Babbling Brooks and the Red Rocks

On the drive in on Arizona State Route 89A is where you begin to see the beautiful red rocks that make Sedona such a magical place to visit.   Everywhere you look there are red rock formations of every shape and size.  Our first stop was a resort recommended to me by many in my travel agent community. ​

The Enchantment Resort sits amongst the red rocks in the secluded Boynton Canyon.   The scenery here is breathtaking, with a 360-degree view of the red rock formations.  We enjoyed a drink at View 180, this magnificent outdoor bar sits below the beautiful red rocks with views all around.  We were there in the early afternoon, and the sunlight off of the red rocks was spectacular.  This would be an enchanting place for an earlyevening cocktail watching the sunset.  The Enchantment Resort offers lovelyaccommodations for families and couples along with a signature spa to bring balance and health to your vacation retreat.

There are several resort choices in Sedona. Some properties are on the outskirts of town, and several are along highway 89A.  Whether you are looking for a small intimate hotel for a quick stay or a more extended vacation that has all the extra amenities for a luxurious retreat, there are several options to fit everyone in Sedona. 

We chose to stay at an exceptional resort in the heart of Sedona, L’Auberge de Sedona.  L’Auberge sits in the center of Sedona along the banks of Oak Creek.   The seclusion of L’Auberge is terrific since the resort sits amounts the rustling trees by the creek with the red rocks looming above. When you drive into the resort you are meet by L’Auberge Valet; they are the go-to guys for getting around the resort and into town.   One of my favorite things about L’Auberge was they include car service to the town. This way you can enjoy the convenience of all that downtown Sedona has to offer without the hassle of driving and parking in Sedona.  We utilized this amenity every day, and the valet was acutely aware of who they brought out and who they needed to pick up later.  On the days we were there, the weather was great, so after exploring and eating out, we would walk back to the resort since everything was so close.   One night when we came back, the valet commented to us “oh you are back, glad I saw you both since I would think I need to pick you up.” It was great to know the staff is looking after their guests. The resort has several activities for guest to take part in.  You can join the tradition of the morning duck feeding by the creek, and there is a complimentary yoga class each morning. Be sure to get there early since the day we went the class filled up.  In the afternoon, they offer talks on the natural history of Sedona, Sedona photography secrets and Sedona Trail Finder which brings you to the Hike House in Sedona and matches you with the best hike to fit your ability.
  
For the accommodations, you can choose to stay in the lodge, by the Creekside or up with the vista views of the red rocks.  All of the accommodations are nicely appointed and offer quiet and relaxation.  The Creekside cottages are unique since the sounds of Oak creek will lull you to sleep each night, and the vista cottages have a spectacular view of the red rocks from the deck and to watch the morning and evening light shine off therocks is breathtaking.

Dining at L’Auberge is a culinary experience for everyone.  Cress on Oak Creek it the signature restaurant which has won recognition from Conde´Nast Travel as “One of the Top Ten Restaurants in the Southwest.”  We dined at Etch Kitchen and Bar and had several great dinners.  One of the best menu items I had a few times was The Shaken “Cobb.”  This is a Cobb salad made in a mason jar with all of the fixings.  The staff delivers it to you “unshaken” and then shakes it up before serving it on the plate.  It was the best cobb salad I have ever had.
  
There is so much to tell about L’Auberge, but the best is to experience it yourself. L’Auberge or any of the resorts in Sedona will make a memorable stay in an area of the country that draws visitors back year after year.