Enchantment Resort

The Enchantment Resort lives up to its name with a spectacular red-rock backdrop and 70 private acres that may very well be some of the region’s most impressive scenery. A head-turning scenic drive to a secluded area northwest of Sedona brings guests to a manned security gate, where the property begins. After checking in, guests can either drive themselves or be escorted via golf carts to the terra cotta-hued Adobe casitas that house the rooms. The whole space is surrounded by native bushland and meandering pathways.Architecture throughout the property is modern and minimalist, with industrial-chic common interiors that blend bare brick with hefty exposed beams, handsome, lodge-style leather furniture in rich earth tones, and rugs in cowhide or Navajo prints. The main resort area contains the lobby and restaurants, which are enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass to showcase the stunning views across the pool and on to the soaring red rocks. There's also huge terrace with fire pits and outdoor lounge areas for guests to sit and soak in the scenery. Guests often spend the majority of their time taking advantage of facilities on-site rather than exploring Sedona, which is about a 20-minute drive away. By night, the restaurants (which are open to the public) fill up and take on a lively but upscale atmosphere.The wellness crowd flocks here for the spa facilities and activities line up, while couples come for romance. The extensive facilities and activities (many of which are kid-friendly) also have plenty of appeal to families. The sometimes long distances between rooms and amenities can require plenty of walking, which many embrace as part of the wellness experience, and while guests can call for golf carts to be transferred around the property, wait times can be long.  

The Enchantment Resort sits in Boynton Canyon, about 20 minutes northwest of Sedona and the Sedona Airport, and just over two hours from Phoenix by car. Sedona offers the nearest hub of shopping boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. It’s home to the popular Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, and Pink Jeep Tours. Nature is otherwise the star in the area -- Boynton Canyon is considered one of the most scenic box canyons for which Red Rock country is renowned. Other Sedona highlights include Red Rock State Park (20 minutes away by car) and the Chapel of the Holy Cross (just under a half-hour drive away), with plenty of scenic lookout spots along the way.

The Enchantment’s rooms are all single-story casita-style dwellings that ascend in size and perks through Guest Room, Studio, Junior Suite, One- or Two-Bedroom Suites, and Pool Suite categories. All have spacious layouts that open onto private, furnished decks. In general, the higher the room category, the better the view, and while some rooms take in stunning red rocks and bushland scenes, other views of grounds can be less than inspiring. Guest Rooms are the most basic, with decor that’s attractive but a bit subdued, combining beige and chocolate tones in hardwood and leather-look finishes. Bright pops of aqua in simple bed runners add the only real flair. Studios and Suites feel more homey in comparison, with earth-toned interiors, exposed-wood beamed ceilings, wooden floors, living areas with beehive fireplaces, kitchens, and outdoor decks with gas grills. Studios have Murphy beds that convert living spaces into bedrooms. One- and Two-Bedroom Suites are actually two lower-category units that are joined to feel more house-like. Pool Suites add private outdoor plunge pools. Standard amenities across room categories include big work desks, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and coffeemakers. The hotel also delivers fresh-squeezed orange juice to rooms every morning, free of charge. Bathrooms in all categories are a good size, with stone tiling, marble double vanities, walk-in showers, and spa-quality toiletries, plus separate tubs in higher categories.

Facilities at this resort are impressive across the board, though many of the activities here cost extra and the hotel adds resort fees to bills, which can be off-putting to some guests. Spanning around 24,000 square feet, Mii Amo Spa is highly regarded among the wellness set, with indoor and outdoor pools and extensive treatments, including many therapies inspired by Native American traditions. The spa also offers energy clearing, Thai reflexology, meditation, and Reiki. Desert ingredients feature prominently in treatments. Also on-site is a huge modular pool and hot tub with stunning red rocks views. The pool area is full of cushioned deck chairs and circular daybeds along with outdoor games like ping pong. Situated in the spa complex, the fitness center is equipped with ultra-modern cardio and weight-training machines. One-on-one personal training is available for a fee, and there's a range of fitness classes available, from yoga and Pilates to HIIT and barre, though many of the classes cost extra. There are also five tennis courts (court use and equipment is included in the resort fees). Private and group lessons, tennis clinics, and camps, for both adults and kids are available for an additional fee. For many travelers, however, the highlight is the championship Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole golf course, Seven Canyons, which is only accessible to resort guests.  The changing monthly activities calendar offers all manner of things to do indoors and out, from sunrise to sunset; days may begin with Sunrise Stretch classes and fitness walks. Daytime activities include everything from tennis clinics, to Mountain bike excursions and red rock hikes, creative photography, art classes, and cooking demos. Evenings offer guided meditation, stargazing at the twilight enchantment circle, and Native American flute at sunset. There are also guided geology, natural history, archaeological ruin, full moon hikes, and mountain biking adventures. Some activities are included, but many do cost extra.Due to its beautiful setting, Enchantment Resort is a popular spot for weddings, and a comprehensive wedding package is available.

Restaurants at this resort range from casual to exquisite. Fine-dining at the Enchantment is provided at signature restaurant Che Ah Chi, which specializes in modern American fare. It's open for breakfast and dinner and places an emphasis on local ingredients, many of which were sourced from the resort’s own garden. The wine list here is also fantastic. For a more relaxed alternative, Tii Gavo features Southwestern-themed dishes, and a full bar that specializes in margaritas. View 180 offers casual bar food and small plates along with signature cocktails, local craft beers, and an extensive wine list, plus seating around a huge fire pit. Seven Canyons Dining serves gastro pub-style fare, but its main draw is its spectacular red rock views. Located in the spa, Mii Amo Cafe serves organic, wellness driven breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Room service is also available.