Sedona, cradled among the famed Red Rocks of Arizona’s Red Rock State Park, this charming small town is known for its romantic, serene and spiritual location as well as its optimal outdoor adventures.
A sacred place long before it became known for its vortexes, energy hotspots that make it a destination for healing, meditation and prayer the desert town has grown in popularity among travelers for more than three decades.
Sedona is also conveniently located along one of the best scenic driving routes in the world and offers a variety of hiking trails and scenic vistas.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful places for romance, dinning and relaxing in Sedona is at the L’Auberge de Sedona. The 87-room resort, with a creek-side restaurant and highly rated boutique spa, is tucked away in a secluded little valley all its own on the edge of the charming desert town along Oak Creek. It’s easy to miss upon entering town, but it shouldn’t be missed, even if you are staying somewhere else.
The resort is tucked away below the Hyatt Pinon Pointe Resort. Driving into Sedona, visitors should look for a tiny sign for L’Auberge Lane on the right hand side of the street after the roundabout across from the Hyatt that signals to enter L’Auberge de Sedona.
Room
Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited to experience the resort’s hospitality. My Vista Cottage provided a breathtaking view of the Red Rocks overlooking Snoopy Rock. If the spa I was looking forward to wasn’t enough, my cottage sported a Jacuzzi tub with panel window views and an outdoor shower that literally had a rock star view of the red rocks and the stars.
The resort also offers creek side, garden and spa cottages along with its creek house, vista suite and lodge rooms at its two-story lodge that is often used for hosting large parties. Each room comes with a wood-burning or gas fireplace, with the exception of lodge rooms and the creek house.
As I settled into my cottage I couldn’t help notice the image two women celebrating their union to each other included among the resort’s video showing other weddings and services offered to guests. Marriage equality is legally limited to only a man and a woman in the red state, but Sedona is a liberal enclave. It was a nice touch for the resort, which isn’t TAG approved, but it is a noted resort of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.
Pets are also welcomed guests at the resort.
Restaurant
Dinning at the restaurant along Oak Creek is a treat for a romantic dinner to a night out with the girls no matter what time of the day. Enjoy seasonal ingredients for American dishes accompanied by savory sides that provide fresh flavors with the sounds of crickets chirping during twilight and the soothing sound of the creek softly flowing by in the background. Creek-side dining is offered during the warmer part of the spring and fall and throughout the summer. During the colder months dinning moves inside to enclosed views of the creek over the patio lounge.
Spa
The spa provides a boutique experience with superb service. I enjoyed a traditional Swedish massage that was divine. My only disappointment was the steam room wasn’t what I expected. I was hoping to be engulfed in steam only to get sprits rather than the super charged hydration I’m used to receiving at other spas.
L’Auberge de Sedona makes it easy to get out into the Red Rocks with it concierge service and personal guides who are more than happy to show guest the trails.
Overall, L’Auberge de Sedona is well worth the stay.
THE FLUFF
L’Auberge de Sedona, 301 L’Auberge Lane, Sedona; 928-282-1661, , LAuberge.com
RATING: 5 = midnight blue
(5 best – 0 worst: color code: 5 = midnight blue; 4 = black; 3 = Aqua; 2 = orange; 1 = gold; and 0 = green)
TYPE OF LODGING: Luxury, Resort
CHECK OUT: $$$$ = Over $350
(Lowest price for a single night in a standard room during high-season)
SWEET DREAMS: Total relaxation at its best like stepping into a deep carpet that feels like a cloud and your body completely releases all tensions from travel and life.
WORTH THE SLEEP?: zzzz = This was divine!
VIBE: Time to slow down and take in the natural beauty that provides beautiful views at every turn from desert to green mountains to relaxing streams. Everyone is nice and relaxed. Don’t be surprised by a little introspection, this is the land of vortexes.
SCENE: Casual elegance.
LOCATION: Tucked away below Sedona next to the stream it is seclusion at a figure tip away from the action. Fine dining, complementary on site fitness and wellness classes, spa and don’t forget to feed the ducks in the morning. Want a bit more action? Take a brief hike up the side of the mountain and be steps away from dining, shopping and more or a short simply call for a shuttle and be in the heart of Sedona in less than five minutes.
ROOM: Who can ask for more? L’Auberge de Sedona has it all views, spacious rooms with decks and fireplaces, Jacuzzi spa tub and outdoor shower, great dinning, spa and friendly service.
BATHROOM: Did I mention the outdoor shower? Feel the water rush over you beneath the stars or in the warmth of the desert sun. Relax in the Jacuzzi tub overlooking the red rocks.
AMENITIES: The room comes with all the things expected and a little more from fresh fruit to a fireplace.
GUEST EXPERIENCE: Before you even arrive you feel welcome and wanted.
To contract an original article, purchase reprints or become a media partner, contact ">editor [@] girlsthatroam [.] com.
