Arizona in Spring: Sedona

Sedona is from Mars, but it is also from Venus. Its red ferrous sandstone is so unearthly tranquil, so serene – you can hear a sing-song in the airflow above and between the flat mountain tops. In this Martian landscape you can hear yourself think.

Sedona is also about love. You gotta love yourself, or learn how to – especially if you are here for a retreat and treatments at Mii amo, a Destination Spa at Enchantment.

The Enchantment Resort in Sedona’s Boynton Canyon is surrounded by whimsically wind-carved red rocks looking like the Parthenon, or like the Jefferson Memorial, or like an enchanted castle where your dreams and hopes might reside. Walk the red soil trail beyond the front gate of the resort, and you might actually reach it. There is no rock climbing, though. The rock is soft and fragile and crumbles under your foot.

Mii amo means “to continue one’s journey” in the Yuman language of the Indians of western Arizona and elsewhere in the Southwest. The resort’s award-winning spa offers five “journeys” to its guests, including a de-stressing technique for the mind, body, and spirit; a healthy-body reenergizing program; a spiritual exploration of the inner self; a Master Journey for the spa veterans, and the Rites of Passage for those who seek guidance while going through a transitional life period.

Body treatments, massages, and skin care are combined with yoga, fitness, meditation, and even psychic readings and aura presentations to help spa guests reach their journey goals.

Therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, and personal trainers provide their services in a concerted effort to bring guests’ revitalization plans to fruition. From vortex lectures to mountain bike excursions, daily activities are designed to satisfy every possible quest.

There is a meditation room, called the Crystal Grotto, where every morning a staff member leads a group meditation for the guests to guide them “toward acknowledging and understanding their intentions for the day.”

A skylight of the grotto is aligned with a crystal positioned right in the center of the round room. During the summer solstice, a sunbeam hits the crystal exactly at noon on June 21. Many Mii amo guidance-seekers try to align their vacation time with this annual event.

There is also a resident artist at Mii amo who paints Zen calligraphic portraits for individuals, couples, families, and organizations. Alok Hsu Kwang-han, originally from China, produced numerous calligraphy art pieces here, some of which adorn the spa facility.

While I wasn’t necessarily seeking guidance during my short stay at Enchantment, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I took a short hike to a beautiful red rock where a vortex was rumored to be located.

I received a positively divine Intentional Aromatherapy Massage, enhanced with my favorite scents of rose and lavender.

I had a shot of wheatgrass at the Mii amo Café, and felt immediately better learning from a detailed description on the juice bar menu that it contained about 70 percent chlorophyll – the life blood of plants; vitamin A; and all known minerals.

While I very much appreciated the calorie/fat/protein/carb count provided next to the name of each dish, I still decided on a higher-calorie bread-crumb crusted Tasmanian salmon, which was served in the healthy company of fresh asparagus, Napa cabbage, and bean sprouts.

That night, I added some more happy calories at dinner in the fabulous Che-Ah-Chi restaurant. Led by executive chef David Schmidt, the restaurant is located at Enchantment’s newly renovated clubhouse and is equipped with a fireplace, beautiful lounge spaces, and sliding glass walls overlooking the canyon.

I felt completely at peace with myself and the world while consuming a succulent filet of duck breast over creamy polenta with grilled root vegetables and foie gras crème, and was greatly satisfied with my chocolate dessert prepared nine different ways.

Mii amo is offering a savings of up to $700 on a seven-night stay this summer. Their completely customized and all-inclusive packages features:

• Luxurious spa accommodations at Mii amo
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
• Two life-affirming spa treatments per person each day
• Mii amo robe, tote bag, and water bottle

Along with all the spa facilities and resort amenities, enjoy complimentary fitness classes, Native American activities, cooking demonstrations, art classes, and hiking. For information and reservations, call 1-888-749-2137 or visit their website.