Uptown / Oak Creek

Amara Resort and Spa

★★★★★

Amara Resort and Spa is the best way to have both halves of Sedona at once: a calm, design-forward resort along Oak Creek with red rock views, and the shops, restaurants and tour offices of Uptown Sedona a few minutes' walk up the hill. Set on Amara Lane at the base of Uptown, the property recently completed a multimillion-dollar reimagining that gave its rooms and public spaces a warm tree-lodge aesthetic of wood, stone and natural textures. The centerpiece is a heated zero-edge infinity pool that seems to pour toward the red cliffs, with reservable cabanas and service; around it, the grounds step down toward the creek and the sycamores. Rooms range from standard kings and queens to Creekside categories with views over Oak Creek and suites for more space, and many have balconies or patios. SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, the hotel restaurant, is a destination in its own right, known for Southwestern dishes and an acclaimed craft-cocktail program, and it has been recognized by Michelin. Amara Spa offers massages, facials and body treatments, and a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary mountain bikes and easy access to trails round out the amenities. The resort is pet-friendly. Uptown's walkability is the big advantage: you can stroll to dinner, to the Pink Jeep office and to the shops, and Tlaquepaque is a short drive or a longer walk across the bridge. The trade-off is that Uptown is busy, especially on weekends, and SR 89A traffic can be heavy. Amara Lane was inside the evacuation zone during the November 1, 2026 Oak Creek flood, so confirm directly with the resort that it has reopened and is taking guests before you book or travel.

Amara works because of its position. It sits just below the main Uptown strip, so the noise and crowds of SR 89A are a short walk away rather than outside your window, and the creek setting gives it a sense of retreat that most in-town hotels lack. The renovation brought the property up to date with modern bathrooms, refreshed furnishings and a natural palette that feels at home in Sedona, and the pool deck is among the most photogenic in town.

How to use it. Mornings, borrow a bike or drive the few minutes to a trailhead, or walk up to Uptown for coffee. Afternoons belong to the infinity pool and the spa. Evenings start with cocktails at SaltRock, followed by dinner there or a walk to Uptown's restaurants. Amara makes an excellent base for travelers without a car for every outing: jeep tours, shops and many restaurants are walkable, and the Sedona Shuttle Connect on-demand service and rideshare cover the rest.

Who should stay. Couples, first-time visitors who want to be close to the action, and travelers who value walkability will find Amara a smart choice. Families can make it work, especially with the pool and pet-friendly policy, though the atmosphere is more grown-up. Those seeking total seclusion should choose Enchantment, and budget travelers will find better value at Arabella or Sky Ranch. For a stylish, convenient base with a pool you will not want to leave, Amara is one of the best all-round options in Sedona.