Concrete Perspectives

Through his lense and all his senses, Australian photographer Jake Weisz (@jakeling) experiences the calm luxe and the raw surrounding nature of Southern Utah’s Amangiri Resort, where minimalist architecture in monochromatic concrete lies below the buttes and mesas of Canyon Point.

After an unforgettable, slow drive along a private, paved road between colossal ridges and across vast landscapes, we arrived at what I can only describe as a concrete castle hiding in the rocks of Southern Utah. Amangiri was and remains the greatest architectural experience of my life as a photographer. Minimalism, texture, silhouette... all unassuming until I wandered through this artistic haven of concrete walls.

A collaborative design by architects Rick Joy (Tucson, Arizona), Marwan Al-Sayed (Hollywood, California) and Wendell Burnette (Phoenix, Arizona), Amangiri spreads over 600 acres (243 hectares), with 34 suites and a four-bedroom mesa home, a lounge, several swimming pools, spa, fitness center and a central pavilion that includes a library, art gallery, and both private and public dining areas. The architects were commissioned by legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha, whose Aman Resorts have redefined luxury travel in epic proportions.

Arriving at the resort

We wandered across the dramatic entrance, past the protruding canyon on the right and stepped into the first breezeway, one of numerous voluminous concrete corridors that connect each pavilion to the next, framing the valleys in the distance and creating different moments of awe every time you step inside. Throughout the day, the sun hits each breezeway at different angles, giving light and shadow new meaning, in a continuous cycle from dawn until dusk. Impressions of grandeur aside, with each stride deeper into these grand hallways, I felt closer to sublime serenity; this indescribable feeling of peace.

We were shown to our room, a one-bedroom suite on the edge of the property, backing to what at first glance reminded me of a set built for a spaghetti Western: rolling tumbleweeds, the squeaks of desert mice, expeditious hares scurrying about, the scene set against luminous canyons and a distant view of Broken Arrow Cave, an indigenous, spiritual sanctuary. Certainly the right place for a creative’s maniacal mind to softly seep into a slumber.

“Certainly the right place for a creative’s maniacal mind to softly seep into a slumber.”

Exploring perspectives

After some rest in our noble lodgings, the photographer in me yearned to roam the grounds, Canon in hand, and to capture the tranquil austerity surrounding us. Being here, each of the architects’ decisions made sense. Moments of monotony broken by jagged slices of deep, sweeping pastel views. The polished concrete’s organic texture caressed by soft waterfalls cascading down the walls. Brief Edenic allusions in fruitful apple trees, ripe for the picking. To grasp we were only a couple hours’ drive from Las Vegas, Nevada, was almost impossible.

Perspective became an intriguing exploration. The architecture condenses expansive canyons into splinters of light and landscape between these grand, polished concrete walls. Rather than being clinical or cold, as unknowing observers might reckon from afar, the stark concrete structure’s monochromatic elegance creates harmonious balance between the arid landscape in a desolate summer climate and shadowed walkways affording gentle breezes of desert wind.

“Perspective became an intriguing exploration. The architecture condenses expansive canyons into splinters of light and landscape between these grand, polished concrete walls.”

Fortress of luxe

Stepping inside Amangiri superseded any notions I had of comfort and luxe. The main pavilion is a multipurpose common area scented by burning fresh sage and sunburned grain. On the walls, copious Ulrike Arnold artworks implement abstraction from the concrete’s silky texture. The interior seamlessly merges textures as if designed by rhythmic dictation. Soft leathers and animal hides, smooth oak and cement surfaces all amalgamate with the rough, rambling terrain that surrounds the resort.

I experienced color in this place like never before—the perfectly blended gradient changes from earth tones to milky hues. The architects of Amangiri also designed all interior features; furnishings, lighting, signage… all the elements reflect the Southwestern landscape and culture with subtle, emblematic references to the Native American tribes that once inhabited Canyon Point.

Dining at dusk

The Amangiri invited us to take our first meal alfresco in the Desert Lounge, a rather humbling setting for our dinner at dusk. Sitting across from my friend, charging our glasses of wine and looking out at the immense horizon, overcome with divine silence and calm, we couldn’t speak but simply look and listen. Within this celestial space, I discovered an understated romance in the combination of architecture, nature, and food. Amangiri presents a rather auspicious combination of locally sourced, farm-fresh produce and materials with modern interpretations of Southwestern traditions. Plate for plate, the decadent courses filled us, until we turned in for the night. First day, well spent.

“Within this celestial space, I discovered an understated romance in the combination of architecture, nature, and food.”

An early adventure

From the crack of dawn, Amangiri had been already awake and buzzing. We were informed to wear shoes suitable for an adventure and were later met by a car. Amangiri sits among some of the continent’s most grandiose, well-protected natural phenomena, and we were booked to experience one the resort is very proud to have on its land. At the foot of the largest of the canyons, they put us in climbing harnesses before we set off on a Via Ferrata, Italian for “Iron road.” This modern style of climbing journey involved steel cables and staples already in place for a more protected climb. The concept is to give inexperienced climbers the ability to enjoy rather dramatic and difficult peaks. And now, with my feet firmly back on the ground, I can say, the peak was indeed spectacular. Nerves aside, climbing to the top allowed me to truly experience the vastness of this beautiful place and the fragility of this natural ecosystem. I do, however, recommend taking an extra few breaths before crossing Amangiri’s signature suspension bridge between two peaks. Walking across with my camera was a rather nerve-racking experience.

After that intense climb and exploring more of the resort’s outdoor adventures, the best decision was to spend our afternoon at the Amangiri Spa. The minimalist design of this serene adults-only oasis manifested the very concepts of relief. Instead of receiving a massage treatment, I spent most of my time self-reflecting in the floating cave’s Persian salt pool. 30 minutes of pure and simple bliss, resting on the surface of tepid water, scored by meditation melodies has become my new idea of elegant content.

Departing to return

Our departure was suitingly emblematic of our entire experience at Amangiri. As we unhurriedly drove past the minimalist concrete marvel, through the resort’s expansive acreage and past a private plane landing nearby, I began to appreciate the sheer magnitude of my weeklong stay here. The space has inspired a newfound understanding of lines and light, and a greater comprehension of the relationship between nature and man-made creations. As I left, I already longed to return. △

Beyond the Pines

The temperature is brisk, the weather bleak as we enter between the pines. A forest of giants lurking over us, swaying with the flurry of winds as if inquisitively observing our every move. Boots tied, coats fastened, and a well-weathered knit in tow, Timothy James and I begin our travels through the majestic Blue Mountains.

The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a region and a mountain range in New South Wales, Australia. The range is a dissected plateau carved in sandstone bedrock that is now a series of ridgelines and dense gorges as deep as 2,490 feet (759 meters). This iconic place is heavily embedded in Aboriginal history and culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On our first day of adventures, we discover a place beyond the pines: the Newnes State Forest, built for wanderers and wonderers. Grandiose in size, this dense woodland, situated amongst the mountains, requires expeditions off the beaten track. Upon entering the forest, we lose ourselves amongst the towering maze surrounding us. My mind drifts with the olive and gainsboro hues in the forest’s shrubbery as if lost in Britain’s majestic lake district. Sporadic clusters of poisonous fly agarics (amanita muscaria) inject a little whimsy as we walk. Foraging for mushrooms is common practice here, so with wicker basket in hand, we collect saffron milk caps and slippery jacks for a delicious, hearty mushroom risotto we plan for a perfect autumnal meal later that night.

Following our navigation through the forest, we set to explore the mountain’s higher ground. Envied by a postcard, the panoramic sensation of a Blue Mountain lookout is awe-inspiring. Cascading waterfalls dribbling and plunging down the cliff edge, rock formations like sculpted by the ancients, and cloud-clinging skies paint an almost impressionistic portrait of what seems unreal. The intrinsic beauty of each individual landscape bleeds into the next like a Monet watercolor; fluid and prolific. I’m not one for lists, but everyone should experience Govetts Leap, the Bridal Veil Falls, Evans Lookout, the Shipley Plateau in Blackheath, Olympian Rock, The Lost City, Mount Hay, and the Valley of the Waters.

The Blue Mountains and Central Tablelands rise westward from the Nepean River and are home to many native species of sh including the Australian bass and mullet in the east and the Murray cod, golden perch, and silver perch in the west. Strapping on our polished Timberland boots, and zipping up our thick jackets, Timothy and I set out at the crack of dawn for a long bush walk to remote rivers to catch some lunch. That imbued serenity of sitting alone on a log, thermos of chamomile tea brewing beside you, shing line out, and hunting for some lunch whilst listening to Angus and Julia Stone’s latest album is indescribably idyllic. For someone who is innately incapable of really relaxing, this comes pretty darn close to it.

“For someone who is innately incapable of really relaxing, this comes pretty darn close to it.”

On the water

After the rains from the night before had swollen the rivers coming off the mountains, Timothy and I rent a boat and paddle our way along the rapid tides introducing us to a whole new angle of these beautiful surroundings. From above, I felt as if I were floating amongst the clouds, but the perspective from the gorges below reveal the mountains’ quite imposing presence. The fading blooms of rush lilies and yellow eyes surrounded by that rich emerald tone in coral ferns set the decadent scene whilst we paddle between these friendly giants, as if part of Tolkien's fellowship. Without sounding too indulgent, true wanderlust is lying on your back in an old tin dingy with your best mate, looking up at a beautiful pale blue and creamy cloud sky, listening to the trickling waters around you, and exhaling slowly. I recommend this.

"From above, I felt as if I were floating amongst the clouds, but the perspective from the gorges below reveal the mountains’ quite imposing presence.”

In the apple orchard

It is now later in the afternoon and we are both feeling fairly peckish. We decide to wander into Logan Brae apple orchard on the Shipley Plateau about five minutes from Blackheath. Imagine long lines of crooked apple trees as far as the eye can see growing amongst the surrounding mountains and dating back to 1919 when they were originally planted. The history of this place is like a scent in the wind, along with Gouldian finches, crimson rosellas, rainbow lorikeets and golden whistlers flying past in kaleidoscopic flocks. Selecting, picking, and then munching down on a juicy Logan Brae red is a memory I won’t forget. Then later reminiscing on that apple’s flavor whilst spoiling myself with a slice of homemade, freshly baked apple pie eaten in the orchards.

I’ve found there is an almost sartorial splendor amidst the mountainous region. Wanderers from afar clad in chunky merino knits, and worn, tethered denim. Hues of autumnal trees and earthy tones fill each lookout and traveling collective. The perfect collaboration of style and function as if taken straight out of a Burberry campaign shot by Tim Walker in Northern Scotland. If you find yourself itching for a road trip to the mountains, my advice to you is make sure to pack a comfortable boot, clothing for almost any climate, an extra knit just in case, a wide-brim fedora, and a well-thought-out playlist of easy-listening songs. The perfect score can elevate an iconic setting into ground-breaking cinema, and what Timothy and I ventured through could be Oscar-nominated gold. △

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Styling Credits

Mushroom Foraging

BOOTS: TIMBERLAND |  JEANS: ZANEROBE

Sunrise

COAT: CLUB MONACO |  BAG: LANGLY BEANIE: SCOTCH & SODA

Pine Forest YELLOW THROW: MRS.LUXE | @MRS.LUXE

On the Water KNIT AND BEANIE: SCOTCH & SODA PADDLES: NORQUAY CO. BLANKET AND HARNESS: PENDLETON WOOLEN MILLS

JAKE WEISZ | @JAKELING

Based in Sydney, Jake Weisz is an Australian photographer and film director with an affinity for the wild and whimsical. His wondrous style captivates his followers by acquainting them with stories of the marvelous and the majestic. Through his work, Weisz invites us to “go down the rabbit hole” into his fantastical world, taking us on the enchanting journey unfolding beyond the lens. “When entering this world be cautious,” he warns, “as you may not want to leave once you are under its spell.”

TIMOTHY JAMES | @THISISTIMOTHY

Timothy is an architect, designer, and maker, currently living in Sydney, Australia, and working as a model. Working across a mixture of creative fields allows his work to constantly evolve. His approach to style, design, and passion for creative collaborations provides an eclectic mix of content.