Sleep in a Jewel Box with Red Rock Views at Ambiente Sedona

Ambiente Sedona captivated me from the moment it came onto my radar. I’d long been intrigued by Sedona itself (the iconic red rock formations, the mystical energy, the endless outdoor adventures), but a stylish boutique resort where every room is wrapped in glass to maximize the panorama? Sign me up.

Fortunately, my experience didn’t just live up to my sky-high expectations — it surpassed them. From the moment I arrived at this adults-only retreat, it was clear that Ambiente was created with both luxurious trappings and the natural landscape in mind, and this seamless blend is a big part of what makes a stay here so special.

Ambiente Sedona Review and Highlights

Accommodations

Ambiente is comprised of 40 cube-shaped, glass-paneled atriums artfully designed to harmonize with and preserve the property’s natural foliage and running creek. The accommodations span four categories, from the entry-level Star Atriums, clustered near the pool at the heart of the resort, to the top-tier Landscape Atriums, positioned for maximum seclusion and vistas. From indoors, almost all of them offer at least a glimpse of the dramatic cliffs, buttes and spires for which Sedona is famous, and even the TV lies flat against the ceiling so as not to block the line of sight (it folds down if you want to watch something). The real highlight is the private rooftop terrace that puts those red rock views front and center — but more on that in a minute.

Although the grounds are compact and atriums sit close together, a bronze tint on the glass shields guests from passersby during the day. At nighttime, press a button and thick blackout curtains sweep across the windows, transforming the space into an intimate cocoon. Dimmers on every light fixture add to the cozy ambiance.

Each atrium is outfitted with an exceptionally comfortable king bed (I highly recommend nestling in with a cup of coffee to watch the early morning sun light the landscape), a sectional sofa and slipper chair, and an expansive bathroom area that includes a double rain shower and oversize soaking tub. Behind the sink wall is a bar containing a mini-fridge, a pour-over carafe and electric kettle, and complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, plus a fee-based selection of premium beer, wine and liquor.

The decor throughout is sultry and sophisticated, with a gradient of neutral hues punctuated by jet-black and shimmering metallic notes. Minimalist surfaces and sleek furniture profiles contrast with organic, freeform elements that reinforce the connection between indoors and out. One-of-a-kind artworks lend a hint of distinctive character and are available for purchase — my bathroom held an intricately carved wooden wall hanging from a gallery in Sedona’s historic Tlaquepaque Village.

Atriums sleep a maximum of two people. Other than a partial wall between the bedroom and bath spaces, the layout is open-plan, so take that into consideration if you’ll be traveling with a friend, family member or grown child and prefer a certain degree of privacy.

Back to the rooftop panorama … each atrium is crowned by an open-air terrace that you reach via a spiral staircase, and the 360-degree vista of the rock formations from this vantage point is simply breathtaking. In cool weather, a gas firepit keeps things toasty; a two-person daybed invites stretching out and settling in as the stars begin to flicker at dusk. Sedona is a designated Dark Sky Community with virtually no light pollution, and it is an incredible treat to lie back and search for famous constellations such as the Pleiades, Ursa Major and Orion. If you like, the concierge can arrange guided stargazing with a professional astronomer right on your own terrace.

TIP: For guests with limited mobility, Ambiente offers two creekside atriums that include private ground-level patios with firepits. If you can’t access the views from up high, there are plenty of other spots on the property to enjoy them, including a comfortable rear deck off the lobby.

Amenities and Activities

When you’re ready to emerge from your personal haven, wander over to the heated outdoor pool and hot tub for a swim or a soak. Floating loungers on a shallow sun shelf are especially welcome in the blazing Arizona summers. Because the pool sits right on the doorstep of the onsite restaurant and servers frequently pass by, ordering a snack or a drink from the comfort of your chaise is a breeze.

I didn’t have time to fit in a session at the resort’s Velvet Spa, but the space looks alluring. In addition to a comprehensive menu of beauty treatments and wellness therapies, it holds two experiential areas: a lounge that incorporates relaxing music and vibrations against a star-flecked backdrop, and a Japanese-style bath that immerses you in oxygen-infused waters.

Beyond the Ambiente grounds, all manner of outdoor pursuits await. Hiking is the quintessential Sedona pastime, and you can access the 2-mile Adobe Jack trail right from the property — a nice perk, as trailhead parking throughout town fills up in a blink. The concierge can also book exclusive local excursions like off-road Jeep tours, helicopter flights and horseback rides that culminate in wine tasting at a nearby vineyard.

Dining

Forty1, the restaurant at the heart of the resort, serves breakfast and dinner daily. Each guest receives a $40 breakfast credit per day, and the menu has plenty of crowd-pleasers in addition to creative fare with a Southwestern slant: Belgian waffles, avocado toast with truffle egg salad and chilaquiles with pork carnitas, for example. At lunchtime, guests can order bites, burgers, sandwiches and salads from The Drifter, an Airstream trailer installed next to the pool and surrounded by ample outdoor seating.

Dinner, available in-room as well as in the restaurant, is the star of the show with a spectrum of inventive flavors and unexpected combinations. Game and seafood both feature heavily — I decided on a delicious duck breast with duck confit, white miso-glazed turnips and a kumquat carrot sauce, though I was very tempted by the spiny lobster with gnocchi and asparagus puree. In the mood for something sweet? Don’t miss the Forty1 take on a Snickers bar, an over-the-top confection of peanut butter and chocolate mousse, macadamia nut brittle and dark chocolate gelato.

Service

Service at Ambiente is warm, friendly and incredibly helpful. There’s a dedicated number to text for any and all needs, with a lightning-fast response. I had trouble getting my rooftop firepit to ignite and after I put out the call, a staff member was at my doorstep in under 90 seconds. The staff is also happy to chauffeur guests to any spot within a 2-mile radius around the clock, thanks to a pair of luxury cars available at your request.

Local Area

Sedona is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, and you’ll find close to 300 hiking trails geared toward all skill levels. Devil’s Bridge is perhaps the best-known natural landmark for postcard-perfect views and photo ops (arrive by sunrise if you want to beat the crowds!). The area is known for its vortexes, or centers of energy thought to hold physical and spiritual benefits — the four most famous include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is also worth a visit for its clean-lined architecture and spectacular red rock setting.

Ambiente lies a stone’s throw from Uptown Sedona and its array of indie shops, galleries and cozy cafés, most notably those at Tlaquepaque Village and Gallery Row. Farther afield, visit the historic mining town of Jerome (now noted for its arts and crafts vibe), take a drive through Oak Creek Canyon to admire the scenery, or sip your way through the region’s wineries.

Things to Know

Ambiente welcomes guests 18 and up and is also pet-friendly, with a $250 surcharge for deep cleaning after departure.

The resort sits directly off State Route 89A, a four-lane highway, and while traffic noise fades away for the most part, it can be noticeable from the rooftops. Landscape Atriums toward the far edge of the property are your best bet for maximum quiet.

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Photos by Lisa Frederick except where noted.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.