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Nestled deep within the outcroppings of Boynton Canyon in Sedona, Enchantment Resort with its Mii amo spa is a luxury escape that’s respectful of its natural surroundings. This includes the awe-inspiring red rocks for which the northern Arizona town is known. It is set on 70 acres of both meticulously landscaped and rugged natural grounds about 8 miles from the center of downtown. And, true to its name, the resort has been enchanting visitors for more than 35 years.
Its terra-cotta hued adobe casitas offer top-level comfort and sumptuousness that’s designed to help “your pressures melt away.” But there’s an even more exclusive accommodation on property. Mii amo is more than the resort’s spa — it is an all-inclusive destination hotel unto itself that promises the utmost in relaxation and pampering.
A New Beginning at Mii amo
Mii amo opened to much aplomb in 2001. It is situated in the shadows of Sedona’s famous red rock formations, on the eastern edge of the resort’s property. It not only served as the spa for Enchantment guests but it also provided three-, four- and seven-day “Journeys.” As such, guests stayed in one of 16 private Mii amo casitas, dined at the on-site restaurant and received daily spa treatments.
This resort-within-a-resort was so luxurious that it was named a top spa by Travel + Leisure four times. Recent mentions included in 2018 and 2019.
Nevertheless, in 2021, Mii amo closed in order to undergo a $40 million renovation and expansion. The purpose was to further elevate its sense of space and connect its guests to the gorgeous and mystical landscape. It reopened in February 2023 — to even more acclaim. For example, Travel & Leisure named it one of the best new wellness hotels in the world. And Architectural Digest called it a “must-see hotel.”
Award-winning architecture firm Gluckman Tang, Mii amo’s original architect, did the renovations. The firm is renowned for its designs, including the Staten Island Museum and Whitney Museum in New York City, the Georgia O’Keefe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Museo Picasso in Málaga, Spain. Gluckman Tang also designed Enchantment’s Trail House.
In addition to enhancing Mii amo’s public spaces, the renovations increase the destination’s footprint by more than 40 percent. This includes the addition of seven new casitas, a new signature restaurant, Hummingbird; and new movement and fitness studios. The exterior adds a reflexology path as well as a sensory garden.
Serene Stays
The 23 rooms at Mii amo include double queen and king casitas, junior suites, one- and two-bedroom suites, and one- and two-bedroom luxury suites that include private massage rooms. For guests with mobility issues, there are also 400-square-foot accessible casitas.
The decor is a calming blend of Southwest and midcentury modern, with clean lines, natural materials, Native American-inspired textiles and stone accents that echo the exterior’s adobe finish. Each room includes a kiva fireplace, heated bathroom floors and private patios. Large windows are perfectly placed to allow guests to soak up the natural surroundings — literally, while relaxing in their room’s soaking tub — while maintaining their privacy.
The casitas are connected by intimate gathering spaces, soothing water features and native flora.
One of the most beloved spaces at Mii amo has been and remains the Crystal Grotto. This circular space with an earthen floor and domed ceiling is the centerpiece of the property, forming a dramatic entry to the spa and serving as a place for meditation and reflection. In the center of the grotto, a pedestal of petrified wood floats above a pool of water. On top is a quartz crystal that, once a year, on the summer solstice, is illuminated by sunlight that beams through an overhead aperture.
While not an official vortex, the grotto is for many guests a place of spiritual and emotional sensation. My own husband, who typically is very pragmatic, mentioned that he was overcome by a calming sensation the minute he stepped into the space.
The entire property looks out to the Kachina Woman rock formation, one of Sedona’s most famous vortexes.
All-Inclusive Wellness
Guests choose Mii amo over the Enchantment because they want to relax and be pampered. They want the specialized attention. And they definitely find that here. In fact, they can even stay dressed in their spa robe throughout their entire stay.
The spa at Mii amo offers a full range of treatments, from the classic massages, facials and body wraps, to therapies designed to treat your mind and soul. These celebrate the energy and mysticism of Sedona. There’s chakra balancing and energy clearing, hypnosis, astrology, aural photography, breathwork, sound baths and much more.
Hummingbird, the new signature restaurant, offers three meals daily. The bright and airy space has a Zen-like feeling with soft taupes and black accents. A large patio with an outdoor fireplace is the perfect spot to dine during the cooler months.
The seasonal menu includes a variety of farm-fresh meals, with much of the bounty coming from the on-site chef’s garden. But don’t think it’s all veggies and wheat grass. Yes, there are hand-pressed juices and protein-packed smoothies, as well as an array of salads that burst with freshness and flavor. At the same time, entrees range from juicy brisket burgers and king salmon for lunch and beef tenderloin, Colorado lamb and mushroom curry for dinner. There’s even a cocktail and beer menu.
The adjacent Juice Bar serves juices, smoothies and light bites throughout the day. It transforms into a full bar and wine service at night. In addition, guests can enjoy poolside or in-room dining.
The renovations also add a new 3,300-square-foot fitness and movement studio. Massive floor-to-ceiling walls of glass that look out over the sensory garden and red rocks. And the spa’s private pool feature a new deck and furnishings.
Stay at Mii amo
As of March 2023, Mii amo is part of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of 580 boutique hotels and restaurants around the world. It is the only Relais & Châteaux property in Arizona.
Guests at Mii amo partake in three-, four-, seven- and 10-night all-inclusive Journeys. The price includes your room; three meals daily; snacks, juices and coffees; daily spa treatments; fitness classes and other activities; and all gratuities. Prices begin at around $2,400 per day. You can also compare rates at Hotels.com.
Guests at Mii amo must be age 16 or older.
Guests at Enchantment can access Mii amo’s spa treatments for an additional cost. Mii amo guests have access to all of Enchantment’s amenities, including the pool and tennis courts.
For another all-inclusive luxury wellness stay in Arizona, check out Castle Hot Springs. This historic resort located about one hour north of Phoenix also offers plenty of pampering, spa treatments and garden-fresh dining. And is has the added bonus of natural hot springs.
All photos by Rebecca L. Rhoades
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