A first-person travel review for the discerning travel professional shared by Joanie Ogg, Co Owner/Founder, Travel Professional NEWS.
Contributed By: Joanie Ogg, Co-Founder – Travel Professional NEWS
There are destinations you research, and then there are destinations that simply reach out and hold onto you. Sedona, Arizona is firmly in the second category. Amara Resort & Spa, tucked along the banks of Oak Creek with Cathedral Rock glowing pink in the distance, may be the finest base camp from which to experience it.
I have lived in Phoenix, Arizona for over six-years and cannot believe I have waited this long to discover the magic of Sedona. My best friend of over 50 years joined me on this Arizona adventure and discovery of all that Sedona has to offer. She and I always have fun wherever our girl-time takes us, but this trip was a highlight experience for both of us. We arrived for a two-night stay and my only regret is that we did not stay longer. We’ve traveled together long enough to know when a property is genuinely special, and within the first ten minutes at Amara, we both knew it was going to be wonderful stay.
Day One: Arrival & Settling In
The Arrival Experience
The resort’s recently completed multimillion-dollar renovation is immediately evident, but not in a cold or over-designed way.
The lobby greets you with local Native American-inspired artwork and striking Lyman Whitaker wind sculptures that move like living things in the afternoon breeze. Throughout the property, you encounter pieces by Sedona artists the design choices feel intentional and genuinely local, not decorative filler. I particularly loved their logo design which features a Jackalope, a mythical North American folklore creature. They use this image all throughout the resort in various medium and it is so charming and perfectly enhances the special mood of Sedona.
Valet parking is complimentary (included in the resort fee), and the check-in was genuinely warm, not scripted warm, but the kind that makes you feel like you were actually expected. We were welcomed by Stella, a lovely young lady who offered us a glass of champagne and shared all that we needed to know and expect while staying at the resort. We are both big-dog Moms and when we saw there was a pet welcome board at the front entrance listing guests’ dogs by name we knew we would be back with our pups someday. It’s a small gesture that tells you a lot about how this property thinks and respects it’s guests and their canine companions.
| ✦ AGENT INSIGHT: Pet-Friendly Clients
Amara is one of Arizona’s most genuinely pet-welcoming resorts — dogs are celebrated at arrival with a personalized welcome board. Position this confidently for clients who travel with pets and want a luxury experience and inclusive experience with their pups. All of Sedona is exceptionally dog-friendly is is considered a premier pet-friendly destination. Hiking trails, restaurants with patios and even some shops welcome the furry friends inside their establishments! |
The Room
Our guest room was lovely and thoughtfully designed without seeming overdone. Our room was furnished with two queen-size beds and the headboards are hand-crafted from locally sourced fallen trees, an unusual and beautiful touch. The color palette of the furnishings and decor is soft and relaxing. The linens are Italian and the pillow-top beds were so comfortable. They also provided plush robes for guests to use throughout the stay. We saw many guests making their way to the hot tub and the spa donning their white robes. The vibe of this resort is elegant and relaxed at the same time. The room also had a walk-in closet which as we all know is not common in a hotel but was a lovely feature. I am not sure all rooms are configured with the large closet, but it is certainly useful for two ladies traveling and shopping.
There is a large flat-screen TV and an in-room safe as well as a fully stocked refrigerator and coffee machine. The room is beautiful and the personal patio is fantastic. We had a ground floor room but were told that the second story room balconies offer an uninterrupted sightline to Snoopy Rock which at sunrise turns to the color of embers and was simply magical.
| ✦ AGENT INSIGHT: Couples & Honeymooners
Oak Creek-side suites with whirlpool tubs, infinity pool sunsets, and SaltRock’s romantic al fresco dining make Amara a top romantic escape in the Southwest. Pair with a spa package for a strong upsell. |
Afternoon: The Infinity Pool
After settling in, there was really only one right move for us and that was to enjoy a glass of wine lounging at the zero-edge infinity pool. They do offer poolside cabanas by reservation. There is a large hot tub, fire pits, Adirondack chairs and other amenities that are placed thoughtfully allowing everyone the amazing views of Snoopy Rock and the majestic red-rocks right in front of you. One thing we both noted was the relaxed social energy we felt just taking it all in. The resort really has a special vibe that reminds you to slow down and take it all in.
Evening: SaltRock Southwest Kitchen
Our drive up to Sedona made both of us just want to settle into Amara and relax and enjoy their restaurant and lounge and we are so glad we did. Dinner at SaltRock Southwest Kitchen was one of the highlights of our trip. We had perfect weather so we opted to sit outside in the al fresco patio facing the red rocks, and the light at golden hour does something almost theatrical to the landscape. Kudos to the entire staff in the kitchen and the wait staff. The service was fantastic and the kitchen takes seasonal ingredients seriously. They also offer a craft cocktail program (scratch-made with seasonal infusions) which is genuinely impressive. The margaritas here have a local reputation so we had to give them a try. The reputation is well deserved in my opinion.
After a wonderful meal we decided to make our way into town to enjoy some live music at a restaurant called 89Agave that had been recommended to me by a friend. We strolled along the shops as many were still open on the Saturday night and the live music and yes, another great margarita put the lid on our first glorious day in Sedona.
Day Two: Red Rocks, Art & Wellness
Morning: Breakfast & The Trail
Well rested from a great night’s sleep we started our second day with a lovely breakfast out on the al fresco patio of SaltRock Southwest Kitchen. The weather was glorious and it was the perfect start to the day enjoying coffee and a light meal. Again, the food was fabulous and the setting looking out at Snoopy Rock was magnificent. We were told the resort offers yoga classes, but we did not have the time this trip. Yet another reason for us to come back and enjoy that amenity.
By mid-morning we were lacing up for a hike. We know that there are many hiking opportunities in Sedona. We needed a little guidance though so the concierge pointed us toward a trail through Red Rock Country that was achievable without being too difficult and it was accessible right from the resort’s doorstep. The red sandstone formations up close are something else entirely: layered, ancient, and quietly humbling. Sedona’s trail network ranges from gentle creekside walks to more demanding climbs, and the concierge team is genuinely good at matching guests to the right experience. If your clients are hikers, this is a destination that will exceed their expectations. If they’ve never hiked before, it may turn them into one.
| ✦ AGENT INSIGHT: Active & Outdoor Travelers
Amara sits within easy reach of some of the most scenic hiking in the American Southwest — from creekside nature walks to iconic formations like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. The concierge team can arrange guided hikes tailored to any fitness level, making this as approachable for first-timers as it is rewarding for seasoned hikers. |
Afternoon: Tlaquepaque Arts Village
After the trail, we cleaned up and grabbed the resort’s complimentary golf cart shuttle into town, a thoughtful detail that removes the parking headache entirely. In fact we did not return to our car until we checked out of the property to head home. Now, that is my idea of vacation!
Our destination was Tlaquepaque Arts Village, a short ride from the resort and one of the Southwest’s most distinctive shopping and gallery experiences. The architecture alone is worth the trip: a Spanish Colonial-style village of cobblestone courtyards, hand-painted tiles, and bougainvillea spilling over iron gates. The galleries and artisan shops are genuinely curated containing original paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and textiles by regional artists. This is not a tourist trap. We each left with things we actually wanted, she some jewelry and me some gifts for my three grand girls.
We decided to walk back along the main road through downtown and the views of the red rocks all around us were mesmerizing. We took so many pictures! It was just hard to not capture the moments as we strolled along. We also did a bit more shopping as we made our way back to the hotel. This is totally a walkable destination and I encourage anyone who visits to take advantage of the freedom of not having to drive everywhere.
| ✦ AGENT INSIGHT: Art & Culture Travelers
Tlaquepaque Arts Village is a short shuttle ride from Amara and stands as one of the finest arts shopping destinations in the region. Combined with Uptown Sedona’s gallery scene, this is a natural fit for clients who want a culturally rich experience alongside their nature and wellness itinerary. |
Evening: Amara Spa & Fireside
We ended the afternoon at Amara Spa, which felt like exactly the right reward after a morning on the trail and a busy shopping day. The treatment menu draws intelligently from the high desert landscape, the signature Rain Dance massage uses lavender, rosemary, and sage oils, and the effect is deeply restorative. My friend booked the Moon Chasing Sun facial; I opted for a hot stone massage. We both emerged slower and quieter in the best possible way. Steam room and relaxation room access are included in the resort fee, making the spa accessible even Insert Photo: Gym Amara without a booked treatment.
There is also a great gym available for guests that even featured a Peloton Bike. I was so excited about that as I am a bit of a Peloton Junkie. If you have clients who are a bit nuts like me, they will love knowing they can get their bike fix at the property. I made a note to do just that in the morning before we checked out of the resort.
The evening ended at the lounge where we enjoyed some light appetizers and some delicious wine. The bar staff was so friendly and engaged us in some fun conversation sharing their love of all that is Sedona.
| ✦ AGENT INSIGHT: Wellness Travelers
Yoga classes, an award-winning spa with regionally inspired treatments, a well-equipped gymnasium, direct trail access to Red Rock Country, and Sedona’s legendary vortex energy make Amara a natural fit for wellness-focused clients. The Wellness Package is an easy and compelling add-on to recommend. |
Day Three: A Slow Goodbye
Even a two-night stay earns a proper morning. We took a final cup of ILLY coffee on our patio and watched the light move across the rocks, and checked out reluctantly. The resort’s thoughtful rhythm, complimentary bikes if you want to explore, shuttle if you’d rather not drive, yoga if you want to move, spa if you want to be still, means a short stay never feels rushed. There’s always one more thing you wish you’d gotten to. That, as much as anything, is what makes a property worth recommending.
The Bottom Line for Travel Agents
Amara Resort & Spa is a property that over-delivers on atmosphere without under-delivering on comfort. The recent renovation has elevated an already-strong product, and the resort fee structure, which bundles valet, Wi-Fi, yoga, coffee service, spa room access, and bikes, represents genuine value that’s easy to communicate to clients.
The location is a genuine asset: immediate access to world-class hiking, a short shuttle ride to Tlaquepaque and Uptown Sedona, and the kind of red rock scenery that photographs well and lives up to every photo. The property punches above its size, and with 5,000 square feet of meeting space it also works for small incentive groups and corporate retreats. Seasonal packages including Bed & Breakfast, Wellness, and Stay 3/Get 4th Night Free give agents flexible entry points for nearly any client profile.
But ultimately, what Amara sells isn’t amenities — it’s Sedona. And that may be the easiest destination story you’ll ever have to tell.
| AMARA RESORT & SPA | QUICK FACTS | |
| Location
Sedona, AZ — along Oak Creek |
Best For
Couples, wellness seekers, pet owners, small groups |
| Dining
SaltRock Southwest Kitchen + poolside bar |
Spa
Award-winning Amara Spa, 2 daily yoga classes |
| Resort Fee Includes
Valet, Wi-Fi, yoga, coffee, wine hour, bikes, spa rooms |
Packages
B&B, Wellness, Stay 3/Get 4th Free |