Headed to Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument where we spoilt ourselves with a stay at Amangiri. The resort is in Canyon Point Utah close to Page Arizona. In the middle of nowhere and so close to Arizona that they use the Arizona time zone.
As you drive into the resort it looks like the luxury bunker of a James Bond villain!!! Architecture that blends seamlessly into the desert landscape. Breathtaking décor and setting. The welcome reminded us of being on safari – staff were there with a wet towel and refreshing iced tea. Our room had an uninterrupted view of the desert landscape, we were ready for relaxation. Took the opportunity to enjoy the spa and various amenities. We were curious about the origin of the resort given its uniqueness and discovered that the original owners lived in the area and spotted a unique rock, they conceptualized the resort around this and made this rock the center piece of the pool and spa. The story goes, they procured the land through a land swap with the government. This required a sign off from the President as it is national park territory.
Needless to say, it is an awesome resort and the lap of luxury.
Antelope Slot Canyon exploration – did a private tour with a self-declared “FBI” guide. Translate FBI means full blooded Indian!!! He is part of the Navaho Tribe and proud owner of a Jeep that he has tweaked for the off road driving necessary to get to the slot canyons.
We explored 3:
- Upper Antelope Canyon
- Rattlesnake Canyon
- Owl Canyon
I committed to the slot canyon tour with trepidation given I don’t like small spaces and loved it!!! The slot canyons are at 4,000 feet above sea level and best described as having a narrow opening at the top with varying chambers below, snaking along the streambed with walls as high as 120 feet. This creates different images and shapes, depending how the light shines through the narrow opening and the time of day you visit. All 3 slot canyons varied in their topography. Such an incredible experience wandering through each one. Loved the photographic opportunities, hope you enjoy the results!!!
Given the beautiful setting and the possibility of a full moon we decided to treat ourselves to the sunset trail sundowner experience. Little did we know what a treat this would be. We got to select our drinks – bubbles all round… and they took us to the sunset trail where after about a 50-yard stroll, there were chairs, canapes and drinks waiting for us. Our escort then poured our first drink, handed over keys to a 6 series BMW conveniently parked at the base of the trail, and said when you done, drive back!!! We suppressed the urge to steel the car for a joy ride… We had the best seats in the house for both sunset and the rise of the September full moon. And even a few lighting flashes from some desert storms.
Have one more story from this trip to share. Decided to try the sensory deprivation flotation chamber the morning before we left. This has been on Glenn’s bucket list but not mine. Funny thing about the experience, I loved it and Glenn did not – his skin reacted to the salt and magnesium in the water and he could not really relax, for him it was “as relaxing as lying in a bed of stinging nettles”… Very funny…