Experience the Ultimate Luxury at Camp Sarika, Amangiri’s Exclusive Retreat

“Entering this place feels akin to stepping into a fortress,” the driver observes as the journey progresses through the stark landscape of cacti and sagebrush surrounding Amangiri, a subterranean Utah resort widely regarded as one of North America’s most exclusive escapes. No military presence is evident, but the sentiment is captured well; the sandstone mesas of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area loom above as dusk sets in, standing watch as travelers venture deeper into the desert canyons.

“Remote” hardly encapsulates the essence of this location. The resort occupies an extraordinary 900-acre private enclave, exchanged in a land swap with the federal government that sought a site near Lake Powell. It sits amidst a national park haven in the American Southwest, known as the “Grand Circle.” Within a few hours of this sanctuary, one can drive to the likes of Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon’s North Rim, and an abundance of breathtaking hoodoos and slot canyons. At this unique crossroad resides Camp Sarika at Amangiri, a destination that stands as a luxurious haven in its own right.

Securing one of the ten tented pavilions at this exclusive resort feels like winning a travel lottery—an elusive, perfect chance for those willing to indulge. An expansive one-bedroom pavilion, meticulously climate-controlled and enclosed, features a private patio complete with a pool, telescope, outdoor shower, fire pit, and a personal golf cart, starting at $6,000 a night. Prices escalate further for the newly introduced six-bedroom villa, starting at $45,000 per night. This intricately designed residence, staffed by eight, is suitable for hosting small corporate groups or high-profile celebrities. Masastudio, behind the design of Amangiri and its new villas, demonstrates a mastery of harnessing the natural landscape: the villa’s bedroom, with views that capture stunning sunsets, is adorned with gold leaf to enhance the light reflection.

Immersed in such breathtaking surroundings, it’s natural to feel moved, much like the author’s experience visiting similar tented camps in the Ashar Valley of Saudi Arabia. Opens between 2020 and 2022, Camp Sarika, along with others, arose during a global push for outdoor escapes that facilitated social distancing. This surge toward safari-style tented accommodations has gone further than mere “glamping,” embracing a full engagement with the surrounding environment.

Amangiri set the benchmark for this kind of experience, a standard that remains elevated thanks to the intelligence and diligence of its general manager, Mario Bevilacqua von Gunderrode. “Our goal is to consistently exceed expectations,” he emphasizes, particularly with a high rate of returning guests. Most visitors to Amangiri typically hail from the U.S. and often include executives in search of tranquility or families celebrating significant milestones. Sometimes, high-profile individuals like Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton arrive seeking seclusion from the flashing cameras. Every guest receives personalized attention, including tailored check-ins and room introductions, along with on-call assistance for any whims, whether it’s a remedy for a stomach ache or charging a golf cart overnight.

This phase of indulgence extends to Amangiri’s renowned spa, acclaimed as among the best. The 25,000-square-foot spa rivals even the author’s favorite, The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. It offers five treatment rooms alongside elements such as a water pavilion featuring a steam room with a view, cold plunge, heated step pool, and a private jacuzzi for two. Guests can unwind with on-site trails or partake in yoga sessions set atop a butte. For culinary experiences, Camp Sarika presents all-day dining, featuring a nutritious breakfast filled with protein and probiotics, with a touch of indulgence, such as banana bread. The dinner menu alternates three themes weekly, including a traditional Utah BBQ offering and an authentic Mexican tasting menu.

The extensive 900 acres provide ample opportunity for exploration, yet the true allure lies in the vibrant surroundings. Camp Sarika arranges excursions led by knowledgeable local guides who possess years of experience facilitating unforgettable adventures. Whether it’s addressing dinosaurs’ fossil digs, horseback riding, or exploring the waters of nearby Lake Powell, opportunities abound. Guests can hike through mesmerizing slot canyons, even engage in crafts like candle or pottery making, or enjoy a Navajo hoop dance performed by a championship dancer. Many of these excursions are included with the stay, although private bookings are available to satisfy specific interests, be they geological, cultural, or athletic in nature.

No visit is complete without experiencing the Navajo Nation, renowned for its stunning slot canyons that have been shaped over eons by the elements. “Welcome to Instagram Canyon,” quips their Navajo guide, Eli, as they pause at the entrance of Antelope Canyon, recognizable for its social media fame. Eli, an adept photographer, captures the moment with skill, pointing out the unique natural formations—bears, eagles, hearts crafted by nature. He shares tales from the canyons’ past, invoking memories of gatherings in these majestic spaces during the ’70s and ’80s. With a hand-carved pipe tucked at his waist, he seeks a moment of tranquility to share his clan’s stories. In Rattlesnake and Owl Canyons, Eli reflects, “These canyons, forged through chaos and destruction, have emerged as breathtaking landscapes. This transformation serves as a metaphor for humanity; you arrive with your beliefs and emerge changed for the better.”