Amara Resort Sedona

The entrance to Amara Creekside Resort

This 22-acre property has a cozy, tucked away feel even though it's in the middle of popular and busy Uptown Sedona - an area of tourist shops, art galleries and restaurants.

Amara is one of Sedona's newer properties.

It was built in 2003 on an in-fill lot in an area where land is scarce and available acreage is limited.

Therefore, although it calls itself a resort, it does not have all of the amenities and activities typical of large Arizona resorts.

Nevertheless, Amara is a chic, contemporary Sedona resort in a romantic setting and a convenient location.

Native plants decorate the courtyard behind the Amara Resort

Once we headed down the hill to the property, however, we left the hustle and bustle behind.

Situated next to the banks of verdant Oak Creek, the resort feels hidden away from the noise and activity of the shops and galleries.

Amara is only two stories high with a simple flagstone and wood exterior reminiscent of a mountain lodge.

It has a sort of horseshoe shape with two wings that wrap around a courtyard behind the resort.

Inside, Amara Resort has a modern look with clean lines and a minimalist décor.

There’s no Southwestern kitsch here; interiors have a "Buddhist temple meets Pottery Barn" look and feel.

The lobby is elegant and spare in dark tones with red accents.

Amara’s grounds are small and nicely landscaped with native and drought-tolerant plants interspersed with small patches of lawn.

A small, manmade stream courses between the pool and rooms, attracting butterflies, dragonflies and lizards.

Behind Amara Resort, the tall, green canopy of trees along Oak Creek provides a soothing backdrop.

Red furniture and walls accent the guest rooms at Amara Resort

Our rooms, like all those at Amara, had a contemporary design with a clean, minimalist look.

There’s a Japanese sensibility to the décor.

Furnishings include dark lacquer furniture, tan carpeting and deep red chairs. The writing table held a miniature Zen sand garden.

Black and white photos of saguaro cactus and the famous stone Watchtower at the Grand Canyon were the only Southwestern accents.

Room amenities included:

• coffeemaker with Starbucks coffees and Tazo teas
• DVD player
• complimentary 24-hour high speed internet access
• spa robes
• Aveda bath products
• complimentary NY Times delivered daily to your door
• Simmons "Do Not Disturb" Beautyrest pillowtop mattress.

Many resorts now have special beds. We found that the Simmons pillowtop bed to be a bit too firm for our tastes.

The deluxe guest room bathroom is small and simple at Amara Resort

The bathroom continued the simplicity theme with a combination shower/ tub with granite walls, a simple porcelain sink and a small, 3-tiered glass stand.

While the bathroom was scrupulously clean, we would have liked more counter space as there just wasn’t anywhere to put our toiletries.

In addition to the deluxe guest rooms, you can book rooms with whirlpool bathtubs and suites with a small parlor.

Our room looked out to a small strip of lawn, a row of conifer trees and had a limited view of the red rocks.

Those looking for amazing red rock views should note that most rooms at Amara do not have much of a view.

Most Amara Resort rooms have Juliet balconies

Amara does advertise rooms with a creekside view but given the horseshoe-shape of the property, there aren’t many creek view rooms.

Some rooms face the interior courtyard. However, Amara hosts many weddings, so noise may be a factor if your room faces the courtyard.

Amara also advertises that its rooms have private terraces or balconies.

However, not all balconies were created equal.

Our room only had a "Juliet" balcony – essentially just a small strip of a balcony that was barely wide enough for us to step out.

If you’re hoping to have a balcony with room to sit outside, be sure to ask specifically for one at the time of booking.

Gardens and lawns surround the pool area at Amara Resort

For instance, there are no tennis courts or golf courses.

There is one small, rectangular pool and a Jacuzzi hot tub. Both of which are heated and filled with saltwater.

There’s a nice flagstone patio in the courtyard behind the resort with plenty of seating that looks out to the red rock cliffs.

It has a large fire pit that was a favorite evening gathering place.

Amara Resort also has a small fitness room directly off the lobby.

They offer complimentary WiFi throughout the property.

At the back of the resort, guests have direct access to Oak Creek.

You can walk along the creek’s rocky bank under the dappled shade of cottonwood and willow trees.

The banks of Oak Creek behind the Amara Resort

If you’re lucky, you might spot turtles, ducks or even trout.

You can also take the complimentary shuttle to the nearby shops, galleries and restaurants if you don’t want to make the 5-minute walk uphill to the road.

Amara Resort's concierge can arrange a variety of activities for you.

This Asian-inspired spa is 4,000 square feet of tranquility with six treatment rooms, separate men’s and women’s locker rooms, a coed relaxation room and a small salon.

What makes Amara’s spa unique is that they use the London-based Elemis treatment program and line of products.

It’s the only spa in Arizona to offer Elemis and only one of five in the United States that carries this exclusive line.

The spa menu includes massages, body treatments and an extensive selection of facials.

However, the resort has re-branded their restaurant to have a hip and trendy feel and brought in a new executive chef, David Schmidt.

The restaurant's new name is Hundred Rox.

Hundred Rox restaurant at the Amara Resort

The new menu features eclectic California-inspired Italian cuisine and highlights organic produce and products from local vendors.

Dishes include pan-seared sweet diver scallops with roasted cauliflower ($26) and slow-roasted rosemary chicken with Yukon gold potato risotto ($24).

Looking down on Amara Resort from the top of the hill at Highway 89A

We found all of the staff to be very friendly and quick to help. The bell service was exceptional.

They unloaded our luggage and had it to the room in no time at all.

The concierge was also very helpful and knowledgeable.

She directed us to a great shop - Crystal Magic - that sells crystals, rocks and stones as we were searching for a gift for a family member.

On one evening, we decided to walk up the hill to the shops.

As we started up the drive, the valet ran over to ask if we’d like to be driven up in the shuttle.

We declined as we wanted the exercise but we appreciated the offer.

• Access: The resort is down a hill from Highway 89A. Keep in mind that you have about a 5-minute walk up the hill to the shops and restaurants of Uptown Sedona. Not to worry – if you don’t want to walk, the Amara Resort provides a complimentary shuttle ride up in either a golf cart or a Mercedes SUV.
• Views: Most Amara Resort rooms have limited red rock views. Amara advertises creekside rooms but there are only a few of these.
• Room location: Note that rooms that face the interior courtyard may be subject to noise from weddings and special events in the garden.
• Balconies: Not all Amara Resort rooms have a full balcony. Many only have a “Juliet balcony” which is just barely large enough to step out on.
• Amara Resort recommends that you make advance reservations for restaurants and spa appointments.

Favorite Features:   Easy and quick access to most Sedona attractions; modern and serene atmosphere; lovely Oak Creek setting.

What We Didn’t Like:   Some rooms do not have full balconies as advertised but only little strips barely wide enough to step out on; no counters or space to put toiletries in bathroom.

Nearby Amenities and Attractions:   Sedona Center is just a short walk uphill from the resort. This 10-acre area has 30 boutiques, restaurants, the Sedona Center Park - a free outdoor events venue - and the Uptown EcoTrail – an interactive, educational walk along the banks of Oak Creek. Scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, trout fishing, swimming holes and creek access beginning a few miles north of the resort.

Good for Kids:    Probably not good for young kids if you want to just hang around the property. There are no special activities and just one small pool.

Pet Friendly:   Pets not allowed.

Location:   At the north end of Uptown Sedona.

Address:   310 North Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

Google Map Directions: Click on "+" and "-" signs on Map Controls in upper left hand corner to zoom in and out on the location.

Style:   Contemporary with Zen-like touches.

Room Types:   100 rooms. Standard guest rooms, whirlpool creekside suites, luxury creekside suites.

Book a room at Amara

Cost:   Cost: $$$-$$$$
Go to Cost Key

Extra Fees:   The Amara hotel resort fee is $20 per room/night. Services included in the fee are:

• valet parking
• local calls
• wireless Internet access/DVD rentals
• fax service
• 24-hour computer access
• nightly wine and unwind; daily activities
• shuttle transport within a one-mile radius
• morning coffee and tea
• access to steam room at spa

Pools:   1 pool and Jacuzzi spa. Both are heated saltwater.

Restaurants:   One. Hundred Rox offers an eclectic menu of California-inspired Italian cuisine. Small bar. Dinner entrées begin at $23. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.

Room Service:    Available 7:00 am – 10:00 pm.

Spa:   Amara Spa is a 4,000 square foot full service spa which uses the Elemis line of products and treatments. Spa menu includes massages, facials, body treatments, manicures/pedicures. Average treatment price: $120/60 minutes.

Golf:   No.

Activities:   Swimming, small fitness center, walking along banks of Oak Creek, complimentary shuttle up to shops and restaurants in Sedona Center.

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