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Melding words with art as travel writer Norm Goldman
and his by Norm Goldman Artwork by Lily Azerad-Goldman It’s an early March morning and we just pulled up to L'Auberge de Sedona nestled along the banks of Oak Creek in the heart of Sedona Arizona and just a two-hour drive from Phoenix. Guess what, we think we are back in one of the New England States! It must be an illusion and our eyes are playing tricks on us! The resort’s 33 cottages, 21-room lodge and two restaurants that spread out over 11 acres must have been transplanted from Vermont! We blink a few times, yes, that is snow we see on the ground, as well as on the pinon, juniper and cypress trees glistening in the sun against the backdrop of the dramatic red-rock monoliths! Are we still in Arizona? After being reassured that we are definitely in red rock country, we look around and are mesmerized by the stunning beauty of the resort and its landscape. We can’t miss the majestic sedimentary rocks that were deposited millions of years ago and which form the famous red rocks that attract millions of visitors. 
Everywhere we look we notice the lushness of the vegetation, reminding
us that come early spring the lilacs will be in full bloom with
their unmistakable scent. We are informed that L’Auberge is patterned after a French country inn, as its original owner, Janot "Jean" Rocci, came to Sedona from Provence in the early 70s, and in 1982 began to build his home and cottages. In May of 1984 L’Auberge welcomed its first guests to its original 14 cabins. Unfortunately, Monsieur Rocci had fallen on hard times, and eventually, new owners purchased the inn and devoted a great deal of time and money in improvements and expansion. L’Auberge has been recognized as one of the top fifty small hotels in the USA. Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2003 had acknowledged it to be one of the greatest hotels in 2003. Condé Nast Traveler Magazine placed it on its gold list from 1996 to 2003, and over the years it has been awarded the reader’s choice by this same magazine as well as countless accolades from other publications and organizations. The Cottages and Lodge Today, travelers are flocking in droves to upper scale resorts and inns that in many cases have been rebuilt, refurbished and renewed, all with the primary objective of pampering their discriminating guests and offering the highest standards in luxurious accommodations. L’Auberge has joined this select crowd and they have recently undergone a complete facelift that is very much in evidence in its 33 cottages and 19 lodge guest rooms with its well-appointed amenities and high standards of service. Setting the stage for those special romantic moments is the casual elegance of the renovated cottages blending classical and traditional design influences of the French and American Southwest in hues of soft browns and blues. Each cottage has been endowed with large comfy beds, imported fabrics, cozy wood-burning fireplaces, charming covered porches with out-door seating, and personal amenities as terry cloth bathrobes, hair dryers, phones, and televisions. To top it off, what better way is there to experience "L’amour toujour," as the French would say, than to enjoy L’Auberge’s Amour Package? The package consists of one night’s accommodation, a bottle of chilled house champagne, chocolate covered strawberries in room or cottage upon arrival and a "Tasting Menu" for two at the award-winning L’Auberge Restaurant with its views of Oak Creek and gardens. You will also be pleasantly surprised, as we were, to return to your cottage after the gastronomical feast and discover rose petals scattered all over your bed. Continued on page 2 (weddings at L'Auberge de Sedona plus contact information) |
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