Spectacular Arizona adults-only escape

The hotel

Ambiente Sedona, Arizona, US

A little luxury at the Ambiente Sedona.

Check-in

The recipient of two Michelin “keys”, Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel on 1.25 hectares bordering Cococino National Forest, is designed to immerse guests in the red-rock country of northern Arizona. Step through colossal wooden doors into the vast, earth-hued lobby, where all eyes are on the dramatic spires of the Brins Mesa range.

The look

Each of the hotel’s 40 atriums are angled to make the most of the incredible vistas, with black matte metal and tinted glass reflecting the surrounding landscape. The cubes seemingly float on steel pillars, while the preservation of an ancient waterway is key to the resort’s soundscape. Atriums furthest from the highway (Landscape Atriums) are clear winners, with uninterrupted views; ones at the back suffer from highway noise, despite best efforts to mask with soundproofing and water features.

An atrium with spiral stairs to the rooftop.

The room

I’ve been upgraded to a Landscape Atrium, and the view through the 180-degree picture windows is breathtaking. To lie in the cloudlike king-sized bed and watch the changing hues of the distant mesas is mesmerising; while blackout curtains that open at the touch of a button reveal an intimate morning view of the forest and its critters. A muted colour scheme ensures the eye is drawn to this living canvas; while styling triumphs include hand-painted wallpapers evoking delicate details of nature. The real magic occurs on the atrium rooftop, accessed via a spiral staircase, where a double daybed warmed by a fire pit is the perfect perch for watching the sunset or stargazing in this designated Dark Sky community.

Out + about

The red rocks of Sedona are said to radiate a powerful energy vortex, with the mysterious cosmic forces conducive for metaphysical exploration. New-agers and sceptics alike will get a kick out of a vortex tour, such as one run by Sedona’s ubiquitous Pink Jeep Tours; or further manifest your intentions by visiting a crystal shop. The trailhead for Adobe Jack hiking trail is adjacent to Ambiente; while guests can utilise the complimentary car service (in a cool Audi RS e-Tron GT) for easy access to the shops, galleries and restaurants of downtown Sedona.

Arizona’s red-rock landscape.

Food + drink

Accessed through the pool gate, Ambiente’s restaurant, Forty1, feels like an afterthought; but with the tinkling of the pool fountains and flanked by a fire pit terrace, it’s a pleasant environment for dining, with a modern south-western menu created by chef David Duncan focusing on indigenous flavours and ingredients sourced from the surrounding Verde Valley. While delicious, food is on the pricey side – a Wagyu ribeye will set you back $US88/$136 – and this is the first time I’ve seen a $US100 cocktail on a hotel menu (it’s The Benjamin, should you choose to order it, made with Komos Extra Anejo (a tequila), lime, agave, Grand Marnier and edible gold). Breakfast up to $US40 is included, but this too vanishes quickly when a latte clocks in at $US12. A cheese and charcuterie platter delivered to your atrium and consumed on the rooftop at sunset is a must.

The Forty1 Bar.

THE VERDICT

With its exquisite design and some of the best views in Sedona, I am loathe to leave Ambiente, regretting I hadn’t booked a longer stay. This adults-only gem does come at a hefty price, however, so it’s definitely in the “special occasion” category.

ESSENTIALS

Atriums start at $US679 ($1050) a night, up to $US1699 a night for Landscape Atriums. There are two accessible atriums with a ground-level patio and fire pit. 900 West State Route 89A, Sedona, Arizona. See ambientesedona.com

OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE

★★★★

Highlight
Watching the setting sun illuminate the Sedona pinnacles from the rooftop terrace, wine and cheese in hand, is a life-affirming moment.

Lowlight
While the rooms are whisper-quiet, the constant hum of highway traffic from the rooftop terraces breaks Sedona’s mystical spell somewhat.

The writer was a guest of Ambiente Sedona.