Amara Resort & Spa

The honest review

Amara Resort occupies one of the most coveted locations in Uptown Sedona: on Oak Creek, walkable to the main shops and galleries, with red rock views from most room orientations. For families whose version of a vacation involves hiking, exploring a distinctive landscape, and eating at real restaurants rather than theme park food — Sedona in general and Amara specifically are strong fits.

Oak Creek is a legitimate draw for families: the creek runs behind the property and offers a natural cooling spot in Sedona's warm months (the high desert climate means summers are warm but not coastal-humid). The pool is well-positioned with red rock views. Saltrock Kitchen is good enough to warrant eating on-property without feeling like you're settling.

Where Amara's family suitability has real limits is with younger kids. The property doesn't have kids' club programming, the restaurant isn't child-menu driven, and Sedona itself is fundamentally an outdoor-recreation and arts destination rather than a family-amenity destination. A toddler at Amara will be comfortable but largely unstimulated beyond the pool and creek.

The sweet spot is families with tweens or teens who hike. Sedona's trail network (Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil's Bridge) is among the best accessible hiking in the Southwest, and the concierge at Amara makes jeep tours and guided hikes easy to book. For that traveler profile, Amara provides the best combination of location and amenity. For families with younger kids, Scottsdale offers more age-appropriate resort infrastructure.