The Amenities Those looking for genuine service will be pleased with Amara. Amenities anticipate every need — like umbrellas in guestrooms or the “public bikes,” free to all guests, for exploring shopping, art galleries or single-track. As cozy as it is, Amara’s prime location encourages guests to explore the iconic red rock formations and fabled vortexes before heading back to float in the heated, infinity- edge pool. Hiking trails, shopping and other adventures are minutes away, thanks to the resort’s complimentary shuttle. And a note to pet lovers. Amara is quite pet-friendly. A sign in the lobby welcomes every furry friend staying as a guest. There are also dog treats and a water bowl near check-in. The Restaurant Each day of our stay, we enjoyed the gorgeous red-rock view from the patio of Amara’s signature restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen. Led by executive chef David Duncan, SaltRock’s menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients inspired by the Verde Valley. SaltRock’s craft cocktail program spotlights the most extensive selection of agave spirits in town, along with drinks with a Sedona twist. Case in point: Guests can order Vortex Therapy, a cocktail with turmeric-infused vodka and inner peace flower elixir. The Spa After a day of play, unwind at the award-winning Amara Spa. Treatments range from head (CBD facial) to toe (foot reflexology) and focus on Sedona-centric experiences. Try the Winds of Change, a signature service featuring native rattles, sage, crystals and specially crafted oils. Learn more at amararesort.com . The entire point of going to Sedona is to enjoy nature, and the options for doing that are almost limitless. Jeep tours, stargazing, wine tasting — not to mention the countless hikes and bike rides Red Rock Country has to offer — are perfect ways for weekenders to enjoy the cooler weather and clear blue skies. Here are tips from locals for keeping it chill. SKIP THE TRAFFIC Consider driving into Sedona via wine country. Take the Cornville Road exit and go by the wineries and tasting rooms. Rocker and winemaker Maynard James Keenan recently opened his new tasting room, Four Eight Wineworks, in Old Town Cottonwood. It offers a variety of wines and a limited food menu. Visit four8wineworks.com to learn more. TAKE THE SHUTTLE In April 2022, the Sedona Shuttle became the City of Sedona’s first foray into public transportation. In the last year, the shuttle has been used by well over a quarter million passengers to provide free parking, rides and access to five popular trailheads from three park-and-ride locations. This free, easy and eco-friendly service is an ideal way to explore popular sites like Cathedral Rock, Dry Creek Vista, Little Horse, Mescal and Soldier Pass without worrying about parking. Trailhead shuttles run year-round from Thursday through Sunday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Info at sedonashuttle.com . OH SO ZEN The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is an outdoor venue for prayer, meditation and spiritual renewal for people of all faiths. It is filled with two Buddhist stupas, a Native American medicine wheel and numerous spots for meditation and quiet contemplation. Open daily and free of charge. THE ROAD LESS TAKEN The locals will tell you — social media has changed the area. Sedona is so popular, droves of people coming wanting to snap pictures with a short list of famous red rocks. To encourage hikers to explore more than just the same top trails, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau introduced Sedona’s Secret 7. Aimed at hikers looking for paths less traveled, it offers trails deemed “hidden gems” by locals. It also offers seven locations within seven categories — hiking, biking, vistas, picnics, stargazing, arts & culture and the journey of the Indigenous Peoples — for a total of 49 hidden gems scattered across the Greater Sedona area. To learn more, go to visitsedona.com/sedona-secret-7 . Keep the Vibe Going 34 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

The majestic red rocks of Sedona are on full display from Ambiente’s 40 cubed-shaped, glass-encased “atriums” that seem to float above the rugged terrain. One of the most anticipated hotel openings in the country, Ambiente made its much-buzzed-about debut as North America’s first landscape hotel in February. Bordering the Coconino National Forest, all atriums in the property offer the same 576-square-foot king accommodations. However, the dramatic 360-degree views vary drastically as each atrium has been expertly placed to maximize view corridors. Elevated above the ground by steel piers and constructed using floor-to-ceiling, bronze-tinted glass and matte-charcoal and rusted metal, Ambiente’s atriums are designed to blend in with and reflect the surrounding geography. With a focus on sustainable methods and organic, modern architecture, the atriums’ sleek design reflects elegant minimalism, while the interiors offer the best in luxurious contemporary accommodations. All atriums have access to their own private rooftop deck for the ultimate sunbathing and stargazing experience. Lounge seating, a roaring firepit and a comfortable daybed make it an ideal perch to see the beaming stars, thanks to Sedona’s Dark Sky Association. The adults-only hotel features the Velvet Spa, an intimate, five-room spa offering a range of restorative treatments that use locally sourced ingredients. Forty1, the restaurant at Ambiente, has an all-female executive team. It is led by executive chef Lindsey Dale, a talented young chef with an appreciation for the spirit of the Verde Valley and a commitment to showcasing its abundance in her cuisine. For more information, visit ambientesedona.com . Just Opened — and Jaw-Dropping Ambiente — Sedona’s first new luxury hotel in decades — combines luxury with sustainability FROM THE ROAD FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 35