Seeking solace and healing for the mind, body and spirit has become something of an obsession in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven culture. But when it comes to global spa destinations, it’s hard to imagine a more ideal convergence of all things wellness than Mii amo, the spa located on the grounds of Enchantment, a 70-acre resort five miles northwest of Sedona, Arizona.
Whatever your current passion -- balancing your chakras, fine-tuning your backhand, soaking up sun or just dazzling your senses -- odds are exceedingly high you'll find myriad outlets for all of your desires at Enchantment, tucked almost magically amidst the majestic red rocks of Boynton Canyon, also home to a handful of the world’s most sought-after energy vortexes.
The experience can be whatever you want it to be – the sheer luxury, wellness, fitness and/or rejuvenation options are endless -- but Enchantment’s unique geography helps make this destination uniquely extraordinary.
Here is a sampling of my recent visit:
GOOD VIBRATIONS: There are four main vortexes, or energy centers, in Sedona. By definition, an energy vortex amplifies the energy brought into it, so letting go of those pesky negatives in your life during your stay thus becomes a top priority. In a moment of stillness, you can literally feel the swirling electromagnetic energy in the earth, and begin to feel more balanced. And with eye-popping, utterly unique beauty in every direction -- whether you’re tucked into a lounge chair next to the Mii amo spa’s crackling fireplace, soaking in the rejuvenating Jacuzzi or sipping organic herbal tea from the resort’s magnificent red rock framed balcony – shifting your focus to good-feeling vibrations suddenly seems second nature. You don’t have to be a Zen master to align with the energy here; it just seems to happen.
HIKING INTO THE VORTEX: With an ongoing chorus of "Oh my God, it's beautiful!" coming roughly every 8 seconds from my hiking companion, we took the easy-paced, scenery-rich Vista Trail hike, which starts just outside the Mii amo entrance. All towering cliffs and buttes, the mile long hike leads up to the tall red rock spire known as the “Kachina woman.” Of the four main vortexes in Sedona, one of the strongest is in this spot, where native tribes still hold private ceremonies. This meditative symphony of steps gets your blood pumping and your spirit flowing; it’s a slow winding incline set against the rich, spiritual splendor of mother earth. This hike is the very definition of a ‘walking meditation’ as each step and meandering curve in the red-earthed path exposes something new and potentially dazzling; sun spontaneously bouncing off each layer of rock, creating seemingly endless hues of color (dominated by rouge and ocher) that spark the imagination and lift the spirit.
ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY SPA TREATMENTS: Mii amo’s astounding assortment of specialty treatments breaks far beyond the usual scrubs, polishes and pampering, with many intended to create deeper levels of healing. Amidst such spectacular scenery, it's ironic that the spa’s ultimate journey encourages you to look inward. It’s certainly no surprise to find that Mii amo is home to some of the most gifted, intuitive therapists anywhere in the world. "It's Sedona,” explains Francesca, one of the spa’s more than 100 skilled practitioners, “that's really the draw, and everyone comes here to live a spiritual life to the best of their ability." Specialty treatments like “Soul Seeker” and ‘Inner Quest” highlight the incredibly diverse menu; I sampled the “Intentional Aromatherapy Massage” which combined traditional Swedish massage and aromatherapy blended specifically to align with an intention (I chose ‘abundance’) of my choice. To say I was rejuvenated -- and vibrating in feelings of abundance -- after this one-of-a-kind treatment would be an understatement. I felt transformed at a deep, cellular level. In addition to the array of massages, facials and body wraps, you can dip into astrology, aura reading, past-life regression, hypnosis and reiki healing.
A VERY SPECIAL SPACE: Just before my session, I joined one of the spa’s daily guided meditations in the phenomenal “Crystal Grotto” circular meditation room, which featured natural crushed red rock floors and showcasing a massive crystal centerpiece and majestic sky light. This unique sensory recipe conspired to make “going inward” seem like the most natural thing in the world. -- Mitch Rustad
