Surrounded by 600 hectares of raw wilderness in the heart of the Utah desert, Camp Sarika by Amangiri is a serene and timeless retreat where cloud shadows dance over vermillion rock formations, boundless skies expand horizons and time stands still. Within this remote sanctuary, utterly attuned to nature, guests can experience solitude, privacy, escapism and adventure.

Deriving its name from the Sanskrit word for “open space” and “sky,” the camp enables a back-to-nature wilderness experience in consummate comfort, revealing Utah’s otherworldly landscapes and intriguing aspects of Native American culture at every turn. The abundance of space surrounding the camp is reflected in its design, making it an ideal destination for groups or families looking for a special place to celebrate in undisturbed privacy.

Offering a connection with nature that leaves city-life a distant memory, Camp Sarika’s design has been developed in timeless-tune with its inspiring environment. It forms an architectural statement and the first year-round camp of its kind in North America.

The interior décor of each tented pavilion includes custom-designed walnut and leather furniture and etched timber headboards that echo the camp’s carved surroundings and are suspended from soft leather straps. Meanwhile outside—accessed via sliding doors—the architectural design continues to captivate; individual plunge pools, firepits with fireside furniture and telescopes further encourage an immersion in nature and the outdoors.

Camp Sarika’s central pavilion was designed by New York-based Selldorf Architects, and the building seamlessly anchors to the environment. Paying homage to its neighbouring sanctuary, Amangiri, the main building is designed with minimalism in mind, where simple concrete blocks blend effortlessly into the rock. Upon entering, a breathtaking art installation, by internationally acclaimed artist Maya Lin titled Wahweap, welcomes guests. Inspired by tracing the shape of water as it travels from nearby Lake Powell to Lake Mead the piece is created in glass and marble, while open fireplaces and earthy materials further connect the building to its natural surroundings. Leading through to an expansive outdoor terrace, the swimming pool is flanked by shaded daybeds for escaping the midday sun and a heated jacuzzi for relaxing at dusk. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, surrounded by fire pits that add to the atmosphere.

Tented Pavilions

Claiming unobstructed views of the mesas or facing west to catch the sunset every evening, the camp’s spacious ten tented pavilions feature either one or two bedrooms, as well as a living area, dining area, bar, and private terrace with a fire pit and heated plunge pool. The five one-bedroom tented pavilions each cover 175 square metres, while the five two-bedroom tented pavilions cover 262 square metres.

The tented pavilions evoke the clean lines of the suites at Amangiri, where natural materials reflect the light transforming, undulating surface of the desert outside. Set in unparalleled proximity to nature, the interiors include soft decorative canvas ceilings, and wooden fittings, as opposed to Amangiri’s blackened steel and stone furnishings. Dining With Chef Anthony Marazita at the helm, the camp’s restaurant is open throughout the day, serving innovative, responsibly sourced dishes with a focus on Southwestern Native American cuisine. The restaurant’s menu changes daily, incorporating the freshest local produce while also catering for vegetarians and vegans. In-room dining, and outdoor locations are used for memorable private dining experiences.

Spa and Wellness

Camp Sarika offers a special two-hour spa journey known as Desert Calm, designed to hydrate and soothe body, mind and spirit. Following a gentle full-body exfoliation, a body wrap of Red Sedona Clay infused with natural botanicals draws out toxins and provides nourishment to the skin. Warm sesame oil infused with lavender is massaged into the scalp, then after a hot steam shower, hydrating lotion is massaged into the body.

Yoga and guided meditation are offered al fresco in multiple settings, allowing guests to reground themselves within the astounding natural beauty of the Utah desert. Tailor-made experiences include greeting the sunrise atop Tower Butte, 5,000 feet above sea level. This journey begins with a scenic helicopter flight over Lake Powell and Glen Canyon, before an hour’s yoga and meditation session atop the butte. Camp Sarika guests also have full access to Amangiri’s Aman Spa, a 2,322-square-metre destination unto itself.

Experiences

Surrounded by numerous national monuments, the Navajo Nation Reservation, and five national parks including Zion, Grand Canyon and Bryce, Camp Sarika is exceptionally well placed for exploring the natural and cultural attractions of the region. Serving as an idyllic escape and a springboard for exploration of the area, the camp offers desert and mountain hiking with its own private trail system covering over ten miles of routes directly from its doorstep. The camp offers morning and afternoon wellness experiences indoors and out, canyoneering, its own Via Ferrata route and horseback riding, as well as many other activities.

Adventure activities include hiking to Horseshoe Bend, Paria Overlook or Resurrection Canyon, touring Monument Valley, exploring the well-preserved cliff dwellings of the Navajo National Monument and kayaking, fishing, paddle-boarding or boating on Lake Powell. The Colorado Plateau is also home to some of the world’s best biking trails. Guests have access to e-bikes, and can choose from 3-hour, half- or full-day guided tours.

Camp Sarika arranges private tours by plane, helicopter or hot air balloon to reveal the magnificence and true scale of the region from the air. Or guests can get up close and personal with the region’s history exploring the slot canyons or studying the 6,000-year-old petroglyphs in Broken Arrow Cave. The camp also enables a deeper immersion in Native American culture, with storytelling and stargazing around the fire every evening.

Getting There

A 30-minute drive from the nearest town of Page and its international airport, Camp Sarika encourages a private and peaceful connection to its dramatic surroundings while remaining surprisingly accessible. The camp’s remote location imbues a sense of community and exclusivity to those in residence, a nod to Aman’s trademark appreciation of a destination.