L’Auberge de Sedona Just Got Steamier

L’Auberge de Sedona underwent an extensive, $25 million renovation period that was completed last year, and the new look and feel of this luxury hotel is certainly worth checking out. L’Auberge de Sedona is sporting a newly designed lobby and has completely redesigned Lodge rooms and Creekside and Garden Cottages. Several brand new Spa Cottages and Vista Cottages and Suites have been added, and probably it’s most exciting addition is its private outdoor showers! In case you were looking for a hotel that knows how to kick up the romance, L’Auberge de Sedona definitely just got a little bit steamier. The cottages now have an enclosed, outdoor cedar shower open to the sky, perfect for viewing the sunrise or the night sky. The cottages also feature fireplaces, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs, and private balconies or patios. A few other noteworthy renovations include a redesign of their award winning spa, a Veranda Bar, and a new saltwater pool with a deck overlooking the Sedona Red Rock formations. Be sure to explore L’Auberge de Sedona for an intimate getaway with your significant other!

Spirituality, Spa Life & Sedona Rouge

If you are looking for a luxury hotel experience with a side of spiritual awakening,
Sedona Rouge is the perfect property for you.

For years, the city of Sedona has served as an artistic and spiritual home for residents
who find inspiration in the trademark red rocks and the city's Vortex sites. The four major
Vortex sites in Sedona are areas of enhanced energy that are said to facilitate meditation,
self realization, and mind/body/soul healing.

With intuitive services such as Psychic Reading, Tarot, and Spiritual Acupuncture,
the Spa at Sedona Rouge is the perfect location to facilitate a journey to self discovery.
The spa’s certified massage therapists are devoted professionals, well versed in many
bodywork modalities including Reflexology, Cranial Sacral, Cupping Massage, Myofascial
Release, Lomi Lomi, Thai Massage, and traditional Ayurvedic services. If you like, you can
stay in one of the Spa rooms or suites, which are located in the Spa building.

And for those who prefer their luxury hotel experience with a side of nature,
Sedona Rouge offers that as well. The luxury property is just one mile away from
trailheads at Thunder Mountain, the entrance to Red Rock Country, and hundreds of acres
of Coconino National Forest.

A Boutique Critique: Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa

I have a special place in my heart for tiny boutique hotels. It may be a little smaller than some of the other chambers, and there aren't enough spots for everybody, but that just makes the few who do make their way into my good graces all the more special. I can give each and every one the loving care and attention they deserve. And thus began my new segment on boutique hotels that I just adore.

If there is such a thing as an icon for boutique hotels, a type that prides itself on diversity and individuality, the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa could be regarded as it. It may tend towards a little bit larger and a little bit more standard in its service and amenities than some of the more outlandish design hotels, but in its solidity lies its strength. Sedona Rouge does everything that a boutique hotel should, and it does it very well. The specialty of the hotel is, of course, its spa, which is a destination in and of itself. Customizable treatment and ample facilities mean you can always find what you're looking for, and a few things that you weren't. Enjoy the outdoor seating at Reds Restaurant in their cozy bamboo garden, and when you're done, you can soak in their heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. Sedona Rouge brings the Mediterranean to the Southwest, transplanting the European hotel spa culture to the breathtaking landscape of Arizona's mountainous desert regions. 

Rainbow Bright: Sedona Rouge's Refraction is Second to None

I think a lovely photo is excuse enough to write a blog one of my favorite properties, and it's time we follow in nature's footsteps and shed some light on the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa anyway.  A small, modern boutique hotel and spa, Sedona Rouge combines a mediterranean flair with gorgeous Southewestern scenery and Andalusian luxury. The aptly named Sedona Spa is the perfect place to slough the trail dust off after an outdoor adventure by making use of one of their personalized treatment plans. Once you've got a nice spring in your step, head on over to REDS restaurant for the finest cuisine this side of the Pacific Ocean that's served in an outdoor bamboo garden. The mountain landscape is the perfect backdrop for a weekend (or longer!) away from the helter skelter stress of daily life.  And this weekend, nature gave her seal of approval with a lovely rainbow. 

Photo courtesy of the Sedona Rouge Facebook Page.

Top 10 Spas All Over the World

What do you get when you combine luxury, serenity, and incredibly gifted hands? The best spa resorts, of course! Check out our list of the top 10 luxury spas all over the world, make your reservation for that much needed vacation, and step into a relaxing paradise of mineral baths, facials, saunas, mud masks, massages, and much more.

10. The Wickaninnish Inn, Canada

This peaceful spa is surrounded by forest on the Pacific Ocean, creating the perfect, natural environment with the sound of splashing waves and the smell of the ocean permeating the atmosphere. This spa offers high-quality spa products and its estheticians focus on providing a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

9. Auberge de Soleil, United States

Located in the wine country of San Francisco, this spa is surrounded by private gardens and breathtaking views of Napa Valley. This spa offers the opportunity to partake in relaxing activities for romantic couples or friends of four with access to a private outdoor garden and hot spring. Embrace this spa’s philosophy of nurturing the body and mind while sinking into a peaceful state of relaxation.

8. Banyan Tree, Thailand

This one is considered to be one of Asia’s most spectacular spa resorts. All of this resort’s 123 villas have access to their own garden and an open air sunken bathtub, 52 of its villas have their own Jacuzzi, and 46 have their own private swimming pool. For the ultimate getaway, consider one of 13 villas with access to a private pool, Jacuzzi, private steam, and sauna room, and be sure to sign up for this hotel’s renowned ‘Intimate Moments’ partner massage.

7. The Grove, United Kingdom

The Grove is London’s cosmopolitan country estate, and it offers spa treatments that sooth and stimulate all of your senses. This spa prides itself on offering a total caring experience and ensuring that you escape, relax, and re-energize during your stay. Breathe in the tranquility, breath out the stress, and leave with a little more balance in your life.

6. Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa, United States

This spa is located in a private red rock canyon in Sedona, Arizona-- in what is considered to be one of the most sacred healing places on Earth. World class spa therapists create unique and memorable experiences and offer a variety of specially tailored services, aiming to provide a sense of harmony and health.

5. The Setai, United States

This Miami Beach luxury spa embraces ancient traditions and offers a complete experience with access to three private, sparkling swimming pools. This spa is dedicated to absolute privacy and relaxation, and its treatments will leave you feeling fresh and revitalized.

4. Four Seasons Hualalai Kona, United States

This exotic, Hawaiian themed spa integrates tropical gardens and exudes serenity. Its complimentary, pre-spa services include access to the lap pool, whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, and cold plunges. The treatment massages can be performed outside amidst beautiful nature and bamboo that naturally bring about a sense of calm.

3. Le Sirenuse, Italy

This spa embraces the ancient philosophy of individualized treatments to reach harmony from the inside out.  Be sure to take advantage of their unique treatment options and enjoy various services made especially for your needs.

2. Four Seasons Bali Jimbaran Bay, Indonesia

Inspired by the surrounding ocean, this resort has eight magnificent treatment rooms and offers suites equipped with outdoor soaking tubs. The spa treatments utilize essences of plants, aromas of healing flowers, and herbs and spices, all blended together to create soothing and rejuvenating recipes for an enhanced experience.

1. Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands

Dramatically located on a cliff’s edge, this spa overlooks the resort and the beautiful Sir Francis Drake Channel below. The indigenous botanical resources along with therapeutic practices make for the most relaxing spa experience. The best part, however, is that this spa is willing to accommodate you in their Cliff Spa Suite, in your room, on the beach, or even under the stars!

Try as we might, we just couldn’t pick one favorite, so we encourage you to share your favorite luxury spa experiences with us on Facebook. Is your favorite spa on our list? Let us know! We love hearing from you.

Summer Sale at Arizona's Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa

Whether you're looking for some adrenaline-pumping adventures in Red Rock Country or some spa rejuvenation this summer, the Sedona Rouge Hotel has got you covered. Nestled in the midst of spectacular crimson canyons in Sedona, Arizona, the luxury hotel is running a summer promotion with 30% off your room rates. Not only that-- you also get discounts on resort services, ie. 15% off any spa treatment, plus a $25 resort credit for use in REDS Restaurant or poolside dining. Hurry, you must book the "Summer Promotion" by June 28, 2011! (Available for stays through September 1, 2011.)

Explore Arizona's Red Red Country with Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa

The Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa has a sublime setting amidst the dramatic rock formations in Arizona's Red Rock Country. When you bed down at the Sedona Rouge Hotel, you've got this otherworldly scenery at your doorstop; the monoliths Coffeepot, Cathedral and Thunder Mountain are ripe for exploration. The Sedona Rouge gets great reviews for its plush rooms and friendly service, so why not plan a summer adventure today? The hotel has put together two packages for guests to venture into the desert, guaranteed to be awestruck by the area's natural splendor. (After a day of exploration, the resort's luxury spa awaits...)

With the "Broken Arrow Adventure Package," you get to embark on an exhilarating desert tour provided by Sedona Pink Jeep Tours. You also get a $50 dining credit to be used at Reds Restaurant in addition to two nights accommodation in a Deluxe Sedona guest room. Priced from $650 from June 1- August 31, 2011; subject to availability.

The hotel also offers the "Grand Canyon Experience," including two nights accommodation and a $50 dining credit, where guests travel with Pink Jeep Tours to the Grand Canyon's South Rim, lunch at the famous El Tovar restaurant, and stop at the Cameron Trading Post on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Priced from $830 from June 1- August 31, 2011; subject to availability.