Mother/Daughter Adventures at the Best Sedona Spa
Air is air. Of course, it can be humid, dry, or wet. It can be conditioned or heated, still or sticky—the adjectives are endless. When I visited the Mii Amo spa in Sedona, I looked for words to best describe the air. How did it feel? Neither crisp, nor brisk, nor thin, nor heavy. Eventually, it dawned on me. I wasn’t feeling anything. The air was imperceptible.
The beauty of not noticing the air is that my other senses are on much higher alert. Sounds become more pronounced, and colors more intense. Brilliant mesas and red rocks define the landscape of Sedona, which is about an hour-long drive from Scottsdale.
Along the drive to our Sedona resort and spa, Southern Arizona’s ubiquitous pale green Saguaro cacti were replaced by other shades of green. Prickly Pear cacti, cypress, sycamore, pine, and juniper trees took over the landscape. It was an arboreal introduction to the Sonoran Desert—our destination for the next few days. A Sedona spa tucked away in the desert wilderness.
Spa-bound, in Sedona
My mom, sister, and I were headed to Mii Amo, a resort and spa which is part of The Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona. This gorgeous Sedona spa was awarded the #1 Best Destination Spa in the US for the second year in a row by Travel+Leisure Magazine. This coveted spa experience has the added luxury of being situated in one of the most alluring spots in the United States.
The famous ‘Red Rocks’ of Sedona surround Mii Amo. The resort and spa sit at an altitude of 4500 feet and are low in profile—nearly hidden in the Upper Sonoran Desert. It’s as if Arizona gave every architect in Sedona the same Benjamin Moore paint chips and said, ‘Please conform to the colors of the desert.’
Sedona’s Color and Light
Burnt reds, persimmons, ochres, and every shade of warmth in between, live in Sedona, Arizona. But, what makes the desert even more interesting are the clusters of unexpected and brazen greens. Sedona’s Verde Valley, or Green Valley, is named for the copper that had once been mined in the area. The bold greens are a spectacular addition— an unanticipated contrast to the sun-lit rocks throughout the day.
The canyon walls are hundreds of millions of years of age. And comprised of nine staggering layers of stone. The canyons were created by the receding oceans. The result? Rock formations are a natural, visual wonderland. You need not be a geologist to appreciate the striations and layers of color and rock on museum-like display. Limestone, sandstone, and mud, among other elements, have made this piece of Arizona a literal hot spot.
Every hour, as the light and shadows changed, I prepared to see something new emerge. Whether with partly cloudy skies, cloudy skies, or full sun, the mountain views never disappoint.
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Sedona’s Vistas, views, and Vortexes
Mii Amo means ‘one’s path or journey’. Feeling grateful to be guests at the best spa in Sedona, we decided to get started on that journey right away. My sister and I hiked to Vista Point around 6pm on our first evening in Sedona.
As an added convenience, guests can access many hiking paths from the property itself. The sun was already dipping towards the west. And our short hike to the viewpoint took about 20 minutes via a well-beaten red, dirt path. We were told to look for a tree that was ‘hugging itself’, as that was a known vortex site. Upon reaching the point, however, it looked like every gnarled and twisted juniper was hugging itself.
The entire area is thought to be a vortex. A vortex is a swirling center of energy that many believe has healing and spiritual powers. Not one to deny an area of its spiritual power, I sat against a rock and decided to channel some positive energy.
Piles of delicate toppling rock cairns dotted the point, each one quietly declaring, ‘I was here!’. The silence was all-encompassing—a drastic change from my daily life in DC.
Desert Life at Sedona’s Best Spa
The setting sun was piercing and lit the upper third of the mountain range on fire. Whether or not one believes in the healing powers of the vortexes (or vortices, as I’ve recently learned), it was impossible not to feel inspired and restored there— the views were unparalleled.
I enjoyed it so much that I went back each day at different times. Once, I ventured out as early as 5am to catch sight of the hot air balloons that hovered over the distant mesa.
I was on high alert, ready to walk into a herd (rather, a squadron) of wild javelinas as I had done with my sister on our first hike. Rodent, or pig? Neither, surprisingly. They are just strange 60-pound hairy mammals that roam the area.
I was reminded of the ROUS (Rodents Of Unusual Size) from the film, The Princess Bride. Luckily, javelinas aren’t smart and have poor eyesight. Needless to say, I made it back to the resort unharmed.
Despite that encounter, my sister and I went back the next day after my first spa treatment. This time, our efforts were rewarded by finding a solo flutist upon a tall red rock. We were told he plays there often. However, we counted ourselves lucky to catch a performance. His ethereal music caught the wind and soared across the valley. It was mesmerizing.
Coffee Pot, and other rocks around Sedona
Another day, we hired a local guide, an Apache Native American, and headed out for a few hours to explore. He was a proud man, a bit gruff, but very knowledgeable about the area.
From George, we learned to differentiate between the Prickly Pear and Agave plants. We learned how to loosen the nut from the cone of a pinola tree. And the different mating calls of the male quail. Our three-mile hike brought us past Coffee Pot and other luminous rock formations. We paused at an ancient birthing place and reflected on the sheer size of the canyons around us.
A Peek Inside The Best Spa In Sedona
Sixteen casitas, some with hot tubs, as well as indoor and outdoor fireplaces, are offered at Mii Amo. There is a small juice bar, a café, a boutique, indoor/outdoor pools, and a gym. And of course, the highly-regarded spa treatment area. The spa experience at Mii Amo is small and intimate. While the spa is only a short walk from Enchantment (its larger, family-friendly sibling), this Sedona spa feels a world away.
The rooms were clean and modern but felt a touch dated and in need of a facelift. Soon, a complete overhaul is expected to be revealed. Watch this space.
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Spa food reframed
The food at the café exceeded our expectations. The inherent nature of ‘spa food’ for me has been synonymous with being tasteless. I was proven wrong at Mii Amo. It was no surprise that the best spa in Sedona would also have the best spa food.
Spinach, mushroom, and tomato frittatas. Almond chickpea pancakes with lemon ricotta, berries, and prickly pear syrup. Welcome to breakfast! A hearty but healthy way to get my day started. While caffeine and alcohol might be against the rules for some spas, it was readily available for the spa-goers of Mii Amo. I am not one of those people who can start my day without a kick of caffeine. Thank you, Mii Amo.
At This Sedona Spa, Three’s a charm
The front entrance of Mii Amo’s resort and spa is dramatic, with massive rock formations looming above. There is a shaded area of trees that are teeming with hummingbird activity. Attracted by the hanging feeders, I was told that at any given time of day, I would see at least a ‘charm’ of hummingbirds jostling for nectar.
Just a few steps beyond the entry, the Crystal Grotto is a small, cave-like room that has a round opening to the sky. Here, one can sit peacefully in thought, or be led in meditation by a guide.
Wanting to take advantage of the enchanting Sedona vibes, I went in a few times to enjoy the comforting sound of running water. Anytime I could find a moment of restoration or calm I was up for it, this was part of the reason I was here, after all.
The Sedona Spa: Juice life
At Mii Amo, our hardest decision each day was deciding which smoothie or juice to try. A rough life in the desert, for sure! The Maca Smoothie (banana, almond butter, maca powder) and Renew Juice (rhubarb, strawberry, lime) were my faves. A hint of jasmine permeated the air. And low enough to barely register, was the sound of ethereal spa music.
The pool staff remembered our names and our favorite juices. They even reserved the loungers we preferred from the previous day. One especially thoughtful staff member made us feel like he’d known us for years. In the ever-demanding one-upmanship of the resort and spa industry, it was an impressive point of differentiation.
The Best Spa In Sedona Exceeds Expectations
The variety of spa treatments and spa experiences at Mii Amo ranged from traditional to off-the-wall, depending upon your perspective. I decided to experiment with some less traditional treatments like ‘Energy Clearing’ and ‘Past-Life Regression’. I also tried a few spa experience staples like a Shiatsu Massage and a Clay Wrap.
Our three-day package included six spa treatments during our stay (two 90-minute, and four 60-minute). Sitting in the waiting room of the spa, we would meet people from all over the country. Many had been to Mii Amo more than once, and quite a few from Europe, and beyond.
The spa staff had a warmth and genuine love of their craft. Each spa treatment opened up my mind to new ways of seeing and listening. And each was as relaxing as I’d hoped. My mom, sister, and I all agreed that the spa treatments were restorative in multiple ways. Ways that I wish I could reproduce in my ‘real life’.
Beyond Mii Amo
After three days at the spa, we spent a few nights at the neighboring Enchantment Resort. There, we sat by the pool, enjoyed the spectacular views, and headed off-property for some sightseeing.
One highlight was the Chapel of the Holy Cross. An earth-toned and delicate chapel that looks as if it is hovering on the edge of a butte. Inspired by the Empire State Building in the 1930s, it was finally completed in 1957. Picturesque from every angle, the main cross of the chapel’s exterior dives directly into the red rocks.
The best places to dine in Sedona
We chose our one dinner away from Enchantment with care. Mariposa had been recommended by a friend. We were lucky to get a coveted reservation on the patio at sunset.
The views and setting were magical, with fire-lit iron globes flanking the entrance. Many diners left their tables mid-meal (me, included) to capture the colors in the sky. The food, from what I remember, was good, but not the main reason for heading to Mariposa. That said, I would head back any day to watch the sky perform.
While we only had one dinner beyond Mii Amo’s sacred grounds, there are many other places to go in Sedona that will wow visitors with views and fabulous food. Cress on Oak Creek is located in the luxurious hotel, Auberge de Sedona. Whether one chooses to dine inside or out, the creekside views are ever-romantic.
Elote is an award-winning modern Mexican restaurant that gets accolades from tourists and locals alike. With locally sourced ingredients and a lively atmosphere, Elote is a must-eat spot while visiting Sedona. Don’t miss the divine corn bisque, a menu highlight, indeed.
Tortas de Fuego is a brightly-lit Mexican eatery that specializes in, (you know it, tortas). Also known for its burritos and nachos, no one will go home hungry after a meal in one of Sedona’s most popular jaunts.
One last hike at Sedona’s best spa
On my final morning, I took one last vista hike and decided to head out without a camera. I was afraid I would regret it, not having the chance to capture something that had eluded me before. For almost an hour, I sat in the shade watching the sun creep along the edge of the rock formations. Was the light creating the character of the mountains, or simply revealing it? Without the distraction of a camera, I was fully present in nature and lost in thought.
I’m not sure why I’m surprised that I was less distracted looking at the mountains with my eyes vs through a lens. But, it was one of my favorite moments of the trip.
A few days after returning home from Sedona, I was listening to a podcast by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray Love. She confessed, “I prefer to live in an enchanted world.” A world where even the air is enchanted?
Well said, Ms. Gilbert, I’m right there with you.
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Author’s Note: The spa at Mii Amo has recently re-opened after a full renovation. It looks spectacular. I am hoping to go next year.
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