A few minutes from the shops, galleries, and restaurants of Sedona, but tucked away along the banks of quiet-flowing Oak Creek, L’Auberge de Sedona is one of the Southwest’s most romantic hideaways. It has red-rock views, as every accommodation in Sedona must, but its French-country-inn style, in the land of adobe architecture, and its leafy, creekside location, are what define it. Through a series of chefs, its restaurant, Cress on Oak Creek, has maintained a stellar reputation, in no small part because of the romance of dining at a table that in some cases is practically in Oak Creek. And the spa, L’Apothecary, with at least one seasonally offered treatment requiring guests to wade in up to their ankles, draws much of its essence from the creek, too. Extensive renovations done in 2011 included the redesign of the 58 rooms and cottages, and the addition of 29 more, many with fireplaces, private decks, and—because romance matters—outdoor cedar-lined showers. Still there, and still popular, are the early morning duck feedings and the nighttime telescope sessions with a professional astronomer.
L’Auberge de Sedona, Sedona
L’Auberge de Sedona, Sedona
Shell Photographics (602) 275-6161 www.shell-photo.com karen@shell-photo.com
L’Auberge de Sedona, Sedona
More Recommendations
Disconnect from Everyday Stresses at L’Auberge de Sedona
Nestled right in a quiet corner of uptown Sedona, L’Auberge de Sedona is a romantic, secluded retreat set among Sedona’s Red Rocks at the banks of Oak Creek. L’Auberge’s beautifully appointed rooms and cottages offer a private, romantic setting that’s perfect for a getaway for you and a loved one seeking time to reconnect (and disconnect from the fast pace of everyday life). A complimentary shuttle service makes nighttime activities in town easily accessible. And its award-winning restaurants offer seasonal, local fare.
Rustic Luxury in the Red Rocks
Upon first glance and immediately upon arrival to L’Auberge De Sedona, I didn’t feel like I was at a luxury resort as had been promised; it’s so rustic that one could be forgiven for only seeing that aspect at first. However, the luxury is in the details at this Arizona resort nestled in the famed Red Rocks. My private cabin overlooked the entire resort. From my outdoor shower, I could bask in the warm Arizona sun every morning followed by coffee in my room and a bit of journaling on my deck. Each meal at the main dining room surpassed my expectations. Yoga on the lawn, again overlooking the Red Rocks, put me in a frame of mind to forget all worries or cares as well as ready me for a hike into the National Park. Staff was the most attentive of any hotel or resort I’ve ever stayed in; most, knew my name before the end of my stay. Enjoying a glass of wine seated next to the calming river that flows through the property was the best kind of happy hour and the pool was a welcome distraction both by day, and by night under the numerous stars, before a last soak in the hot tub. Yet more than anything else I enjoyed at the resort, it was the smallest details that plunged my stay over the edge and into my favorite experiences of 2012. Aspects like my favorite cookies waiting at turn down, or rare items I favor showing up in the breakfast buffet—it didn’t seem to matter what I longed for, eventually it showed up somewhere during the duration of my stay.
Your Own Cabin On A Creek
Sedona is not all red rock. There is a hotel down on the banks of Oak Creek in central Sedona. It is totally secluded off the main drag and difficult to find even with a map. Yes, further up Oak Creek on 89A one can also find cabins, but not of this caliber. L’Auberge also has the best restaurant in Sedona. Each cabin has a fireplace and a private outdoor shower. Dogs are welcome, and ours loved the outdoor shower. The cabin porch shown in the photo is half the size of the generous cabin interior. They have expanded the cabin offerings in the last two years. Some have views higher up, but we prefer creekside, and the higher prices suggest others do too.
Customize Your Spa Experience
There’s no place for renewal like Sedona, Arizona. The city surrounded by stunning red rocks is the perfect base for hiking, yoga, and pampering yourself at its many spas. The spa at L’Auberge de Sedona has always been known for its excellent therapists and amazing therapies ranging from reiki to skin renewal facials. The hotel recently made the spa experience much more personal, not to mention fun by introducing L’Apothecary. Inspired by the apothecary who used to customize drugs for people, L’Apothecary allows guests to concoct and design their own bath salts, body scrubs, oils and masques from an array of ingredients found in Sedona, including rosemary, clay, piñon pine, and juniper. Guests can follow recipes, such as Desert Rain, or create their own. The finished product makes a great souvenir to take home as a gift or to keep for yourself as a reminder of Sedona.
