Minimal to the Max — Sophisticated St. Louis

Nature and luxury co-exist in refined harmony at Camp Sarika by Amangiri.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy of Camp Sarika by Amangiri

While it's often said that "money can't buy happiness," I'd argue that a stay at Camp Sarika by Amangiri most certainly can. Having spent several days before our arrival exploring the natural wonders of the Grand Circle region, I was absolutely giddy with excitement en route from the Page (AZ) Municipal Airport to the 920-acre resort, surrounded by five national parks, several national monuments, and the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States.

Anyone with deep enough pockets can construct a jaw-dropping luxury resort, and there has certainly been no shortage of such properties featured on the pages of this magazine over the past two decades. What truly distinguishes Camp Sarika and Amangiri is how its physical structures are nearly indiscernible from the landscape in the protected valley in which it's nestled, dwarfed by lofty flat-topped mesa rock formations carved over millennia through the random interplay of water and wind. It's also the way the property touches on all the senses as an homage to Native American culture and the desert's desolate beauty, from the subtle scent of sage to the sound of wood "popping" in the fireplace, the fabric hand of a wool blanket emblazoned with Navajo motifs, to the constant interplay of sunlight and shadow on the built environment and the mesa.

A short and scenic hike (or golf cart shuttle) from the amenities available at Amangiri, Camp Sarika's ten tented pavilions are scattered among 55 acres. The concrete composition of the main pavilion, comprising the lobby, restaurant, and spa/pool buildings, and their minimalist interiors—punctuated by iconography representative of the local landscape and culture—convey the iconic design of its sister property.

After completing the check-in process, the smell of onions, garlic, and butter cooking drew us into Camp Sarika's all-day restaurant, where we chatted up the chef about what he was making with the divine combination, destined for that evening's dinner tasting menu, which changes daily. A trail leads from the restaurant's terrace to a natural amphitheater: a rock alcove at the base of a 600-feet mesa large enough to have once hosted a private performance by Dave Matthews.

Unlike any other "tent" you've likely slept in, there isn't a single sleeping bag or air mattress in sight at Camp Sarika. With a minimum of 1,900 square feet inside and 764 square feet of terrace around a private plunge pool, each of the 10 one- and two-bedroom pavilions offers a feeling of spaciousness that mirrors the expansiveness of their surroundings (Camp Sarika's name comes from the Sanskrit word for 'open space' and 'sky').

Designed to weather the full spectrum of desert weather that can span temperatures from 20° to 105° F, the sand-colored tents are strategically spread out along a single paved road that snakes along the base of the copper-colored sandstone mesa, so no one could hear me exclaim "can you believe this place?!" as I moved from room-to-room, marveling at the chic interiors, sprinkled with myriad influences, from campaign to contemporary, and encompassing furnishings that are both bespoke and sourced from brands including Nanimarquina, Annie Selke, Christian Liaigre, Marset, and Dedon. The sprawling bath included a walk-in closet, indoor and outdoor showers, a mesa-facing soaking tub in front of a floor-to-ceiling window, and luxurious Aman-branded toiletries.

A Douglas Fir sliding door in the dining area grants access to the covered terrace, a heated plunge pool, and an array of comfortable loungers. Outside the sheltering embrace of the extended canvas overhang is a firepit encircled by chic safari-style leather and canvas chairs with a warm blanket neatly folded on each seat.

Even with scores of natural wonders within easy reach, Camp Sarika and the additional amenities offered at Amangiri and available to Camp Sarika guests are ample enough to amply fill out the itinerary of even the most type-A vacationers.

Following a seasonally-inspired breakfast, you can head to Amangiri for a complimentary morning fitness class in their superbly equipped gym, part of a sprawling 25,000-square-foot spa complex. Set off for a hike on 12 miles of well-marked on-property trails, or let a horse, e-bike, or UTV do the work while you enjoy the scenery. Challenge your fear of heights and relish in the adrenaline rush of completing one of several guided Via Ferrata routes, in which a series of cables and ladder rungs fixed to the rock face allow you to literally ascend to new heights. Those who opt for the "Hoodoo" route can traverse an 18-inch wide, 270-foot-long suspension bridge spanning a 400-foot deep gorge. Any angst felt while ascending is worth it for the jaw-dropping views at the top (not to mention the sense of accomplishment you'll feel!).

Crossing a 232-foot suspension bridge spanning a 600-foot deep dorge as part of an on-site Via Ferrata excursion.

Reward all that effort with a spa treatment, either at Amangiri or in a pair of spa suites adjacent to Camp Sarika's pool. The latter delivers a complete menu of therapies inspired by traditional Navajo wellness practices and incorporates Aman's superbly scented products. With Sandalwood, jasmine, amber, and rose notes, the Grounding line is a personal favorite and can now be purchased online to impart a little spa experience to your daily beauty ritual.

In partnership with the Navajo Nation, the resort provides daily programming highlighting aspects of Navajo culture, from dancing and music to storytelling, weaving, jewelry making, and the history of Navajo Code Talkers. Distinguished by petroglyphs and recognized as a significant archaeological site where 6,000-year-old artifacts have been unearthed, Broken Arrow Cave, a short hike from the resort (and enterable with a guide), is where, from August through October, German artist-in-residence Ulrike Arnold creates unique paintings with natural materials procured on site for guests to observe the process. At day's end, marveling at an infinite sky packed with stars is the perfect nightcap.

In partnership with Navajo Nation, the resort provides daily programming, highlighting aspects of Navajo culture.

A piece of from a temporary windmill installation along the trail leading from Amangiri to Camp Sakira created in partnership with the nonprofit Cosanti Foundation.

Suppose you do want to head off property. In that case, the concierge can arrange for scores of over-the-top experiences, such as landing via helicopter atop Lake Powell's Tower Butte for a private yoga class or visiting remote backcountry geological wonders with a Navajo guide. The available adventures here are as big as your imagination.

Meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the nightly room rate. Camp Sarika's restaurant, open only to Camp guests for breakfast and lunch and to Amangiri guests with a reservation at dinner, serves flavorful Southwestern-inspired cuisine highlighting local and seasonal produce. Their lineup of wellness mocktails are as exciting and beautifully presented as their boozy brethren. While I wanted to avail ourselves of the nearly banquet-sized dining table in our tent by enjoying an in-villa dinner, we so enjoyed conversing with the restaurant staff, who hail from all corners of the globe, that it never happened. A testament to the staff's attentiveness, during breakfast our first morning, I mentioned that my sinuses were suffering in the desert air, and by the time we returned to our tent, a humidifier was up and running.

Several unique al fresco spots on the property can host parties or dinners from four to 60. Offering a dramatic setting with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the view across the plains, be sure to time your visit to Amangiri Restaurant with the sunset. The open-plan kitchen with a wood-fired oven supports a menu deeply influenced by Native American cuisine, the pinnacle of which is the four-course 'Spirit of the Journey' tasting menu that pays homage to the region's five tribes.

The Navajo proverb, be still, and the earth will speak to you, resonates at both Camp Sarika and Amangiri, where the built environment plays second fiddle to their majestic surroundings and embrace of Navajo culture, reminding guests luxury can lie in the embrace of simplicity and moments of quiet solitude.