Ambiente: A Luxury Landscape Resort in Sedona

The basics:

Ambiente is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and an established member of the Virtuoso Consortium. In 2024, it was awarded two Michelin Keys — a prestigious reflection of their exceptional service and quality.

The concept:

At Ambiente, environmental stewardship isn't just a buzzword — it's woven into every aspect of the property's DNA. From the groundbreaking pillar-based Atrium design that minimizes impact on the natural landscape to the restoration of an ancient waterway, this innovative hotel demonstrates how luxury and conservation can beautifully coexist. The property's commitment to sustainability shines through thoughtful details: a chemical-free stream system powered by oxygenated water, state-of-the-art iWave-R air filtration in all Atriums and a solar-heated pool that harnesses Arizona's abundant sunshine.

But Ambiente's eco-conscious approach extends beyond its walls. The property has established a unique partnership with the local Blue Bird Farm, providing coffee grounds for composting — a perfect example of how small actions can support the larger community. Ambiente shows that modern hospitality can protect and preserve the beautiful Sedona landscape it lives in. It does this by using energy-efficient glass and a complex rainwater management system that returns water to the natural environment.

The highlights:

Experience elevated Sedona luxury in one of 40 striking Atrium cubes, where floor-to-ceiling glass walls blur the line between indoor comfort and the majestic red rock landscape. Each private sanctuary is crowned with a rooftop terrace, offering unparalleled stargazing and sunset views. At the heart of the property, Forty1 restaurant elevates modern American cuisine with seasonal ingredients and imaginative preparation.

Wellness seekers will find their bliss at the innovative Velvet Spa, featuring sound immersion therapy and a unique hyper-oxygenated soaking experience. The property's showstopping pool area invites relaxation with four Baja shelves, each thoughtfully appointed with loungers, umbrellas and fire pits. Meanwhile, a restored ancient waterway weaves through the grounds, creating a peaceful soundtrack with four running creeks.

Located steps from Sedona's renowned hiking trails and attractions, this adults-only retreat (18+) offers both adventure and tranquility. The Cove provides a sophisticated space for intimate gatherings and events, completing Ambiente's vision of modern desert luxury.

The categories:

Perched elegantly across Sedona's dramatic landscape, Ambiente's 40 distinctive Atriums redefine luxury accommodation. Choose from four thoughtfully designed categories — Star, Creekside (ADA-accessible), Reflection and Landscape — each offering a unique perspective of Sedona's majestic scenery while maintaining identical luxurious interiors.

Step into your 576-square-foot sanctuary, where floor-to-ceiling bronzed glass windows frame the red rock vistas like living artwork. Every detail has been meticulously curated for comfort and style: from the organic-lined king bed to the stunning two-person Hinoki soaking tub. The spa-inspired bathroom features dual rain showerheads, heated towel warmers and premium Byredo Gypsy Water amenities.

Perhaps most spectacular is your private rooftop terrace, complete with a plush daybed and fire pit — perfect for stargazing or sunset cocktails. Modern amenities seamlessly blend with luxury touches, including Matouk organic robes and slippers, a 55" Samsung Smart TV, and high-speed wireless internet, ensuring a stay that's both connected and serene. The difference between categories lies solely in their positioning and views, allowing guests to choose their perfect vantage point of Sedona's enchanting landscape.

The experience:

At Ambiente, luxury isn't just about the breathtaking setting — it's woven into every moment of your stay through an impressive array of complimentary amenities. Start each morning with an included breakfast for two at the acclaimed Forty1 Restaurant before diving into a day filled with curated experiences. From guided hiking and yoga sessions to engaging culinary and mixology demonstrations, the resort's activity calendar ensures every stay is uniquely enriching.

Your Atrium comes stocked with thoughtfully selected gourmet snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, alongside locally roasted Fire Creek Coffee and premium Tea Forte blends. Wellness enthusiasts will appreciate complimentary access to both the on-site pool and spa, plus the nearby Sedona Fitness Center, with convenient house car service to shuttle you between destinations.

What sets Ambiente apart is their commitment to transparent luxury — valet parking, WiFi and local transportation are all included, with notably no resort fees. This comprehensive approach ensures guests can focus on what matters most: immersing themselves in the Sedona experience without worrying about additional charges or fees.

The dining:

At Ambiente's signature restaurant, Forty1, contemporary American cuisine celebrates the bounty of Verde Valley through thoughtfully crafted dishes using local, organic ingredients. The restaurant's masterfully designed space offers diners front-row seats to Sedona's dramatic red rock formations, transforming each meal into a multi-sensory experience.

The sophisticated bar program features expertly crafted cocktails and an extensive wine selection that perfectly complements the seasonal menu. Whether starting your day with breakfast at sunrise, enjoying a leisurely lunch or gathering for dinner as the rocks glow at sunset, Forty1's flexible hours (7 am – 9 pm daily) accommodate every schedule. With in-room dining available, guests can choose between the energy of the main dining room or the privacy of their Atrium, ensuring each meal at Forty1 becomes a memorable part of their Sedona experience.

The pool & hot tub:

Escape to Ambiente's stunning pool sanctuary and hot tub while enjoying your stay. The solar-heated pool features four exclusive Baja shelves, each thoughtfully appointed with dual loungers, shading umbrellas and intimate fire pits — perfect for transitioning from sun-soaked afternoons to starlit evenings. The adjacent hot tub offers year-round relaxation while framing spectacular views of Sedona's iconic red rocks.

For a unique twist on poolside dining, The Drifter, a reimagined Airstream trailer, stands ready to serve refreshments just steps from your lounger. This carefully curated aquatic retreat combines sustainable design with luxurious comfort, creating an unforgettable swimming and lounging experience that mirrors the dramatic beauty of its desert surroundings.

The spa:

Ambiente's intimate wellness sanctuary combines traditional luxury with cutting-edge therapies in a space designed for profound relaxation. Four serene treatment rooms, including two thoughtfully configured for couples, provide the perfect setting for classic spa experiences. What truly sets Velvet Spa apart are its innovative offerings: a dedicated sound immersion therapy room where healing vibrations restore mind-body harmony, and a revolutionary hyper-oxygenated soaking room that elevates the traditional spa experience.

Here, amid Sedona's magical setting, guests are invited to pause, dream and immerse themselves in a transformative journey of renewal.

The event hub:

The Cove offers an intimate yet versatile space for gatherings of up to 30 guests. This thoughtfully designed 567-square-foot venue features striking petrified wood tables that honor the natural beauty of Sedona while providing sophisticated meeting space. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including an 85" Samsung Interactive Whiteboard, The Cove seamlessly transitions from corporate meetings to wellness workshops to private events, adapting to meet the unique needs of each occasion.

Pro tips & hot takes:

• Not all Atrium views are considered equal, and this is the primary differentiator in room category and pricing. If the view is what brings you to Ambiente, consider booking Atrium 7, 13, 14, 16 or 26 - these offer the best views and most distance from the road to buffer from any noise.

• Road noise can be a concern for some guests, as the property is situated near a busy highway. While I didn’t experience any negative impacts during my stay, guests with concerns may want to request rooms further away from the road.

• January and February are considered to be low-season, so if you’re hoping to experience the property but don’t want to break the bank doing so, consider planning a trip during this timeframe. The red rocks are spectacular when dusted with snow, and your Atrium will feel like a cozy snowglobe — this was exactly my experience, and I never wanted to leave the room.

• The spa is lovely and well-appointed, but perhaps not a destination spa for guests traveling specifically for that experience. I would consider this spa an excellent added amenity rather than a primary reason for booking this property.

• Take advantage of the house car! If you dream of driving an LS500 or LX600 Lexus through the Arizona desert, this is your chance to do so without having to arrange for a rental car. Available to “check out” for a few hours at a time during your stay at Ambiente, this is one of many “extras” that they offer their guests to enhance their experience. If that’s not your style, a 24/7 private chauffeur service is also available to take you around town or pickup/drop you off from the Sedona Airport. We used it to drive us to our phenomenal dinner at Mariposa, and drinks on the patio at The Vault

• The service was excellent throughout my stay. Every single person I encountered offered sincere and thoughtful attention. In speaking with the Resort Manager, I learned that Ambiente has maintained a remarkably low 4% staff turnover since opening — a testament to their holistic approach to hospitality that prioritizes both guest and employee wellbeing. This commitment to service excellence flows naturally from leadership through every level of the organization, creating an authentic culture of care that's evident in every interaction.

Perks when booking with me:

As a Preferred Partner with Ambiente, our agency has access VIP perks and benefits not available to the general public. This *may* include:

• Breakfast credit for two - $45 per person per night stay. (please note this excludes gratuity and alcohol)

• Upgraded based on availability at the time of check-in

• $100 resort credit

• Additional $100 resort credit for three-night + stays

• Stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $200 Hotel credit (for a total of $300 during stay)

• Welcome amenity

• Early Check In and Late Check out based on availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

As a seasoned luxury travel expert, few properties have captured my imagination quite like Ambiente. This adults-only sanctuary in Sedona redefines the art of escape, offering an experience so immersive you'll find yourself reluctant to leave your private Atrium — even with Sedona's legendary red rocks beckoning outside.

Each moment at Ambiente weaves together tranquility, romance and uncompromising luxury. The property's intimate atmosphere makes it an ideal haven for couples celebrating life's precious milestones—honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, or simply the need to reconnect. While primarily designed as a couple's retreat (featuring exclusively king beds in all Atriums), Ambiente also proves perfect for intimate girls' getaways seeking elevated relaxation.

What sets Ambiente apart is its ability to create moments of pure magic: watching the sunset paint the red rocks from your private rooftop terrace, soaking in your Hinoki tub as stars emerge above or simply savoring the peaceful silence of your glass-enclosed sanctuary. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to ensure a stress-free, deeply luxurious experience.

If you’re ready to discover your own magical moments at Sedona's most distinctive luxury hotel, let me help craft your perfect Ambiente escape!

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