Name: Mii amo, a destination spa at Enchantment
Type of Spa:Destination Spa
Mii amo is a Native American Yuman language word meaning, “to continue one’s path, moving forward, or journey.” With an emphasis on the individual, the guests are primarily women in their 30s to late 50s who come from six digit income households. New Yorkers make up a large portion of the clientele, along with other urbanites from Los Angeles, Chicago and nearby Phoenix.
The Setting for Mii amo: Located at the 70-acre Enchantment Resort in Sedona’s Boynton Canyon, the native people have long considered this a sacred place. At an altitude of 4,600 feet, Mii amo is surrounded by the majestic Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness with its colorful cliffs, buttes and canyons. Sedona is known as a place of spirituality and healing, and Mii amo incorporates the Native American history, culture and heritage into this New Age retreat.
The Casitas at Mii amo: A cluster of 14 spa guest rooms and two deluxe spa suites are housed in six adobe-style casitas, surrounded by cottonwood and sycamore trees. All rooms include a private patio, fireplace, television, phone, mini-bar and coffee maker and other standard hotel amenities (spa robes and sandals provided). Extra deep bathtubs are perfect for soaking. There is an indoor-outdoor café that is frequented by both spa guests and those staying at Enchantment (a large communal table is exclusively for the use of spa guests). Light and fresh spa cuisine combines Oriental and Southwest flavors, using local organic produce. There’s also a juice bar (wine/beer and cocktails are also available).
The Spa at Mii amo: Native American meets the Southwest with a touch of Asian zen, that’s the four-year old Mii amo. The two-story spa is an impressive 24,000 sq. ft. utilizing natural materials and light. Common areas and two swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor lap pool) are all on the first level, while the 24 treatment rooms are upstairs. Other features include a fitness studio overlooking the red rocks (offering everything from cardio ball to gentle flow yoga), expansive locker rooms, a “fitness” lawn for yoga, roof garden and a library. The Crystal Grotto is the signature of Mii amo; the circular sacred space is used for meditation, “daily intentions” and small classes.
Signature Treatments at Mii amo: Many of the spa’s treatments and services incorporate healing rituals passed down from the Navajo, Yavapa-Apache and Havasupai people. With more than 30 to choose from, signature treatments include the 60-minute Crystal Bath ($130), utilizing essential oils, crystals and massage and Reiki work; The Soothing Stones Massage ($180), 75 minutes of massage using smooth, warm basalt river rocks; and the hour-long Watsu Massage ($130), which takes place in a private outdoor pool and combines stretching techniques and Shiatsu. There are also astrology and tarot card readings, along with specialized sessions that emphasize knowing yourself and your true potential.
Prices at Mii amo: Three-night package rates (including six treatments) are $1,650-$2,850; four nights (eight treatments) $1,830-$3,420; and seven nights (14 treatments) $2,940-$5,880. All packages include accommodations at Mii amo, three meals per day, all fitness classes and facilities, lectures and cooking demonstrations and use of other facilities and services at Enchantment Resort. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.
What’s Special about Mii amo: The setting is stunning. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or doing the Vortex Walk, the red rocks surrounding Mii amo are inspiring. The expertise and dedication of the staff and the incorporation of the Native American culture into the spa’s offerings make this a unique spiritual retreat.
What Could Be Better: I was surprised to find mini-bars in the rooms, stocked with snacks and alcoholic beverages. Guests should be made aware of this prior to checking in, as the staff will be more than happy to remove the tempting items before arrival. A little more attention to general housekeeping would also be welcome. Often room service trays remained outside casitas far too long, as well as food and beverage containers lying around the pool. It doesn’t match the pristine setting.
Bottom Line: Mii amo is all about your inner journey, so if you’re ready to go there, they’ve got the tools to help guide you. It’s relaxing and spiritual, a place of contemplation and resolve. But if you’re looking for a boot camp type spa with a strict nutritional philosophy, this may not be a good match.
Contact Info: Mii amo, a destination spa at Enchantment, 525 Boynton Canyon Road, Sedona, AZ 86336. 888.749.2137 www.miiamo.com
