Writer Shoshana Leon
Photography courtesy of Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]edona is one of the most stunning and unique places on Earth. Over the years, the Sedona tourism industry has exploded, making Sedona an international destination sought out by nature lovers and those seeking spiritual enlightenment. Cindy Dean, spokesperson for Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, has seen the rise of Sedona’s tourism industry firsthand.

“The designation of the national Red Rock Scenic Byway and All-American Road brought many changes to Sedona that have put it on the bucket list map,” said Dean.

“The culinary scene has evolved tremendously, and it continues to do so with exceptional restaurants opening all across Sedona. Enhanced hospitality, national storytelling and social media have all aided in bringing additional attention and travelers to our destination. Sedona has changed from an amenity to the Phoenix area to a world-renowned destination in its own right.”

The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Dean has been with the resort since it opened.

“Hilton Sedona started as a hotel in a remarkable destination and it has developed into a celebrated upscale adventure resort,” said Dean.

Hilton Sedona features 221 guest rooms and suites which were renovated in 2015, a spacious lobby, two pools, a spa, fitness amenities, dining options, access to the Sedona Golf Resort’s golf course, and more than 20,000 square feet of conference space, ideal for meetings, weddings and special events.

“Hilton Sedona’s focus on discovery and recovery is very unique,” said Dean. “We like to think of ourselves as Sedona’s adventure headquarters because we encourage our guests to discover the destination.”

They do so by partnering with Pink Adventure Group, then providing exceptional amenities, offerings and facilities for after the adventures, such as the ShadowRock Tap + Table restaurant, the eforea spa, Cascades pool and rooms with private fireplaces.

Hilton Sedona’s eforea spa offers 25,000 square feet of wellness, fitness and spa amenities, including nine treatment rooms, a heated lap pool, steam room, sauna, fitness center, three lighted tennis courts, complimentary fitness classes, and treatments featuring local and organic ingredients that highlight the healing powers of Sedona.

In 2016, the resort completed its outdoor warrior pit. Equipped with tires, ropes, sledgehammers and anchors, resort guests can exercise at their leisure or attend a fitness class utilizing this unique space.

In 2018 the hotel’s ShadowRock Tap + Table restaurant underwent a $2.4 million renovation and introduced a new menu. The restaurant features views of Sedona’s beautiful landscape and an expansive outdoor patio with games and fire pits.

“The transformation of ShadowRock has made such a significant difference in our culinary program,” said Dean. “The restaurant is an upscale, casual gathering place where communal dining and shared plates are abundant, allowing guests to socialize, play games, make new friends or cozy up by one of the many fire pits.

‘The indoor and outdoor spaces merge together so beautifully, and the foosball, ping pong, corn hole and many other games keep the atmosphere fun and lighthearted.”

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, ShadowRock Tap + Table highlights locally sourced fare and Southwestern cuisine.

The breakfast menu includes hickory smoked brisket hash with chipotle hollandaise, salmon avocado toast, ShadowRock bloody Marys and prickly mimosas made with lemonade and prickly pear puree.

Lunch and dinner offerings include burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, smoked short rib chili with chorizo, bacon and bison meatloaf, and a stuffed pasilla chile. Libations include local craft beers, fruity cocktails and festive margaritas.

The Hilton Sedona continues to add amenities and programs to meet the needs of its guests.

“In 2019, we will be focusing on fitcations and continued enhancements of our resort facilities, programming and activities, as well as some new food and beverage offerings,” said Dean.

Congratulations to the Hilton Sedona on 20 years of relaxation and adventure. With continued upgrades and enhancements, the Hilton Sedona is sure to remain a guest favorite in Sedona’s booming tourism industry.

hiltonsedonaresort.com