2019 is yours -- so what’s the plan?
If you can’t clear your head, your schedule, or stay off instagram long enough to make a plan, a digital detox or just plain life reset may be in order. And you’re not alone. Anxiety, stress, goals, promotions, new business...how are you supposed to give your full potential when you’re operating on empty? You can’t.
It’s time to make time to recharge and Sedona, Arizona is the place to do it.
Go it alone or take your best mate, this trip guide will lead you to some of the most magical and healing places in the Arizona desert; cell phone optional, work not permitted -- you're out of office.
UNPLUG AND START YOUR DETOX
If you choose to go completely phone free -- good for you! The best way to ensure you don't jump back into work is separate yourself from your laptop and phone completely. But we all know that can be impossible when you're traveling and you need google and directions. One thing you can do to disconnect is turn off your notifications on all of your social media, messages and email. You will still receive these, but you'll have to open each app to view. Airplane mode is also an option, but you won't be able to use your cellular service for Google Maps.
For iPhone users, go to settings >> open each app >> and turn off notifications
To go the extra step, drag all of your apps into a folder on your phone and forget about them until the end of your trip. Make a goal to leave your phone in the car when you go to dinners, and put it in a drawer when you're back at your hotel. You'll be shocked at how many times you reach for your phone the first couple of days.
FLY INTO PHOENIX AND AND DRIVE THROUGH THE SAGUARO CACTUS FIELDS
The short 119 mile drive from Phoenix to Sedona will take your breath away (and heighten your creativity). You’ll be surrounded by towering saguaro cactus fields and mountainous desert terrain. Stop off to snap some photos and take in Arizona’s energy as you make your way to Sedona’s red rock oasis.
Travel Tip: Depending on your departure airport, we found flights as low as $130-$200 via Spirit and Frontier. Book 2-3 months in advance for better rates.
STAY AT A LOCAL BED AND BREAKFAST OR FIND AN AIRBNB OFF THE TRAIL
Once you start to see the red rocks you’ll know you’ve made it to Sedona. You might even start to feel your own energy shift as you drive into the small town. Everything in the city is very drivable and close together, so don’t worry about being far from things to do. If you’re looking to spend a little more cash for excellent service and amenities, Adobe Grand Villas is a quaint bed and breakfast run by the sweetest and most accommodating staff. Fresh bread made in your room when you arrive, homemade snacks served all day, and a hearty breakfast prepared by the on-site chef, this place is wonderful (their website does not do them justice).
If you’re looking for a more remote, human-free experience, airbnb’s are all over town. It’s hard to find something that’s not near a trail or mountain, but this tiny house camp or this spot close to the Airport Mesa Vortex are great options. Got extra cash? This one’s pricey but nicey!
EASY HIKES AND WALKS THAT LEAD TO MOUNTAIN TOPS AND VORTEX CENTERS
If you’re not a mountain climber or pro world explorer that’s no problem on a lot of Sedona trails. All of Sedona is considered a vortex, which is where they say swirling energy promotes healing, inspiration and self awareness. Put your phone down, set your intentions, and head to one of the four major vortex locations around Sedona. Here’s where you need to go and what you need to know to meditate, find your center, or just explore the idea of such things.
AIRPORT MESA VORTEX
With a full 360 view of the town, Airport Mesa is an easy walk from the car park at the Sedona Airport Outlook. You may have to pay for parking ($5 or so), but you’ll also get a map from the parking attendant of the city landmarks and vortexes. It’s a good idea to start here so you can get a good lay of the land from an ideal vantage point and snag a map. The energy at this vortex has a more masculine nature and the trail to the top is very accessible and easy to do solo.
CATHEDRAL ROCK VORETX
The Cathedral Rock hike is a bit more difficult, but the view from the top is breathtaking. Park at the trailhead and make your way up, but only if you're in good shape and hiking with friends or at a higher traffic time. The view around sunset is incredible and a perfect time to find a place to mediate and reflect surrounded by, some say, a strong feminine energy. Just make sure you have good hiking shoes and you descend before dark. Take a headlamp just incase.
BELLO ROCK VORTEX
Recognized for a more masculine flow of energy, this vortex location is said to have multiple points of strong energy flow (you can park at the Bell Rock trailhead). You don't have to climb to the top to find a strong energy flow. Look for twisted trees and a place off the path to find a comfortable place to meditate.
BOYNTON CANYON VORTEX
Considered the yin and yang energy or a balance between feminine and masculine, the Boynton Canyon Vortex overlooks the Enchantment Resort, a 5-star hotel known for its amenities and healing location. You can park at the Trailhead and walk the Boynton Canyon trail until you find the vortex center. Twisted Juniper trees can be found at sites where energy is the strongest.
WHERE TO GET YOUR COFFEE AND TAKE TIME TO DINE
Dining with a view isn’t hard to find in this city and healthy options are everywhere. If you’re looking for good coffee with an outdoor patio overlooking the red rocks, check out Creekside Coffee — great coffee and even better views. After your daily hike, head to ChocolaTree for lunch and ask to sit on the back patio. This vegan restaurant has an amazing menu of tasty healthy options and the ambiance is the perfect zen zone for decompressing. At sunset the perfect place for a fine dining experience is Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill. Situated in the perfect spot for a sunset view of the mountains, this is by far one of the most memorable meals you’ll have — alone or with friends. If you really like Mariposa, you’ll also have to stop by Dahl & Di Luca Risorante Italiano, Cucina Rustica, and Pisa Lisa — these three restaurants, including Mariposa, are owned by Chef Lisa Dahl, a decorated chef and well-known Sedona cuisine trailblazer.
LIVE YOUR BEST SPA LIFE AT ONE OF THESE LOCAL SPAS
One of the top rated spas in the country is Mii Amo, located in Sedona at the Enchantment resort, but the price tag is not for everyone. If you’re looking for a great spa close to town and a little easier on the pocket book, try Sedona’s New Day Spa. complete with a relaxation area, fire pit, and outdoor hot tub, this simple spa is quaint and welcoming and the therapists incorporate local Native American remedies in their services.
The new year calls for new adventures and Sedona is the perfect place to start. The atmosphere, the people, the scenery and the energy is a much-needed refresher after the day in, day out hustle of work. Put your phone down, close your laptop and experience life as it happens.
The only catch? Once you visit Sedona, just know you’ll be back.