Although award-winning L'Auberge de Sedona Resort and Spa has always had an idyllic location nestled alongside Oak Creek, it has recently undergone a multi-million dollar upgrade which has further elevated this magical retreat. Newly renovated are the main building and lobby, 62 cottages, and two new creekside dining destinations, Etch Kitchen + Bar and Cress, with a state-of-the-art kitchen. On check-in, I notice the attention to detail in the inviting lobby.

Those details include walls covered with silver barn board (from Kentucky barns built in the 1880s that housed whiskey and tobacco) and paintings, sculptures, and other works of art curated by Sedona's Goldenstein Gallery.

A welcoming bar and its accompanying deck has a forest view overlooking the creek. The striking bartop was crafted by a local artist, Cheston Trammel, from a 1200-year-old juniper tree and is inlaid with azurite, turquoise, and copper accents. It's the perfect spot to pull up a seat and order a glass of Arizona wine. L'Auberge de Sedona has recently partnered with Page Spring Cellars for three exclusive labels inspired by the property: L’Auberge “Sycamore” Malvasia Bianca, "Primrose” Rosé, and “Oak” Yavapai Petite Sirah. You can also depend on the bar staff to make excellent, well-crafted cocktails.

Stepping through the lobby and bar to the outside creek view, I was immediately greeted by the spectacular setting. New restaurants Cress on Oak Creek and Etch Kitchen & Bar have been designed to integrate this beauty with new menus for one-of-a-kind dining experiences.

Fine-dining Cress offers a prix-fixe menu of seasonal and locally-sourced dishes with Executive Chef Rochelle Daniel's creative flair.

Etch Kitchen & Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu featuring appetizers, shared plates and heartier dishes in a more casual, but no less picturesque, setting.

I was already smitten with my first impression, but as we strolled to our cottage, we were greeted with these amazing autumn colors.

Our beautifully renovated cottage was spacious and featured soothing hues of cream and gray, vaulted ceilings, French doors opening onto a private deck, a marble bathroom with a private outdoor cedar shower, and a wood-burning fireplace.

Our expansive deck overlooked the sights and sounds of Oak Creek.

After unpacking in our home-away-from-home for the next two nights, we had some time to explore the property and its natural beauty.

Meandering through the beautiful property allowed us to work up an appetite for dinner. In addition to the on-site restaurants, L’Auberge de Sedona recently introduced 89Agave Cantina, a casual Mexican restaurant located just above the resort in Uptown Sedona, where we were invited to sample a delicious tasting menu and margaritas. Learn more about our 89Agave experience at this link.

Full and happy, we returned to L'Auberge de Sedona just in time for stargazing with astronomer Dennis Young, who sets up two telescopes, including one he built himself, twice weekly at L'Auberge for guests to admire the clear Sedona skies. With Dennis as our guide, we learned about the annual Taurid meteor shower coinciding with our visit and starry sights such as the Cassiopeia, Taurus, and Andromeda constellations.

How to end a perfect day? Back in our luxurious cottage, we relaxed in front of a crackling fireplace before climbing into our cozy bed, knowing that when we awoke, it would be in the beautiful setting of L'Auberge de Sedona.

Visit the L'Auberge de Sedona part two and part three links to learn more about the property, including Forest Bathing and dining at Etch and Cress with Executive Chef Rochelle Daniel.

This was a hosted culinary press trip and our stay was complimentary.

Sedona: L'Auberge de Sedona