With fall upon the Valley, there is no better escape than Sedona for a luxurious and refreshing weekend away.
The Amara Resort and Spa is located in the heart of uptown Sedona with an atmosphere that blends nature’s fiery artistry with a relaxed social vibe. Amara Resort and Spa is the perfect secret sanctuary to cool down, relax and enjoy the unique beauty of the high desert. Guests can soak in the famed red rock views while taking a dip in the infinity-edge pool or play lawn games like cornhole with a margarita in hand. The resort also offers daily complimentary yoga and a nightly social hour for guests.
"There are so many offerings for our guests this fall, including stargazing on Monday evenings with local astronomers. As a dark sky community, we get amazing views of the night sky. We have an afternoon wine hour from 5-6 p.m., as well as bikes available for use to explore the city or mountain bikes to explore the creek and trails," General Manager Tara Cline says.
The Amara Spa is possibly most notable at the resort. This award-winning retreat has been heralded by Vogue.com, The New York Times and The Huffington Post as a must-do in Sedona. Immediately disconnect from the demands of the outside world with one-of-a-kind treatments reflective of the harmonious and spiritual atmosphere there. Native American rattles; sage smudging; healing crystals; chakra balancing; custom oil blends of lavender, rosemary and sage drizzled down the spine; and the detoxifying properties of local Sedona mud help guests reconnect spiritually to the local environment and harness the metaphysical energy of the area for which Sedona has become famous. Set against red rock panoramas and nestled along Oak Creek, Amara Spa adds another dimension of peace and tranquility. The spa’s new enchanting experiences are rich in native ingredients and reflect a sincere passion for the area.
"Our spa is very special, and the tranquility is unsurpassed. The Winds of Change Massage is a highlight and a must do," Tara says.
There are six treatment rooms, and the full-service spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, foot and hand rituals, nail services, makeup application and a variety of perfectly paired spa packages. Amara Spa also boasts a private yoga studio with complimentary daily classes for resort guests, eucalyptus steam rooms, men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers and a retail boutique selling all-natural products. It is the ambiance that will attract guests, and a plethora of extravagant treatments will make it a ritualistic visit.
After rejuvenating in the spa, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen’s new executive chef, Logan Stephenson, welcomes guests to entice their taste buds with seafood that is fresh and flavorful, coupled with sweeping views as a backdrop. Logan draws inspiration from his Louisiana upbringing where he grew up hunting and fishing for his food. Today, he’s taking his own unique approach to the way the restaurant sources ingredients by establishing partnerships with Verde Valley fisheries, farmers and wineries to incorporate indigenous elements with local flair into the restaurant’s cuisine. The menu honors the traditions of the Southwest while upholding a California sensibility that marries fresh, light and seasonal ingredients. A few standouts of the new menu include Vera Cruz-style crab cakes with handmade sopes, chipotle butter, poblano aioli and baby cress ($22); seared pork belly with mole verde, crispy, wild onions and seared rajas ($16); and local trout with foraged mushrooms, chile tepin and grilled kale ($33). SaltRock’s cuisine is perfectly paired with the 180-degree breathtaking views it offers of Sedona’s iconic Camelhead and Snoopy red rock formations.
The Amara Resort and Spa is truly an intimate getaway, with 100 spacious guest rooms and suites, combining modern design with Arizona’s comfortable, laid-back lifestyle and views of the surrounding red rocks, Oak Creek and lush foliage. While Amara is just steps from the hustle and bustle of Sedona’s uptown shopping, dining and cultural hub, the resort is situated below the main area and nestled on the banks of the creek, which makes it feel secluded, making it the perfect local getaway this fall.
"What is ideal about our location is that is in uptown Sedona, but being by the creek gives the Amara Resort and Spa a feel of stepping into another world. The quiet seclusion will bring you peace, and there are many hiking trails nearby to explore with breathtaking views." –General Manager Tara Cline
