Two hours north of Phoenix, the town of Sedona consists of a striking blend of red rock formations—monoliths, mesas, hanging cliffs, hoodoos, and spires are all part of the twisting rock walls. Many folks who make a pilgrimage to this magical region of Arizona believe that God created numerous spiritual sites or vortexes around Sedona. Whether or not you believe in the power of vortexes, it's hard not to think this is God's Country after sitting at the outdoor terrace of the Enchantment Resort and looking out over the exquisite expanse of Boynton Canyon.

One- and two-bedroom casitas here feature high-beamed ceilings, fireplaces, and obligatory outdoor decks for staring in awe at the land's stunning rocky amphitheater, as if a clay sculptor let his imagination go wild. By all means, wander into Boynton Canyon on a three-mile path. Jagged sandstone walls line both sides of the narrow pass. Prehistoric Native American dwellings can be seen under cliff overhangs that

Two hours north of Phoenix, the town of Sedona consists of a striking blend of red rock formations—monoliths, mesas, hanging cliffs, hoodoos, and spires are all part of the twisting rock walls. Many folks who make a pilgrimage to this magical region of Arizona believe that God created numerous spiritual sites or vortexes around Sedona. Whether or not you believe in the power of vortexes, it's hard not to think this is God's Country after sitting at the outdoor terrace of the Enchantment Resort and looking out over the exquisite expanse of Boynton Canyon.

One- and two-bedroom casitas here feature high-beamed ceilings, fireplaces, and obligatory outdoor decks for staring in awe at the land's stunning rocky amphitheater, as if a clay sculptor let his imagination go wild. By all means, wander into Boynton Canyon on a three-mile path. Jagged sandstone walls line both sides of the narrow pass. Prehistoric Native American dwellings can be seen under cliff overhangs that jut out of the mountains. If you can somehow avert your eyes from the towering walls, you might be able to spot juniper trees close to 2,000 years old. The tree gets its name from the thick scaly bark that resembles an alligator's hide.

The resort takes full advantage of its Southwestern setting to offer a Native American cultural program. Medicine walks and storytelling with a Native American elder, Navajo flute concerts, stargazing, and gourd pottery art classes are just some of the events on slate. Enchantment is also known for its tennis programs, including private instruction and workshops from top-notch teachers at its seven outdoor courts.

Children will enjoy the swimming pools, mountain-bike trails, ping-pong, and bocce ball, while Camp Coyote offers supervised activities for kids ages 4 to 12 including nature hikes, Native American-flavored arts and crafts, and cooking classes. Parents, meanwhile, should take the opportunity to spend a day at the luxuriant Mii Amo Spa. The destination spa has its own guestrooms and restaurant, but Enchantment guests can and should indulge themselves. Try the Native Mii Amo, which starts with a 60-minute blue-corn polish, followed by a 75-minute stone massage that uses hot, smooth stones to relieve the woes of modernity. Next up, after lunch at their café, is a 60-minute signature facial. Mii Amo also features yoga and guided mountain-biking and hiking trips, including an early morning walk on the trails of Coconino National Forest.

Even with the glass-enclosed dining room, there's no reason to dine indoors when you have the splendid Sedona weather, which is cooler than Phoenix in summer due to the higher elevation. Yavapai and the more casual Tii Gavo restaurant have outdoor dining. Children will enjoy the fresh-fruit smoothies at the juice bar, while mom and dad can dine on Colorado lamb or Tasmanian salmon. Wash it down from a wine list Wine Spectator magazine praised with its Award of Excellence certificate. Then take another glance at the enticing landscape. Like others before you, you might consider making your stay in Sedona permanent.