Honeymoons in Sedona - Expect the Unexpected

Congratulations, you?re getting married. Now comes the hard part. No, I?m not talking about the wedding. I?m talking about choosing a great place for your honeymoon.

There are of course the usual suspects: Hawaii, Belize, Fiji. But, what about a place in America?s own backyard? When you think romance ? think Sedona.

If you?ve never been to Sedona, then you?re in for a real treat. The most spectacular red rock scenery awaits you, in addition to world-class resorts and close proximity to one of nature?s greatest wonders ? the Grand Canyon.

Known for its stunning red buttes, Sedona is located in northern Arizona only 130 miles from Phoenix, 40 miles from Flagstaff, and approximately 125 miles from the Grand Canyon. Of course, you never have to leave Sedona to have a fabulous honeymoon, but making a day trip to the Grand Canyon would make for a great outing.

Sedona is home to many incredible resorts, including L'Auberge de Sedona, which has been named one of the "50 Romantic Retreats in the World" by Travel + Leisure magazine. What can a honeymooning couple expect at L?Auberge de Sedona? Guests have their choice of several different spa packages from which to choose, including the Red Rock Renaissance Package, which includes two 1-hour massages in the privacy of your own cottage, breakfast each morning for two delivered to your cottage?s porch, and two L?Auberge signature bathrobes to take with you. You can also choose the Amore package, which includes a tasting menu at L?Auberge Restaurant for two, breakfast each morning at L?Auberge Restaurant for two, and champagne and strawberries delivered to your room upon arrival. For more information call 1-800-272-6777.

Another award-winning place to stay in Sedona is Casa Sedona, a 16-room bed and breakfast inn which has received the AAA 4-Diamond award for 9 consecutive years. Casa Sedona offers a special Honeymoon Package which includes 3 nights in a king or queen room complete with a balcony or terrace, and fireplace, as well as a full two-course breakfast served to you either in the garden or by the fireplace, and a complimentary dinner for two at Savannah?s, one of Sedona?s finest restaurants. Of course, your honeymoon wouldn?t be complete without a tour of Sedona, so your honeymoon package includes a two-hour jeep tour so you can view the red rock backcountry close up. For more information call toll free 1-800-525-3756.

There are numerous outdoor activities to choose from in Sedona, including the many jeep tours to view the red rocks, as well as hot air ballooning and visiting Slide Rock State Park. Slide Rock is just plain fun. No matter what wonderful amenities your first-class resort may have, this natural waterslide in Oak Creek is a must-visit in the hotter summer months. Fees are $8-$10 per vehicle, $2 per person to walk or bicycle in.

What time is the best time to visit Sedona? If you?re squeamish about the heat, you might want to avoid July through August, as temperatures can get up to the high 90s and low 100s. This is also the monsoon season, so you can expect some thundershowers. But, for those of us who enjoy a good summer rain, this can be an exhilarating time of year. Fall and Spring will find lovely weather, while the winter months can dip into the 30s.

Whether it?s for the red rocks, the resorts or the outdoor adventures, Sedona will certainly not disappoint.

 Diane McCalley is creator of http://www.thetravelerscompanion.com and http://www.vacationhoneymoon.net.