The per-night rates include dining (not alcohol), and the main lobby restaurant rotates its menus throughout the day with a variety of Southwestern and Asian-inspired cuisine. Everything we tried — from breakfast bowls to lunch appetizers to the tasting menu at the restaurant at Camp Sarika — was perfectly prepared and delicious. The cuisine felt healthy and somehow decadent at the same time, and our two nights there allowed us to try a variety of fare. But it’s the outdoors that’s the draw to Amangiri. The vast property isn’t just there for show. It includes more than 15 miles of hiking trails that allow you to get out and explore your desert surroundings and the sandstone canyons. The truly unique experience is the offer of guided outdoor experiences called Via Ferratas, designed to present a rewarding physical challenge as you enjoy nature. Our Via Ferrata was led by our guide J.J., who enthusiastically and carefully guided us through an ascent of a mesa several hundred feet tall. The adventure began 40 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

FROM THE ROAD with a hike of about three-fourths of a mile; then, it was time to go up. Amangiri took great care in building these courses, so despite one of us having an acute fear of heights, we made it all the way up without incident. The experience felt safe the entire way, and we were rewarded with sweeping views of the entire property. On the last day of our stay, we met up with J.J. again for a guided hike out to a large alcove carved into the sandstone named Broken Arrow Cave for its role in the film of the same name. The experience included the chance to see petroglyphs and ruins along with beautiful views of nature. It was less demanding than the Via Ferrata experience while still giving us an excellent physical challenge. Along with opportunities for adventure, Amangiri provides an ideal place to unplug, including a large and welcoming spa where we enjoyed a couple’s massage and some time in the hot tub carved into the desert. It’s easy to see why celebrities and regular visitors choose Amangiri as an escape — the connection with nature and the pampering of a five-star resort definitely provide an opportunity to unwind. Like we said, we don’t quite know what to compare it to. We’ve been fortunate to travel well but have not experienced anything quite like Amangiri. It’s certainly worth adding to a traveler’s wish list. If you have the means, it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget. To learn more, go to aman.com . FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 41