Towering red sandstone formations, pink dusky skies, and healing energies said to radiate from these ancient rocks: Sedona is a place of deep spiritual commune with nature. Here are five of the most uplifting well-being and meditation retreats in Sedona and neighboring areas of Arizona.
Tree pose at the summit (Photo courtesy of Vita Pura Yoga via Book Retreats)
If curious and intrepid travelers flock from the US and abroad to the Sedona area of Arizona all year round, it’s not only to discover the vast expanses of red rock (the next best thing to going to Mars) or to hike along the network of hundreds of miles of trail. It has long been believed that some of the region’s natural wonders – including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon – generate vortexes: a powerful metaphysical or spiritual energy emanating from the rock formations. Whether or not you’re convinced of the sacred healing properties of vortexes, there can be no denying that a first-hand glamping experience of America’s epic Grand Southwest will inspire and empower you for your next adventures in life. These five retreats combine meditation, yoga and hiking, and holistic wellness in and around Sedona.
5-Day Luxury Retreat – Yoga, Hiking & Breath Work in Sedona
Meditation with a view, Sedana (Photo courtesy of Vita Pura Yoga via Book Retreats)
At the heart of Bell Rock surrounded by majestic sandstone formations, the Sedona Hilton offers a luxurious resort setting complete with spa, pool and jacuzzi. Vita Pura Yoga offers an holistic approach, integrating elements of pranayama breathwork into daily meditation, along with other techniques to alleviate stress. Daily hikes and outdoor yoga will be led by Ethan, while Min will guide you in therapeutic and restorative sessions of classical hatha, incorporating elements from his studies of traditional Chinese medicine, energy work and Qigong. There will be plenty of time, too, for self-reflection and journaling to complete the experience. From USD$2,499 / 5 days
Reserve via BookRetreats.com
7-Day Sacred Yoga and Hiking Retreat in Sedona
Liz and Roy, teachers and guides in Sedona for 18 years (Photo via Book Retreats)
Hosts Liz and Roy have led retreats in Sedona for more than 15 years. Their weeklong well-being retreat is held in central accommodation with easy access to numerous nearby hiking trails and sites. In addition to leading hatha and yin classes and preparing some of the nourishing organic meals, Liz is a caring and experienced sound healer and a vibrational energy medicine practitioner. Daily hikes are tailored to the pace of the group, with outings to the local creek, arts center, and spiritual sites including the Buddhist monument and desert chapel. From USD$1,400 / 7 days
Reserve via BookRetreats.com
4-Day Wellness Retreat in Page
Page, Arizona (Photo courtesy of Monumental Meditation via Book Yoga Retreats)
Monumental Meditation’s four-day retreat is just that: a guided exploration of self-love, healing in nature and a quest for balance in life, all in truly monumental landscapes, from yoga at the precipice of a canyon to seated meditation in the most unlikely of sandstone nooks and crannies. Located in Page, Arizona, near the tranquil and picturesque Lake Powell, the retreat features excursions to Horseshoe Bend, Colorado River, Antelope Slot Canyon and other scenic wonders in which to unwind and reconnect. With 30 years’ experience as an occupational therapist, Bernadette is well versed in the practice of sound healing, an experience that she imparts between mindful hikes. From US$2,095 / 4 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
4-Day Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon Yoga Holiday in Page
Horseshoe, Arizona (Photo courtesy of Santo Tomas Retreats, via Book Yoga Retreats)
At Santo Tomas’ retreat in Page, Arizona, self-care and self-love is an art, without skimping on fun and adventure. A mix of energizing and restorative yoga styles, guided meditations, sound healing, and one hourlong massage will melt away the stress of the daily grind as you take in awe-inspiring power of nature at Rim View Chateau, overlooking Glenn Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, the Colorado River, and the Page golf course. The popular Rim View Trail begins from here, and when not hiking along it, your most arduous task will be to choose between jacuzzi, pool or hammock. Three home-coooked vegan meals daily will sustain you for paddle boarding and kayaking along the Colorado River and other unforgettable activities bringing you closer to nature. From US$2,375 / 4 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
5-Day Red Rocks Hiking, Energy Vortex & Yoga Retreat
Sedona’s Buddha (Photo courtesy of Body Flows Yoga via Book Retreats)
Body Flow’s rustic Canyon Villa B&B boasts breathtaking views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte’s immense red rocks: soak up their benefic energy from your balcony or patio, or even from the heated saltwater pool. Here, Body Flows teacher Sally will share invigorating morning vinyasa, relaxing evening yin, and guided meditation. Throughout the day, hiking paths are carefully chosen to bring you closer to vortex meditation sites, where you might just feel the restoring energy said to radiate from the rocks through a unique electromagnetic force, helping you connect with the earth in deep self-reflection and gratitude. From US$2,195 / 5 days
Reserve via BookRetreats.com