After looking at Fall Foliage retreats in the Northeastern U.S. two weeks ago, we went back to luxury travel agency Andrew Harper to check out some of its top recommendations for getaways in the Western U.S., adding information on the best suites and also the local GA airports for easy access.
Amangiri, Canyon Point, UT
Andrew Harper calls Amangiri, “An exceptional resort set amid 600 acres of stupendous desert landscape close to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam….(A) huge central Pavilion with wood burning fires houses lobby, library, dining room and open kitchen. Amangiri’s principal amenity is a serene 25,000-square-foot spa with gym.”
The three top levels accommodations of this southern Utah retreat start with the 4-bedroom Mesa Home (above) with a 50-ft. swimming pool, living room with fireplace, dining room, professional grade kitchen, private courtyard and underfloor heating for the cold desert nights. The 3,734-sq. ft. Girijaala Suite (below) has its on 46-ft. pool. The 3,472-sq. ft Amangiri Suite offers a 59-ft. pool, private sky terrace with daybed, and private courtyard. Like Mesa, both have underfloor heating, and several private areas to take in the sun and desert scenery.
Activities include rock climbing (there are ladder rungs and cables for safety), walking, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, trekking for dinosaur fossils, kayaking on Lake Powell, and just enjoying the serene beauty of the desert.
Page Municipal Airport (PGA) is 25 minutes from the resort, which provides complimentary transfers. Runway is 5,950 ft. and is open 24 hours.
Amangani, Jackson, WY
Amangani, like its sister Amangiri, offers the option of full homes in addition to hotel suites. Harper describes the Wyoming retreat as, “A stylish resort atop 7,000-foot East Gros Ventre Butte, 15 minutes from downtown Jackson. A low-profile sandstone structure houses 40 guest suites featuring sitting areas with fireplaces, large redwood baths (two vanity alcoves, soaking tubs, slate showers) and covered decks. Breathtaking 115-ft. year-round heated outdoor pool, health spa and gym.”
There is one five bedroom (Pataheya pictured above) and two four bedroom homes (Seta and Tatanka), each in mountain west ranch style, featuring wood and stone, and large fireplaces. Pataheya offers sunset and mountain views, a living, dining, and media room, plus a library. There is a kitchen and large terrace. At 676-sq.ft., the Grand Teton (below) is the largest suite, with a wraparound balcony and a fireplace situated as the centerpiece of your view.
In addition to traditional skiing, there is cross country and Heli-skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, wildlife tours, horseback riding, and fly fishing. From November to April, there is a private ski lounge for your use at Jackson Hole (about 25 minutes away). Jackson Hole Airport has a 6,300-ft. runway, including a full service FBO.
Tripple Creek Ranch, Darby MT
Triple Creek Ranch is no stranger to awards, being ranked by Travel + Leisure #1 in the World in 2014. There are four large luxury ranch homes (example above), and the 3-bedroom, 3,600-sq. ft. Ponderosa Cabin, plus 2-bedroom retreats, so it pays to take a bit of time to decide which one best suits your need. For example, Ponderosa is about a mile from the main lodge, and comes with a golf cart, but in the winter you probably will want a car even though the hotel provides a shuttle service whenever you need. Andrew Harper calls Triple Creek a “romantic mountain resort in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana. Twenty-five log cabins overlook a rushing creek and fir forest. Each comes with a woodburning fireplace and massive king bed. Luxury Cabins offer the most secluded locations, plus separate living rooms, spa decks and steam showers.”
The resort is popular for corporate retreats and is a good venue for full takeovers. Horseback riding, cattle drives, trap shooting, rolling with an ATV, whitewater rafting, golf, skiing, and archery are among the activities. All meals are included in your rate, cuisine is well regarded, locally sourced, western, and there is also a cooking school.
To get here, there are several options. The resort has two helipads, and Missoula International Airport (9,501-ft. runway) is 78 miles away. Ravioli County Airport is 30 minutes away, and has a full service FBO, and a runway at 4,200-ft. Both airports have limited hours of operation.
