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 L’AUBERGE SPA + IN SEDONA
By Lisa Scafuro
Photos courtesy of L’Auberge de Sedona
In the heart of this scenic town with its truly majestic and breathtaking views is L’Auberge de Sedona. L’Auberge is a quaint inn, tucked away in a secluded and romantic setting alongside the Oak Creek. The tranquil surroundings of the L'Auberge grounds offer stunning views of the red sandstone formations of the Red Rocks Mountains. The nearby Schnebley Hill formations, also referred to as "Bear Wallow Canyon" (which extends up to the edge of Mogollon Rim), are readily viewed from various vantage points spread throughout the resort's lovely eleven acres in the creekside canyon.
 L'Auberge offers charming Country European inspired guest rooms and private cottages with a rustic, elegant appeal. Guests can choose staying n the spacious suites located in The Lodge, which has two cozy wood burning fireplaces in its lobby, or choose one and two bedroom cottages offering either garden or creek views; most cottages have fireplaces and covered porches. Luxurious room appointments include: ultra plush bedding and towels, bathrobe and slippers, an array of wonderful English toiletries, hair dryer, bottled water, individual stereo systems, and fresh-cut flowers in each room.
At night, the resort atmosphere takes on a magical air and is truly quite romantic. On Friday evenings at sunset, guests can sit outdoors by a fireplace on the Garden Side Lawn and gaze at the stars through telescopes provided by local astronomer, Dennis Young of "Sedona By Starlight". A leisurely walk along the sandy beach path located at the edge of the Oak Creek is simply enchanting, especially in the evening hours. There are intermittent areas alongside the creek to sit and just take in the quietude of it all, save for the softly flowing water and an occasional "quack quack" from ducks nearby. Eventually, the sandy path opens to the twinkling lights of L'Auberge's creek side dining terrace where guests are treated to a unique and unforgettable evening.
The L'Auberge Restaurant is considerably one of the top restaurants in the state of Arizona, or for that matter, the entire country. Offering up world class culinary experiences with an impressive wine list that Wine Spectator Magazine awarded Best of Excellence in 2005, L’Auberge Restaurant is memorable. The menu is French, the indoor and outdoor environment is sublimely elegant, intimate, and absolutely superb, and the service is impeccable! Renowned Executive Chef Jonathan Gelman fuses French and Mediterranean influences with locally grown produce and seasonal ingredients to create an amazing feast for the palate and the eyes.
For guests who would like to venture out into the town of Sedona for various dining experiences, Garlands is a longtime favorite, as is Shugrue's Hillside Grill, well-known for its seafood, and for lunch, The Secret Garden located in Tlaquepaque Village is pleasant, and has a bakery on site.
 As for pampering and relaxation, just sitting on one's porch listening to the sounds of the creek and gazing at incredible mountain views can transport L'Auberge guests into an almost hypnotic- like state. L'Auberge does have a pool and Jacuzzi, and scheduled to open in Fall 2006, the new L'Auberge Spa. The spa will consist of four massage rooms (one of which will contain two tables for couples massage), a soaking tub, Swiss shower, and an array of spa services: facials, manicures, pedicures, various massage treatments to choose from, even a creek-side treatment massage under a covered canopy.
For recreational fun there is plenty to do in the surrounding area such as horseback riding, fly fishing, golfing, and hiking. Within the immediate town of Sedona are some incredible photographic opportunities. One does not need to venture far or climb steep peaks to get a view of some amazing natural vistas. Some popular and very scenic spots include the drive towards Boynton Canyon along Dry Creek Road, Red Rock State Park with its amazing views of Cathedral Rock, the top of Airport Road and its Airport Mesa Vortex, and the very inspiring vantage point from the Sedona landmark, Chapel of the Holy Cross, which is actually built between canyon walls of red rock. The Chapel was built in 1956, and designed by female architect Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.
The town of Sedona itself takes on a chameleon-like atmosphere with the changing of the four seasons, and with this comes the various seasonal art festivals and celebrations. Over the years the town has attracted many Hollywood film crews and artists to the area to film or paint the stunning sandstone cliffs. It is said that Zane Grey, famous author of Call of the Canyon frequented Sedona and based his writings around the area. In 1923, he convinced Jesse Lasky to film the silent movie based upon his book in the Oak Creek/Sedona area. Today, the town of Sedona is host to the International Sedona Film Festival. Also of note in the history of Sedona's art world is the founding of the Cowboy Artists of America in 1965, and its continuing influence on Western art. Other areas of interest in the Sedona area are the Coconino National Forrest, Magenta Cliffs, Slide Rock State Park, and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (an authentic Mexican village designed by the architect Benny Gonzoles). Within relatively short driving distance is Montezuma’s Castle (ancient Indian cliff dwellings), Arcosanti (prototype futuristic city of world famous architect Paolo Soleri), the towns of Prescott and Jerome (a ghost town), Flagstaff's San Francisco Peaks and the Lowell Observatory.
Getting there: Sedona is 120 miles north of Phoenix and is approximately a 2-hour drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. L’Auberge de Sedona is located at 301 L’Auberge Lane in Sedona. For more information, call (800) 272-6777or visit them on the web at www.lauberge.com.
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