SEDONA, ARIZONA
Sedona has been long considered a place of healing, where the first visitors, Native Americans, made a pilgrimaged here for ceremonies, spiritual quests, and rehabilitation. Fast-forward two millennium later and, well…not much has changed in this low-key, scenic desert town cradled in a picturesque valley. Travelers continue to flock to the ancient red rocks for holistic (and hedonistic) adventures, including hikes through more than 150 trails snaking throughout the canyons.
Just walking among the Red Rocks creates a sense of relaxation. There’s some great energy here, including the famed vortexes, which are strong energy points. Vortexes allegedly affect a person to feel positive, inspired, and healed, and some visitors have even experienced miracles. Sedona is chockfull of vortexes, which could explain its metaphysical impact and ability to seduce spiritual-minded visitors.
Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona
Photo: Mike Liu
“Vortex sites facilitate prayer, meditation, mind/body healing and exploring your relationship with your divine,” says Dustin Donahue, spa director at L’Auberge de Sedona, a five-star resort known for its unobstructed views of the commanding red rocks. “They are locations having energy flows in those deeper dimensions that the soul can soar on, making Sedona the perfect place to try meditation. When people come to Sedona, I find they are seeking part inspiration and part comfort and relief.”
Vortexes are also the reason why Sedona has attracted yogis, psychics, spiritual advisors and wellness enthusiasts for decades, and it’s one of my favorite places to meditate.
Whether you join a tour or set off on your own, you’ll find the red rocks are incredibly healing like I did. The most popular hiking trail is Devil’s Bridge, though one of the most powerful vortexes can be found at Cathedral Rock, incidentally one of the most sought-after spots for hiking, too. Cathedral Rock, in Coconino National Forest, is magnificently majestic, protruding high in Sedona’s landscape as a natural landmark with rising spires and monoliths towering from the trail entrance; it’s where I’ve spent hours reflecting.
If you want to dig deeper on a spiritual level, check out Sedona Metaphysical Spiritual Association (sedonaspiritual.com). The local organization offers a wealth of information, as well as workshops, lectures, ceremonies, counseling, and retreats in the area. They’re also known for working with local practitioners who offer alternative healing, whether it’s cleansing your aura, balancing your chakra, trying hypnotherapy, or healing through frequency.
Stay at L’Auberge de Sedona, an intimate boutique hotel situated right on Oak Creek and nestled in abundant nature. My Vista Suite had a striking view of the red rocks, which at times, felt larger than life. It was hard to leave. Guests can feel restored in the spa, and also find inner peace in the vortex treehouse, which features “floating meditation,” where guests float from a silk hammock cocooning their body, framed by the views of the red rocks, and, of course, surrounded by the vortex energy.
