L'Auberge de Sedona has lost count of how many marriage proposals have occurred at its property; the staff tells me it happens nearly as often as guests ask for directions. For more than 30 years, couples have been lured to the resort's stunning natural setting with the Sedona Red Rock horizon, the idyllic clear creek, and the understated luxurious cottages. Now that I've stayed at the property, it's easy to understand why this desert retreat remains one of the nation's most awarded luxury properties in media outlets such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.
The resort takes full advantage of its speculator natural playground with an ample array of on-site activities. Many guests enjoy the creekside morning ritual of feeding the ducks, and during select evenings, local stargazing expert Dennis Young rolls out his massive, home-built telescope atop the resort's parking structure. The haze and mostly cloud-free sky makes the region a star-gazing haven. Young, an Astro Member of the Sirius Lookers of Sedona, has regaled resort guests for more than 20 years and eagerly showcases star constellations as if they were his own personal collection of fine jewels.
Prior to the evening of star-gazing, guests can take advantage of the resort's newly renovated spa, a petite but perfect nook with an array of classic treatments. During warmer months, guests can opt for creekside treatments in private cabanas, or have the option of being tucked inside warm bedding in the spa cottage. This month, the property unfurls its L'Apothecary program, a boutique of sorts for guests to create personalized scrubs, bath salts, oils, and masques from Sedona's bountiful herbs and flowers. Juniper, rosemary, clay, and pinion pine are a few of the region's fragrant finds that will be featured in this hands-on offering.
A highlight of the resort is the four-diamond restaurant, L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek. Most of the restaurant is outdoors, adroitly lit by tree-hanging spotlights, glowing-red heat lamps, and tabletop candles. Outdoor diners are spread out along quaint tiered wooden platforms and the nearby rustling creek and the badinage of the restaurant’s patrons creates a pleasant euphony of sound. There is no à la carte pricing; Executive Chef Rochelle Daniel only offers tasting menus, artfully relying on locally grown harvests, wild game, and artisan cheeses. Her American-meets-French style of cuisine is rustic, compelling. Dining at the L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek is not just a must for resort guests but a requirement for any visitor to Sedona.
Perhaps due to the romantic ambiance of the property, this year L'Auberge de Sedona unveiled a series of smartly targeted packages to entice couples to celebrate the many chapters of their love story. Jesse Alexander, the hotel's General Manager, says, “Our guests visit the hotel to have a romantic experience no matter what stage their relationship is in. Love Series is for couples to book a romantic getaway without having to dedicate too much time and energy into the planning process." The six distinct bundles range from "The Maiden Voyage" for first-time vacationing couples to "The Anniversary" for long-time lovers. The "Elopement" option is probably the easiest of all for the wedding-planning averse to book and includes a six-course dinner with wine pairings and Champagne toast in a private ceremony.
Regardless of whether your trip is for romance or relaxation though, L'Auberge de Sedona has the amenities and serenity to be your oasis in the desert.
