Utah: Unwind in the desert with Amangiri’s winter yoga retreats

Winter is a great time to visit the desert, which is when Amangiri in southern Utah has scheduled three yoga retreats at its red-rock luxury resort. The 600-acre refuge in quiet Canyon Point sits in a valley where low-slung buildings have been painted to match the landscape. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is to the east; Bryce Canyon National Park to the north.

Guests who stay at least four nights may join yoga retreats scheduled in December, February and March for free. Classes are taught by Rocky Heron of the Yoga Centre in San Luis Obispo. The yoga retreat starts with a daily schedule of an 8 a.m. energetic session, 2:30 p.m. progressive workshop for “twists and bends” and a 6:30 p.m. restorative session that includes music.

Down time can be spent lounging around the central swimming pool or hiking in the nearby canyons and plateaus.

Dates: Yoga retreats run Dec. 14-18, Feb. 15-19 and March 8-12.

Price: Starting at $1,050 per night for a room with one or two guests ($4,200 for the four-night stay); prices exclude tax. It includes all meals, two group hikes, daily yoga and Pilates core-strengthening classes, plus the yoga retreat. Those who stay four nights or more receive a free hour-long massage.

Info: Amangiri, (435) 675-3999