The Best of Central & Western Arizona - American Southwest - page 514

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of the cliffs. Guest rooms, which open onto a courtyard, have a bold, contemporary styl-
ing (mixed with Native American art and artifacts) that makes them some of the finest
accommodations in the state. All units have private patios and gas fireplaces. Mii amo is
a world unto itself in this hidden canyon, and no other spa in Arizona has a more South-
western feel.
525 Boynton Canyon Rd., Sedona, AZ 86336. & 888/749-2137 or 928/203-8500. Fax [phone].
www.miiamo.com. 16 units. 3-night packages: Apr-May and Sept-Oct $4,470-$6,390 double; Nov-Jan
$3,810-$5,730 double; Feb-Mar and June-Aug $4,140-$6,060 double. Rates include 3 meals per day, 2
daily spa treatments, and a variety of activities. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bikes; con-
cierge; exercise room; 3 Jacuzzis; 2 pools (indoor & outdoor); room service; full-service spa w/25 treat-
ment areas & wide variety of body treatments. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi.
Expensive
Adobe Village Graham Inn A garden full of bronze statues of children greets
you when you pull up to this luxurious inn in the Village of Oak Creek, 6 miles south
of uptown Sedona. The inn lies almost at the foot of Bell Rock and features a variety of
themed accommodations. The villas, the Sundance room, and the Sedona suite are the
most impressive rooms here. My favorite is the Purple Lizard villa, which opts for a
colorful Taos-style interior and an amazing rustic canopy bed. The Wilderness villa
resembles a luxurious log cabin. The Lonesome Dove villa is a sort of upscale cowboy
cabin with a fireplace, potbellied stove, and round hot tub in a “barrel.” Can you say
romantic? This inn also operates the Adobe Grand Villas in West Sedona.
150 Canyon Circle Dr., Sedona, AZ 86351. & 800/228-1425 or 928/284-1425. Fax [phone]. www.
sedonasfinest.com. 11 units. $199-$319 double; $389 suite; $349-$479 villa. Rates include full breakfast
and afternoon hors d'oeuvres. 2-night minimum weekends and holidays. AE, DISC, MC, V. Amenities:
Concierge; Jacuzzi; outdoor pool; room service; spa services. In room: A/C, TV/DVD/VCR, hair dryer, kitch-
enette (in some), Wi-Fi (in some).

Amara Resort and Spa It's hip, it's convenient, and it's got drop-dead-gor-
geous views. What's not to love about this hidden gem of a boutique hotel hidden behind
the shops of uptown Sedona? Oh, did I mention the creekside setting shaded by grand
old sycamores? There's even a swimming hole. How cool is that? This stylish hotel defi-
nitely offers the best of both worlds here in Sedona. The resort is hip and sophisticated,
yet close to nature, and the minimalist decor and Zen-inspired style make Amara one of
Sedona's most tranquil accommodations. From the outside, the hotel fits right in with
the red-rock surroundings, while inside, bold splashes of color contrast with black-and-
white photos. Guest rooms all have balconies or patios, wonderful pillow-top beds, and
furnishings in black and red. The resort also has a full-service spa.
100 Amara Lane, Sedona, AZ 86336. & 866/455-6610 or 928/282-4828. Fax [phone]. www.amara
resort.com. 100 units. $195-$299 double; from $285 suite. Rates do not include $20 resort fee. Children
16 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DISC, MC, V. Pets accepted ($75 fee). Amenities: Restaurant;
lounge; concierge; exercise room; Jacuzzi; outdoor saltwater pool; room service; sauna; full-service spa.
In room: A/C, TV/DVD, fridge, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.

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Briar Patch Inn Value If you're searching for tranquillity or a romantic retreat,
this is the place. Located 3 miles north of Sedona on the shady banks of Oak Creek, this
inn's cottages are surrounded by beautiful grounds, where bird songs and the babbling
creek set the mood. The cottages date from the 1940s but have been attractively updated.
A Western/rustic-Mexican style predominates. Most units have fireplaces and kitchen-
ettes. In summer, breakfast is often served on a creekside terrace. There's also a swimming