Review: Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel

Why book?  Wake up in a glass atrium with unarguably some of the best views of Sedona. This adults-only resort features 40 atriums, all detached and private, with rooftops that provide even better views than you could ever imagine. Hiking trail access directly from the property for daytime adventures and a dark-sky community with unparalleled views of the stars from your rooftop for late nights by your private fire pit. 

Set the scene Older millennials with money, wearing rolled-up jeans and designer sneakers, who respect their natural surroundings but also enjoy a lot of pampering and exclusivity, is the vibe you’ll get here. With the resort being adults-only and focused on couples, guests are there to be bougie but also be active. You can’t get any closer to nature as the atriums are built in the most unintrusive ways, as to preserve the nature that surrounds it. 

The backstory Two sisters, Jennifer May and Colleen TeBrake, and their dad are behind the Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel. The family-run business is a lifelong dream of dad, Michael Stevenson, who purchased the land zoned for a hotel back in 2016. 

The rooms The cubed atriums, each elevated on steel piers, are scattered across the property. The glass-walled accommodations offer an immersive-like view of the landscape and feature floor-to-ceiling bronze-tinted glass for daytime privacy, with the exterior being made up of matte charcoal and rusted metal. Each atrium has a rooftop deck with a fire pit and daybed accessible by a spiral metal staircase. The minimalist interiors along with the mood lighting lead to a calming experience. Each atrium is designed for two people, with the oversized black tub and multi-showerhead glass shower to prove it. The kitchenette is stocked with complimentary local products as well as non-alcoholic drinks for guests to enjoy throughout their stay. 

Food and drink Forty 1, the resort’s lone restaurant is centrally located alongside the pool within the property’s three acres. Elevated with an ever-evolving menu of dishes in a non-pretentious yet upscale environment, Forty 1 is led by Chef Lindsey Dale who is no stranger to fresh, local ingredients, and who also works closely with local purveyors. Chef Lindsey also presides over a composting program for the entire property, which helps reduce waste and create a more sustainable environment. Lead Bartender Breann Anzar has created an impressive cocktail program that compliments Chef Lindsey’s exquisite menu. 

The spa Velvet Spa is intimate, like the resort itself. Various body treatments and massages are available, all intertwined with local ingredients meant to awaken your senses. The Dark Sky Lounge, an add-on, is a 30-minute sound and vibration-based therapy that is meant to accelerate muscle recovery and bring you into a deep state of relaxation—a perfect pre-treatment experience. 

The neighborhood/area Just minutes from Uptown Sedona, where the majority of the tourist shops and stores are located. Beyond the restaurants and shops nearby, the resort is located within close proximity of Sedona’s most visited hiking and biking trails. 

The service Since the property has limited guests, expect the staff to greet you by your name throughout your stay. Guests are sent a text message at check-in from a number that can be texted anytime, for most anything. The resort’s concierge can help with reservations and equipment rentals and even point you to the best hiking trails, one of which leaves from the hotel property. A 2022 customized Audi RS e-tron is at guests’ disposal to take them to and from the resort (within a reasonable distance, first come, first served). 
 
Eco effort The first Landscape Hotel in the U.S., the property was designed to blend into its surroundings, making the natural environment the star of the show. Landscape hotels use sustainable practices and low-impact architecture, and are meant to be located in remote areas.

Accessibility Two of the 40 atriums are ADA-compliant and are located near the lobby and front entrance. Both atriums offer a secondary fire pit, located just outside the front entrance, in addition to the ones on each atrium rooftop. Please note, there is no accessible access to the atrium rooftops. 

Anything left to mention? Don’t let the proximity to the road scare you upon arrival. Although the resort is set close to the roadway, it’s nestled far enough away that unless you actively look or hear for it, passing cars won’t be an issue.