Mii amo

Mii amo sits at 525 Boynton Canyon Road in Sedona, where red rock walls close in around a quiet courtyard compound of casitas and suites. It opened in 2001. The property places itself in one of Sedona's major energy vortexes and has built its reputation as a destination spa, one that Forbes Travel Guide has recognized, by its own account, as the first and only wellness-focused Forbes Five-Star resort in North America.

The place has since been renovated and expanded. The 16 original casita rooms and suites were fully renovated and three new casita buildings were added, bringing the total to 23 accommodations. Each has a fireplace, a private outdoor space and heated bathroom floors. Mii amo architect Dana Tang says the aim was design that "frames the red rock walls and landscape" and "connects the guest to the Canyon." The spa now holds 26 treatment and consultation rooms, including a consultation wing with its own relaxation space for sessions with the mindfulness team and therapists.

Guests, who must be 16 or older, arrive for all-inclusive Journeys of three, four, seven or ten nights. Managing Director Stan Kantowski describes the philosophy as co-creation, helping people "uncover their way, not the way." Daily guided meditations anchor the schedule, alongside treatments such as the four-handed Abhyanga Shirodhara, an Ayurvedic massage followed by a stream of warm sesame oil, and the Ancestral Stone Massage, which uses hot basalt and cold marble. Meals are taken at the Hummingbird restaurant, with a Juice Bar open from 6 am to 9 pm.

Beyond the spa, the days move outdoors and into the hands. Trail House at Enchantment leads Vortex Hikes and Quietude Hikes. At Artist Cottage, classes capped at eight guests include Prayer Arrows, made with Navajo-churro yarn, indigenous feathers, a crystal and a willow branch, and Freeform Mandalas. Seasonal Celestial Cycles gatherings are held in the Crystal Grotto. The Wellbeing Pathways Series continues this autumn with Kristen Hustead in November and Mariposa Obsidiana in December.