Space, solitude, spiritualism and crimson sandstone. Welcome to the wonders of Sedona, an Arizonan rockery blessed by nature’s spell. An easy drive south-east of Las Vegas, the final approach into Sedona is a scenic medley of narrow canyons, verdant countryside, tumbling valleys and a babbling brook to boot. Enter Sedona and switch off from the world.

Previously the location for a slew of Hollywood Westerns, it’s the New Age types who have swooned on Sedona, a veritable mecca for shamans, crystal healers and all manner of mystics. If that’s not how you roll, don’t let that put you off, because the landscape of chimney-like rock stacks and pancake-flat mesas are an all-consuming distraction from the energy-reading kooks.

Sedona’s geological wealth is derived from a combination of limestone, sandstone and mudstone. The area is liberally crowned with Dr Seuss-like natural monoliths, many which bear names to that uncannily resemble their shape. Top of your tick-list should be Cathedral Rock, Coffee Pot and Bell.

To accentuate the outdoorsy fun, head to Slide Rock State Park. As the name suggests, it is home to natural water slides that will get your heart-pumping, in addition to the vista-rich hiking trails. Hire a bike and take advantage of the area’s stunning mountain bike trails, for a bit more kick.

Shoppers? After browsing the throng of artsy boutiques, set aside time for the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, an authentic Mexican-style handicraft experience, inspired by the markets of Guadalajara. If time is of the essence, the very best way to distil the best of Sedona is to stay at Enchantment Resort, where the list of organised activities include guided nature walks, pottery and art classes, wine tasting, spirituality lectures, narrated star gazing, and Native American guest performances.

The resort’s award-winning restaurant, Yavapai, specialises in fresh, seasonal Arizonan cuisine. For the ultimate in pamper-time, Mii amo spa is a starry-eyed facility featuring Native American treatments, whirlpools and eucalyptus steam rooms.

This Southwest-style resort, made of low-slung adobe casitas blends in beautifully with the signature red-rock cliffs of Boynton Canyon. Enchantment’s 218 rooms and suites were recently given a major refresh. After a cosy night’s sleep under crisp linens, I awoke to the wrap-around splendour of green cottonwood trees, canyon walls and Thunder Mountain; the name Walt Disney adopted for one of his rides. T

he accommodation interiors are inspired by the surrounding terrain and are furnished with accents of local Native American culture including traditional rugs and a cracking kiva fireplace, which is just the ticket in desert country, when the sun goes down.

Wherever you are in Sedona, watching the sunlight dance across the rock formations, and the changing colour chart slide show, spanning suffused pink to rustic brown, is irrepressibly spell-binding.

When you’ve had your fill of red-rock revelry, drive south through Arizona’s cacti-pricked moonscape to bustling Phoenix, for a bite-sized taste of rock-star luxury at the Arizona Biltmore. This rarefied retreat is steeped in all-star American tradition. Every serving United States President since Herbert Hoover has paid this grand dame a visit.

The extensive photo gallery features a galaxy of superstars who have graced the property, including a stunning selection of signed photographs of John and Jackie Kennedy playing tennis. Another nugget I discovered from the hotel’s History Hallway is that Irving Berlin wrote his timeless song, White Christmas, after enjoying a dip in the Catalina Pool. 

Nestled on 39 acres of lush grounds and manicured gardens, the landmark Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced hotel has welcomed the world since 1929. Boasting over 700 guest accommodations in a variety of designs, six restaurants, eight pools, two golf courses and a uber-indulgent spa centre, this celebrified sanctuary does nothing by halves.

I spent a night in one of the heavenly and homely Ocatilla Wing suites, which is one of the more recent innovations at the Biltmore. Featuring French balconies with mountain views, granite and mosaic tile bathrooms, you’ll be cocooned in a special class of contemporary comfort. Even if you’re not staying-over, you’re welcome to  dine at the signature restaurant, Wright’s at the Biltmore, which has reinstated its classic dishes, including Lobster Bisque, Beef Wellington and The Waldorf. Exuding warm, gracious, and unstuffy hospitality, the Arizona Biltmore serves up a relishing experience with American heritage hospitality.

Mike Yardley is Newstalk ZB’s Travel Correspondent on Jack Tame Saturdays. 11.20am.