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THE KOALA GUIDE TO HANGING IN Sedona

Sedona

Put things in perspective with a weeklong retreat in America’s New Age Capital

Has anyone else noticed that 2020 has been a bit… stressful? As in confusing, bewildering, completely wackadoodle? Good, glad we weren’t the only ones. Fortunately, we know of an antidote for these turbulent times: Sedona. This artsy town in central Arizona is all about wellness and wide-open spaces, breathing clean mountain air and allowing the humbling beauty of nature make you feel re-centered and relaxed. The town is famous for its so-called vortexes, which are said to emanate positive energy. But even if you’re not a New Ager, the town’s extreme colors — crimson clifts, brilliant green forests, blue sky — will make you feel better, especially if you settle in for a weeklong stay.

The city’s Safe.Clean.Ready initiative has tips for visiting in the COVID-19 era, with more than 260 local businesses adopting its tandards. Even more enticing: The city is an easy drive from Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver, and Southern California. Sedona is a great destination for couples, groups of friends, families, or anyone who needs a place to decompress.

By Casey Hatfield-Chiotti

September 25, 2020

Where to Stay

Los Abrigados Resort & Spa

Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, with red-tiled roofs and covered arcades, is close to Sedona’s popular Tlaquepaque Arts Shopping Village. The resort has a heated outdoor pool, and its Sedona Spa offers rejuvenating treatments and steam rooms perfumed with eucalyptus. That alone makes it a KOALA favorite!

Timeshare rentals from $159 per night

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Sedona Pines Resort

Just outside of town, Sedona Pines Resort has abundant amenities, including a miniature golf course and an Italian restaurant with a beautiful outdoor patio. The spacious cottage accommodations have expansive kitchens and vaulted ceilings that allow the desert light to pour in.

Timeshare rentals from $109 per night

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The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort

This one is perfect for golf lovers: The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort is perched on a hillside next to the Oak Creek Country Club, whose 18-hole course overlooks the red rock landscape. The resort itself has spectacular views in every direction, and also sports a swimming pool and fitness center.

Timeshare rentals from $159 per night

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The Villas at Poco Diablo

At the more contemporary Villas at Poco Diablo, guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs and luxury linens. Splurge for a Poco King room for golf course views, balconies, and fireplaces. The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation owns the intimate spa and only uses sustainable, locally made products.

Timeshare rentals from $209 per night

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What Not to Miss

Heal thyself at one of Sedona’s famous vortexes, swirling centers of sacred energy that devotees swear help them feel inspired and uplifted. There are several vortexes in and around Sedona, but Boynton Canyon, just northwest of town, is revered by the Yavapai-Apache Nation as one of the strongest. It’s a quick quarter-mile walk to the Sedona Vortex, located on a knoll facing the rock spire known as Kachina Woman.

Devil’s Bridge, Sedona’s largest sandstone arch, offers a stunning Instagram op in exchange for a moderate 1.8-mile hike. The rock formation is wide enough to walk across, so hikers can get a great portrait seated or standing atop the arch, the vast valley spreading out beneath them.

“Miniature Grand Canyon” is an oxymoron, but that’s what Oak Creek Canyon is often called, thanks to its towering red rock cliffs and lush greenery. The scenic, sinuous drive through the canyon offers plenty of picnic stops; at Rainbow Trout Farm, you can fish the fully stocked freshwater pond and grill up your fresh catch — butter and lemon provided!

Best Authentic Eats

Sedona’s food scene reflects the flavors of the American Southwest, as well as the area’s focus on clean and healthful living. Chef Jeff Smestad’s extensive travels in Mexico and Arizona inspired the menu at Elote Café, where the dishes include pork shoulder carnitas with honey-arból drizzle and New Mexico Chimayo red chile–marinated shrimp.

The Vault serves creative, crowd-pleasing fare like Kobe beef burgers with caramelized onions and butternut squash enchiladas. The large patio has panoramic views of Sedona’s Red Rocks —rivaled only by the vistas at sister restaurant The Hudson.

Owned by a former Navy Seal and his savvy, health-conscious wife, Local Juicery offers everything you need to glow from the inside out: jewel-toned juices (the Melon Crush with watermelon, mint and lime is a local favorite), creamy smoothies, quinoa bowls, and a waffle that you won’t believe is gluten-free.

For something more indulgent, like white chocolate–laced lemon bars and plump croissants, head across the street to Layla’s Bakery Café, Sedona’s best European-style bakery. Their sea salt chocolate chip cookies are worth crossing a desert for!

Best Locally Owned Shops

Inspired by a traditional Mexican village, the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village has cobblestone walkways, water fountains, and stucco buildings covered in ivy. Browse the Southwestern-designed jewelry and home goods at Environmental Realist and the locally made pottery at Esteban’s. Refuel with a cardamom chai at The Chai Spot or a burger and beer at Oak Creek Brewery and Grill.

If you’re curious about crystals, look no further than Crystal Magic. The shop carries all sorts of polished and natural stones, and the staff will happily explain the significance of each, from grounding black amethyst to rose quartz, said to promote self-love and forgiveness.

With over 20,000 square feet of displays, Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art feels like a mini-museum. The gallery supports 100 internationally recognized sculptors, jewelers, and painters, like Kimberly Webber, whose haunting symbolist paintings feel uniquely suited to Sedona.

Best-Kept Secret

As beautiful as Sedona is during the day, it may be even more magical after the sun goes down. The stargazing at Baldwin Trailhead, which showcases the glittering night sky above Cathedral Rock’s silhouette, is food for the soul.

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