Photos by Lonna Tucker, courtesy of Enchantment Resort
The Arizona city’s iconic red rocks host one of the country’s best wellness retreats that Westchester’s fitness and spa fans will adore.
As the highway leads north from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Sedona, passing through arid landscape scattered with cacti, the red rocks finally appear in the distance. Formed slowly over millions of years, the walls of striated red stone go on for miles, stretching across canyons with almost otherworldly beauty. A natural wonder of the American Southwest, Sedona’s red rocks have also carried spiritual significance for centuries.
Today, most people who come to this Northern Arizona resort destination incorporate some form of wellness into their vacations — something sorely needed after the last year and a half. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or rock climbing; forest bathing in one of the region’s vortexes (where believers say the planet’s natural energy is at its apex); or simply whiling away the day at the spa, you’ll find it here.
Situated in Boynton Canyon, one of Sedona’s most scenic spots, Enchantment Resort (fall rates from $879/night), boasts all of the above. Easy, self-guided hikes wind up to the iconic Kachina Woman rock formation, leaving from behind Mii amo, the soothing spa complex where you can follow a deep-tissue massage with a prickly-pear butter wrap and guided meditation.* Later, retire to a private casita with cozy Southwestern touches, including gas fireplaces (it gets cold here in the off-season!) and colorful woven blankets. Other resort amenities include tennis clinics, photography classes, and on-property restaurants (get the velvety tortilla soup at Tii Gavo and thank us later) — all taking advantage of the sweeping views.
Even if you’re on a health kick, there’s one indulgence that’s an absolute must: Head to View 180 at golden hour for a margarita to reach peak relaxation as the sun dips slowly behind those luscious red rocks.
*Mii amo is currently closed for renovations until 2022. Spa services offered elsewhere onsite.
