Enchantment in Sedona
It isn’t every day that one visits an ethereal sanctuary, a magical heaven on earth where the beauty of the surroundings transcends human understanding, where the creative and mystical have always been informed by positive vibrations and high-energy vortexes, where sages and psychics abound to bless one’s challenging journey in life. Today, over four million people visit the charming town of Sedona in Arizona annually to explore the numerous art galleries, nurture their spirits, reconnect with their inner recesses, and chill amid the spectacular natural rainbow rock formations.
If this No. 1 travel spa destination in the world doesn’t leave you spellbound, I don’t think anything will. At Sedona, one realizes that the earth is not a solitary speck of dead history, but rather, the epitome of living poetry.
Dramatically formed by geological movement, indefatigable forces of wind and water, the lush gorges and red rock spires of Sedona have attracted visitors since prehistoric times. Standing on a rim overlooking the grand expanse of the Boynton Canyon, from the Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment Resort, voted by Travel and Leisure magazine as the world’s No. 1 spa destination, you can see the colorful layers of a cross-section of natural history. The red-orange sandstone sparkling like gold against the sunrise brilliantly contrasts with the clear blue skies. Though such essence may seem elusive to the newcomer, there is something spiritual, a magnificent metaphysical atmosphere that arrests your senses, that seizes you in a firm yet gentle embrace. Indians once came here to worship, New Agers come to feel the vibrations and artists and filmmakers to capture its raw beauty. Renowned for its superior natural lighting, Sedona is a mecca for photographers and moviemakers. In fact, it was the backdrop for such films as John Wayne’s The Angel and the Badman and Robert Mitchum’s Blood on the Moon.
It is right on the cusp of dusk, with the last red of sunset bleeding out of the western horizon, when I lose myself in the landscape of the Enchantment resort, a paradise of Southwest Luxury tucked away in one of the most fabulous settings on earth. The sensation — of shrinking to a mere human speck in a high lonesome expanse of soaring monoliths, overhanging cliffs that reflect beautiful shades of red, orange, purple and blue at sunrise and sunset — is as calming as deep meditation or a loved one’s touch.
Truly, Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment is really one of those reach-out-and-touch-you places where a synergy of mind, body and spirit connects you to the greater universe. Instantaneously, you are transported to a very intimate realm, the one that exists deep within you. Mii Amo means journey or “one’s path” in Yuman, the traditional Native American language of northern Arizona.
In this blessed isle of the gods, one communes with one’s own spirit, the intuitive hymn of nature, one finds a connection to one’s inner sanctum and, like a butterfly, metamorphoses from a fledging cocoon to a fulfilled embodiment of inner joy and grace. Nineteen treatment rooms, each with picturesque views, are housed in five adobe brick towers inspired by the Anasazi concept of staked architecture. Outdoor treatments are done in four wikiups, renditions of Native American structures using rustic wood latillas; a Watsu pool is tucked into the hillside. Guest casitas encircle an inner courtyard. Each has a deep soaking tub and an enclosed patio designed for maximum privacy. The Mii Amo luxury suite features an outdoor fireplace with plunge pool and Jacuzzi, and a massage treatment room. In the Crystal Grotto, the soul of the spa, meditation and crystal sound therapy takes place. Because Sedona is known as a source of healing crystal, they became a defining, distinctive element of Mii Amo.
Long before there was Mii Amo, there existed the beautiful Enchantment Resort with its Southwestern style casitas, luxury suites and guest rooms featuring rustic sophistication with Arizona interiors in rich earth tones. One can dine in their AAA Four Diamond Yavapai Restaurant, savor the flavors at Tii Gavo or the healthy cuisne at Mii Amo. Enchantment Resort is connected by land bridge to Mii Amo but separated by a precious throve of cottonwood trees. They offer numerous outdoor and indoor activities, culinary experiences, hiking the red rocks challenges, tennis lessons, golf games, photography tours of the most outstanding canyons as well as special packages for singular sensations, romantic duos and energetic families
I never knew such a place of divine healing existed. Each step was made in awe and delight. The spectacular red rocks formation is actually sedimentary rock, formed by the current of the seven seas that flowed by 200 million years ago. Sedona was actually once beachfront property. Today, the dramatic layers of rock and clay are reminders of nature’s cataclysmic forces, a spectrum of the culture of the era and epoch of the many who have witnessed and protected its eminent glory and enigmatic allure.
It was spellbinding to stare at the massive red rocks shaped like a coffee pot, gloriously towering towards the heavens, its spires seemingly kissing the windswept sky. I reverently genuflected before heaven’s creations and could actually feel God’s omnipotence.
A Sedona Clay Wrap spa treatment is truly detoxifying. My masseuse Kim lovingly began the “ceremony” by dry brushing my entire body after which, she rubbed in the sweet-smelling clay and cocoa mixture. She gently wrapped me in a warm blanket for 20 minutes. After the gentle rain shower, my massage began with her firm hands kneading every fiber and sinew using warm fragrant aromatherapy oils. It was raining outside and it was therapeutic to hear the hail, snow, water gently fall with the rhythm of the wind.
“Do you want me to sage you?” whispered the incantation teacher.
I didn’t know what it meant. Later, I discovered that “to be saged” means to be blessed. You say your intention and the teacher gently waves the magic wand in the form of a feather and blesses you with the sweet fragrance of Mother Earth. The sound of the drums, chimes reverberates throughout your soul and you feel connected, energized, synergized. It is a wonderful feeling of being whole, of being one, of being grounded.
The Native American culture is charming and intriguing. My traveling companions Fred Leonin, Edwin Santos and I explored the trails up the Cachica Woman trail and learned more about Enchantment Resort.
We learned that from the time of the earliest inhabitants to present-day citizens, Sedona has been a palate for unusual experiences and aspirations such as life-altering inspiration, a place where fulfillment of dreams which may have lain dormant for years come eclectically alive. A hundred and one activities abound in this charming enclave from creating visionary boards, learning about Native American culture, tennis, mountain biking, scenic hikes, cooking lessons, spa treatments, putting on the green and much more. The cuisine at Enchantment is an epicurean dream come true. The Sunday brunch consisted of everything one can ever yearn to savor. The healthy food at Mii Amo simply proves that healthy eating can be delicious as well. To live well, you must eat well: this is at the center of how Mii Amo nourishes guests. The food should also look as beautiful as it tastes.
The next morning, we took an exhilarating hike up to the Coffeepot Canyon. Our hike leader John Meyer explained the creation of the red rocks in Sedona. He pointed out the cactus, agave plant, century plant and animals that are occasionally seen while hiking. In his experience of leading hikes in 11 years these encounters with creatures of the wilderness have always been safe.
I can never forget the feeling of staring at the rocks, hearing the sound of the mountains, feeling one with all that is beautiful. It was simply surreal, out of this world, beyond one’s imagination. Only our God can create such magnificence.
We drove into town to explore the charming country stores, had ice cream and toffee, psychic readings and the like. It was awesome to be in a place where the atmosphere encourages you to focus on your inner strength, peace and composure. We found something in Sedona, something we did not know we were looking for. Perhaps, we did not find it, but rather it found us.
* * *
For more information about Mii Amo, Enchantment Resort, 800-826-4180, or e-mail info@enchantmentresort.com
E-mail the author at miladay.star@gmail.com.
