The Sun Cliff Casita at Red Rock Ranch is a hidden gem located in the rural outskirts of Sedona, Arizona, yet only five minutes to town. Sun Cliff is a private casita that offers all the amenities of any luxury hotel. This is a unique property with a rich history, and now due to an amazing renovation by the current owners {and descendants}, Kate and Tom Joy, it also has a very exciting future ahead for generations to come. To fully understand the depth of this property, let me share a bit of the background history.
In the 1930’s, a Dutch Count, Otto Von Platten Hallermund, emigrated to the United States from Denmark after World War I with the dream of becoming an American Cowboy. After meeting his wife, Sally Lindblom {Kate’s great-aunt}, his dream became a reality when the couple purchased the 40~acre Red Rock Ranch in Sedona and over the years established themselves as well-respected and successful cattle ranchers. Unfortunately, not all stories have a happy ending, the Count and his wife divorced in the 1950’s but to Sally’s credit she retained ownership of the Red Rock Ranch and continued on her own to operate the ranch through the mid-1970’s.
Discretely nestled along the banks of Oak Creek in the breathtaking Red Rock region of Sedona, Arizona, L’Auberge de Sedona has created a secluded, luxurious and tranquil setting located steps from Uptown Sedona.
Property
The configuration of this property is situated such that it starts creekside then dramatically elevates up the hillside, offering guests the option of staying either by the tranquility of the creekside or on the hillside that offers panoramic Red Rock vistas. The property is intimate with a serene ambiance that almost feels like a well-kept secret from the rest of town. However, when you’re ready to explore all the unique shops, galleries and restaurants, you are just steps away.
One of the most appealing aspects of this property is how much it has to offer. There are several distinctly different accommodations available, an on-site spa/fitness and pool, award-winning dining options, wine bar, and an Artist’s Cottage. It’s no surprise why this resort has been named one of the top hotels by Travel and Leisure,Condé Nast Traveler, Zagat Survey and has received the Award of Excellence fromDiRoNa andWine Spectator.
I adore serendipity ~ luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things that are not looked for.
This is exactly what I experienced while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Upon the recommendation of a friend, I went to visit a couple for what I thought would be a leisurely encounter…however, as I approached the property gate and read the sign ~Opening SoonSun Cliff, A Private Luxury Casita ~ I knew serendipity had intervened and I was in for far more than I expected.
After parking the car and exchanging some pleasantries, I was invited inside for a tour of the casita by the proprietors {and now new friends}, Kate and Tom Joy.
The property has been owned by Kate’s family for decades and has a rich and fascinating history. After inheriting the property, Kate and Tom took on the challenge of renovating the Sun Cliff Casita.
They anticipated taking on a simple remodel that would update the look and function of the casita, however, once the renovation began and their impeccable attention to detail got the best of them, the simple remodel turned into a complete renovation that now offers all the amenities that you would expect to find at the finest luxury resort.
Kate and Tom have committed themselves to preserving the property for generations to follow, as well as offering all of us the opportunity to rent and experience this beautiful casita set among Sedona’s stunning red rock landscape.
The panoramic view alone is reason enough to visit this property but the amenities of this luxury casita will make it an over-the-top experience fit for any celebrity.
View from casita.
It was important to Kate and Tom to preserve the history of the home and many original items have been incorporated into the design of the casita. Decorative pieces of carved art and collections of Native American pottery and Kachina’s belonging to Kate’s Aunt {Sally Anne Wooster – the previous owner} are displayed throughout the casita.
The casita offers a comfortable living/dining room with a cozy Kiva fireplace, extraordinary views and a large slider allowing for an indoor/outdoor living experience.
The casita was designed to optimize the view from all locations througout the house.
A full kitchen, washer/dryer and business center provide all the conveniences of home.
Business Center
Wake up to stunning red rock views from the spacious master bedroom…
…then treat yourself to an aromatic steam shower, or step outside for an outdoor shower or maybe a dip in the hot tub while enjoying a roaring fire.
What defines this house, in my opinion, is the outdoor living concept and the views! With three outdoor fireplaces, built-in BBQ area, two outdoor tubs and plenty of patio space to lounge, you will find yourself getting some serious rest and relaxation for self rejuvination. Whether it be coffee in the morning for sunrise or cocktails in the evening for sunset, the landscape will take your breath away.
Panoramic Views
Outdoor Kitchen
Patio Fireplace
View from Firepit
At the time of this print {March 2016}, the property is not yet open to the public as final details are being implemented but it won’t be long! Once the property opens, I intend on staying there to experience all it has to offer and I will then permanenetly add the property to my site.
The adult-only, one bedroom casita will be rented nightly. Stayed tuned, I will share the opening date and how to contact the property to book your stay!
Once there was a land and all were free, to live, to be, each in its own way, yet in harmony. A nurturing river snaked below while might fists of stone stood guard, and silently kept it so. I know, for I have walked this land and this land flowed back into me. It was then that we became one, and it was then, when I too, became free.
The Inn at Entrada {The Inn} is a small luxury resort residing within an upscale gated golf community in St. George, Utah. Set among the striking red rocks and near the entrance to Snow Canyon State Park, The Inn boasts a prime location for both its beauty and proximity to local attractions and activities.
Property
Serenely situated on the Ninth Fairway of the Entrada Golf Course, many of the casitas at The Inn have views of the meticulously manicured golf course and stunning red rocks beyond. I was most impressed by the pristine condition in which the entire community is maintained.
In this high-desert environment, it’s a pleasant surprise to see such healthy green grass, natural plantings, and river beds flowing throughout the community. The lush vegetation is an extraordinary balance to the striking red vermilion cliffs that surround the property in every direction.
Check-In
The property has an exclusive feeling being located within a privately gated golf community. Pleasantly, it’s not your typical hotel check-in experience, and yet it does offer the convenience of a 24-hour reception desk. The reception area is a comfortable, large space that feels more like a residential great room and is used as a common area for the guests to gather.
Guest Rooms
To call the accommodations at The Inn Guest Rooms is a severe understatement. The units here are casitas that reside within an affluent community. There are a select number of individually owned units that are seamlessly managed by The Inn and operate as a boutique hotel. The units are a combination of 26 Luxury Casitas and Executive Suites, ranging from studios to 3 bedroom units along with one four bedroom and one five bedroom unit.
The interior of the units are all designed in the same luxurious style with cozy furniture, stylish accessories, fireplaces and all the amenities of home. All the units offer a living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer and separate bedroom(s) aside from the Studio unit which offers a spacious open area with a bed, a small dining table and kitchenette.
For the convenience of larger families or groups, casitas can be connected to create extended accommodations. The four bedroom/four bath suite {#3201} is a nice option for a girl’s getaway with its stylish features and light finishes ~ the owner of this unit is an interior designer/property manager from London.
The five bedroom/five bath, Johnny Miller Suite {#900}, is a great option for a guy’s golfing trip with gorgeous views of the cliffs and a man-cave style den with rich leather furnishings, a bar and pool table.
All units have an outdoor patio to enjoy the peaceful landscape. And in keeping with hotel-style services, housekeeping comes once daily and does an amazing job. The units are spotless.
I stayed in a well-appointed two-bedroom unit {#1502} that had a great view of a pond complete with resident ducks, the golf course and the gorgeous red rocks. To see the sunrise and sunset on the stunning cliffs is quite a treat. It was a pleasant and comfortable experience to stay someplace that was so spacious and offers all the conveniences of home.
Dining
As a guest of The Inn, you are able to dine at the Kokopelli Restaurant located at the member-only Entrada Clubhouse. The restaurant serves delicious dishes for lunch and dinner and do note that there is a Country Club attire dress code for the dinner hour ~ collared shirts for the men and no jeans allowed for either men or women. A casual grill adjacent to the restaurant is also an option with expanded dinner hours. The outdoor patio with its stunning view of the red rocks is a perfect place for a happy hour beverage or to enjoy outdoor seating for lunch or dinner. The restaurants operate on a seasonal schedule so hours do change throughout the year.
Freshly baked cinnamon rolls are served in the lobby every morning provided by a local bakery, Grandma Tobler’s. The snack bar at the golf course also serves breakfast and lunch. Snacks are available by the pool.
The resort does not offer room service, however, they do provide coffee in the rooms and with a full kitchen in each unit you can stock up on all your favorite items at a local grocery store.
Resort Amenities
As a guest of the resort, you have access to all of the amenities offered at the private community clubhouse.
Spa and Fitness Center
There is a quaint spa on-site that surprisingly offers a full-service menu which includes facial treatments, massages, and manicures/pedicures. A spacious fitness center provides an array of exercise equipment including Pilates and the option of hiring personal trainers for numerous different activities.
The clubhouse also offers an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as tennis courts. And one of the main draws here, is the Golf at Entrada. As a guest of The Inn, you have access to play this member’s only, Johnny Miller Signature Design 18-hole championship private golf course.
Local Activities
St. George is a stunning region of the Southwest with its surrounding vermillion cliffs and has so many activities to offer. There are many hiking trails and bike paths within the town itself.
Zion National Park is within a 45 minute drive from Entrada and many other national parks and monuments are within driving distance.
I decided to view the beautiful red rocks from my first helicopter ride with Zion Helicopters. It was an amazing experience and there is no better way to take in the beauty of this area.
If you’re short on time and can’t make it to Zion, The Inn is located at the doorstep to Snow Canyon State Park, which may as well be called mini-Zion. Explore the many trails and dunes of this breathtaking canyon on foot, bike or horseback.
For a unique and unforgettable experience, take in a show at the Tuacahn Outdoor Theatre offering broadway style shows just a short distance from The Inn.
In Summary
Staying at The Inn at Entrada is unlike any regular hotel experience. It offers the unique position of residing within an affluent gated community and the spacious casitas offer all the conveniences of home-away-from-home. When you top that off with the striking views of the surrounding red rock landscape, I can’t imagine a better place to stay in the St. George area.
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.
I have truly grown to love the southwestern region of the United States ~ Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. The landscape is so completely different and unique to any other geography in the U.S. with its beautiful desert setting, yucca, saguaro and prickly pear cacti, looming large red rocks, rivers and so much more. This region of the country is also home to some of the most stunning national parks ~ Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and too many more to mention.
On a trip to Gateway, Colorado (Gateway Canyons Resort), I took the opportunity to take a day trip out to Arches National Park. The weather was perfect, so I opted to take the shorter 1+ hour route over the John Brown Canyon road which begins at the resort, instead of the 2-1/2 hour route via the highway. This is an easy drive, however, not a route you want to take if it is raining or wet, as a good portion of the drive is an unpaved dirt road and turns quite muddy when wet. I would also suggest only traveling this road during daylight hours.
