L’Auberge de Sedona

Whether you come for a meal at the farm-to-table restaurant, or to check-in and unplug in one of the twelve tree houses on the property, this place is a bucket-list must. Situated on twenty-five acres of farmland up a winding dirt road adjacent to Flora Farms, design-forward hotel offers some of the most incredible amenities (note: tree houses, fifteen feet off the ground, each with their own alfresco shower, plus terrace with palm grove views) and experiences like hiking, yoga, and access to roam the totally gorgeous on-site farm. The staff and owners are incredibly hospitable, so much so that you'll jump right into their awaiting Mezcal tasting upon arrival.

Esperanza is a classic resort to end all classic resorts. It’s a place to be pampered, it’s a place to comment on the service (in a good way), and it’s a place you will be met by a personal concierge with a margarita (for you) in hand. The pool scene incorporates mini massages, chilled bottles of water, and a generous offering of frozen fruit sticks when the midday heat hits. The cliff-top location on Punta Ballena (“Whale Point”)—between two private beaches overlooking the Sea of Cortez—is dramatic and stunning, especially in the winter when the humpback and gray whales migrate past. The casitas and suites are as luxe as you’d expect from an Auberge property: muted colors, natural handwoven rugs, Mexican artwork, and private whirlpool tubs. When ordering dinner at Cocina del Mar, take note: The elote corn and grilled oysters are two of the most exquisite dishes we’ve eaten in a while, and the sunset surf-and-turf experience at the beach palapa—ideal for two to four people—isn’t far behind.

Hacienda Beach Club is for the active holiday: Outdoor yoga, spinning, and complimentary water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding are just a few of the activities offered. And then you can unwind the kinks at the spa after. Note: These are fully-equipped villas for rent, making it a practical choice for a longer stay with the family—they have kitchens, as well as washer/dryers. It’s centrally located next to the marina and people who stay here love that they can walk to the beachfront shops and restaurants.

If the words “Cabo San Lucas” conjure visions of college kids doing tequila shots, let the words “One&Only Palmilla” replace those visions with palm trees, hummingbirds, and flowers the size of dinner plates. The property’s history goes back to 1956, when it served as a 15-room luxury escape for the president of Mexico. Since then, it’s been transformed into a 174-room resort with lush gardens, a pristine waterfront, top-notch service, and amenities that have their own amenities (everything from a welcome drink to turn-down service menus and personal butlers). And if you rent out one of the two private villas on the grounds, you get a whole team of personal butlers. And if that isn’t quite enough to send you running to the airport: The One&Only has one of the only swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, a spa featuring a shaman-led sweat lodge called a temazcal, and—if you’re planning a special occasion of the very special type—a historic chapel with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez.

Originally built as a private retreat for British billionaire Sir James Goldsmith, this Moorish-style, sustainability-minded manor is spread out over 25,000 acres of lush Costa Alegre beach and jungle, which you’ll share with the resident zebras, antelope, tropical birds, and other wildlife (guests are also encouraged to take part in Cuixmala’s Turtle Protection Program). Technically, there are only thirteen rooms on property, but four of them are group-friendly palatial villas that come with pools, multiple bedrooms, and private chefs. For a more economical and decidedly more romantic option, the nine secluded garden casitas, with their private terraces and access to the stunning pool, are a great choice. The regional fare served at any of the multiple on-site restaurants either comes from Cuixmala’s own organic farm or sourced from neighboring farms.

The biggest draw to this luxury boutique hotel is the long, private stretch of white sand beach on the nicest part of Playa La Ropa. Lounge under the oceanside palapas with coconut palms from the tropical gardens swaying overhead and a cold piña colada in-hand. Though it’s on the beach, not all rooms have an ocean view (we've heard the garden rooms can be a bit disappointing).

The beauty of this 120-room St. Regis resort is in its idyllic locale. Sprawled out over 1,500 acres along the Riviera Nayarit, the hotel is steps from the water and within driving distance from Puerto Vallarta’s colonial streets and the Marietas Islands. Outdoor showers, sun beds, and spacious terraces are standard with every guest room, while the residential-style Suite Sueños boasts a private pool and a state-of-the-art kitchen—ideal for hosting intimate gatherings. Though kids are welcome throughout the property (daycare services can be arranged, too), those looking for a more serene experience should retreat to the adults-only pool. And though it’s unlikely you’ll want for much, St. Regis Butler Service is readily available.

Perched high above the sea, all of the accommodations here are villas—whether one- or three-bedroom—and they all come with their own pools, offering epic views of the ocean. The restaurant and spa on site are both great, as is the access to Bali's other cultural treasures, like biking through the rice paddies and climbing volcanoes. Alila Villas Uluwatu is also close to some of Indonesia's best surfing, adding to the fact that there's a bevy of things to keep you entertained during your entire stay.

At the end of 2016, Nikki Beach opened a resort, spa, and a series of fifteen private villas on the Pearl Jumeirah property next to their pool club. In contrast to the overstated luxury that you'll find elsewhere in Dubai, Nikki Beach takes a minimalistic approach that is aesthetically very pleasing. Bright and modern, the expansive spaces are the artwork of Italian designer Gregory Gatserelia of Beirut-based Gatserelia Design. Everything is bright and modern, polished (but not coldly so). The multiple-floor beachside villas, which have their own pools, are hard to beat (shocker), but the resort rooms are lovely overall, and everything is lent an intimate, oasis feel.

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the Opposite House is part work of art (the pixilated green-glass exterior looks more like an installation from the outside), part boutique hotel. Known for its minimalist style, the rooms are rather spacious–a rarity for most of the city's hotels, and feature minimal decor mixed with traditional Chinese elements including an authentic oak soaking tub in each bathroom. The staff is incredibly efficient and will arrange for taxis to avoid hailing one on the street (a subtle luxury here). Pro tip: While this can be a great place to escape the city's frenetic pace, the first few floors can get noisy given the proximity to the bars and nightclubs–so it's best to ask for a quiet room on a higher floor.

The result of a masterful renovation and takeover by the luxury adventure collective, Eleven Experience, Bahama House is tucked into a restored 1800's pale-pink painted stone building in the heart of Dunmore Town. Guests are swept from the main airport in Eleuthera over to Harbour Island (about five minutes by water taxi). The eleven-room property, which includes two cottages, typically requires a full buy-out to stay here, making it a solid option for families traveling together or those craving a bit more privacy. Each room is unique, reminiscent of 1930's Palm Beach design (think vintage lamps, found antiques, bold Ikats and seagrass rugs, four-poster rattan beds, and a cacophony of block-printed textiles). The generously-sized bathrooms are a beauty lover’s dream, flooded with light, and feature hand-stamped Costa Rican tile floors. Many of the rooms offer views of the harbor and the freshwater swimming pool, and there are so many wraparound verandas and delightful little nooks and crannies for lounging you’d be hard pressed to take advantage of every single one during your visit. At night, don’t miss a nightcap in the jewelbox-sized Rum Bar, where you can sample spirits from all over the Caribbean. An on-site staff will do everything from cook your meals to arrange excursions to the Pink Sand Beach, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and horseback riding. Bonus: a stay at the property includes round-the-clock access to the Scorpion, a 38-foot Rib boat for island tours.

Harbour Island is one of those quick getaways for East Coasters that’s ideal for many reasons, the primary one being that there’s nowhere to go (unless it’s into the water). The life of the island revolves around the ocean: playing in it, eating by it, drinking by it, fishing in it–add the fact that so many from NYC seem to vacation here, and you’ve got a pretty sizable social scene, too. There are a few fancy resorts that dot the shoreline, but we’re into Ocean View Club, a teeny tiny spot where all the rooms are done up individually, to pretty great effect. It also has a small and mighty restaurant, where you’ll find significantly better fare than at many of the other spots on the island.

If you're looking to escape your social scene on the Upper East Side, don’t come to this chicest-beach-house-you-have-ever-seen, designed by Kelly Wearstler, where the look is more heels than flip flops. The restaurants and bars are a step above your typical Caribbean resort experience—fresh made pasta at the signature restaurant Cobà, frozen cocktails and hummus wraps at the Half Shell, and cocktails and sushi for a very buzzy happy hour at the Sunset Lounge. The two-story spa and cute boutique that features local jewelry designers makes it a fun place to come with girlfriends.

You can be as private or social as you like at this resort, which feels like a village of waterfront villas. Most people spend the day lounging by the infinity pool overlooking the sea, but you can relax by the private pool in your villa for a more secluded experience. The rooms are newly refurbished, simple, and modern, keeping the gorgeous setting the focus, with features like outdoor soaking tubs and sun decks. The town of Port Antonio, where the resort is located, was a hotspot in the 60’s and part of the experience is checking out the restaurants, bars, and live music in town. Fun feature: If you get tired of the beach, there’s a screening room that you can reserve.

The resort is known for having the same feel now as it did when it opened (when Sir Winston Churchill used to come here to paint). Colonial-style cottages offset the tropical beachside setting that has a bit of a retro Jamaican feel—and there's croquet on the lawn. Blessedly, there are no TVs to be found. The rooms are as on the beach as it gets (open the door and step in sand) and they are happy to bring you breakfast on your veranda if you don’t feel like making it over to the palm-covered dining room.

If you're looking to feel totally secluded and off-the-grid, Guana is the place. One of the lesser known of the British Virgin Islands, it’s also one the few remaining privately-owned islands in the area and is minimally developed. There’s not much here besides seven (nearly deserted) white sand beaches, 850 acres of untouched tropical forest, and this small resort with just fifteen cottages and three villas. Depending on when you go, you can be one of the only vacationers here with just a few scientists or grad students around studying the ecosystem. The staff at the resort will tell you how best to explore the islands and how to navigate the steep trails, even giving you cell phones so you can call if you’d rather be picked up on your way back. Each room is named after a different Caribbean island and is simply decorated in lots of white. There are no TVs, phones, or much else to distract you from completely unplugging. P.S. People rave about Xavier, the young Spanish chef at the on-site restaurant.

People rave about the service at this twenty-eight-room resort on Antigua, which feels like you are being personally hosted. With just twenty-eight rooms and no kids under ten allowed, it’s an intimate and peaceful getaway, as everything you might need is on the property. There's a large heated pool, tennis courts, a beachside restaurant, a private white sand beach, hammocks, snorkeling, a rum bar, plus an on-site a library. The look is England meets the Caribbean, with grand colonial style architecture—standout features are the strong mahogany four-post beds with contrasting airy white linens. Apparently, the old–fashioned rum punch at The Reef Bar is not to be missed.

Elbow Beach feels like the British Bermuda of yesteryear. The recent takeover by the Mandarin Oriental group means some of the bright pastels, floral wallpapers, and grandad feel are changing to a sleeker look, but we hear the careful charm of the staff and the slow pace still feel delightfully old-school. The resort is home to Veranda, Bermuda’s only rum bar, with over 100 varieties of rum and a clubby, jazzy vibe. FYI, The Bougainvillea cottages with sea views are said to be the ones worth coming for.

This is the perfect place to decamp with a group of friends: The spa is fantastic (treatments involve local and endemic ingredients), the food is even better, and the scene—the northern edge of New Zealand—couldn't really be more spectacular. A lot of golfers stay here, though there's plenty to do that doesn't involve a set of clubs: Horseback riding, surfing, fishing, and mountain biking are all easily accessible (though it's also the kind of resort where they make wishes into realities, so if there's something you're dying to do, just ask). And starting in November, you can book your own private four-bedroom enclave.

Fans of Harbour Island who are likely familiar with the storied Ocean View Club, will be delighted to know that its charming proprietors Ben Simmons and Charlie Phelan have quietly opened a new spot just across the way in Eleuthera. The Other Side has a decidedly different feel—it’s luxuriously nomadic, a bit more wild, and blessedly unplugged, making it perfect for those who truly want to disconnect. The design, which centers around communal and private sleeping tents, hardwood floors, and four-poster beds, and sundecks, is reminiscent of a scene from Out of Africa, and it's the kind of place where you can fall asleep to the sound of the water lapping in the distance. There’s plenty to do on the property, including morning yoga, paddle boarding, diving into swimming holes or even tend to the on-site vegetable garden if you wish, but you can also just relax at the swimming pool, which is pretty enticing on its own. The Other Side, like many other spots on Eleuthera and Harbour Island, is open from November through August.

Due to an abundance of white-washed, barn-like architecture, walking around this elegant Auberge hotel feels like taking a stroll through a posh horse stable, with white, clean lines, and tall ceilings (but certainly no horses). Like many resorts in the area, rooms are organized into studio cottages with private patios, and their pool scene is nice and roomy, with plenty of deck space and lounge chairs. You'll be in good hands, food-wise, at their restaurant Solbar restaurant, and a pretty serious spa. Calistoga is known for its mud baths (the geo-thermal heat and mineral-rich mud make for a healing restorative bath), and we've heard that Solage offers one of the best around.

There are a few distinguishing factors about Western Montana's Triple Creek Ranch, which has been hosting guests since the ‘80s. Most notably, it’s adults only. Second, there isn't a stitch of cell service, which makes it the perfect choice for those who generally struggle to disconnect. And finally, it’s nestled up against Trapper Peak, meaning that the cabins look out on forests, creeks, and elk herds, which gravitate to the lands since they don’t allow hunting. Beyond trail riding and fly-fishing (it’s an Orvis-endorsed lodge, which apparently means quite a lot to fly fishermen), you can learn how to pen cattle, and you can hike for days—after all, the lodgings abut the rest of the property, which is a 26,000 acre working ranch where guests can participate in all-day cattle drives. And come winter, there’s an on-site Iditarod dog-sledding team that guests can drive and help train. While many of the activities are included, for a bit extra, they’ll hook you up with a plane to Glacier or Yellowstone. Besides getting outside, they offer artist workshops and wine tastings, and when the owners, Craig and Barbara Barrett are on-site, cocktail parties at their residence, where you can take in their extensive Western art collection. But we would go just to hang with the Barretts: He was the CEO of Intel, while she is a trained astronaut, was the US ambassador to Finland, and was the first civilian woman to land an F/A-18 Hornet on an aircraft carrier. No big deal.

So, the first thing to know is that this is not on the beach but rather along the marina. We’d suggest taking advantage of the location by renting an open-top jeep and exploring the wilds of Hawaii on the North Shore. The hotel itself is more boutique-y than resort, and feels airy, clean and crisp, with lots of white. The vibe is young, cool, modern—less expensive Hawaii—with a spring break vibe for the upwardly mobile. There are four bars, a nightclub (which gets pretty crazy at night), and an ‘adult’ pool where people can be found drinking coconut mojitos in the shallow end at pretty much all hours.

There’s definitely a Moorish paradise thing happening throughout this Scottsdale resort. Rooms are clustered in sections so it feels like walking through little villages with a Kabash pool where people lounge under the cabanas from day into night. The heart of the resort is the massive Moroccan-style Joya spa (the building is an architectural feat in its own right) their signature being the Hammam Experience—start with an herbal black soap scrub, followed by a steam, whirlpool, sauna, cold deluge and a final rest in the ‘warming room.’ They also offer acupuncture, cupping, and IV therapy, making this just a bit different than your traditional hotel spa. The resort is set at the foot of the Camelback Mountain, which makes for a great morning hike through the desert landscape.

While the adobe suites here were built hundreds of years ago, there’s nothing even remotely old-world (or neutral) about the décor at this Santa Fe haven: Each room is kitted out with a mix of bright, hand-tiled mosaics and the owners’ finds from Turkey, Tibet, and Afghanistan. The well-traveled owners, Ira and Sylvia Seret, named the hotel after the Tibetan philosophy that we are all lucky to have five senses (graces) with which to experience the world. While it’s located right in the middle of town, making it the perfect hub for exploring the area, the hotel’s Ayurvedic spa is a huge draw, too. There’s plenty to see nearby, from the San Miguel Mission across the street (the oldest in the states), to the art galleries down Canyon Road. There, you’ll see traditional Southwestern crafts mixed with art from the international gallery circuit.

One excellent hotel option—particularly for families, or anyone traveling with other couples—is the Lodge at Kukui'ula, a private club in Poʻipū that stretches across 1,010 acres, and was included in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Best Hawaiian Resorts. Comprised of multi-bedroom homes—most with adjacent guest houses—it has plenty of high-end touches and amenities. While all the homes are equipped with lavish kitchens, the club restaurant, ʻUmeke Kitchen + Bar is excellent, and serviced by an on-site garden. There's a multi-level pool complete with hot tubs, a water slide, and a beach (the real beach is just across the road), a keiki play room, and the on-site Huakaʻi Outfitters staffed by locals who know all the island's secrets—what's better is that they'll take you there, or pack you a cooler and bag of equipment and send you on your way. For those otherwise inclined, there is a Tom-Weiskopf-designed golf course, tennis courts, and the award-winning Hiʻilani Spa and Fitness Center, home to a gym, yoga studio, and more.

This 20-room hotel is luxurious, airy, and light-filled. The rooms are thoughtfully laid out and beautifully appointed, each with its own ocean-facing balcony and hammocks, plus Grown Alchemist toiletries in the bathroom and Parachute waffle robes. (For a real treat, book the Surfrider Suite, which at 500 square feet feels like a serious home away from home thanks to a generously sized balcony, separate sitting area, and kitchenette.) There’s a guests-only roof deck bar and restaurant, which has uninterrupted views of Surfrider Beach across the street and a killer fire pit.

Here, every detail is considered, from the strict green practices the resort follows, to the beautifully kept gardens, to the fresh baked cookies that come with the nightly turn-down service. If you don't want to leave the grounds, you can eat at the impressive John Ash & Co. or the Front Room Bar & Lounge.

New kid on the block the William Vale is an all-balcony building, meaning guests have a stellar view no matter their room’s orientation—we recommend a corner suite, the panoramic views, all-glass bathroom (lie in the tub and take in the Manhattan skyline), and beautifully appointed living room are so worth it, especially if you’re rooming with—or planning on entertaining—a few friends. In what was once a neighborhood of abandoned buildings, adjoining Wythe Street is now packed with incredible breakfast spots (try Meyers Bageri or Sunday in Brooklyn), bars, and great boutiques. The accommodations are Scandinavian in style with clean lines and unfussy furniture in a neutral palette, intended not to detract from the majesty of the city views. In keeping with the neighborhood’s creative spirit, the hotel regularly hosts artistic and wellness-oriented events—from chakra healing with a shaman to meditation and letter-pressing—at its stunning water-facing rooftop bar that’s packed to the rafters at night.

There's a special synergy between bustling urban energy and laid-back California cool found in downtown San Diego, and this hotel—a completely fresh boutique concept emerging from the Montage’s luxury umbrella—occupies a corner spot that's right in the middle of it all. Moderately sized with a totally non-corporate feel, the bedrooms are done in a spectrum of beachy patterned blues and textured whites: azure plaid sofas against light-blue drapes and crisp bedding, for example. This retreat-like aesthetic is brought home by luxe touches like silky Lunya bathrobes and particularly beautiful subway-tiled bathrooms. The Pendry is within walking distance to some of the city's best restaurants and bars. If you don't want to leave the grounds over the weekend, the picture-perfect rooftop pool offers some of the best views in the city, while the adjacent restaurants, Lionfish and Provisional, serve up excellent seafood and steak, and fresh California dishes, respectively.

If you’re going to name your hotel after the view, you’d better be damn sure it delivers. Let’s put it this way: If there is a better view of the overwhelming, vivid red that is a Sedona sunset in Red Rock Canyon, we haven’t found it. The rooms here feel a little on the Airbnb side (leather sofas, faux antiques, electric fireplaces), but that’s all the more reason to get out of them and go explore. There’s a pool and a hot tub, but better still, make your way to the Airport Mesa Loop, one of the loveliest hikes in Sedona—or anywhere.

Amara is the kind of place that turns fallen trees into headboards for the guest rooms. It lives in harmony with its surroundings. The rooms (there are a hundred of them) are clean and modern, with spare design, wood accents, and lots of right angles. The best part of the hotel is what’s outside the rooms: cornhole by day, a firepit by night, and an infinity pool with a view of Red Rock Canyon. And we haven’t even mentioned the spa, which is very, very worth a mention. A guided meditation or detox wrap is about the nicest way to unwind after a day spent, um, unwinding. For good reason, Amara is a popular place for weddings. If that’s not your jam, call ahead to make sure there won’t be one during your stay.

Enchantment Resort, considered the most luxurious in Sedona, is tucked into Boynton Canyon, but if that doesn’t mean anything to you, just know that it’s exactly where you want to be if you want to go exploring, biking, or hiking, even if you can’t commit and call it walking. The trails will take your breath away and are easily accessible. Rooms are a beautiful amalgam of luxury hotel amenities (flat-screen TVs, plush king-size beds, private decks) and pure Sedona tranquility (adobe fireplaces, exposed-beam ceilings, red rock views). All the rooms are wonderful, but if we had to pick, we’re partial to the pool suites, which have decks, wood-burning stoves, outdoor fireplaces, private pools, and views that are all your own. Enchantment also has tennis courts, yoga classes, and all manner of activities down to a foam-rolling class, along with the services at its Mii Amo spa, which is right next door.

The Hilton has a slightly corporate vibe but in a very definite Sedona way. All the rooms are done in muted earth tones, fireplaces abound, and activities include watching the sunrise, kayaking down the Verde River, and everything in between. Yes, there are boardrooms and conference halls, but if you look in the other direction, you’ll find the Eforea Spa (the red clay body wrap is as cleansing and detoxifying as it sounds) and about a dozen beers on tap at the hotel’s Shadowrock Bar. And then there’s the real reason we love this place: Pets are welcome.

ChocolaTree is a lot of things, none of which are that easy to explain. It’s part spiritual wellness center, part health-food restaurant, part Airbnb, part coffee shop, part hangout destination. But the most interesting part is the chocolate shop, which is what started it all. If healthy chocolate exists, it is here. ChocolaTree has its own organic cacao farms, where the cacao pods are hand-harvested (unacceptable ones are tossed) and ground by hand. Then the master chocolatiers use only organic sweeteners, like honey, maple syrup, and dried fruit. This is a chocolate shop that even non-chocolate people can get behind.

Every town has its greasy spoon, and Sedona’s does not disappoint. This is the Mexican-food version, and everything we have tried we love. Tacos, taquitos, fajitas, burritos—the guys are all here. And there is more flavor in one bite of the cheese enchilada than in entire courses at other Mexican spots in the area. The Coffee Pot is, naturally, a favorite for breakfast, but both the food and the colorful, lively atmosphere make it a fun place for a meal anytime of day.

Cress on Oak Creek is the name of the restaurant—as well as the directions to it. Tables are set up on the patio overlooking a rushing stream, and adding to the vibe: twinkling candles, a view of the forest, rustling trees. In other words, you should go with someone you’re willing to marry—it is that romantic. Chef Michael O’Dowd has created a menu that relies heavily on local, foraged ingredients presented in a vaguely Italian way. We’re big fans of the Oak Creek salad with frisée, sweet corn, and goat cheese; the rainbow trout; and anything O’Dowd does with burrata.

Ask anyone what the best fancy restaurant in Sedona is and they will likely point you to Dahl & DiLuca (and if they don’t, they’ll probably suggest its sister restaurant, Mariposa). If you’re craving fine Italian, Dahl & DiLuca is the place to find it. This is Italian food by way of Sedona—many of the ingredients are organic and local to Arizona—but the architecture of the meal is classic Old Country. Arancini (fried risotto balls stuffed with peppers and cheese), something invitingly called the Wine Lovers Antipasto (Pecorino, cured meat, you can imagine the rest), insalata mista, gnocchi alla vodka, polenta con funghi...all the marquee players are here.

Head to Elote Cafe about an hour before sunset. It’s inside the Arabella Hotel, but there’s nothing much worth checking out in the hotel, so go right to the café. Grab a table outside close to the firepit. Order the guacamole (it’s the perfect level of spicy) and a mezcal margarita, while you check out the menu. Chef Jeff Smedstad leans heavily on local, seasonal Southwestern and Mexican food. Charred green corn tamales, fish tacos—you really can’t go wrong. It’s the kind of food you should be eating in this environment. And when the evening starts to get chilly, wrap the blanket (it’s behind you, on the back of the chair) over your lap. Order another mezcal, lean back, and look up at the stars. This is what you came to Sedona for. (But be advised: The café doesn’t take reservations.)

An evening at Mariposa is like a tiny trip to southern South America. The menu, which favors sustainable, organic ingredients, is heavily influenced by chef Lisa Dahl’s travels to Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. That translates to handmade empanadas (the portobello, poblano, and queso version is insanely good), shrimp ceviche, fresh fish, carne, carne, carne, and accents of mole or chimichurri sauce throughout. It’s all spectacular. We had to mention the menu first because if we started with the space, we might never have gotten around to the food. The restaurant is built on a rise over Sedona, and some smart person thought to make the windows as big as the walls. The view will blow your mind. Our advice: Go early, order as much as you can possibly eat, and stay until they kick you out. This is an evening to remember.

Lisa Dahl has a handful of restaurants in Sedona—Mariposa, Dahl & DiLuca, and Cucina Rustica all deservedly get a lot of ink. But our favorite feather in her cap may be her less famous pizzeria. Pisa Lisa is more of a lunch joint than a fancy evening out. It’s loud and boisterous, and there are televisions mounted on the walls. But the pizza is all wood-fired and could easily rival the best in Italy. The melanzane parmigiana (homemade tomato sauce, grilled eggplant, and spicy peppers topped with Parmesan and fresh mozzarella) tastes like something you would have had as a kid in Naples, if you’d ever been a kid in Naples. There are salads, grilled panini, and plenty of antipasti to choose from, but the reason to come here is the pizza. Oh, wait. Did we mention the gelato bar?

Our favorite thing about Saltrock at the Amara Resort and Spa is the afternoon snack menu. After a morning hike and a late morning spa treatment, there is nothing more welcome than sitting on the outdoor patio, taking in the view of the red rocks, and treating yourself to a late lunch or early dinner. We’d go with an order of grilled corn with lime, cotija cheese, garlic, and spicy aioli or the tacos verduras with carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, pecans, and prickly pear vinaigrette, plus the spicy-smoky concoction they call a West Fork Margarita.

Imagine comfort food, only more elegant. Now imagine eating that elegant comfort food in a beautiful dining room with a vaulted ceiling or, better yet, on the deck overlooking maybe all of Arizona. The view is so stunning that you might think it’s the star of the show. It’s not. Chef Jeff Storcz’s menu consists of unfussy, completely delicious crowd-pleasers. An evening might look like this: a glass of Riesling, salted soft pretzel bread with mustard, some form of bruschetta (there are many), and butternut squash ravioli with crispy sage. Or maybe the chicken pot pie? Oh, or the Hudson mushroom burger? No, no, definitely the ravioli. And chocolate peanut butter pie for dessert.

Tii Gavo, tucked inside the Enchantment, is Mexican food through the lens of a world-class resort. The baby kale salad comes with mango, cotija cheese, and lime-Tajín vinaigrette. The stuffed poblano pepper comes with vegan cheese sauce, avocado, corn, and quinoa. The menu—with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options—spills over with healthy dishes that don’t look or taste like healthy dishes. (There are plenty of ways to indulge, if that’s what you’re after; the chips, fresh salsa, and homemade guacamole are great places to start.) And we haven’t even mentioned the view, which is breathtakingly expansive. Sit outside or close to the windows and have a homemade watermelon soda while Mother Nature puts on a show.

This is Sedona: There are literally crystals in the drinking water. Crystals probably grow on a tree in this town somewhere. Which is to say that you will be offered, almost accosted, with an abundance of crystals at every turn. So we say: Cut through the noise and go to the mother ship. Crystal Magic has crystals of every shape, size, and color and at every price point. It also sells jewelry, statues, singing bowls, books, incense, and all the accoutrements you’d expect to find in a crystal shop, but the gem of the place is its stones.

The minute you step off the plane, you will see turquoise jewelry everywhere you look—it’s built into the history of this city. Ignore every vendor, every lobby shop, every ad you see and head straight to Garland’s. This is hands down the best spot for a wide selection traditional Native American jewelry—Zuni, Navajo, Kewa Pueblo, and more—all of it crafted by artists, not machines. There’s an impressive selection of sculptures, woven baskets, rugs, pottery, and everything else you can imagine that speaks to the culture of this part of the world. A quick visit to buy a small souvenir can easily turn into an entire day and plans for a new suitcase.

About twenty minutes outside of Sedona is one of the most remarkable sights around: Arizona wine country. Known as Verde Valley, this unlikely wine terroir is rocky, full of clay, well over 3,000 feet in altitude, and increasingly considered a wine region of note. One of the first wineries in the region was Page Spring Cellars, which opened in 2004. It produces several varietals of red, white, and rosé—and is deeply committed to sustainable practices. These are clearly essential to the ethos of the winery, which also has a bistro café on-site and offers yoga and massage treatments. Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch, hit the tasting room, and buy the bottle you want to have with your picnic (plus a few more to bring home). The grounds are lovely, and exploring them is highly encouraged.

Tlaquepaque (Tla-keh-pah-keh, and it’s so fun to say, it’s worth learning the correct pronunciation) is a warren of shops, galleries, boutiques, fountains, restaurants, and charm. If a shopping hamlet can have a soul, this one does. A handful of places to eat and dozens of shops—from jewelry to rugs to clothing to art galleries—means you can start at the coffee shop, end at the wine bar, and explore for hours in between. While you’re there, check out Azadi Navajo Rugs. The beautiful, authentic pieces will have you rethinking every design choice you’ve ever made.

Get up before dawn—trust us, this will be worth it. At that hour, two things are working in your favor: You’ll be able to get a parking space at the entrance to the Airport Mesa Loop Trail, and you will see the most spectacular sunrise of your life. The loop is about three and a half miles long and can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete, depending on much you hike and how much you stroll and how often you stop to take family pictures. It’s gentle enough to bring the kids along. (If it’s rained recently, be careful of slippery rocks, and if you go in the summer, bring extra water—it gets blindingly hot in the desert.) The 360-degree views are just about the most beautiful way to take in such magical surroundings. Other trails very worth exploring: Boynton Canyon, Doe Mountain, Fay Canyon, Little Horse, and West Fork.

Not many churches are inspired by the Empire State Building. Then again, not many churches look like the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The most ardent atheist can appreciate this formidable work of architecture, which juts out from two red rock spurs hundreds of feet high, anchored by a giant cross. It looks like a spaceship materializing out of the earth. It’s mesmerizing even before you go inside. (Technically, this is the Coconino National Forest, but this area is better for rock climbing than mushroom foraging.) Designed by architect Richard Hein, the chapel has been here since 1956 and gets more popular every year.

Off-roading is infinitely more fun when someone else is driving, especially when that someone is a professional tour guide familiar with every crevasse and canyon in the area. Pink Jeep (all the cars are the signature shade) has over a dozen tours of varying views, cost, time, and white-knuckling. The Broken Arrow tour is amazingly beautiful and a great choice if you don’t hike Broken Arrow, but the eleven-hour day trip through Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend—and the rocks, spires, and views that come with it—is not one you will soon forget.

Red Rock State Park is 286 acres of forest, creeks, trails, views, and predictably, red rocks. The natural beauty of the park alone is worth a trip to Sedona. A few hours exploring the preserve will very likely be the highlight of your time here. But stay on the trails, Indiana Jones. Tempting as it is to venture out on your own, the park is home coyotes, mule deer, river otters, rattlesnakes, lizards, javelina (ugly/cute boarlike animals), tarantulas, scorpions, and enough species of birds that there are bird-watching tours.

When you visit such a tranquil place, one with so much spirituality and history that it seems to have many stories to tell, questions come up. Like what does Sedona mean in Spanish? (Hint: It’s a trick question.) Or who were the first settlers? And: Didn’t I see that place in the movie with that guy? (Probably.) Answers to the all questions you have and those you didn’t know you have are here at the Sedona Heritage Museum, which focuses on the history of the city from 1876 to the present. This charming trip to the past is brief—you can cover the whole museum in an hour.

Whether you’re an amateur Galileo or you just like looking up at the stars after dinner, Sedona’s night sky will astound you. It is so expansive and vast as to feel as if the entire universe is collected over this small pocket of the American Southwest. And hands down the best way to take it all in is with an expert. Sedona Stargazing astronomers will meet you about twenty minutes from uptown Sedona (to get away from the light pollution) with high-powered telescopes and a textbook’s worth of knowledge. You can expect to see shooting stars, binary stars, distant galaxies, the International Space Station, Venus, Saturn, and almost everything else in this universe.

It's difficult to articulate Ashley's full scope, as she offers everything from psychopomp (helping souls transition to the other side, like a death doula) to soul retrieval (finding unresolved traumas from past lives and energetically healing them). It is pretty much as mysterious as it sounds: Deeply intuitive, Ashley will riff on everything from your spirit guides to your spirit animals, touching on life path and purpose and the soundness of your relationships. She's based in Sedona, but also does sessions over the phone.

The same way the spiritual vortex of Sedona draws seekers, it draws healers—and you can work with the best of them at Mii Amo. For 3, 4, 7, or 10 days—no more, no less—visitors follow personalized programs designed by a guide. Depending on a guest’s needs, a journey might include traditional spa offerings, like enzyme wraps and lymphatic facials, as well as specialty services, like shirodhara and Reiki healing. Spiritual treatments—meditation, hypnosis, past-life regression, and more—can be emotionally intense and incredibly cathartic. During downtime, you might explore intuitive watercolor, hikes in the canyon, dry sauna, or private pickleball lessons.

Ride the waves of healing energy among the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona. Sign up for a day long retreat and head off into the wild where your guide will help you tap into the transformational energies that are created where electromagnetic lines intersect. Though some may be wary of the New Age ways (add-ons include drum journeys and shamanic sound healings) even skeptics can't debate the beauty of the epic landscape. Sedona Vortex Retreat doesn't provide accommodations; we'd recommend bunking up at the L'Auberge de Sedona.