Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
The Amangiri is one of—if not, arguably, the—best hotels in the United States. (It’s been awarded three Michelin keys.) The minimalist architecture, the otherworldly desert landscape, the luxurious amenities and service…. It all adds up to a once-in-a-lifetime stay. There’s a reason that Hailey and Justin Bieber, the Kardashians, as well as Beyoncé and Jay-Z have all been guests of the Amangiri: It’s spectacular. So yes, go for the spa. But also just go for the experience.
What’s the vibe?
Hidden in the remote south Utah desert, the Aman Spa at the Amangiri, a 25,000-square-foot wellness center, looks out onto a sprawling, Mars-like expanse of sand and red rocks. And the architecture is almost as impressive as the landscape: Housed in a series of concrete structures, it looks less like a spa and more like the futuristic secret lair of a James Bond villain.
Photo: Robert Rieger / Courtesy of Aman
The history?
Aman spas are the signature wellness facility of the Aman hotels, the ultra-luxury hospitality brand known for its minimalist design style, over-the-top service, and extremely high rates. (So dedicated is its clientele that they call themselves “Aman Junkies.”) While there’s a number of Amans throughout the world—including in Thailand, Japan, Greece, and New York—the Amangiri is one of their most famous, due to its distinctive Brutalist architecture and barren yet beautiful landscape that stretches over 900 acres of southern Utah’s Colorado Plateau.
Photo: Robert Rieger / Courtesy of Aman
What should you try?
The most notable Aman Spa offerings are inspired by the high desert they reside in. The Utah Salt and Clay Treatment, for example, embraces exactly that—locally harvested sea salt and bentonite desert clay, as well as either turquoise sage mountain arnica or prickly pear pomegranate lotions. Although there’s plenty that also embrace cutting-edge wellness technology (some massages embrace cyrotherapy rollers) as well as globally influenced techniques—like the Shirodhara treatment, an ancient Ayurvedic treatment where warm oil is poured onto one’s forehead and then massaged into their scalp.
That’s just if you want to stay within the concrete walls. The best wellness experiences involve the great outdoors. Like their tower Butte Yoga, where a helicopter will fly you to a canyon plateau for a private yoga session 1,000 feet above the cerulean waters of Lake Powell. (When I visited, choppers could often be heard overhead.) Meanwhile, on-staff wellness gurus will lead you through “journeys,” such as their Wild Wellness program, where you’ll do a personal training session in the middle of the desert followed by a rhythmic massage.
You can also choose your own adventure—literally. The Amangiri has over 12 miles of hiking trails, and you will be given a trail map upon check-in. I took myself on a self-guided hike through the desert and looming rock formations until I reached a slot canyon that was like something from a sci-fi film. My hike was followed by a massage and then a visit to the Water Pavilion, which features a cold plunge pool, sauna, and steam room for my own thermal therapy circuit.
Photo: Robert Rieger / Courtesy of Aman
What else do we need to know?
The Aman has their own skin-care line, Aman Essentials, that they use during many of their treatments. Although ingredients can vary, the formulas include amethyst, jade, frankincense, and palo santo, as well as alkalizing, oxygen-rich spring water, wild-harvested Amazon butters, and rainforest muds. If you want to take the Aman lifestyle even further, Aman Cabana—the brand’s retail concept—offers a range of clothes, luggage, and even board games. It’s all a long way from the traditional terry cloth robes of yesteryear.
Photo: Robert Rieger / Courtesy of Aman
Who can go?
The Aman Spa is only open to guests of the Amangiri.
Photo: Robert Rieger / Courtesy of Aman
Booking details for Aman Spa
Address: 1 Kayenta Rd, Canyon Point, UT 84741
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
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