You absolutely must…
Must Ski:
Ski the collection of shoots, bowls and gullies that make Jackson Hole the most challenging ski resort in North America. A complimentary shuttle service runs between the resort and the Amangani ski lounge, 20 minutes away. Located just below Teton Village's Bridger Gondola, the lounge serves as a meeting and resting place. Ski equipment and lessons are organised at the lounge and snacks, hot beverages, books and concierge service are available.
Must Shop:
For a big hat and some custom handmade boots.
• A view that dominates every room and every public space of the hotel.
• An architecture that Frank Lloyd Wright would have loved.
• The unspoilt beauty and natural charisma of this vast piece of protected wilderness
The Whole Story
Years before Alpine sport was introduced to the USA, Jackson Hole was famed for its abundant natural beauty: elk roamed in migrating masses (and still do) and every species of American wildlife was to be found. Rockefeller Jr set about acquiring massive tracts of land in and around Jackson, and then donated them to the people of the United States in the form of a national park. The old cattle town of Jackson is protected by national wilderness status, and in winter it's not unusual to find the odd elk roaming between the clapboard houses on its main street.
Amans are all built in spectacular positions, and Amangani is no exception. Situated on a ridge just outside the old gunslinging town of Jackson, Amangani directly faces the most impressive aspect of the Tetons. The views, mesmerizing in their majesty, are not limited to the odd corner room or well-positioned public space. Every room, every bathroom, every balcony, the health club, restaurant, and even the heated outdoor swimming pool enjoy the same spectacle.
In responding to the extraordinary beauty of the setting, Ed Tuttle – architect of Bali's Amankila, Phuket's Amanpuri and Java’s Amanjiwo – has created a masterpiece of American modernism that is rugged yet refined, and simple yet sophisticated. If Frank Lloyd Wright had been a skier he would have been first to check in. The long horizontal lines and drystack Oklahoma sandstone construction take the vernacular of a western ranch and serve it up on a monumental scale. Jackson Hole itself feels, big, open and ruggedly beautiful – just how you want the American West to be. Exactly the same can be said for Amangani.
The Rooms
Suites
Amangani has 29 elegant suites with bedroom/living room that consists of a king-size bed, a window-side daybed for lounging, a dining table, woven cowhide chairs in faux wolf fabric and a pine-stump table. The suites also offer a minibar, a CD player, a TV, DVD player and WIFI. Sliding glass doors lead to a deck with mountain and valley views. Large bathrooms with dressing area have a deep soaking tub with a window view and double dressing areas include a full-length mirror, as well as drawers, shelves and open closet space for two.
Other specialist suites are also available, such as the amangani suites with an expansive balcony or patio overlooking the Snake River valley and Teton mountain range. The 676ft² suites have a generous bathing and dressing area creating an open, airy feel.