Interview & Photographs by} John Russo
We sat down with Stan Kantowski, General Manager Sedona’s magical Enchantment Resort, to find out about the newest luxury additions happening at this iconic property.
Q: What makes Enchantment different from other properties in the region?
A: Enchantment Resort is located within Boynton Canyon on 70-acres of land surrounded by the towering red rocks. The resort has direct hike in hike out access to trails, so our guests have direct access to all that Boynton Canyon has to offer, including archaeological sites, historic caves, and Kachina Woman. Additionally, if our guests want to explore out in Sedona, our Trail House adventure center and guides can take guests on private hikes and mountain biking adventures.
Q: The property is unique in that guests get their own private casitas, like a stand-alone home. This is so timely in the age of Covid. Have you found this to be successful during these times?
A: Most of our guests came to Enchantment to escape the cities, hike in nature, and have direct access to the outdoors. The resort was a respite to rejuvenate and get away from the confines of quarantine. No contact room service, masks, strict cleaning practices, casitas with kitchens and direct access to the outdoors ended up being a winning formula for us and our guests.
Q: With travel starting to heat up again, so many people are looking for exciting things to do. What unique experiences are being offered to your guests?
A: We have access to over 300 miles of trails for numerous hiking and mountain biking adventures of all kinds. Sunset mountain biking, full moon hikes, archeological and nature themed guided hikes are just a few of the experiences we offer through our adventure center, Trail House. Additionally, on property we offer cooking classes, watercolor painting, spa services, and mindfulness experiences like sound healing and compassionate communication. If you are looking to just get outside and enjoy nature or heal your being…we have something for you.
Q: What sets your Spa apart from other Spas in the region? Any special treatments that are exclusive to the property?
A: Mii amo, our destination spa was named #1 by Traveler and Leisure for five times within the last 20 years. Mii amo is currently paused for renovation, but the same intuitive staff are providing the same amazing services and experiences at Enchantment at the Spa Suites of Boynton Canyon. In addition to traditional spa services, we offer unique services that are only available here like Canyon Bathing, Prayer Arrows, Astrology Readings, Sound Healing, and a Labyrinth Walk Meditation.
Q: Many people are awaiting the completion of the new spa/hotel at Mii amo. Any new and unique features that will make the experience even more exciting?
A: We are completely enhancing the different experiences of our journey and Enchantment guests with elevated spaces, as well as dedicated private spaces for Journey guests, including Journey concierge, lockers, relaxation, and gathering spaces. We are enhancing our culinary and nutrition programming with a signature restaurant, juice bar and kitchen. We are expanding our fitness and movement offerings to support our commitment to whole-person wellbeing.We are also adding new treatment rooms and guest rooms so that more people can experience the Mii amo Journey.
Q: How many dining options does the property currently have?
A: We have two dining options for our guests; Che Ah Chi is the resorts signature dining and Tii gavo is our casual restaurant. Both are inspired by the indigenous ingredients of the Southwest and offer indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic views of the red rocks of Boynton Canyon. We also offer in room dining, and a pool restaurant serving pool guests BBQ, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. We are also planning to introduce a convenient casual dining option later this year for guests on the go with house made breakfasts, freshly pressed juices, smoothies, paninis and wraps, beer and wine, snacks, and signature desserts.
Q: For those travelers who want to do physical activities, what does the property offer to get the heart pumping?
A: We offer a series of daily fitness classes in our Canyon Studio like morning stretch, Yoga, Pilates, Qui Gong, and several meditations. We also offer a wide arrange of activities through our Trail House like mountain biking adventures and hiking excursions that are accessible directly from our property.
Q: If you had to sum up the property in three key words, what would they be?
A: Energy, Adventure, and Discovery
To learn more about Enchantment resort http://enchantmentresort.com