Ambiente Sedona

Sep 1, 2023

The rooftop decks at Ambiente boast 180-degree views of Sedona's iconic red rock formations. Photo by Jeff Zaruba Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content Ambiente Sedona is a recent addition to the city’s luxury hospitality scene. Most notably, it’s the first U.S. hotel to incorporate “landscape hotel” design — a term used to describe standalone minimalist guest accommodations immersed in the surrounding natural environment. In the case of Ambiente, that design drops 40 bronze-tinted glass boxes with spectacular views into the unique red rock surround for which northern Arizona is renowned. Advertisement 2 Article content “We wanted them [atriums] to feel like they floated out of the sky and just landed on this untouched earth,” says Jennifer May, co-owner of Two Sister Bosses , the luxury property management company that owns Ambiente . Article content The hotel’s glass and steel atriums are carefully positioned on stilts above the rust-coloured ground, with three sides wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass and angled to make the most of the breathtaking vistas. The atrium exteriors, with black matte metal and corrugated bronze trim, reflect the surrounding landscape. Exterior view of an atrium at Ambiente Sedona, an ultra-luxury boutique hotel Arizona. Photo by Jeff Zaruba Preserving the local landscape was a top priority for May and her family. The land, 1.25 hectares bordering Coconino National Forest , was originally zoned for a two-and-a-half-storey lodge, surrounded by a parking lot. May and her father, co-owner Mike Stevenson, soon realized the impact that type of build would have on the land, most importantly, on the ancient waterways, the dry creeks known as washes that surge during seasonal rainstorms. To create a continuous running water feature through the property, May hired two local landscape artists specializing in water features to turn the wash system into a permanent creek. A pump system was built to preserve the stormwater’s original routing with minimal impact on the delicate desert ecosystem. Sunrise Article content “We wanted to keep it sustainable, and keep it recirculating all of the time,” says May. The creek, with its continual cool mist, is a triumphant example of sustainable land use. And the sound and spray as its ripples through the resort property is a refreshing treat for the senses. The creek at Ambiente Sedona offers a refreshing treat for the senses and for the local wildlife who might stop by for a drink. Photo by Jenelle Bonifield Inside the atriums are sweet spaces ideally suited to the resort’s adults-only environment. The calm and serene design esthetic is combined with earthy tones and luxe fabrics and décor, and it works — the result is a moody, romantic vibe. May’s goal was to create a luxurious experience, perfect for a couple to reconnect with each other, and nature too. “We wanted to create this environment inside the atrium where everything is a little bit darker, it has earthy elements to it,” says May. “Kind of almost create this tucked-in feeling. Like you’re tucked into your own private theatre. And that big screen is in front of you. So, we’re really kind of bringing Sedona on IMAX into your atrium.” Inspired by the dreamy view, 10 different décor palettes can be found across the 40 units. May worked with Italian wallpaper outfit Glamora to select the moody, atmospheric backdrops behind each king-size bed and soaker tub. Dramatic black matte and brushed gold finishes complement the live-edge wood and golden-hued accent pieces. The palette feels grounded in the surrounding natural elements. Breathtaking views from an atrium at Ambiente Sedona. Photo by Jeff Zaruba Each is equipped with remote-controlled black-out curtains, a motorized ceiling-mounted TV, a kitchenette with locally sourced snacks and beverages, and Byredo toiletries. Sweet touches include a bath bomb to elevate time in the tub and real cream for morning coffee while visitors take in that view. Every atrium has a private rooftop deck outfitted with a daybed and firepit. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the rocky red vistas or stargaze after the sun goes down. After all, Sedona is an official Dark Sky community dedicated to protecting and preserving the night sky. Advertisement 4 You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen. OK For dining, Forty1 restaurant serves up a fresh and seasonal à la carte menu. Dishes are inspired by organic ingredients sourced from the local Verde Valley. The décor evokes the same earthy, moody vibe found in the atriums, with a comfy dark leather banquette hugging mirrored walls that reflect the surrounding red rocks. Positioned poolside, guests at Forty1 can easily transition outside to the comfy fireside seating and sip a coffee after breakfast or imbibe in a pre-dinner cocktail. Lunch is on offer across the pool deck at the converted Airstream, dubbed The Drifter. Poolside at dusk at Ambiente Sedona. Photo by Jenelle Bonifield Soaking tubs in a wellness room at Ambiente’s Velvet Spa. Photo by Jeff Zaruba There’s more luxury to be found at Ambiente’s Velvet Spa, where treatments like its Desert Dreams Salt Cleanse and 02 Soaking Baths put the emphasis on relax and unwind. As the name suggests, Velvet Spa is a dreamy escape with a textured and romantic ambiance. “The one thing that took us by surprise is we weren’t expecting as many couples that want to do couples treatments,” says May. “They’ll go into the O2 soaking tub room and do that together, and they’ll go into the couples massage and get a massage together or a body treatment. They kind of want to do all of it together, which has been really amazing.” Visit ambientesedona.com to find out more.