocks from each other. When we returned, a few curious humpback whales swam beside the ship. They were so close I had to take off my long lens.

Do you want to visit Antarctica? What do you want to see most?

Now, who’s ready for a trip of a lifetime? Do you have any other questions about visiting Antarctica? Any other travel tips you can think of if you’ve been?

7 Best Things to Do in Green Valley Ranch

1. Have a Spa Day

We started our staycation with a 60-minute couples massage to get us in relaxation mode.

One of the unique features of the Spa at Green Valley Ranch is the hydrotherapy circuit. This circuit consists of heated hydrotherapy pools, hot tubs, and eucalyptus steam rooms designed to promote relaxation and detoxification. You can follow at your own pace, spending as much time as you want in each area.

In addition to the hydrotherapy circuit, the spa has a full-service salon that offers hair styling, nail care, and makeup services.

Local Tip: Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the facilities after your treatment, including saunas, hot tubs, and the gym. We unfortunately booked something right after our massage and wished we spent more time here.

2. Play Bingo

We played Bingo once years ago at a brewery when we first lived in Las Vegas, and this was the first time playing since then. It was much more fun than I remember (probably because we won twice)!

Bingo games run throughout the day, and you can go old school with paper and dauber or new school with the electronic screens they provide. We tried both to see what the experience was like.

There is something fun about marking it on your own, but it can get stressful. Next time we go, we’re sticking with the screens. It does everything for you except for yelling Bingo when you win. That way, you can focus on hanging out over fretting over keeping up with the numbers.

Local Tip: For a fun group night out, check out Rock Shot Bingo. These monthly themed events are like a party. There’s a DJ, and everyone uses the screens so you can drink and dance. Plus, if someone at your table wins, everyone gets a shot!

See More: 101 Things to Do in Las Vegas Bucket List

3. Relax by the Pool

The pool at Green Valley Ranch is one of the resort’s most popular attractions. This sprawling, multi-level pool complex is perfect for soaking up the sun and cooling off. Surrounded by lush greenery, palm trees, and cabanas, the pool offers a tropical oasis right in the heart of the Nevada desert.

They have multiple pools, including a main pool with natural sand and an adults-only pool. The cabanas are available for rent and include private seating areas. They also serve delicious food and drinks, including sushi and a massive Dole Whip. See our Wes Anderson Style GVR Pool reel here.

Local Tip: The public can also use the pool, but it hits capacity on the weekends during the summer. If you want to spend time at the pool, make a reservation 2-3 weeks in advance.

4. Go to a Movie

Jacob loves watching movies. I go for the movie theater popcorn and Icees. The theater is the perfect place to relax, especially on hot days. It’s a Regal, so they typically show the latest movies and have plenty of movie times to choose from.

Local Tip: They have movie deals on Tuesdays (for Regal Crown Club members. It’s free to join) and a subscription plan for all-you-can-see movies each month if you’re interested. Just ask any of the employees at the box office for more details.

See More: 25 Fun Indoor Activities in Las Vegas for Scorching Hot Summers and Rainy Days

5. Grab a Drink at One of the Bars

Green Valley Ranch has several bars to enjoy a cocktail or two. We hung out at Drop Bar after dinner for some yummy drinks. Here is a list of bars:

• Drop Bar – Located in the heart of the casino floor with a chic design and hand-crafted cocktails. They also have live DJs here on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Lobby Bar – Laid back environment right in the lobby. There’s also a private patio to enjoy when the weather is nice. It’s an excellent spot if you’re looking for a quieter environment.
• Sidebar – Located next to the rewards center, this is the newest bar and a great spot to grab a drink when you need a break from gambling.
• Sip Bar – Tucked away on the casino floor, this is a local favorite for a premier selection of martinis.
• Sports Bar – Located in the Sports Books, this is where you want to go if you’re watching the game.

6. See a Concert

Green Valley Ranch hosts concerts and live music at a few different concert venues. In addition, they host artists at Hank’s and DJs at Drop Bar.

• Grand Events Center – 2,000-seat stadium-style concert. See upcoming shows here.
• The Backyard – An outdoor poolside amphitheater. See upcoming shows here.

See More: 15 Las Vegas Shows You Can’t Miss

7. Dinner Date

There are some great restaurants at GVR! We have a list of all the food options and more photos below, but two spots you should check out are Hank’s and Bottiglia.

If you’re hankering for a steak, Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis is where the locals go for high-quality, aged steaks. They have an extensive selection of fine wines and handcrafted cocktails, including their signature martini, made with dry ice for a dramatic effect.

Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca is a more laid-back spot focusing on Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list. On the weekends, they have a brunch menu and cute outdoor seating for when the weather is nice. If you love pasta, you have to try the Mushroom Truffle Tagliatelle. It was, hands down, our favorite dish!

See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas

Seasonal: Spring and Winter at the Terrace

Green Valley Ranch does a pop-up lounge near the pool twice a year. Spring at the Terrace and Winter at the Terrace have themed menus that are super cute. In the winter, they set up cozy igloos and fire pits; in the spring, they have private pergolas and fire pits.

More Things to DO at Green Valley Resort

• Kid’s Quest
• Cyber Quest
• Shop at The District

Where to Eat at Green Valley Ranch

Green Valley Ranch has some great restaurants that are staples in the Henderson community. Besides the restaurants listed below, there is a food court with many options.

• Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill (, Japanese)
• Borracha (, Mexican)
• Bottiglia (, Italian) – top three photos are from here
• Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis (, Steakhouses)
• Lucky Penny (, Cafe)
• Ortikia Mediterranean Grill (, Mediterranean)
• Pizza Rock (, Pizza)
• Tides Oyster Bar (, Seafood)
• Turf Grill (, Burgers)

Where to Stay in Henderson Nevada

We stayed in a stunning and spacious suite at Green Valley Ranch. It overlooked the pool, and we could see the Strip from our Juliet balcony. Watch our room tour here.

Essential Tips for visiting green valley resort

• Take advantage of the resort’s amenities: Green Valley Ranch offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and pool. Be sure to make time to enjoy these facilities during your stay.
• Explore the local area: Green Valley Ranch is in the heart of Henderson, known for its parks, hiking trails, and outdoor activities. Take a walk around the neighborhood and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• Green Valley Ranch is only a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip.
• Book pool reservations 2-3 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Have you been to Green Valley Resort? What is your favorite thing to do there?

Can you think of any other romantic getaways in the USA? Where did you go on your honeymoon or where would you like to go?

Pros and Cons of Each Travel Style

I know in the travel world, people can get all cocky and turn their nose up at certain types of travel saying that it’s not “real travel” unless you’re traveling like a local. It’s just too bad that the locals will not accept you as a local unless you actually live there for an extended period of time. Some cities will never accept you even if you lived there 10+ years.

Though we agree, it’s hard to experience the world fully if you’re only open to one type of travel, we don’t want to discriminate because there are pros and cons of every type of travel style. We think you should try them all before deciding what’s the right fit for you.

1. Backpacker / Budget Traveler

Trying to get the most bang for your buck and typically involves staying at hostels, couchsurfing, and finding the cheapest transportation and eats.

Example: My 6-month stint in Germany and Egypt with YWAM, where I lived out of a backpack (still need to blog about this).

See More: 25 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

2. Luxury Traveler

Traveling in comfort and style at the nicest hotels, fine-dining restaurants, renting a boat, and with first-class flights.

Example: Our stay at the Constance Prince Maurice in Mauritius

See More: 15 Best Things to Do in Mauritius

3. Group Tour / Cruise Traveler

Joining a group / bus tour will help you see multiple destinations on one trip.

Example: We recently went to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco with Contiki.

4. Private Tour / Travel Agent Traveler

If you don’t have time to plan, it’s great to use the expertise of a travel agent to help you book your trip. Pick what you want to do, and let them figure out the logistics.

Example: Our trip to Galapagos Islands

See More: 13 Things to Do in the Galapagos Islands & Tips for Your Visit

5. Adventure / Active Traveler

This is for thrill-seekers who are up for an adventure and a lot of times involves hiking / backpacking.

Example: Our 4-day Hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

See More: Your Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

6. Slow / Long Term Traveler

Staying in one destination for more than 6 months.

Example: We’ve been moving to a new city every year (Atlanta >> Los Angeles >> Las Vegas >> San Diego >> Portland >> NYC) to explore all its hidden gems.

Have you tried all these travel styles? Which one has fit you the best so far? Are there any we didn’t include?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later