Amara Resort And Spa: One Of Sedona Arizona's Best

Your own private balcony

Nestled in the middle of Sedona, guests have easy access to and from the plethora of activities that fill the blue-sky days. Even though Amara is in the center of town, the creekside location and intimate courtyard make it seem like you’re in the country. Hand your car keys off to the valet at the front door and step into a world of relaxation. Valet parking fees are covered in the resort fee, and include free in-and-out access as well. If you haven’t already made spa reservations, be sure and take care of that at check in, otherwise chances are you will miss out on excellent spa treatments. If you have brought your pet along, you will find a good place to walk down the side of the hotel to banks of Oak Creek. Pets are doted upon at Amara and stay free.

Choose from 100 rooms and suites with a variety of sizes and features. A courtyard guest room overlooking the pool and hot tub will do for most singles or couples. The courtyard room comes with a good view of the Cleopatra Red Rock Formation and Camel Rock. Look close and you can see Snoopy laying on his back staring up at the blue sky. The bathroom offers a granite-lined shower with a variable-spray shower head to blast off the red rock dust you might pick up on your hikes. At night, step out on your balcony and see more stars than you have in a long time. Sedona is a city that values the heavens and controls outdoor lighting to allow easy viewing of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way most nights. The Amara has six spa guest rooms if you desire a jetted tub. Furnished with a king size bed and (400 sq. ft/37.16 m sq) of living space, these rooms also come with a private patio.

For a more expansive space, the end guestrooms are either studio suites 670 sq. ft. (62.24 m sq) or one-bedroom suites 720 sq. ft. (66.89 m sq). These luxurious enclaves add a soaking tub to the equation and overlook Oak Creek. Open your windows or step out to your balcony and hear the gentle splashing of the creek as you sip your morning coffee. All suites, guest rooms, and common areas are decorated in a Southwest theme and feature artwork inspired by both Navajo and Hopi cultures. The beds are furnished with two types of pillows, feather or foam, that will please most. One of the features in the rooms that stand out is how efficient the heating and cooling systems work. Unlike some hotels and resorts with inefficient heating and cooling, when you turn on the heat or cooling at Amara, the results are rapid and efficient.

Enjoy the sunset

What makes a stay special at the Amara Resort and Spa are the amenities and facilities. The courtyard is worthy of spending quality time day or night. Designed with comfort and peace in mind, enjoy the Adirondack chairs for relaxing while sipping a craft margarita, or to stare up at a million stars at night. Pull up a chair by the infinity pool for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and watch the colors change on the rock formations that surround Sedona. Engulf your senses in the soft red colors that turn crimson and purple as the sun works its magic during sunrise and sunset.

Amenities of note are the morning coffee and tea service in the lobby, evening social hour (5–6 p.m.) with wine and other adult beverages free of charge. And add to the list a heated saltwater pool, hot tub, free bikes (mountain or public) to roll about the area, free Wi-Fi for Kimpton or IHG members, in-room dining, and the award-winning Amara Spa. Leave your car parked and take advantage of the complimentary transportation within one mile (1.6 km) of the Amara. If you are dining off-site, this is a valuable amenity to reach several splendid restaurants like Mariposa, Dahl and Deluca, and more.

Excellent spa and restaurant

The Amara Spa is reason enough for some to make the journey to Sedona. The spa therapies are of high quality and the facilities calming and dreamy. Don’t miss out on the daily yoga provided free of charge. Kathleen offers one of the most unique and beneficial versions of yoga you will ever experience. At the end of most sessions, participants can be heard saying “That was the best yoga class I have ever attended!” Offered each morning at 7:30 and 8:45 make reservations a day or two in advance to make sure you get in. Kathleen will guide you through a session that flies by, it is so enjoyable. After yoga, you’ll be ready for the physical activities of the day with a smile on your face. Get out and enjoy the sunshine and activities Sedona is famous for.

SaltRock is the on-site restaurant at Amara. Find a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy flavors of the Southwest with a touch of California cuisine. Choose from hearty meat-centric items or hearty vegetarian items. Salad choices include the delicious harvest salad chocked full of panela cheese, arugula, savory smoked walnuts, pomegranate, preserved apricot, and seasonal vegetables. Starters like the grilled octopus pair well with the wine and craft beer list. The duo of chicken entrée served with jalapeño cornbread, or the roasted squash entrees are other standouts on the dinner menu.