Discover Peace, Beauty, and Flavor in Every Bite
By Stefanie Michaels
Internationally known for the power of its Vortex meditation sites, Sedona, Arizona is a mothership of spiritual healing. Some even believe that the striations within the beautiful red rocks were caused by UFOs – much to geologists’ chagrin. But, regardless of where you stand on the whole alien thing, there’s no denying the healing powers within Arizona’s high desert landscape.
Some of the best trails to hike are Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock, and Devil’s Bridge which features Sedona’s largest sandstone arch. If you’re not much of a hiker, but still want to see the natural sites, the Broken Arrow Excursion offered by Pink Jeep Tours is a must. Either way, after all of that outdoor adventure, Sedona’s New Day Spa will heal what ails you with a menu of treatments, including Native American-inspired spa rituals rooted in indigenous traditions.
Hungry yet?
When it comes to Sedona’s food scene, Chef Lisa Dahl is undeniably its number one champion. Dahl is the largest restaurant employer in the Northern part of Arizona with over 300 employees across her six Sedona restaurants – Butterfly Burger, Mariposa, Cucina Rustica, Pisa Lisa (2 locations), and Dahl & DiLuca. And, her menus read like a traveler’s guide to international cuisine.
If you go, start with dinner at Mariposa. Loosely translated to mean a “spiritual rebirth” , this fine dining experience is perched atop a scenic bluff surrounded by red rock canyons. Known for Dahl’s handmade empanadas, the menu is heavily influenced by Spanish cuisine. Over in the Village of Oak Creek, Dahl explores Mediterranean fare at Cucina Rustica. Vegan or not, you’ll love Chef Lisa’s Glorioso Gazpacho. Still, Dahl & DiLuca is Sedona’s most awarded fine-dining restaurant for 29 years – specializing in Italian cuisine.
Dahl also offers two dining options. Pisa Lisa is a wood-fired pizza joint that also serves Arizona-grown, all-natural organic products for a wide variety of unique tapas plates, healthy salads, panini sandwiches, and their famous Tuscan Tomato Bisque Soup. But, to get to the meat of the matter, the award-winning chef suggests her “couture burger lounge” – Butterfly Burgers which features three Battle of the Burger Championship winners, along with several pescatarian and vegetarian options such as the “The Hipster” – a lentil-walnut sofrito burger.
There are plenty of luxury properties to choose from when it comes to accomodations such as L’Auberge de Sedona and Enchantment Resort. And, if you prefer something fun and unique with a side of luxe, try Sky Rock Sedona – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Once a roadside Best Western, this beautiful property was given an overhaul last year boasting gorgeous sunrise and sunset views. In fact, there is a nightly moonrise gong ceremony paired with a Mezcal Moonrise Margarita. Come morning time, Sky Rock hosts a morning meditation hour followed by a yoga class not to be missed.
Did you know?
One lesser-known fact about Sedona is that it was once home to Hollywood’s golden-era filmmakers. From the 1920s through the 1970s, Sedona’s iconic red rock landscapes served as a natural backdrop for over 100 Westerns and adventure films. Directors and stars—including John Wayne, James Stewart, and Elvis Presley—were drawn to the area’s striking beauty and dramatic desert scenes.
The region’s unique terrain made representing various parts of the American West easy, making Sedona a cinematic favorite before it became widely known as a spiritual and wellness destination.
A little history:
Sedona, Arizona, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years to the Sinagua people, who left behind rock art and cliff dwellings in the area’s striking red rock landscape. Named in 1902 after Sedona Arabella Miller Schnebly, the wife of its first postmaster, the town became famous in the mid-20th century as a popular filming location for Hollywood Westerns.
By the 1980s, Sedona evolved into a hub for spirituality and wellness, drawing seekers of the town’s renowned “energy vortexes” believed to promote healing and meditation.
Today, Sedona blends indigenous heritage, Western nostalgia, and a thriving New Age community, making it a unique destination for both nature lovers and spiritual explorers.
If you’d like to try some of Chef Dahl’s recipes, check out her cookbook: A Romance With Food – Latin Fusion Cooking available for purchase at dahltodoor.com
