Amangani, Jackson Hole, United States

Amangani (which means “peaceful home”) lies nearly 2,135 metres (7,000ft) above sea level, overlooking meadows and grazing land. Across the valley is Teton Pass, which divides the Snake River Range from the snow-capped Tetons. The Teton Range, dominated by the 4,200m summit of Grand Teton, is the youngest of the Rocky Mountains, while the snow-fed waters of the Snake River gather in the Yellowstone Plateau and wind south through Jackson Hole.

Amangani offers 29 Suites, six Deluxe Suites, four Amangani Suites and the Grand Teton Suite. The air-conditioned suites include a bedroom/living room and a spacious bathroom/dressing room. The living area consists of a king-size platform bed and a fireplace. Furnishings include a redwood-frame day bed for lounging, a black resin-and-terrazzo dining table, woven cowhide chairs in faux wolf fabric and a pine-stump table. The suites also offer a mini-bar; a CD player, a TV/VCR and a two-line phone with data plug-in. Sliding glass doors lead to a deck, with mountain and valley views, with a deep soaking tub and a window view. Double dressing areas include a full-length mirror, as well as drawers, shelves and open closet space for two. The floor is of clear-heart redwood.

The Grill, a 65-seat dining room, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A wood-burning fireplace, redwood-panelled walls and ceiling, specially commissioned artwork and window views to the mountains lend a mood of stylish comfort. Banquette seating mixes with chairs of rawhide and rattan. Tables are of black terrazzo, and the floor is a mix of carpet and slate. The Grill specialises in creative American cuisine including steaks, chops, seafood and regionally produced organic foods. The zinc-top Bar is defined by rugged sandstone columns, half-a-dozen wrought-iron bar stools and an intimate, window-side setting of tables and chairs.

Amangani’s Health Center offers two exercise studios, four treatment rooms and separate steam rooms for men and women. A variety of one-on-one programmes are offered in the exercise salon, including aerobics, restorative yoga and meditation. The gym, which faces the exercise salon, is equipped with a state of the art TechoGym, two running machines (treadmills), two elliptical trainers and one recumbent bike, all with built in TV monitors connected to cable. There is also a Radiant multi- system strength machine as well as free weights and bench. Both exercise studios are finished in redwood with views to the swimming pool and across the valley. The Health Center also offers a range of massages and facials, including a hydraulic treatment massage bed. Separate mud, salt and seaweed body treatments are available as well, while haircuts and deep conditioning, along with manicures and pedicures, are offered in the beauty salon.

Amangani’s 35-metre outdoor swimming pool is finished in frost-coloured quartzite tiles and linked to a whirlpool 10.5 metres square. Both enjoy magnificent mountain views, especially at sunset. With a winter water temperature of about 27°C (80°F), the swimming pool can be enjoyed year-round.