As my flight descended into Jackson Hole, I peered out the window and gazed at the Western frontier. Upon arriving at the airport, I was greeted with a warm Amangani welcome by the friendly driver, and soon enough I was outside, breathing the crisp mountain air. In the smooth comfort of a sleek BMW X5, we made our way along the snow-covered roads to Aman’s premier mountain property. Amangani, meaning peaceful home, is carved into the crest of the East Gros Ventre Butte overlooking the Teton Range. Its structure is contemporary, hewn from Oklahoma sandstone and wood that blend seamlessly with the surrounding mountains and forests.
The interiors are extravagant yet laid-back, with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling picture windows and a subtle Asian influence. The all-suite rooms are comfortable and luxurious, each including a king-size platform bed, cowhide woven chairs and faux wolf-skin throws — a clear nod to the American West. They also feature a large fireplace and private terrace or balcony presenting breathtaking views of the Snake River Valley. The bathrooms are similarly amenity-laden, with a deep soaking tub, separate shower, his-and-hers vanities and a closet spacious enough to store all of your winter best.
Amangani continues to dazzle with its restaurant, the Grill. Looking out over the valley, the 65-seat, redwood-paneled eatery serves local meats, fresh fish and farm-to-table produce. The cuisine is simultaneously regional and international, featuring local, sustainable ingredients prepared with Asian flair. For a sweet-savory start to the day, order the sweet-potato Belgian waffle and caribou sausages. Dinner entrées include ranch meats you aren’t likely to find outside the West, like Colorado elk rib chops, Mead Ranch grass-fed beef and buffalo bourguignon. The lounge, with its stylish zinc bar, offers an array of locally crafted beer and spirits.
The expansive spa focuses as much on physical fitness as it does on pampering, with two exercise studios, a quartzite-tiled outdoor pool (maintained at a comfortable 80 degrees) and four treatment rooms. Prepare for your day with a private yoga or Pilates session and unwind before bed with a rejuvenating deep-tissue massage.
It may be a challenge to muster up the motivation to leave the property, but if you do, the deeply knowledgeable staff can arrange anything from horseback riding to dogsledding to sleigh rides with a picnic in tow. Adventure seekers can give heliskiing a try or tackle Jackson Hole’s 2,741 acres of challenging downhill terrain. For a truly unforgettable experience, book a wildlife tour in the comfort of a warm BMW X5 lead by Amangani’s resident wildlife expert, Jared Paul. During the four-hour experience, he will point out deer, elk, bison and perhaps even a bear. Beyond the thrilling exposure to local fauna, you also will be privy to some excellent historical context, coming away with a full awareness of the magic that makes Jackson Hole the true American West.
