The Romantic L'Auberge De Sedona in Arizona is a Wonderful and Romantic Getaway

We were very fortunate to get to spend a few days recently at the L'Auberge de Sedona in Sedona, Arizona. It is ideally set in beautiful "Red Rock" country. This Inn provides an amazing contrast to the rocky, dramatic vistas in the region around Sedona.

It was about a two hour ride from Scottsdale and the Phoenix area. We drove along magnificent mountain roads, passing towns with names right out of a Wild West movie, and typical desert scenery complete with lots of cactus. The glorious red cliffs of Sedona offered a startling welcome to this region.

The tiny lane off of the main highway, which leads to the property sets the mood for the small hotel. Passing a small stone entry onto the property, the greenery and shade trees everywhere were a welcome delight. The inn is nestled among eleven acres on the banks of the pretty Oak Creek. It feels wonderfully secluded, while actually sitting back a very short distance from the center of town .It is about a ten minute walk up a wooded staircase which leads to their other property, the Orchards, which is right on the main street. The rushing creek behind most of the hotel's property is home to an enchanting family of ducks of all sizes and temperaments. They are a lucky group of ducks to have such a beautiful home! The ground is covered with ivy, except for the pathways connecting the various parts of the property. Large shade trees, many with large clusters of red berries hanging from them, provide respite from the hot Arizona sun. In fact, I often had to remind myself that I was in fact still in Arizona.

The almost constant chirping of the cicadas reminded me of our stay in the countryside on a past trip to Provence in southern France The entire property at the L'Auberge had a serene, cool, and charming feel that we loved. The L'Auberge de Sedona consists of fifty-seven guest rooms and suites in three different types of settings. We stayed in one of the thirty-three private cottages. We were fortunate enough to have a creek side cottage, overlooking the Oak Creek. Other cottages, called garden views, were closer to the main lodge and the restaurant. The room was both extremely comfortable and luxurious. It was a junior suite, with a separate large sitting area with a very comfortable, oversized leather couch, desk and chair, large television and lovely wood-burning fireplace and mantle. A large container held lots of wood and the fireplace was already set up with wood and kindling, ready to go. There was a lovely country French style armoire that served as both closet and drawers. The bed was one of the most comfortable hotel beds in which I have ever slept. The large wooden carved headboard, the firm and comfy mattress, the very luxurious linens, and the overstuffed pillows and down comforter made for a most welcoming night's sleep. There were nightstands to match the country French style with lamps on each that provided the perfect amount of light to read in bed.

The bathroom consisted of a combination tub with shower and w/c, with a window, separated by a door from the generous-sized vanity area. A very thoughtful touch, which I wish more hotels would do, was provide two large shelf units, one on each side of the vanity, with three shelves each, to store all of our toiletries and extra towels The floor was covered with a beautiful and plush area rug in a stunning pattern which gave it a French feel. Our room had every convenience, including mini- bar, hairdryer, a coffee-maker, fabric covered hangers, very cozy and lush terry bathrobes, fluffy towels (and lots of them!), and wonderful soaps, shampoos and lotions. The hotel also offered nightly turn-down service, with a delicious chocolate left on each pillow every evening.

The large front porch of our cottage had two comfortable chairs and a table. Sitting outside of our cottage on our private porch looking out at the rushing creek and surrounding area was so peaceful and relaxing. There is also a building called the Lodge which offers nineteen guest rooms and two junior suites, but we never saw those rooms. It had a large lobby with two large fireplaces and looked very inviting.

I can't say enough wonderful things about the staff! They were very friendly and accommodating. Upon arrival, we noticed a zipper on our suitcase had become damaged by the airlines. They immediately brought us some duct tape to make a temporary repair. Later that afternoon, they surprised us with a bottle of champagne on ice brought to our room.

We dined at both of the restaurants at the L'Auberge. The Creekside Terrace is right on the banks of the creek, under the trees. This is where we really got know the ducks. They sat near the guests, patiently waiting for a crumb to drop or an offering to be made to them. But they were very well-behaved and entertaining. Upon arrival, we devoured two big bowls of delicious mussels in a garlic butter broth. We had a wonderful breakfast of nut-crusted French toast the next morning that was just scrumptious . The service , atmosphere, and food was top-notch. The gourmet restaurant also faced the creek but was indoors, with a glass enclosed view of the beautiful scenery. The service was excellent, both efficient and friendly. Everything was a la carte and quite pricey. My husband had roasted escargots for an appetizer and they were delicious. I opted for a wonderfully prepared baked oyster dish in an amazingly light and delicious sauce. For our main courses, my husband had a marvelous veal dish and I had a cut-up baked lobster in another superb sauce. The restaurant offered an excellent selection of wines. Although most were quite pricey, we found a nice 2000 Bordeaux from the Medoc region for under forty dollars. This was about the least expensive wine on the menu.

The entire experience at this property was top notch. Location, scenery, beautiful lodgings, great food and friendly staff all made this a perfect destination for a romantic getaway. I hope we can go back there again someday!