Wellness Guide to Sedona
The red rocks of Sedona, Arizona hold mystical and transformative powers. Because of this, wellness seekers travel here from all across the world to recharge, heal, and self-explore. A few weeks ago, a few girlfriends and I traveled to Sedona for just that and experienced an enchanting retreat. We experienced first-hand how Sedona has the power to rejuvenate and renew. You can find everything your wellness heart desires in Sedona - from energy healers, yoga studios, hiking trails, psychics, crystals, stargazing, and world-class spas. I’m so excited to share my guide to Sedona with you and hope you experience all the positive energy this magical place holds.
Hike to Vortexes
Vortexes are swirling centers of energy that come from the earth and are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. These mysterious cosmic forces are said to emanate from the red rocks. Many people feel inspired, recharged or uplifted after visiting a vortex. As an energy healer, I have experience in quantum physics healing through Tong Ren and am fascinated by and attracted to these forces and healing powers. My main priority in Sedona was to explore the hiking trails to experience the vortex energy. My favorite vortex hikes included: Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Bell Rock. I also found peaceful energy when walking the Little Horse Trail. The vortexes are all easy to get to, and no overly strenuous hiking is required; however, you can make it as difficult as you want by climbing to higher parts of the mountains, especially on Cathedral Rock. Make sure to pack and wear appropriate gear, including: hiking shoes, backpack, water bottle, warm layers, snacks, and hat/gloves (in the cooler months). Here’s a handy Sedona Vortex Map that will help you plan your hikes.
Get your Aura Read
I’m not new to psychics. In fact, I have several clairvoyant friends who are helping me tap into my own intuitive abilities. So when I found out that I was going to Sedona, I immediately knew I wanted to have an aura reading. I booked a reading with Jamie at the Center of the New Age and it was an enlightening and inspiring experience. I highly recommend everyone experience a reading to gain clarity on your natural energies, talents and spiritual gifts. And, most importantly, to learn how to tap into your higher guidance. I’ll save more information about my aura reading for a later time (because that's a deep one that deserves its own dedicated story).
My aura: Spiritual Teacher Healer. White for spirit guides; Blue for old soul, empath, purpose; Violet for creative, soulful, artistic; Pink for feminine energy, heart, love; and Turquoise for selflessness and desire to be of service for others.
Find your Crystal
Crystals are believed to be conduits of healing energies when used correctly. They emit positive, energizing, and calming vibrations that help you achieve a state of being. While in Sedona, don’t miss going to Crystal Magic where you’ll find thousands of crystals in different forms. See which crystals you are attracted to, or pick one based on its description and healing qualities. I purchased a handful of crystals and a wrist full of bracelets (some for me and some for friends).
Practice Yoga and Meditation
Sedona is home to many incredible yoga and meditation studios, including 7 Centers Yoga and McLean Meditation Institute. There are even yoga classes that you can do outside and nearby the vortexes.
Eat Local & Healthy
As someone with food allergies, I find it comforting to know that Sedona has many restaurants, grocery stores, and cafes that cater to my health needs. My favorite places to eat included:
Whole Foods: Stock up on your favorite go-to snacks for hiking and essentials for eating and cooking at home. I always recommend staying at an airbnb over a hotel when you can because then you have the opportunity to cook and prepare your own foods. Some of our best nights were the nights we stayed in and cooked and listened to music.
Elote: Some of the best mexican food I’ve ever had! Get there early, because the wait can be long, but it’s worth it.
ChocolaTree: You don’t want to miss this place. Specializing in organic and vegetarian cuisine, they also have delicious smoothies and chocolates. I fell in love with their chocolate maca smoothie and jungle peanut butter cups. They also have a beautiful outdoor terrace where you can eat and unwind.
Picazzo’s: When you’re craving italian check out this gluten-free, vegan, allergy sensitive, and organic Italian inspired cuisine joint.
The Chai Spot: As a tea lover, I felt at home here. Loved the rose cardamom coconut milk chai and the outdoor sitting area with plush pillows and cushions.
Local Juicery: A lovely spot for breakfast, lunch, organic grab-and-go meals and unique retail.
Gaze at the Stars
Sedona is a stargazers dream, as it is one of only 20 certified Dark Sky Communities in the world. There is substantially less light pollution because the city has made conscientious efforts to reduce it by using low-lumen lighting and properly hooded and directed light fixtures. We stayed at an airbnb with a hot tub and were fortunate enough to lounge in it at night and watch the stars. Other favorite spots for stargazing include: Aerie Trailhead, BaldwinTrailhead, Crescent Moon Picnic Site, and Centennial Trailhead.
Relax at the Spa
Between outdoor adventures, it’s enriching to schedule in spa time at one of Sedona’s magical spas. Rooted in Native American culture, Mii Amo Spa will use their intuitive healing powers to refresh your mind, body and spirit in ways that are profound and personal. The treatments that set them apart include new moon and energy balancing massages that combine manifestation techniques.
During your trip to Sedona, don’t miss these places on your way to and from Sedona:
Jerome, AZ: On your way from Phoenix to Sedona, make sure to stop into Jerome. Nestled a mile high on the side of Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley with spectacular views of the Red Rocks, Jerome is a place with history and quirky charm. It is an old mining town that was a large producer of copper, gold, and silver. As a revitalized arts community, you’ll find eccentric art studios and galleries and a monthly art walk. Once known as the “wickedest city in the west,” Jerome had a reputation for mining accidents, gunfights, and other unnatural events. Given its wicked past, the city is allegedly filled with wandering spirits. It's always a hauntingly good time in Jerome.
Jerome, Arizona
Arcosanti: On our way back to Phoenix from Sedona, we visited Arcosanti, an urban laboratory that begun in 1970 by Paolo Soleri. Soleri’s concept of compact city design, ARCOLOGY(ARChitecture and ecOLOGY), saves resources and improves quality of life for all. Don’t miss touring this beautiful and peaceful place. I was fascinated by the bronze windbells individually handcrafted by artists in Sedona. I picked out a special one to bring back to Maine.
I’d love to create a personalized travel itinerary based on your interests and preferred destinations. Please contact me below.