Amangani (which means “peaceful home” and opened in 1998) is Amanresorts' first North American resort. Nearly 2,135 metres (7,000ft) above sea level, the resort overlooks meadows and grazing land. Across the valley is Teton Pass, which divides the Snake River Range from the snow-capped Tetons. The Teton Range, dominated by the 4,200m summit of Grand Teton, is the youngest of the Rocky Mountains. The snow-fed waters of the Snake River gather in the Yellowstone Plateau and wind south through Jackson Hole. The word “Hole” (as in Jackson Hole) was once used to describe high mountain valleys. The 40-suite, three-storey resort is set on the cliff-edge of a butte. Its roof, crafted of cedar shakes, flows like a natural outcropping. Amangani makes extensive use of Oklahoma sandstone and Pacific redwood. Douglas fir and cedar also lend shape and style to the resort. A soaring ceiling and a wide, two-storey window with stunning mountain views opens up from the lobby.
ACCOMMODATION Amangani offers 29 Suites, six Deluxe Suites, four Amangani Suites and the Grand Teton Suite. Suite: These air-conditioned suites include a bedroom/living room and a spacious bathroom/dressing room. The living area consists of a king-size platform bed and a fireplace. Furnishings include a redwood-frame day bed for lounging, a black resin-and-terrazzo dining table, woven cowhide chairs in faux wolf fabric and a pine-stump table. The suites also offer a mini-bar, a CD player, a TV/VCR and a two-line phone with data plug-in. Living-area walls are decorated with back-lit cedar planks. Sliding glass doors lead to a deck, with mountain and valley views. A deep soaking tub with a window view highlights the large bathroom/dressing area and the twin vanities and shower room are trimmed in slate. Double dressing areas include a full-length mirror, as well as drawers, shelves and open closet space for two. The floor is of clear-heart redwood. Deluxe Suite: The Deluxe Suites are similar in layout and design to the Superior Suites but a touch bigger at 500 square feet. Being end units with L-shape wraparound porches, Deluxe Suites offer more privacy.
Amangani Suite: The premium Amangani Suites are private end units with an expansive balcony overlooking the Snake River Mountain Range and valley. The suites have generous bathing and dressing areas creating an open, airy feel. Grand Teton Suite: This top-level suite has breathtaking views of the Grand Tetons. The suite has a king-size bed in the bedroom/living-room area and a separate bathroom/dressing room area with a sunken tub, his-and-her washbasins, and a separate shower stall. The Grand Teton Suite is 624 square feet. FOOD AND DINING The Grill, a 65-seat dining room, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A wood-burning fireplace, redwood-panelled walls and ceiling, specially commissioned artwork and window views to the mountains lend a mood of stylish comfort. Banquette seating mixes with chairs of rawhide and rattan. Tables are of black terrazzo, and the floor is a mix of carpet and slate. The Grill specialises in creative American cuisine including steaks, chops, seafood and regionally produced organic foods. Private dinners and receptions are arranged in the special-occasion room, adjacent to the library and picnic lunches are available. The zinc-top Bar is defined by rugged sandstone columns, half-a-dozen wrought-iron bar stools and an intimate, window-side setting of tables and chairs. In the summer, drinks can be taken out onto the adjacent terrace.
FACILITIES Lounge: From the Amangani entranceway, 20 steps sweep dramatically down to the Lounge, with its soaring redwood ceiling, two-storey window-wall and twin wood-burning fireplaces. Enjoy the views from cowhide chairs or banquette seating. Afternoons, a fireside menu of light meals and appetizers is available. Library: The library makes extensive use of glass and redwood. There is also a settee, along with rawhide-and-rattan chairs and views to the mountains. Books focus on the region’s flora and fauna, Native American culture, Western art and the area’s two national parks. A selection of novels, as well as CDs, videos and games, is also available. The Takoda Room: In the tribal language of the Native American Indian, takoda means 'the friend of all': an expression of camaraderie and friendship. A relaxed setting that establishes this same sense of open fellowship, guests reserving this room to host a dinner or an event can enjoy high standards of service in a harmonious atmosphere. Dressed with regional artwork, redwood-panelled walls and a large, wood-burning fireplace, The Takoda Room provides a welcoming ambience reflective of traditions of hospitality found in the American west. Gallery:
The Gallery showcases local art, antiques and craft, from jewellery and pottery to paintings. A selection of coffee-table books and clothing, as well as Amangani’s own toiletries, is also available. Health Center and Gym: Amangani’s Health Center offers two exercise studios, four treatment rooms and separate steam rooms for men and women. A variety of one-on-one programmes are offered in the exercise salon, including aerobics, restorative yoga and meditation. The gym, which faces the exercise salon, is equipped with a state of the art TechoGym, two running machines (treadmills), two elliptical trainers and one recumbent bike, all with built in TV monitors connected to cable. There is also a Radiant multi- system strength machine as well as free weights and bench. Both exercise studios are finished in redwood with views to the swimming pool and across the valley.
The Health Center also offers a range of massages and facials. A highlight is the hydraulic treatment massage bed, with its contoured cushions. Separate mud, salt and seaweed body treatments are available as well, while haircuts and deep conditioning, along with manicures and pedicures, are offered in the beauty salon. Massage, health-and-beauty treatments and personalised exercise programmes may be enjoyed by the swimming pool or in the privacy of the guest’s suite. Swimming Pool and Whirlpool: Amangani’s 35-metre outdoor swimming pool is finished in frost-coloured quartzite tiles and linked to a whirlpool 10.5 metres square. Both enjoy magnificent mountain views, especially at sunset. With a winter water temperature of about 27°C (80°F), the swimming pool can be enjoyed year-round. Internet: Wireless internet connection is available throughout the resort.
