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Enchantment at SedonaBy Angela Wibking
Back in 1901, intent on getting a post office established in this area 120 miles north of Phoenix, Schnebly proposed the town be called Schnebly Station. Luckily, that suggestion was rejected as being too long and he submitted the first name of his wife, Sedona, instead. As Shakespeare pointed out, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. So would Sedona have proved equally attractive even if it were not Sedona called. With its mild, dry climate, breathtaking red sandstone formations and lush oak-lined canyons, the area was destined to enchant all who encountered it. Today, Sedona’s spell is nowhere more apparent than at Enchantment, a 70-acre resort that lies in the midst of the vast Coconino National Forest, a few miles outside of town. The enclave of adobe-style buildings keeps a low profile among the striking red rocks of Boynton Canyon and accommodations run from guest bedrooms with private decks to spacious cottages with kitchens, living areas and private entrances and patios. Each morning guests awaken to freshly-squeezed orange juice and a newspaper delivered in a closed wicker basket to their door. There’s also an in-room coffee maker for those who need their caffeine first thing – and who want to enjoy it on their private deck overlooking the canyon’s sheer red cliffs and fragrant pine forest. Breakfast can also be enjoyed in one’s room or in the Yavapai Dining Room, just a short stroll away. The dining room is one of two resort restaurants and it also features an awesome view from its wrap-around deck that overlooks the resort’s outdoor pool. For breakfast, choose from the menu or indulge in the buffet laden with chunky homemade granola, yogurt, fruit, pastries, eggs, biscuits, gravy, bacon and sausage. Highly recommended is the breakfast burrito, from the menu, which consists of two whole-wheat tortillas filled with scrambled egg substitute, cilantro, chilies, avocado and tomato. Post-breakfast activities might include a little practice on the putting green, tennis or croquet, bike riding, hiking or swimming. Working out at the fitness facility or indulging in one of the spa services are other options. And for those who want to expand the mind and spirit while they hone and refresh the body, Enchantment is ideally situated. Since the 1980s the entire area has been a magnet for New Age devotees, who maintain that Sedona is home to several vortexes – or centers of energy. One such vortex is located on the Enchantment resort itself (Boynton Canyon has been a sacred site to Native Americans for thousands of years). While my husband and I didn’t delve too deeply into this aspect of Sedona on our visit to Enchantment, we did take an enlightening journey some 800 years back in time one morning. The time machines in which we traveled were actually jeeps from Pink Jeep Tours, a company that provides a variety of scenic and educational itineraries. Our own tour was to an ancient Sinaguan cliff dwelling. The Sinaguan people carved their homes out of the face of the area’s red rocks eight centuries ago and today one can still see smoke-smudged walls and other remnants of their community. Gazing back at the 20th-century visitors are images of animals and spirits painted on the cliffs ages ago by these early residents. Yet another tour well worth taking is a Kodak Jeep tour of the Mogollon Rim. On this trip experienced photographers guide guests up the rim and make stops at choice spots for photos. The guides also offer tips on framing shots and suggest interesting angles. The dining options in Sedona are every bit as outstanding as the photo opportunities. Besides our excellent meals at Enchantment, we especially enjoyed the French cuisine at L’Auberge de Sedona and the Italian fare at Joey Bistro at the Los Abrigados resort. For more information on Enchantment, call (800)826-4180 or visit their web site at http://www.enchantmentresort.com. Photo
by Angela Wibking |
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TM
You’ve got to wonder if
Sedona, Ariz., would have become the popular destination it is today if its
founder T.C. Schnebly had been able to go with his original choice for the
town’s name.