 An ideal prelude to a couples' treatment at the intimate spa is a relaxing sip of wine while enjoying the resort's spectacular views of Sedona's red rock mountains. |
Along with flickering wood-burning fireplaces found throughout the property and options for secluded creekside couples' massages, the spa offers a number of packages and treatments designed to get spa-goers ready for romance. The Menage á Deux Couples Retreat ($510, 2 hours 30 minutes), for example, includes a 90-minute couples' massage as well as a Bee Pure Facial for her and a Nourisses Men's Facial for him. Meanwhile, the Honey Bee-mine Getaway ($225, 2 hours) helps make skin touchably soft with a wild honey body scrub followed by a honey milk bath and a 60-minute stone therapy massage. "The menu is about romance, romance, and romance," says Gower. "We offer services that appeal to all of the senses—our signature services include hints of lavender to calm and soothe and honey to sweeten the soul."
 Guests at L'Auberge de Sedona enjoy its rustic natural design and picturesque views |
Additionally, the spa is renowned for its expansive massage offerings and highly trained, talented therapists, says Gower. Among the options available are the Signature Seasonal Massage ($175, 90 minutes), which features a scent complementing the time of year; Stone Therapy ($135, 60 minutes; $195, 90 minutes); Detox Sports Massage ($130, 60 minutes) for sore-muscled spa-goers; Reflexology ($60, 30 minutes; $120, 60 minutes); Swedish Massage ($100, 60 minutes; $145, 90 minutes); and Deep Tissue Massage ($120, 60 minutes; $175, 90 minutes). Another guest favorite is the Aromachologie Massage ($110, 60 minutes; $160, 90 minutes), a treatment that is infused with luxe aromatic oils and ideal for couples looking for sweet-scented soothing. In-room treatments, during which guests can relax in the comfort of their cozy accommodations in private cottages or at The Lodge before nodding off, are also popular. "No matter what options clients choose, we strive to create a unique sense of intimacy and personal service," says Gower.
 Creekside massages are a guest favorite |
Nearly all of the spa's bodycare therapies employ products from Body Bliss, a Sedona, AZ-based healing line composed of therapeutic-grade essential oils and extracts that are either 100 percent organic, collected in an ethically responsible manner, or ecologically sensible. "Body Bliss was chosen because of its high-quality ingredients, local ties, and commitment to training and working with our therapists," says Gower. The skincare sessions, which include such options as the customized Lavender Harvest Facial ($175, 90 minutes) and the propolis-infused Bee Pure Facial ($175, 90 minutes), use Institut Esthederm products, a French line that, according to Gower, supports the skin's natural functions with its active, skin-renewing ingredients.
 Spa-goers can cozy up to a fire in the relaxation area prior to their treatments. |
The selection of effective and luxurious product lines was imperative to Gower and her team, as the spa caters mostly to spa-savvy tourists. In fact, 95 percent of clients are out-of-towners looking for an incomparable experience, creating the need for truly memorable, results-oriented treatments performed by exceptional therapists. To meet the needs of this discerning clientele, there are three full-time and 17 part-time staff members who keep things running smoothly, even when the spa hits its full capacity of approximately 35 guests per day.
 Inviting fireplaces abound throughout the property, including The Lodge lobby (pictured) and the spa. |
There are, however, some challenges to running a spa in a rather remote yet high-cost-of-living area like Sedona, such as finding staff members willing to relocate and keeping the spa busy during the toasty July to September off-season, according to Gower. But she says that the resort's reputation has allowed her to garner a talented team and that she and her staff promote the spa during the summer by offering free chair massages in the lobby and spending time educating the concierge about spa services. Gower also has plans to offer deluxe creekside manicures and pedicures in the future, further adding to the spa's romantic alfresco appeal.
 If desired, guests can enjoy spa treatments in the comfort of their private cottages. |
Still, with an inspiring natural environment that includes 11 acres of creekside comfort and expansive views of Sedona's red rock bounty, the resort— and the spa—have little trouble attracting clients, especially those looking to add a little romance to their lives. As Gower says, "The Spa at L'Auberge de Sedona offers a retreat from the hectic pace of everyday life," and nothing sets hearts racing faster than an escape from the everyday.
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