Family bonding and plenty of fresh air at this gorgeous hideaway in Sedona.
A well-planned getaway – near or far, but always somewhere new – is my go-to Christmas gift for my family. After months at home, my teenagers were begging me to come up with a safe way for us to escape together for the holidays. After a full day of brainstorming – and expert insight from my Virtuoso connections – we decided to stick close to home (Texas) and focus on the great outdoors. My favorite trips include plenty of time for exploring together, great food and wine for the adults, and a spa treatment for me when I need a family-bonding break; I knew Enchantment Resort, a 218-room retreat in Sedona, Arizona, would deliver. Bonus: We took advantage of a complimentary fourth night promo for travelers who book through a Virtuoso advisor. Here, five things I loved about our stay.
Those Red Rocks Views
After a long day of traveling (thanks to a three-hour mechanical delay and a rental car hiccup) we happily arrived at Enchantment. I’ve seen plenty of stunning photos of the resort online, but none of them prepared me for standing on the patio at View 180, the resort’s restaurant, and looking at Boynton Canyon and the main pool. Wow! Did they carve the mountain and perfectly tuck the resort right into the valley? There were no bad angles any way you turned. When I glanced over at my kids and saw that they were actually gawking at the vista rather than looking at their phones, I knew I had made the right choice.
Plenty of Room to Spread Out
After check-in, resort staff briefed us on health and safety protocols (masks must be worn at all times while out and about, for starters, and housekeeping spends hours cleaning each casita before guests arrive) and gave us a tour of the common areas before and driving us to our casita in a golf cart. We knew there were other guests around, but it never felt crowded. If you’re planning on spending most of your time at the resort, it’s worth it to upgrade to a suite with an outdoor fireplace and a private pool. Be sure to keep an eye out for deer and javelinas roaming around your garden.
Breakfast with a Southwestern Flair
We started each day with a hearty, socially distanced Southwestern breakfast at View 180. In lieu of a buffet, servers delivered a wide variety of healthy and not-so-healthy options to our table: Southwestern eggs benedict (my favorite), huevos rancheros, prickly pear jam, avocado toast (with a side of bacon), breakfast quinoa, and plenty of oatmeal and fruit.
Outdoor Adventure and Grand Canyon Access
After fueling up, we hiked the six-mile Boynton Canyon Trail. The entrance is steps from the resort, and the trail runs parallel with the property. It’s easy enough to hike on your own, but you can also head out with a guide from the Trail House, the resort’s new activity and adventure center. The boys rented mountain bikes and spent a full day exploring. At the Kachina Woman rock formation, we met a local who gave us carved red rock hearts, which we took home as souvenirs. (He told us all we needed was love, and I have to agree.) Enchantment Resort is only a two-hour drive from the Grand Canyon, and the resort can arrange full-day excursions. This goes without saying, but it’s well worth the visit!
Mii Amo, the Resort’s Incredible Wellness Retreat
Enchantment Resort is home to Mii Amo, a 16-room hotel-within-a-hotel known for its spa and holistic wellness programs. (Sedona’s energy vortexes are believed to promote healing and invite powerful self-reflection.) Enchantment guests have access to the spa, and it’s totally acceptable to walk over from your casita in your robe (just don’t forget your mask!). After a spa treatment, guests can relax in the Crystal Grotto or order lunch from the Mii Amo Cafe. Have your advisor pre-book your treatment prior to arrival – spa spots fill up fast.
[Editor’s Note: Mii Amo is currently closed as it undergoes a major renovation, and is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2022.]
*** Virtuoso travelers staying at Enchantment Resort receive an upgrade on arrival (if available), breakfast daily for two, a $100 resort credit, and more - ask Elena!
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