It was a long trip to get to Amangani, but it was an unforgettable one. A trip where simplicity combines with luxury. We drove from Amangiri in the state of Utah to Wyoming to experience a peaceful and cosy stay at Amangani. 1200 kilometers in less than two days. Eleven hours of completely different landscapes. We drove through Utah until city of Provo near Salt Lake City and then plunged into Wyoming. Canyons, desert, high plains, mountains and snow. During the last five hours of the drive, we were lost in the wild. Empty and majestic landscape.

The state of Wyoming is the least populated of the United States. It is located in the High Plains, but most of the state is covered by The Rocky Mountains. Wyoming also includes two of the most famous national parks in the US, Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Amangani is situated in Jackson Hole, a renowned ski destination. Part of the Aman collection of 33 hotels and resorts in 21 countries, Amangani embraces the spirit of the American West. The resort is perched on the edge of East Gros Ventre Butte, overlooking a magnificent valley in Wyoming.

Amangani, an impressive three-stories of Oklahoma sandstone columns and Pacific redwood beams, is an effortlessly dramatic hideaway for couples and families in the “Old West”. Each detail is carefully thought through; cowhide chairs, pine-stump tables and work by local artists are beautifully combined. The decoration mixes wood, leather and stone, with cozy fireplace’s to retire to for a game of chess. Inside the comfortable lobby a member of the Amangani team outlines the wildlife excursions led by naturalists in which guests may encounter birds of prey, wolves, bears, bison and elk.

The Amangani experience continues with the incredible spa. Outside, on a sandstone terrace guests encounter one of the best panoramic views from the hotel. The terrace incorporates a spectacular 35-meter heated pool, and next to it, an expansive jacuzzi. I have made my most memorable winter dips surrounded by nature and silence.

The redwood-paneled restaurant grill specializes in local, fresh, sustainable and seasonal produce; tasty American cuisine with a touch of Western fusion. Try the course of signature dishes and the Teton beer, brewed locally.

On our last day, we decide to do a half-day wildlife sightseeing. Picked up at sunrise from Amangani by our lovely guide, we entered Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge. While the area is probably best known for the splendor and ruggedness of the Teton Range, the National Elk Refuge ranks among the top characterizing features of the valley. Elk are a major part of the history and culture of the region. There are an estimated 11,000 elk in the Jackson herd. Our morning was an amazing adventure in this huge expanse of mountains, meadows, wilderness, sage flats, streams and rivers. Historic locations like the Moulton Barns on Mormon Row and the Teton’s celestial peaks provide a unique setting for adventure and nature lovers.

Story published in FORBES on April 16,  2018

Picture credits : Jeremy Spierer