Sweat Lodge Deaths: A Sedona Spa GM's View
I just had a chat with Ed Conway, general manager of Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa, about the sweat lodge deaths. Coincidentally, he met with James Ray, who was looking at hotels in the area for doing other events, right before the "Spiritual Warrior" seminar, which left three people dead.
Conway has no direct knowledge of what happened, but as a manager he was critical of the lack of medical back-up during the sweat lodge. "When you collect $650,000, you can afford $30,000 for an emergency medical vehicle and a doctor. They even have an emergency vehicle at football games." He says it was particularly important because Angel Valley Retreat Center is in a remote setting, 20 miles outside of Sedona and another three or four miles down a dirt road.
As a manager, he estimated the facility rental around $30,000, and food costs would have been low because there was fasting. To him, that meant the seminar was very low on expenses and very high on profit. "It seems to have just been a money-making scheme for him."
Conway also felt that the sweat lodge itself was not handled in an authentic or professional manner. "Why not hire a Native-American? I'm not saying we would do a sweat lodge, but if we did, we'd bring in the experts." By way of example, he said that Sedona Rouge hosts a five-day program by Lifestyle Center of America for people with diabetes who are learning how to exercise and eat well. "The people are overweight and diabetic, and we have an on-site doctor."
Conway said that most people in Sedona have never heard of Angel Valley Retreat Center, which is generally rented out by private groups. "This has nothing to do with Sedona....it's 20 miles from here!"
Finally, he doesn't see spas in Sedona really changing what they do as a result of this event. "We'll just carry on with what we normally do, and do due diligence."
Comments
Great job seeking out expert opinions! It’s important for people to know this is NOT business as usual in Sedona and that professionals in the field are horrified too.
I’m really glad that you wrote about this, Anitra. I’d been wondering if it might cast a shadow on the spa’s. I think the more we’ll learn over time the more will find that Mr. Conway is right on the motivations involved in this horrible incident.
Quality spas like many of those in Sedona and around the nation care more about the health of their clients not their client’s pocketbook.
When a lodge is done correctly you do not need medical backup. You need to talk to a recognized, bonafide spiritual leader, not a money-and-greed guru or spa manager. I appreciate the manager’s view – it is reasonable (I work in the medical industry), however, when these ceremonials are done in the way they have been for thousands of years, people do not die.
I have practiced this ceremony my whole life, my children have particpated. like the earlier comment if they are done correct there are no need for all the medical part of it.
The right way is keeping it within the tribe. Females are even allowed AROUND a sweat lodge. I was they took it upon themselves to even agree to go in. Knowing it is called a SWEAT lodge. WATER! Does the name say it all. And the guy. Going against everything that was suppose to be scared. I’am very upset. Ugh!!!!!!!!!!