Sedona is one of those destinations people think they know until they actually spend time there. The town sits within the Coconino National Forest, surrounded by federally protected land. Long before it became a leisure destination, the area was home to the Sinagua people, whose cliff dwellings and archaeological sites remain part of the landscape today. In the early 20th century, Sedona found a second identity as a backdrop for Hollywood Westerns, a chapter that helped cement its visual mythology.
What draws travelers now is less about legend and more about access. Sedona offers immediate entry to some of the Southwest’s most approachable hiking and biking terrain, with well-marked trails, consistent conditions, and scenery that feels quite dramatic. Its high-desert elevation keeps temperatures cooler than Phoenix year-round, making it a reliable escape in spring and fall, and a manageable one even in summer.
Culturally, Sedona operates at a slower frequency. The town balances a serious art presence, a wellness-forward economy, and a growing food scene without tipping into excess. For travelers, that translates to a wellness destination where nature, comfort, and infrastructure coexist.
True five-star hotels remain rare in Sedona, with L’Auberge de Sedona standing as the only property widely recognized at that level. That said, a small group of high-end resorts and boutique stays deliver the design, service, and setting that discerning travelers expect.
Here, the standout luxury hotels in Sedona worth traveling for.
L’Auberge de Sedona
Sedona’s only widely recognized five-star hotel, L’Auberge is defined by its Oak Creek setting, where rooms and cottages sit directly along the water. The experience leans quiet and refined, with a strong spa program, destination dining at Cress on Oak Creek, and immediate access to walking trails without feeling remote.
Enchantment Resort
Set deep within Boynton Canyon, Enchantment offers one of the most immersive landscapes in Sedona, paired with extensive on-site programming. Guests come for the scale — multiple pools, tennis courts, guided hikes — and stay for the wellness offerings and direct trail access that starts right outside the rooms.
Mii amo
Mii amo is Sedona’s most serious wellness retreat, operating as an all-inclusive, program-driven experience adjacent to Enchantment. The focus is structured: spa treatments, fitness, meditation, and nutrition, all designed for guests who want a reset rather than a traditional resort stay.
Ambiente Sedona – A Landscape Hotel
A newer, adults-only property that prioritizes architecture and privacy, Ambiente trades traditional resort layouts for freestanding atrium-style rooms. It appeals to design-minded travelers looking for red-rock views, curated dining, and a more contemporary take on Sedona lodging.
Adobe Grand Villas
Adobe Grand Villas delivers a more intimate, residential experience with oversized suites, fireplaces, and private patios. It’s best suited for couples or travelers who value space and personalized service over resort amenities, while still staying close to town.
El Portal Sedona Hotel
Housed in a historic building near the arts district, El Portal is a small, character-driven hotel known for individually designed rooms — a very luxury-cabin-meets-art vibe. Its appeal lies in walkability, privacy, and a more editorial, less resort-like atmosphere.
Feature image, courtesy of L’Auberge de Sedona. Travel Curator may earn a commission from product or booking links on this page.
