Sedona: A Mystical Pilgrimage to the Far West

Often called the oasis of Arizona or the New Age Disneyland, this small town of fewer than ten thousand residents is a marvel of the American West. Nestled in the "high desert" at over 1,300 meters in altitude, Sedona is reminiscent of those Westerns where deep canyons cut through rocks of myriad red hues and coniferous forests. At sunset, when the fiery sky merges with the peaks, Sedona’s beauty is almost surreal, making it a sought-after destination.

However, it is its mystique that primarily makes it the spiritual haven for celebrities and those seeking physical and mental well-being. Just two hours from Phoenix and six from Los Angeles, Sedona has become the Mecca for those on a quest for meaning, nature connection, self-discovery, and its famous vortexes—red rocks said to harbor mysterious cosmic forces conducive to healing and self-exploration. For centuries, Sedona has been considered a sacred place, home to the Yavapai-Apache Nation, which holds a major ceremony every spring at Boynton Canyon, where they believe the human race originated. This natural power makes Sedona a significant mystical site. Visiting landscapes deemed sacred by indigenous communities can profoundly connect humanity with the natural world. The strong bond of the Sinagua, Yavapai-Apache, Hopi, and Navajo tribes with their lands is almost tangibly present in these canyons.

The Sedona New Age movement began to emerge in 1980, when a medium named Page Bryant identified four popular meditation sites—Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon—as vortexes, putting a name to a concept just beginning to be understood: energy so strong, a spiral so powerful it creates portals of attraction opening to consciousness. An energy vortex is a kind of whirlwind of terrestrial energy, physically perceptible, and believed by some to possess powerful spiritual properties. This regenerative energy helps to purify the body, mind, and soul. Within these four scenic hubs, psychic vibrations seem to tremble more intensely; people report tingling sensations on their skin near the energy source and achieve higher states of consciousness. A generation disenchanted with consumer society embraced New Age and flocked to Sedona. Many settled there, opening crystal shops, yoga studios, meditation practices, and art galleries.

Everyone agrees that something special is felt in Sedona. Mystical to some, transcendent to others, or simply positive and peaceful, it’s shaped by the unique energy of the place, the warmth of its residents, and the cultures that coexist. And probably by the dream hotels. This beauty, peace, and spirituality have turned the small community into a true wellness destination attracting three million visitors annually. Among them were Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker during COVID-19, supermodel Jasmine Tookes, Lily Collins, who got engaged there, and singer Halsey, spotted buying books, a tarot deck, and incense before a yoga class.

Celebrities seeking rejuvenation are spoiled for choice: luxury resorts proliferate and continuously refine their offerings to meet the spiritual quests of their clients. "Enchantment" and its sublime Mii Amo spa top all wellness destination rankings. Surrounded by these supernatural red rocks, the resort offers trendy shamanic treatments, "intentional" massages, and a "Labyrinth Walk" promising to purify the mind of anyone ready to silently wander in circles.

A similar approach is taken at L'Auberge de Sedona, with its metaphysical programming. The property recently unveiled its Paths of Possibilities, comprising five paths: self-love, restorative, emotional, nature-inspired, and environmental. Each path includes a guided experience (sound baths, tarot readings, or crystal meditation), treatments at the ultra-exclusive spa, and a mindful lunch themed around the chosen path. Beyond that, other à la carte activities—such as vortex hikes, breathwork, energy healing, and chakra yoga—help visitors leave feeling calm and energized.

Of course, not everyone is convinced of the existence of vortexes. There is no scientific proof or magnetic measurement, but it is known that immersing oneself in nature, especially with long walks in such majestic settings, benefits mood, mental clarity, concentration, and possibly even the immune system. Pete Sanders, an MIT biochemist working to bridge spirituality and science, believes the therapeutic properties of vortexes are largely related to Sedona’s geographic attributes. The altitude, canyons, sparse population, and perpetually blue sky create an optimal environment for relaxation and brain stimulation. According to him, Sedona’s colors are an additional element: the intense green of the vegetation sends renewal signals to the brain, while the orange-red is like metaphysical caffeine.

For those still skeptical about the mystique of vortexes and sacred land, Sedona is a hiker’s dream, with over 200 trails and 600 kilometers of hikes among the rocks, leading to breathtaking panoramic views. For those needing a bit more hedonism, the culinary offerings and ten vineyards in the Verde River Valley, just thirty minutes from the city, promise other forms of fulfillment. It seems the locals’ favorite saying—God created the Grand Canyon, but he lives in Sedona—is not an exaggeration.