The
Great Escape:
Captivated in the Canyon
By
Louis Charles
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Casitas
Blend into the Landscape |
In
a location as beguiling as Boynton Canyon, just outside
Sedona, Arizona, you could easily plop down a few tents,
call yourself a resort and seduce the most discerning
traveler. The setting is that gorgeous. The Enchantment
Resort deserves special recognition, as it doesn’t
rely solely on its surroundings to please visitors. Yes,
the locale is essential, but guests also come here for
the way the resort seamlessly blends into the red rock
landscape, from casitas inspired by Native American dwellings
to environmentally-savvy programs.
Bordered
by Coconino National Forest, the seventy-acre property
is home to ancient Indian ruins and 200 guestrooms, all
with private balconies. The style is southwestern, without
going over the top; subtle accents—earth-colored
native patterns on pillows and throw blankets—are
paired with tasteful, modern furnishings and contemporary
art. Among accommodation choices are casita bedrooms,
hacienda studios (with 1,400-square-foot living areas)
and luxury one- and two-bedroom casa suites. The bigger
the room, the more elaborate the amenities, which may
include beehive fireplaces, full kitchens and gas grills
for outdoor dining.
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Well-appointed
Accommodations |
Cozy
Fireplaces |
The
vastness of the canyon contrasts nicely with the intimacy
of the service. Mornings begin with fresh orange juice
and a newspaper. And days offer opportunities for interaction
with the staff, from cooking demonstrations with the chef
to educational walks through the canyon with the resort’s
dedicated U.S Forest Service ranger. Another way in which
the resort strives to personalize service is Mii amo,
a destination spa resort within Enchantment. This unique
microcosm has fourteen casitas of its own, and its three-
to seven-day programs feature a range of services, from
a Blue Corn Vichy shower to Past Life Regression. Enchantment
guests are welcome to use Mii amo’s fitness classes
and weight room, and for a fee they can access the spa,
whose offerings complement the resort’s daily programs,
which might include morning power walks, power Pilates,
wine tasting, restorative yoga and Vortex talks. (According
to Indian myth, the red rocks of Sedona and Boynton Canyon
are considered to have a special powerful energy, considered
a vortex.) Another favorite aspect of Mii amo is its Crystal
Grotto, the serene retreat for meditation.
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Meditative
Interiors |
Mii
amo Spa |
For
more social pursuits there is the clubhouse, which contains
the Mii Amo Cafe, whose menu showcases local herbs
and produce, and the more casual Tii Gavo. At night, head
for the clubhouse roof and check out the wow-inducing
star-filled sky. Along with plenty of activities—walking
Deadman’s Pass, horseback riding by moonlight and
visiting Indian ruins—you’ll also find expected
resort amenities: half a dozen swimming pools, a comprehensive
tennis program, the Meeting Village for conferences and
Camp Coyote for kids.
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Mystical
Landscape Said to be a Vortex |
At
4,600 feet, Enchantment Resort sits at an ideal altitude,
offering the raw beauty of a desert environment without
the searing heat. Stands of juniper and pine add to the
invigorating atmosphere, and an intriguing legend lends
the landscape a touch of the mystical. According to the
local Apache, Boynton Canyon is the site of the tribe’s
creation myth. As such, it is Eden, and we can think of
no better place to escape and unwind.
Going
to Arizona? Check our Guide. |
(Updated: 06/08/09 DN) |
