The past summer in New York didn’t come with its typical heat and humidity which has a way of turning me into a wilting lily. I also didn’t go away at all on vacation so the weather’s cooperation was a huge plus.  As my summer began winding down, I was primed for a  September long week-end at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ. The plan was to join my husband who would already be there on a work retreat.

I’d been scouring countless articles about the area’s breathtaking red rock landscape, glorious sunsets and incredible hiking trails. Especially intriguing were accounts of the area’s “vortex” energy, where the earth’s energy is supposedly increased, leading to self-awareness and inner healing. Soaking up some vortex vibes sounded pretty out there to me but a kumbaya event sounded very cool.

Enchantment is a 70-acre resort (which is actually just northwest of Sedona I discovered) and is known for its wilderness and the majestic red rocks of Boyton Canyon. The area was originally inhabited by the Yavapai tribe, who consider it their place of origin. The treatments, activities and food of the resort are designed to promote healing of mind, body and spirit.

The nearest airport to the resort is Phoenix and then it’s a two hour airport shuttle drive to get to Enchantment. Given that I was flying from NY (5 1/2 hours) plus the drive to get there it was guaranteed to be a schlep so I booked a spa treatment in advance the evening of my arrival. The name of the spa, Mii Amo, I learned was a Native American term signifying passage or journey.

Prickly Pear Margarita – Wow-worthy cocktail!

When I arrived at the resort it was around 5:00, giving me ample time to enjoy a cocktail that the resort is known for: a prickly pear margarita.  My massage wasn’t until 6:45  so I was able to look around and get a feel for the place. Sipping my margarita at the welcoming tapas/cocktail restaurant within the main lodge, I studied the exquisite landscape. The towering buttes, stately spires and majestic cliffs were painted every possible shade of blush and merlot. There was a couple sitting at a nearby table who had just arrived (from Nashville I later discovered) and they seemed to be equally impressed with the area’s natural beauty.

After I finished my margarita, I was escorted to my casita via golf cart. I later discovered that this is the preferred mode of transportation here and there always seemed to be a golf cart lurking nearby with a friendly driver anxious to transport you wherever you wanted to go.

Once I arrived at the Mii Amo spa I was given a tour of the premises and it was impressive. Set into the slope of the canyon, the 24,000 square foot complex is modern and filled with peaceful spaces that seem to flow into each other. The relaxing massage I later received didn’t disappoint either. ? Afterwards I grabbed a light dinner at the spa restaurant and was dead to the world as soon as my head hit the pillow back in the room.

Bright and early the following morning, I went to the spa to start the day with a moment of calm at the Crystal Grotto. Guests are encouraged to use the space for quiet contemplation as a daily ritual. The sign outside reads: “Take moment to focus on the crystal and set your intentions for the day. Your intention may be to relax, to breathe deeply, be joyful or whatever your heart desires.”

Crystal Grotto

I  next embarked on a “fitness walk” with 2 other guests. It was led by Anna, an energetic Russian woman, who advised us as we did our stretches of the magical energy nearby. “There are powerful energies coming from the rocks of Boyton Canyon,” she explained. “There are two types of energies: magnetic (female) and electric (male). They are in perfect balance so there is no tension here, only harmony.”

The fitness walk turned out to be more stretching than walking so I decide to venture off on one of the several hiking trails on the property. Map in hand, I started at the Boyton Canyon trail which looked like it turned into the Vista trail after about two miles. These trails are located right behind Mii Amo spa and are two of Sedona’s most beloved trails. I was hoping to reach either  the Kachina Woman or the Warrior Man, two of the so-called vortexes accessible from the trails. The idea of actually standing in a spiritual hot spot was exciting indeed.

Vista trail

So what happened? For starters, I got lost. The 5 mile hike turned out to be 12 miles, although I fortunately met two other equally lost hikers from Scottsdale along the way. In addition to encountering many colorful wildflowers and prickly pear cactus plants, we managed to narrowly avert getting mowed down by a javelina, Arizona’s famous pig-like desert dweller, as it flew past us. I also learned about how to kill a rattlesnake from my fellow wanderers – something that I’d never given any thought to before coming to Enchantment Resort. Luckily we didn’t come across any rattlesnakes though.

I’m sad to say I never found my way to Kachina Woman or Warrior Man. If I’d been willing to pay a guide $250 for leading me to one of the sacred energy spots I could have potentially experienced this amazing force of nature.  The truth is that I wasn’t too keen on forking out that much cash for this “life transforming” experience. I’m a skeptic by nature plus I had done my fair share of research on the area’s metaphysical claim to fame. There’s been lots written about how it’s a scam and doesn’t actually exist.

But I’ll add…

The Verde Valley in which Sedona is nestled is incredibly beautiful. It’s almost impossible to experience its staggeringly gorgeous red rock formations and  brilliant display of colors and shadows not to experience something comparable to a powerful spiritual experience whether you believe in the energy vortex or not. It’s incredible with or without the vortex experience.

I also managed to have a chance encounter with the celebrated flute player and local ambassador of good will on our way back to the spa. I’d heard about him from Anna,  our fitness walk guide, who mentioned him being  famous for playing his flute every morning on the rocks. He handed all three of us a heart-shaped stone and said, “Isn’t it a beautiful day? A perfect day to be in the most beautiful place in the world. Take this stone and carry it with you to spread all of the love and joy that I see you have within your heart.” 

Javelina

We finally found our way back to the spa and I went right to the juice bar. Thanks to the Mii Amo Passage smoothie, with strawberry, mango, banana, apple and orange juice, I was feeling refreshed in no time. Next I took a dip in the indoor pool with its soothing fountains before settling down with a good book under an umbrella at the outdoor pool. I had started reading “The Signature of All Things” by Elizabeth Gilbert on the plane – a terrific read if you are looking for something new.

My next two days at Enchantment Resort were spent along the same lines: hiking, relaxing at the spa and just zoning out while enjoying the spectacular scenery. Desert holly, sage and agave were in abundance on the hiking trails as were some creepy crawly creatures who quickly scurried away when they sensed someone approaching. I’d planned to attend more of the numerous activities that were being offered at the spa, which included cooking demonstrations, yoga classes, chanting, stargazing and mountain bike excursions – the list is too long to name them all – but all I managed to squeeze in was a meditation walk.

By Saturday, my husband was finally done with his meetings and was mostly recovered from a nasty cold he’d picked up on the flight out so we decided to venture into the town of Sedona to a restaurant named Mariposa. It was our last night and first dinner together since I’d arrived so I was hoping it would be as good as I’d heard .  The food and service didn’t disappoint but it was the view from the patio which was really outstanding. It’s definitely worth venturing off-property for, especially at sunset.

Mariposa restaurant

I’m back in New York now and able to reflect on the experience. I hadn’t been tempted to purchase any crystals, incense or healing stones while in Sedona, nor had I participated in any past life-life regression or aura readings at Mii Amo spa, but I’m definitely feeling rested and refreshed. Am I any more enlightened or spiritually connected to the universe? Probably not but the relaxation and tons of deep breathing  that my short stay provided did leave me with a lingering Zen reassurance that not having all the answers is just fine.

Sorry for my not including any fragrant findings in this week’s post. Stay tuned for next week when I’ll weigh in on flankers!

Until the next time,