04 Jul Western Landmark: Wellness in the Wilderness

Sedona, Arizona, has long been known for its dramatic landscapes of towering, red sandstone formations, its energy vortices that seem to affect the human spirit (as well as cell phones), and its rich cultural life as a hub for the arts. The almost surreal scenery, the area’s rich Native American history, and a wide variety of outdoor activities draw visitors from all over the world. For clients seeking peace and tranquility, as well as first-class service, Enchantment Resort is a premier base for enjoying Sedona. Located in Boynton Canyon, which is part of the Coconino National Forest and Red Rock State Park, the resort is a 7-mile drive from the center of town, but the ascent might as well transport the traveler to another world. 

The resort’s selection of rooms accommodates individualized needs. The casitas offer privacy, ample space, and convenient access to outdoor recreation, on-site restaurants, and blissful spa services. Photo courtesy of Enchantment Resort

Enchantment welcomes guests to a campus of 218 casita-style rooms and suites that meander across 70 acres. Visitors can choose from various luxurious and spacious accommodations, ranging from a comfortable single guest room to a casita that accommodates a party of 10, complete with a full kitchen. The one thing each unit ensures is a view, ranging from bold sculptural rock formations to colorful soaring cliffs that seem to embrace the sky. Timeless and comfortable contemporary furnishings suggest the American Southwest without any kitsch, and three on-site restaurants offer tempting, regionally inspired choices. With a family-friendly reputation, Enchantment’s current mission is to serve as a basecamp for exploration. The resort provides access to more than 400 miles of hiking and biking trails through piñon and juniper forests, which are accessible no matter a guest’s skill level, age, or physical condition. One can hike, take a Jeep tour, or mountain bike through the canyon. Local experts are also available to lead guided or private hikes, mountain bike rides, and rock climbing sessions. Guided excursions to the Grand Canyon, kid camps, pickleball, and dazzling nighttime stargazing are additional activities. For the creatively inclined, an on-site artist cottage boasts classes for self-expression, including watercolor, ceramic decoration, sketching from nature, and more.

But here, in the clear, high desert air, at an elevation of 4,350 feet, perhaps the best activity is no activity at all. Instead, this is the ideal environment to simply take in the scenery, breathe the fresh air, and commune with nature. One might lounge comfortably by the outdoor pool, which includes convenient food and beverage service.

Enchantment Resort’s recently renovated pool and lounge area is a welcoming oasis in the desert. The update added three new pool cabanas with sheltered lounges. Photo courtesy of Enchantment Resort

The Yavapai-Apache Nation, the Indigenous tribes that inhabited this secluded area for centuries, spoke of spirits among the rocks, and the present-day spiritually inclined believe that four vortices, swirling energy sources in the earth, are powerfully present in Sedona. Those forces feel particularly close to Enchantment’s location, with one vortex located in Boynton Canyon. According to locals, these invisible centers of energy are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-awareness, promoting both mental and physical rejuvenation.

The architecture of this cohesive resort is in harmony with its surroundings, an effect created entirely by design. The resort’s history begins with a dwelling established in the 1880s; this original ranch house was remodeled and used as a corporate retreat in the 1970s.

In 1983, 23-year-old architect Mark Candelaria was starting a career that would later see his firm, Candelaria Design Associates, considered one of Arizona’s iconic architects. Candelaria was invited by his mentor, architect George W. Christensen, to assist with designing the project, managed by the John Gardiner Development Company. They intended to expand upon the existing adobe, the guest house, and a few casitas. The residence had been grandfathered into the nearby state park at the time, so the only building restrictions were those suggested by nature herself.

“I knew that it was a wide-open canvas and the surrounding landscape would be our inspiration,” says Candelaria. Members of the Yavapai tribe were also consulted during the development of the resort, as numerous cliff dwellings and burial sites remained within the canyon, and the tribe considers it their ancestral place of origin. “I was deeply inspired by the location, and personally walked every single spot to plan the layout,” the architect continues. “I wanted to feel the soulfulness of the environment.”

It’s often hard to tell where nature ends and the Enchantment Resort begins in this unique, holistic setting. Photo courtesy of Enchantment Resort

The architect’s sensitivity to shape, color, texture, scale, and harmony is evident at every turn, and as a result, a moonlit stroll between the casitas can be a spiritual experience on many levels.

One cannot discuss Enchantment without mentioning the ultra-luxurious Mii amo spa, located adjacent to the resort’s main campus. The top-rated destination spa focuses on wellness, with a rich menu of services and activities, attracting an international clientele.

Mii amo underwent a $40 million renovation by its designing architect, Gluckman Tang, in February 2023. The facility features 23 rooms and suites, a movement and fitness studio, a restaurant and culinary garden, an outdoor swimming pool, a yoga lawn and outdoor amenities, a designated consultation wing, and a juice bar with smoothies, pressed juices, and wellness tonics. A 3,700-square-foot space offers a relaxation lounge, a plunge pool and garden, and a library-like lounge with a fireplace, all contributing to the new trend of “slow well-being.” Enchantment Resort guests are eligible to utilize the adults-only spa by appointment. Prior to making a reservation, a personal “guide” can help clients make the very most of their individual Mii amo experience or “journey.”

One might think of the two resorts, Enchantment and Mii amo, as the perfect pairing. Together, they offer the ultimate in inspiration and rejuvenation. For a memorable and enchanted experience, indulge yourself and try them both.

Award-winning Colorado journalist and author Corinne Joy Brown has traveled the world seeking great hotel experiences, preferring historic properties surrounded by nature.