Jaw-dropping. That is the only way to describe my reaction when I first laid eyes on the incredible scenery surrounding the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona.
The Property
The Enchantment Resort {ER} is nestled at Boynton Canyon with its steep, vermillion-colored walls and interesting rock formations. The setting is nothing short of breathtaking.
The resort blends into the natural landscape seamlessly. The one-story casita buildings, pool, spa, tennis courts and main building can barely be seen from an aerial view.
The resort grounds are landscaped to reflect the natural surroundings and offer easy walking paths throughout the property. As you navigate your way around the resort, the beauty of the looming red rocks surrounds you in every direction stimulating your sense of wonder.
Check-In
The check-in process is quite simple, you pull up to the Valet station, finalize the paperwork and the Bellman escorts you to your room. The resort does not have a formal lobby and you won’t find any pomp and circumstance here. As a matter of fact, the whole resort has a laid-back, zen if you will, atmosphere to it.
Guest Rooms
The guest rooms are individual one-story buildings {casitas} with four rooms to a building, scattered throughout the property. The guest room categories include Casita Guest Room, Casita Studio, Casita Junior Suite, Casita One Bedroom Suite, Casita Two Bedroom Suite, and the Pool Suites {see here for descriptions}.
The rooms are designed in an elegant, yet understated, Southwestern decor. Features such as wood-beamed ceilings and adobe-style fireplaces add warm characteristics to the rooms. I stayed in Casita 176 which is a Junior Suite. The Junior Suite is a spacious room with a sitting area, fireplace and cozy balcony along with a roomy travertine bathroom that has a large soaking tub and separate shower. I found the room itself quite pleasant. Snack amenities are available for purchase and each room has a Keurig coffee maker. Orange juice and a newspaper are delivered in the morning and placed on your door step.
The resort’s destination spa, Mii amo, offers all-inclusive packages with their own guest rooms. The Mii amo guest rooms are located in close proximity to the spa facility. These rooms are slightly more minimalistic in their decor, I assume to convey a relaxed and calm environment. I was told that the spa rooms are currently undergoing a renovation at the time of this printing {Oct 2015} so if you are staying in a spa room you may want to request a newly renovated room.
Something to keep in mind, although this property is surrounded by a glorious landscape of stunning red rocks that tower over the entire resort, many of the rooms have very minimal views.
The casitas are tucked within some natural vegetation that impede the views of the red rocks. I was hoping to sit on my deck and enjoy a gorgeous sunrise or sunset so I could witness the brilliance of the colors, however, my view was limited. And although I was told that I had one of the rooms with a better view, I actually had to stand at the edge of the balcony to get the side view that I have posted here…and this was after a maintenance man did a little trimming {shhh, don’t tell the resort}. The good news is the rooms are fairly private because of this situation.
At this resort, you are able to drive your car and park near your room. This is a convenient feature, the only downfall is that it does result in some units having partial views of the parking lot. After some inquiring, I was told that buildings 37, 38, 55, and 56 offer some of the best views.
I only point these facts out so you know what to expect. This is undeniably a world-class location unlike any other, so it would be only natural to assume that you will have an incredible view from your room. My hope is that by letting you know what to expect beforehand, it won’t be a disappointment upon arrival…and it’s not to say that you won’t have a partial view from your room. There are many public spaces to enjoy the extraordinary views such as from walking the trails, the restaurants, and main pool.
Dining
The restaurant’s offer some of the best views on property. If the weather is nice, eat outside at sunset to fully enjoy the stunning hues of the red rocks. Keep in mind what I said earlier about the resort having a laid-back atmosphere, I found that it translated to the restaurants as well. I can’t say if it was unique to my visit but I experienced inconsistent service at both Chi-Ah-Chi and Tii Gavo, however, once the food arrived all was well.
Chi-Ah-Chi: This restaurant is the fine dining option and offers both inside and outside seating. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with a hint of Southwest influence and a focus on Arizona-sourced ingredients.
Tii Gavo: Tii Gavo is a casual restaurant featuring freshly prepared soups and salads, burgers and flatbreads, tacos and entrees. The restaurant offers stunning views from inside, with its expansive glass windows, or outside on the patio. You can also eat by the fire pit.
View 180: The clubhouse offers a unique indoor/outdoor setting with massive sliding-glass doors that open to a verandah. The tapas-style menu features a wide variety of choices that are perfect as a prelude to dinner or as a sophisticated option for a light dinner.
Wine Bar: The Wine Bar is a stylish bar with a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, and one of the largest selections of Arizona wines. Try a wine flight or one of the interactive Chef’s Table events that features 4 courses and 3 wines.
Mii amo Cafe: The Mii amo Café, located at the spa, serves three meals daily with a continuously changing menu of contemporary, full-flavored intelligent cuisine. Naturally, the emphasis is on fresh and nutritious ingredients from organic sources, served with herbs, chili peppers and heirloom tomatoes from Mii amo’s own organic garden.
Golf Clubhouse: The Seven Canyons restaurant and bar boast extensive patios and large windows overlooking the lush greens backed by red rock mountains.
The gastro-pub theme features upscale comfort food in a sophisticated and contemporary atmosphere. The bar features a library of bourbons, right in step with the spirit’s renaissance, for tasting flights and classic cocktails with a twist. {Restaurant descriptions taken from the website}
The Spa offers a Juice Bar and Room Service is available as well.
Spa
The resort’s destination spa, Mii Amo, is a huge draw to this property. The spa offers a holistic approach to rejuvenation and nurtures the connection of mind, body and spirit. To describe this spa, I would say it is a “spa’s spa”. You won’t find crystal chandeliers dangling from the ceiling, but you will find a Crystal Grotto based on an American Native Kiva, a place of ceremony and transformation. You won’t find the spa to be overly lavish or extremely decadent, but it is a spa focused on well-being and restoring balance and harmony.
The experience at this spa is meant to be a journey toward good health. As mentioned above, the spa offers an all-inclusive 3, 4, or 7 night package that includes everything from meals, spa treatments, to dozens of daily fitness classes and more.
As part of the experience at the ER, guests can utilize the spa as the daily resort fee includes complimentary access to Mii amo Spa. This entitles guests to the use of all Mii amo facilities including locker rooms, steam, sauna and whirlpool, fitness room, indoor pool, lounge area with fireplace, outdoor lap pool and spa, as well as participation in all fitness classes, art lessons, cooking demonstrations, programs by visiting experts, and other activities.
Unique to the Property
First and foremost, the most incredible aspect of this property is its secluded location at Boynton Canyon. This is without a doubt some of the most stunning scenery I have ever experienced at a resort destination. If your jaw doesn’t drop when you first witness its beauty, please contact me because I want to know where else you’ve been!
ER also offers many on-site activities such as:
Pool: There are three pools, an indoor and outdoor pool at the spa, and the main pool with a stunning view of the red rocks. A snack shack is located on deck and food service is available.
Tennis: Boasting seven tennis courts with the world’s most dramatic backdrop, the resort offers private lessons, activities, tennis programs, tournaments and workshops.
Gift Shops: There are two very nice gift shops, one at the resort and one at the spa, both offering unique items and local handcrafted gifts.
Native American Program: Boynton Canyon has long been known as a place of spiritual inspiration and healing. This vivid landscape was and is home to a variety of Native American tribes including the Hopi, Yavapai, Apache and Navajo. The land, in combination with the wisdom and traditions of the people who lived here before and live here now, inspired the establishment of the Native American Program at Enchantment. It is an ongoing initiative aimed at accurately and respectfully presenting aspects of Native American history and culture in ways consistent with tribal values and traditions.
Hiking/Biking/Nature Tours: There are numerous trails throughout and adjacent to the resort. One of the most popular trails is adjacent to the resort which is a moderate hike that is believed to take you to a Vortex {a place in nature where the earth is exceptionally alive with energy}. Whether or not it is truly a vortex location, I’m not sure, but I can tell you there is a gorgeous view of the valley and resort below once you reach the top. A spiritual spot for sure.
Pink Jeep Tour: The Pink Jeep Tours are one of the most popular tours in Sedona. ER has an on-site Pink Jeep that resides on-property and is available for taking guests on tours including the Native American architectural sites. I took this tour and it’s well worth it!
ER has an excellent Concierge staff that can arrange any number of fun activities from Golf, Hot Air Ballooning, to Helicopter rides {see here}.
Summary
This property is distinctively different from anywhere else in the world. Although the resort isn’t as opulent and indulgent as some other properties I have been to, the landscape alone is worth seeing and there is a spiritual feeling to being here that brings a sense of harmony and balance. This resort is definitely for the person who enjoys being in nature, appreciates the majestic beauty of the red rocks and seeks to find a peaceful retreat.