If you’re tempted by the vortexes and the views in Sedona—but aren’t so sold on the concept of camping or staying at a rustic retreat—you’ll want to add one of the city’s newest boutique hotels to your must-visit list. Ambiente’s quiet luxury, private and roomy accommodations, and warm hospitality will make you feel like a member of a royal family. At the same time, the boutique hotel’s focus on sustainability ensures that Mother Nature is treated like a queen, too.
When it opened in February 2023, family-owned Ambiente became North America’s first “landscape hotel,” which aims to minimize the impact on the environment. By situating their buildings around the natural elements—rather than plowing through them—implementing a compost program, and focusing on reducing water and energy use, Ambiente is leading the way in innovative, subtly-sustainable luxury hotels.
Its 40 guest “Atriums” (individually-structured, 576-square-foot cube-shaped rooms) are lined with floor-to-ceiling, bronze-tinted glass and metal features, which were chosen to both offer expansive views of the nearby red rocks and to blend into the surrounding natural elements on the property.
After being welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, you’ll be treated to a quick property overview—and a tour of your private Atrium. Inside the tranquil space, you’ll find a complimentary mini bar, bespoke designed wallpaper, a large wrap-around couch, a king-size platform bed, and retractable blackout curtains accenting the space.
In the bath area, a large soaking tub, plush Matouk spa robes, slippers, a towel warmer, a dual-head shower, and Byredo Gypsy Water bath products await.
Here, it’s not just what’s on the inside that counts. Take the spiral staircase to the top of your Atrium to land at your private rooftop deck, complete with a daybed, gas firepit, and a first row seat to the bright constellations above.
Treatments at Velvet Spa also showcase Sedona. Many of the massages, facials, and energetic experiences—including the luscious “Ultimate Zen” scrub, wrap, and massage treatment—integrate locally-sourced ingredients and techniques that are designed to embody the healing properties of the spiritual hub.
The heated pool and spa are tucked in front of the hotel’s on-site Restaurant, Forty 1. That’s where you can sip on local wine, cocktails, and spirit-free beverages as you dig into creations crafted by North Arizona native executive chef David Duncan. Try the local honey-drizzled Red Rock Parfait at breakfast, and don’t miss the sea scallops with shishito risotto, charred carrot mole, and mango pearls for dinner. A server mentioned that this was the most “quintessential display of southwestern flavors” on the menu, and she didn’t lead me astray.
Top Takeaways
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Roomy, window-lined Atriums overlooking native trees and the majestic red rocks.
Food + Drink: Breakfast (room service or at the on-site restaurant, Forty 1) is included with your stay. Stay close to home and order lunch from The Drifter, Ambiente’s poolside custom Airstream. At dinner, opt for in-room dining or book a table at Forty 1 for locally-sourced, seasonal, southwestern-inspired fare made with organic ingredients from central Arizona’s Verde Valley.
Any neighborhood recs?: Not in the mood to hike? You can still explore the red rocks via a very Instagrammable Pink Jeep Tour of destinations like Coconino National Forest and Honanki Heritage Site. Come dinnertime, less than half a mile away from Ambiente you’ll find one of the best find-dining options in Sedona: Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill. Local restaurant legend Lisa Dahl’s wood-fire grill restaurant offers dramatic views, handmade empanadas and grilled octopus so tender and delicious, you’ll swear you’re dining on the coast. Just be sure to (try to) save room for dessert at PussyCat Gelato.
Our favorite thing about the hotel? The spa, top-notch hospitality, and terrific dining options make it tempting not to leave the Ambiente property. Why would you want to when you could spend more time inside your spacious atrium, soaking up the wrap-around views of nature, or lounge on your private rooftop next to the firepit as you gaze up at the stars?
What’s nearby? Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, Sedona Art Center, Uptown Sedona
Amenities: Spa, on-site wellness trails and direct access to 200 miles of hiking trails, yoga, pool, hot tub, restaurant, bar, WiFi, electric bikes, private rooftop and firepit, complimentary mini bar, complimentary local electric car service.
Rooms: 40 Atriums
Pricing: Rooms start at $999/night
Closest Airports: Sedona Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
