While the term “pavilion” is often used broadly in luxury resorts to describe a standalone or semi-detached accommodation, at Amangiri, “Pavilion” specifically refers to the 10 luxurious, tented accommodations located at Camp Sarika by Amangiri. It’s crucial to distinguish these “pavilions” from the “suites” at the main Amangiri resort, as they offer a fundamentally different, yet equally luxurious, experience.

Let’s delve into the Amangiri Pavilions, focusing on those at Camp Sarika, which represent the resort’s elevated “glamping” offering.

Amangiri Pavilions: An Elevated Tented Experience at Camp Sarika

The Amangiri Pavilions are the crowning jewels of Camp Sarika by Amangiri, a distinct, intimate retreat just a short drive or scenic walk from the main Amangiri resort. Opened in 2020, Camp Sarika was conceived to offer an even deeper connection to the untamed wilderness of Southern Utah, providing an experience of luxury tented living that redefines “glamping.” The 10 pavilions at Camp Sarika blend the raw beauty of a safari-style camp with the impeccable design and service synonymous with the Aman brand.

The name “Sarika” translates from Sanskrit as “open space” or “sky,” perfectly encapsulating the ethos of this unique extension of Amangiri, where the tented accommodations allow for a profound immersion in the desert landscape, under vast, star-filled skies.

Architectural Philosophy and Design

The design of the Camp Sarika pavilions, executed by Luxury Frontiers, is a masterful exercise in combining robust functionality with elegant aesthetics. Unlike the solid, concrete structures of the main Amangiri resort, the pavilions embrace a “tented” concept, yet they are far from traditional camping tents.

• Tensile Structures: Each pavilion is a sophisticated tensile structure, featuring a UV-resistant PVDF membrane roof that provides exceptional shade and durability against the desert’s extreme climate. This canvas roof gives the distinct “tented” feel, while the underlying framework is solid and engineered for comfort and safety.
• Harmonious Integration: The pavilions are discreetly placed among the natural rock formations, with a focus on framing stunning views of the surrounding mesas and canyons. Their sand-toned canvas and natural materials ensure they blend seamlessly into the desert palette.
• Indoor-Outdoor Flow: A key design principle is the blurring of lines between the interior and the external environment. Expansive glass doors slide open, allowing the desert air and views to permeate the living spaces. Private outdoor terraces extend the living area directly into nature.
• Natural Materials and Earthy Palette: Inside, the design reflects Amangiri’s signature aesthetic: clean lines, natural wood (often bleached or light-toned), polished concrete, and a calming palette of neutral, earthy tones. This creates a soothing, minimalist sanctuary that allows the external environment to be the dominant visual.
• Privacy and Seclusion: Each pavilion is strategically positioned to maximize privacy, with thoughtful landscaping and spacing between units to ensure an intimate and undisturbed experience.

Types of Pavilions at Camp Sarika

Camp Sarika features 10 free-standing pavilions, categorized primarily by their number of bedrooms and their specific views. Each pavilion, regardless of type, is a testament to spaciousness and luxury.

1. One-Bedroom Pavilions (8 units): These are the most common type, ideal for couples or small families. They offer:

   • Bedroom: Typically with a king-sized bed (or configurable as twins), designed for comfort and tranquility, often with a view of the surrounding landscape.
   • Living and Dining Area: A spacious, elegantly appointed indoor living room with comfortable seating and a dining table.
   • Bathroom: A luxurious en-suite bathroom featuring twin vanities, a rain shower, and a deep-soaking bathtub, often positioned to offer desert views.
   • Private Terrace: An oversized outdoor terrace with comfortable lounge seating, a private heated plunge pool, an outdoor shower, and a fire pit.

   Within the one-bedroom category, there are often subtle distinctions based on their orientation and specific views:

   • One-Bedroom Mesa Pavilion: Offers beautiful views of the eastern mesa, often with a sense of the sun setting behind them.
   • One-Bedroom Sunset Pavilion: Designed to capture mesmerizing views across the desert to the west, perfect for sunset viewing.
   • One-Bedroom Private Canyon Pavilion: Often the most secluded, set against a backdrop of a breathtaking eastern mesa or canyon wall, with enhanced privacy. Some may feature a Jacuzzi function in the plunge pool.

2. Two-Bedroom Pavilions (2 units): These larger pavilions are perfect for families or groups of friends seeking more space and shared amenities. They include:

   • Two En-Suite Bedrooms: Each with either a king or twin beds, and its own private bathroom, offering privacy for multiple guests.
   • Expansive Living and Dining Area: A larger, elegantly appointed communal living and dining space for shared time.
   • Larger Private Terrace: A sprawling outdoor terrace with a more expansive living space, a larger private heated plunge pool, and a fire pit, designed to accommodate more guests comfortably.

   Similar to the one-bedroom pavilions, there can be view-based variations:

   • Two-Bedroom Mesa Pavilion: Offers impressive mesa views.
   • Two-Bedroom Grand View Pavilion: Designed to frame 270-degree panoramic views of the natural landscape, offering particularly spectacular sunset views.

In-Pavilion Amenities and Luxurious Touches

Beyond the structural design and layout, each pavilion at Camp Sarika is equipped with a comprehensive array of luxury amenities and thoughtful touches to ensure a comfortable and indulgent stay:

• Climate Control: Despite their tented nature, the pavilions are fully equipped with air conditioning and under-floor heating, ensuring optimal comfort regardless of the desert’s fluctuating temperatures.
• Connectivity and Entertainment:
  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Flat-screen TV with a selection of channels and movies
  • Sound system (e.g., iPod dock, Bluetooth speakers)
• Comfort and Convenience:
  • Luxurious king-sized beds with premium linens
  • Spacious dressing areas
  • Minibar stocked with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Housekeeping services (twice daily)
  • Personal bar (often with alcoholic options available for purchase)
• Bathroom Luxuries:
  • Twin vanities
  • Rain showers
  • Deep-soaking tubs
  • Signature Amangiri bath products (often infused with local sage)
  • Plush bathrobes and slippers
• Outdoor Living Enhancements:
  • Private heated plunge pool (all pavilions)
  • Outdoor shower (all pavilions)
  • Private fire pit (all pavilions)
  • Comfortable daybeds and lounge furniture on the terrace for relaxation and stargazing

The Camp Sarika Experience: Integration with Amangiri

While the pavilions are at Camp Sarika, guests enjoy the best of both worlds – the secluded intimacy of the camp and full access to the broader amenities and services of the main Amangiri resort.

• Dedicated Camp Sarika Pavilion: Camp Sarika has its own Central Pavilion, which houses a dedicated reception, an elegant restaurant serving meals with Native American and Southwestern influences, a comfortable lounge area, and a small spa with treatment rooms and a swimming pool. This provides a convenient and intimate hub for Camp Sarika guests.
• Access to Amangiri Main Resort: A short five-minute drive (or a scenic 25-minute walk/hike) connects Camp Sarika to the main Amangiri resort. Guests can seamlessly utilize all facilities, including:
  • The main Amangiri Restaurant for dining.
  • The spectacular Amangiri pool, which wraps around a natural rock escarpment.
  • The extensive Aman Spa, with its Water Pavilion, Watsu pool, steam rooms, saunas, and comprehensive treatment menu.
  • The fitness center, library, art gallery, and boutique.
  • All organized adventure activities (Via Ferrata, hiking, boat tours, horseback riding, etc.).
• Inclusive Rates: Like the main resort, stays in the Camp Sarika pavilions are typically full-board, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a selection of included activities. This ensures a comprehensive and worry-free experience.

Who are the Pavilions For?

The Amangiri Pavilions at Camp Sarika are particularly appealing to:

• Families: The two-bedroom pavilions offer ample space and privacy, making them ideal for families traveling with children, allowing for both shared moments and individual quiet time.
• Groups of Friends: Perfect for small groups seeking a luxurious and adventurous shared experience.
• Couples Seeking Enhanced Seclusion: While Amangiri’s main suites are private, the standalone nature of the pavilions at Camp Sarika provides an even greater sense of being away from it all, surrounded solely by nature.
• “Glamping” Enthusiasts: For those who appreciate the concept of luxurious tented living, the pavilions offer a refined and comfortable interpretation of being immersed in the wilderness.
• Nature Lovers: The design of the pavilions maximizes the connection to the stunning desert environment, appealing to guests who want to wake up feeling truly integrated with nature.

Pricing and Exclusivity

The Amangiri Pavilions represent a premium tier of accommodation even within the ultra-luxury Aman portfolio. Their rates are typically higher than the standard suites at the main Amangiri resort, reflecting the added space, privacy, and unique tented experience. Prices can range significantly based on the season, type of pavilion, and length of stay, often starting from several thousand USD per night. Due to their limited number and high demand, booking well in advance (often 6-12 months or more) is highly recommended.

In conclusion, the Amangiri Pavilions at Camp Sarika offer a distinctive and deeply immersive luxury experience. They combine the thrill of wilderness living with the unparalleled comfort, design, and service that define Amangiri, providing an unforgettable sanctuary for those seeking a unique connection to the majestic American Southwest.