Sisters below the Warrior Rock and Kachina Woman, hugged between the red rocks of Sedona, Enchantment and Mii amo rest together. Two very different complementary experiences are shared by these luxurious escapes, both properties serving to welcome and enhance the lives of all who enter. Guests are immediately greeted and cloaked in Juniper beads, a source of protection and guidance. The mighty Juniper trees that surround you here are nearly as strong as the love, passion, and excitement these properties inspire!
You’ll hear the phrase, “Ya-ha-say,” or “you are welcome here,” during your time at either Mii amo or Enchantment. Mii amo’s divine grounds emphasize wellness and a more adult setting as Enchantment is what I believe to be a fabulous option for solo travel, couples, friends, or older families to visit. The warmth of the special welcome ringing across the rocks during your stay reminds you that where you are is exactly where you’re supposed to be.
As part of my Well Inspired Travels inspiration, I seek to find the best in wellness retreats and healthy travel. When I find places like Mii amo or Enchantment it feels serendipitous to see these words shared at the resort, “Wisdom only comes when you stop looking for it and start living the life the Creator intended for you.” This Hopi proverb speaks to me as I feel that God has designed a world that’s meant to be explored and that my soul is happiest and healthiest when I’m mindfully living in the moment wherever life takes me.
Breathe, Stretch, Explore in Sedona
The kind and knowledgeable staff at both Enchantment and Mii amo are ready to help you make the most of your stay in Sedona– firmly believing that the striking red rocks, winding trails, and breathtaking landscapes are meant to be explored. Traveling with my mom and daughter, we included a variety of outdoor activities into this fantastic trip!
In Sedona, early morning hikes, trail rides, yoga, golf, and meditation are among the most popular ways to get moving on and off the grounds. I was lucky enough to try the Hike the Red Rocks and the Boynton Canyon Vortex Hike. Both properties offer so many unique ways to experience the desert landscape so whether you’re looking for a physical challenge, spiritual change, or geological teachings you can find it all! Each guide we met was so enchanting that it was easy to forget just how hard you were working to keep climbing and progressing across the trail.
Cultural Experiences
Paying homage to the rich history that came before these luxe properties, both Mii amo and Enchantment share an array of classes and activities stemmed from Native American Heritage.
Mii amo & Enchantment’s Hike the Red Rocks was a top pick for us, our guide Robin combined environmental studies’ findings with the soulful stories and beliefs of the five tribes that came before us. Native American Flute sessions, Chanting, and Morning Rituals in the Crystal Grotto are just a few of the heartfelt tributes to The Navajo and Western Apache.
During this special exploration I was able to visit the Sedona Peace Park, or Amitabha Stupa Peace Park, for the very first time! A haven for peace, prayer, and meditative moments, I learned of the prayer flags here. While you’re deep in prayer and focused, your prayers are picked up by the wind and radiated across the world as the wind blows through the fabric. Wind-snapped flags make the soundtrack to one of the most peaceful experiences of your life here.
Enchantment and Mii amo are next to an awe-inspiring Medicine Wheel, a sacred symbol of life comprised of seven stones. Walking through the winding wheel you’re invited to seek guidance, healing, and clarity. This meditative experience helps those searching find a deeper peace and confidence within themselves. It was an honor and privilege to walk this path!
At Enchantment you’ll find special celebrations for the equinoxes and conservation classes available upon request. Both properties work to educate travelers of the profound wisdom shared by Native American tribes and take great care in respecting both the grounds and the culture.
Vortexes in Sedona
Before taking this spiritual journey I knew very little about vortices (vortexes) and their significance in the Native American and Southwestern cultures. Vortices are spiritual epicenters – a place on the Earth that’s thought to be bursting with healing, focused energy. It’s said that all of Sedona is a vortex and to stand on one, pray, and immerse yourself in the moment is unspeakably moving.
A Southwestern Spin on Health
Each meal we savored while in Sedona was incredibly healthy and full of Southwestern flare. Harmonious spices, sizzling combinations of vegetables and tender meats, and perfectly ripened seasonal fruits were all in abundance. I could have dined at Mii amo Café for every meal! Bites and canyon views pair together perfectly – and knowing that most of the produce is grown right on site at the chef’s garden is exquisite!
Locally grown fruits, veggies, and ranched meats are used at the fabulous Enchantment eateries. Che Ah Chi and Tii Guavo were among the dining experiences we sampled while visiting. Che Ah Chi is a bit more refined than Tii Guavo, the more relaxed gathering place for guests. I was grateful for both locales and their impeccable service and health-focused ingredients that burst with flavors I’ll be craving for quite some time.
Mii amo Spa
You could say I’ve saved the best for last, but that’s not to say the other amenities at these properties aren’t striking. The spa at Mii amo in Sedona has been named the #1 Destination Spa in the U.S. in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2018 and for good reason. This spa enchants the mind, body, and soul in such an artful way it gives me goosebumps to recall my visit. To choose among the assortment of treatments like their traditional, innovative, or Native American influenced therapies was nearly impossible with the many options that Sedona offers!
My Favorites at Mii amo Spa
Massage
Intentional Aromatherapy Massage uses a special blend of aromatic oils and treatments to soothe your body and mind. Capturing your senses, this massage seeps deep into your being. I am a great believer in the benefits of Cupping massage therapies so I was excited to see this is also offered here.
Full Body Treatments
Pinion Body Scrub is comprised of local pinon nuts that are ground and smoothed over your skin providing the utmost relaxation and exfoliation. After you’ve revealed healthy, fresh skin, your therapist finishes the treatment with the rich and aromatic pinon butter. Divine!
Facial
The Oxygen Facial is designed to heal and comfort desert-dried skin. Promoting collagen and elastin production, this incredible facial left my skin feeling plump and renewed after the wear of the dry desert weather.
For the Soul
True to the properties’ philosophies, Mii amo Spa offers experiences that pay homage to the healing ceremonies and special rituals of the Native American heritage. Reading of the Moment is an offering found at the spa that you may not find at every luxe spa getaway. This offering features experts that read your palm, use Tarot cards, and more to “direct your path.” If you’re lucky enough to visit during a full moon, you can release what no longer serves you in the Spirit of the Full Moon ritual. The Crystal Grotto Blessing is a private offering where Native American teachings direct celebration, healing, or comfort that’s needed for whatever you’re experiencing in life.
Accolades
I’m so blown away by the impressive list of accolades Mii amo Spa has received over the years I decided to share what they have most recently been awarded with in 2018. To share every accomplishment they’ve made over the years would be an entirely different post in itself… take a look at these!
#1 Destination Spa in the U.S. Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, 2019 Certificate of Excellence, Hall of Fame – Mii amo TripAdvisor, 2019 Certificate of Excellence – Mii amo Café TripAdvisor, 2019 #1 Favorite Destination Spa American Spa Professional’s Choice Awards, 2018 #1 Destination Spa in the U.S. Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, 2018 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hall of Fame Named to Travel + Leisure for 10 consecutive years, 2018 #1 Resort in the Southwest Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, 2018 Top 10 Best Health and Wellness Resorts USA Today, 2018 #3 Hotel with the Most Indulgent Spa Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, Members’ Choice Awards, 2018 Top 10 Best Desert Hotels in the West Sunset Magazine, 2018 North America’s Best Wellness Retreat World Spa Awards, 2018 #1 Spa Destination TripAdvisor, 2018
Sharing the learning, spirituality, and special moments with my mother and daughter made this trip to Mii amo and Enchantment even more special. As we all walked into each opportunity with open hearts, we all took something a bit different from each activity and offering found here. I don’t doubt at all that Sedona is one of the most spiritual locales in the world; the energy found among the red rocks is palpable and invigorating like no other!
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