L’AUBERGE DE SEDONA: The Grande Dame of the Southwest

When planning a vacation, the question will always be the same: are we there to relax or explore? Arizona is one of the few places where you can easily do both. Staying in Sedona offers the best of both worlds: adventure in the desert and warm, dry temperature, making it easy to relax by the pool after a full day of fun. I stayed at L'Auberge de Sedona, which is only a 90-minute drive from the Phoenix airport, making it very easy to travel to from New York. Once we reached the beautiful town of Sedona, we were at the hotel within minutes, located in the most prime location. 

L'Auberge de Sedona, from the moment we drove into the driveway, was a place of pure natural beauty, bliss, and ultimate serenity. The hotel is located on the banks of Oak Creek in the Red Rock region of Sedona. It has 62 luxury cottages, 21 traditional lodge-style guest rooms, and five stand-alone creek houses. My creek house was Creekside, which was gorgeous and rustic, with a patio to drink a glass of wine overlooking Oak Creek and featuring an outdoor shower. These houses were inspired by tranquil Oak Creek, and they are perfect for a romantic getaway. The recently updated guestrooms have king beds and a private patio or balcony while the vista suites and cottages have panoramic views of the Red Rocks. All of the different variations between the cottages and guestrooms make the hotel a perfect fit for couples, friends, or families. 

After a long day of hiking, nothing sounded more enjoyable than time at a world-renowned spa. The L'Apothecary Spa had an extensive menu: Feet in the Creek and Quiet Mind treatments have been designed to relax, balance, connect and awaken the senses. There is also an array of body or facial treatments in a private outdoor cabana or inside the cottage. L'Auberge also offers wellness-focused activities like daily yoga, forest bathing, and full-moon meditation. Additionally, there are morning duck feedings, geology lectures, and stargazing. The hotel truly has special and unique activities for everyone and their passions.

L'Auberge de Sedona recently had a multi-million-dollar renewal, completing the resort's two creek side dining destinations: Cress on Oak Creek and Etch Kitchen & Bar. Creek on Oak Creek was the ultimate luxury dining experience with tables inches away from Oak Creek. The fine-dining experience consists of an ever-changing prix fixe dinner menu, and you can choose to do a wine pairing with each course. Etch Kitchen & Bar is a great option for a more casual breakfast and lunch option serving phenomenal, fresh food. 

Overall, L'Auberge de Sedona offers an incredible experience. The hotel is quiet, rustic, and really fit into the Sedona vibe. The grounds are beautiful and well kept, the rooms are serene, the food is delicious, and lastly, the location is perfect. We loved being so  close to town and to hiking, and an easy drive from Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the Scottsdale/Phoenix Airport. I highly recommend this for your next vacation in the New Year!