Today Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants unveiled a $1 million redesign at Amara Resort & Spa in Sedona, Ariz., that includes a refresh of the boutique resort’s 100 guest rooms, common areas and a coming-soon restaurant, SaltRock, that will open in early September.
In celebration of the redesign, the resort is offering a “Refresh Your Perspective” discounted rate starting from $195 per night, a 15 percent savings, beginning Sept. 1 through Dec. 30, 2014 (Rate code: Refresh Your Perspective. Valid for Sunday through Thursday stays.)
Amara’s new “modern native” esthetic infuses elements of Native American and Southwestern pattern and designs, but reinvented in a contemporary way. Craftsmanship and traditions of the Hopi and Navajo tribes that are indigenous to Northern Arizona, such as basket-making, rope-weaving, rain sticks and turquoise, can be found throughout. Pulling from the color palette of the surrounding lush foliage and the brilliant desert flowers that dot the property, green, aubergine, bright marigold and injections of hot fuchsia define the new interiors, which perfectly complement the red rock views that envelop the resort.
“The new look of Amara is contemporary, yet comfortable. It’s chic and sophisticated while also being a warm and welcoming place that encourages our guests to socialize and enjoy the beauty and local culture of Sedona,” said Patrick Gaskin, general manager of Amara Resort & Spa. “From the rich leather accents, Native American-inspired patterned rugs, natural live-edge wood tables, bright magenta statement chairs and a stunning, 10-foot-wide brass cowbell chandelier, the mix of simple and clean with pops of color and surprise really make our living room come alive.”
Common areas that underwent redesign include the living room where guests enjoy complimentary wine hour nightly, the full-service spa, the outdoor lounge and lawn areas and the 26,000-gallon infinity edge saltwater pool that overlooks the serene Oak Creek and red rocks.
“We designed our outdoor spaces as social environments that invite guests to relax in cheery Adirondack chairs on the lawn, cozy up on starry nights with plush blankets in front of the fire pits or lounge poolside in the new furniture while enjoying the view,” said Gaskin. “Resort and restaurant guests can also now enjoy a variety of games from 3pm-6pm nightly on the lawn including bocce ball and corn hole.”
Amara’s guest rooms feature live-edge wooden headboards that were individually crafted from fallen trees and vary from room-to-room, crystal drawer accents and geode artwork that pull inspiration from Sedona’s spiritual center, turquoise table lamps, oversized sitting chairs with woven rope accents, colorful rain sticks positioned above the bed to promote sweet dreams and artwork showcasing a jackalope, the mythological creature, adding a bit of whimsy.
Along with a new look, Amara’s full-service, award-winning spa has introduced a variety of treatments that embrace the natural and spiritual Sedona influences such as the Rain Dance Massage, using lavender, rosemary and sage oils that are dripped down the spine; Winds of Change Massage, where the chakras are realigned using the beat of Native rattles, smudging of sage and the healing powers of crystals in addition to massage techniques; and the Soleful Traveler Pedicure using hot stones and local Sedona mud to detox and relax weary feet.
Slated to open in early September, the resort’s dining destination, SaltRock, will offer Southwest-inspired cuisine marrying the fresh, light and seasonal approach to California cooking with culinary traditions and ingredients of the Southwest and Verde Valley. Drawing on inspiration from the Sonoran Desert and the vibrant city of Scottsdale, Executive Chef Massimo De Francesca is perfectly at home in this distinct environment. The cocktail program at SaltRock will highlight craft margaritas and was created by Kimpton Lead Bartender Jacques Bezuidenhout, who oversees the cocktails and spirits program for Kimpton’s nearly 70 restaurants, bars and lounges across the country. The bar will offer a thoughtful selection of tequila and mezcal, along with a curated selection of other spirits, local wines and craft, domestic and international beer favorites.
Guests of Amara enjoy complimentary morning coffee and tea service in the living room; hosted evening wine hour from 5pm – 6pm daily; a 24-hour fitness center; complimentary daily yoga; a heated, sea salt infinity pool and hot tub overlooking the red rocks and Oak Creek; free Wi-Fi for Kimpton Karma Rewards members; custom PUBLIC Bikes for complimentary use; pet-friendly amenities and accommodations and 5,000 square feet of multi-use space accommodating up to 160 people, which can be customized for social and business events.
To learn more about Kimpton’s Amara Resort & Spa, visit www.amararesort.com or call 928-282-4828.
