The Ford Journals 1.2

Episode 2: Whispers in the Desert

Utah wasn’t on my itinerary—not until the riddle in Venice pointed me here.

The answer was clear enough: Buckskin Gulch, the largest slot canyon in the Western Hemisphere.

Someone had left that note for me to find. And someone knew I’d follow it.

THE ARRIVAL AT AMANGIRI

Arriving at Amangiri felt like stepping into another world. Nestled in the Utah desert, this boutique retreat is a marvel of minimalist luxury. My suite offered floor-to-ceiling windows framing the red rock cliffs, as if the view itself was curated.

The silence here feels deliberate, as though the desert itself is holding a secret. After settling in, I prepared for the next leg of the journey: Buckskin Gulch. Only about a 45 minute drive.

BUCKSKIN GULCH: THE DISCOVERY

The canyon walls rose higher with every step, their swirling patterns etched by millennia of wind and water. Hours in, I found it: an engraving carved into the sandstone.

Two intertwined circles and a lone star—the emblem. Below it, tucked into a hollow, was another envelope. Inside was a note written in the same elegant hand as before.

It read:

“Beyond the narrows, where red walls rise,

This red city is where your next destination lies.

Where traders met, and secrets were spun.

Minarets rise as the markets hum,

To a labyrinth’s heart, you must come.”

BACK AT AMANGIRI

Back at the Amangiri, I unfolded the note again over dinner on the terrace. I knew where I was headed.

Marrakech.

As soon as I read “red city” Marrakech had popped into my head.

Marrakech is called the red city due to it's distinctive red sandstone walls, buildings, and riads, which date back to the 12th century. Unless someone was fooling me, it was my next destination.

There was not time to waste. The city’s Medina holds countless secrets, but only one could lead me further. There was no getting out now. I had to see where these clues were leading me.

FORD’S HOTEL JOURNAL ENTRY

AMANGIRI HOTEL ESSENTIALS

• Location: Canyon Point, Utah

• Rooms: 34 suites, each with panoramic desert views, smallest suite is 1,000sf

• Vibe: Secluded luxury meets rugged adventure

• Rates: Starting at $4,500 per night

• The Spa: Navajo inspired treatments that will have you floating higher than the hot air balloons above the mesas

• The Pool: Trust me, it’s Instagram worthy. infinity pool carved into sandstone

• Nice to Know: 

  • The desert gets cold at night—bring a jacket for stargazing by the firepit.

  • Amangiri offers private yoga and meditation sessions against a desert backdrop. Yes, it’s as peaceful as it sounds.

  • The nearest major airport is a two hour drive, so pack snacks for the road.

• Perfect For: High flyers looking to unplug in style, honeymooners craving privacy, or adventurers with a taste for luxury.

• Must Have: I heard the Huevos Rancheros are worth every calorie

• Suites: Each room comes with desert panoramas, but the upgraded Desert Pool Suite steals the show with its private terrace, fire pit, and heated plunge pool.

• Awards: Consistently ranked among the world’s top luxury hotels by Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, and Travel + Leisure.

• Amenities:

  • A 25,000 square foot spa offering treatments inspired by Navajo healing traditions.

  • Gourmet dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.

  • Private yoga sessions and meditation at the desert’s edge

  • Tailored excursions, including hot air balloon rides, and private desert tours.

ON THE HORIZON…

Always seeking the extraordinary,