Need a calming, restorative escape with your best friends in what is arguably the heart of wellness culture in the U.S.? Head to The Wilde Resort & Spa, a stunning destination in West Sedona geared towards the magical blend of recreation and relaxation the area is known for. Ahead, all the info, tips, and must-visit spots you’ll want to bookmark to make your trip a success.
THE RESORT
First things first: You might feel hard-pressed to leave The Wilde Resort once you arrive and settle in. The rooms are tastefully decorated in a contemporary-meets-Southwestern aesthetic, and the dreamy pillowtop mattresses promise some of the best sleep you’ve had in a while. Most rooms offer Insta-worthy views of the surrounding red rocks, and there’s also a rooftop deck that provides sweeping 360-degree views and excellent stargazing at night.
Activities are plentiful, from guided walks in the property’s labyrinth and morning yoga to cocktail-making classes and expert-led discussions on the region’s famed vortexes. If you prefer some solo R&R time, head to the heated pool, enjoy a soak in one of the numerous hot tubs, or work up a healthy sweat in the fitness studio. In the evening, stake out a spot near the outdoor fireplaces and make some s’mores—or just put your feet up and enjoy the quiet and clear view of the stars above.
THE SPA
You’d be remiss to visit The Wilde and not experience a spa treatment. At 5,000 square feet, Wilde Haven Spa is one of the largest spas in Sedona and sits in the shadow of Thunder Mountain, which affords impressive views from some of the treatment rooms. Take your pick from bodywork treatments, Sedona-inspired massages, meditation, wellness classes, oracle readings, sound healing, and other unique modalities.
Be sure to arrive early (30 minutes or so) in order to enjoy a soak in the private hot tubs, a steam session, and some quiet time in the relaxation lounge before your treatment starts. It’s worth noting that the Wilde Haven Spa is one of, if not the only, resort spa in Sedona that’s open to the public without a hotel reservation. That’s good to know for those not staying at the resort but still craving some pampering time; if you are staying at The Wilde, be sure to book your spa treatments early rather than wait to book when you arrive on site.
WHERE TO EAT IN SEDONA
The on-site restaurant, Rascal, is the brainchild of local chef Mercer Mohr, who has created a modern take on the classic all-day diner. Expect traditional American and Southwestern-inspired fare in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. If you’d rather venture off-site but don’t want to bother driving, the outpost of Pisa Lisa across the street offers excellent thin-crust pizzas, salads, and more. We’re especially fond of the Justino pizza with prosciutto and white truffle oil and the Killer Kale salad with the signature marinated mushrooms and Marcona almonds.
For a high-end take on local fare, try Elote Cafe, a perpetually busy West Sedona hotspot that serves a Mexican street food-inspired menu. The elote and tamal appetizers are must-orders, as are the beer-battered fish tacos and the smoked brisket enchiladas. The cocktails are equally delicious and made with 100% agave tequila and housemade mixes featuring all-natural ingredients. For a meal with a view, head to Cress on Oak Creek, the fine dining restaurant at L’Auberge de Sedona. The incredible creekside location and menu that blends French techniques, European influence, and local ingredients make for an unforgettable lunch, dinner, or brunch experience.
WHERE TO SHOP IN SEDONA
A Sedona landmark dating back to 1970, Tlaquepaque is a great place to start your shopping journey. Modeled after traditional Mexican village squares and offering approximately 50 shops and galleries, it’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon wandering in and out of boutiques, browsing artwork, and stopping to relax and snap photos near the pretty fountains.
Head to Uptown Sedona to continue the window-shopping experience, and discover a compact, highly walkable network of galleries, gift shops, cafes, restaurants, and more. (If you’ve caught the Sedona crystal bug, this is the place to browse all the pretty gemstones you could ever need.) Native Jewelry of Sedona is a can’t-miss spot if you’re shopping for Native American jewelry and gifts sourced from Southwestern tribes, including Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and more.
Looking for a way to commemorate your girls’ trip to Sedona? Stop into Sedona Permanent Jewelry to get matching permanent bracelets for you and your crew. It’s a fun bonding experience and will last longer than most souvenirs.
WHAT TO DO
There’s no shortage of amazing outdoor adventures in and around Sedona, from awe-inspiring hot air balloon rides at dawn to rugged drives through the native landscape in a rented Jeep. If your group prefers to stay on solid ground and navigate on your own two feet, then the plethora of hikes will suit you just fine. There’s a hike for every type of traveler here, from easy out-and-backs to more challenging hikes with considerable elevation gains and stretches of scrabbling. We recommend downloading the All Trails app to research and plan some hikes that work for your group’s abilities and allocated time. A couple favorites? Seven Sacred Pools, Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and the Sedona Airport Loop Trail.
If you have a bit more time—or are feeling adventurous—take advantage of Sedona’s relative proximity to Page, where you’ll find Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend (part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area).
Tours of Antelope Canyon must be reserved ahead of time and must be booked with a native tour guide, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. It’s manageable to see both canyons during a day trip from Sedona, and it’s definitely worthwhile if your group is up for it. (Note that it is a very long day, with roughly six hours of driving round-trip.) We’re fans of Roger Ekis’ Antelope Canyon Tours for Upper Antelope and Ken’s Tours for Lower Antelope, but there are several options to choose from.
