Warming fire pits. Soothing waterfalls. Golden-hued rocks. Clean, crisp air. And the darkest night skies filled with stars. Every aspect of L’Auberge de Sedona, tucked away off a main road in Sedona, Arizona and surrounded by mesmerizing red rocks, is a connection with one of the five elements of nature. You don’t have to seek them out. They embrace you from the moment you drive down the long entry road to this five-star resort. 

Located along the banks of Oak Creek, this laid-back luxury resort (a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World) welcomes nature—and the sounds of water—into every aspect of its design. Its low wood buildings and red-hued stone walls mirror the Sedona mountains they sit under. Fire lit torches line the pathways at night. 

Luxurious Accommodations

L'Auberge’s private cottages blend into the natural surroundings while remaining sumptuous in their interior elegance. Frette linens, L’Occitane products, an outdoor (plus indoor) shower, outdoor deck, and gas fireplace are staples in many of the cottages. 

Traditional rooms, luxurious too, in the main Lodge are also available. It’s in the Main Lodge where you’ll find a full-service gym with Pelotons and other cardio and strength equipment. An outdoor stretching area encourages you to bring your workout outside. (Spa suites come with a private Peloton.) 

Nightly turn-downs come with local truffles and a star-gazing guide of that evening’s sky. Not to miss: the resort’s nightly star-gazing group; you’ll see—and learn to identify—the stars and planets over L’Auberge. (Sedona is an International Dark Sky Community with reduced light pollution at night to make its skies perfect for stargazing.)

A Spa Immersed in Nature

The resort’s L’Apothecary spa amplifies this resort’s immersion into nature. A mix of pampering treatments are available—from a Desert Flower Massage and Arizona Sunset Sugar Scrub to Dermaplaning and traditional facials and rejuvenation treatments. Many of the treatments can be done outdoors creek side, weather permitting.

Worth booking: the Spa’s Holistic Experiences, which can be scheduled as private sessions or in small groups. These include a transformative Vibrational Therapy Sound Healing, Shamanic Drum Reiki, and an uncannily accurate Whispers of the Earth Oracle Reading. (When in Sedona, tarots and oracles are local musts.) The Spa’s Shinrin-Yoku or Connecting With Nature experience guides your connection with the natural surroundings with a small (up to four people) group. An outdoor heated pool and hot tub, located off the spa, are open year-round.

The Cress on Oak Creek restaurant and bar sits creek side, with al fresco dining a must. Fresh juices, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and locally inspired meat and fish dishes are menu highlights. There’s always room for indulgences, too: Bourbon Glazed Brioche French Toast, the crispiest Frites, and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip Skillet Cookie.

The Spa Retreat package encourages guests to immerse themselves in this resort’s natural surroundings with a 3-night stay in a Spa Cottage, a $500 spa credit, and a wellness lunch for two. Equally relaxing customized packages are also available.