Some places hit you right away. Sedona is one of them. The red rock formations don’t ease you in—they tower, twist, and glow with a kind of raw drama that’s hard to explain. Whether you believe in energy vortexes or not, there’s no denying something feels different here. Eagle Dancer Retreat leans into that feeling in the best way: not with crystals and slogans, but with space, stillness, and a setting that does most of the talking.
Eagle Dancer isn’t a resort, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a private property set on six acres of ridge-top land just outside town. There’s no front desk, no valet, no daily schedule. What you get instead: complete quiet, full privacy, and front-row views of some of Sedona’s most beautiful formations.
The retreat was originally designed in 1969 by Bob McIntyre and once belonged to actress Ann Miller—yes, the tap-dancing legend from Hollywood’s golden age. Today, it’s been thoughtfully restored into a small, high-end stay that’s more about peace than polish.
The owners, Iona and Huib, bring a rare kind of hospitality—one shaped by a life of travel and a deep understanding of what it means to feel at ease far from home. Iona, originally from Scotland, has a calm, gracious presence and a sharp eye for detail, while Huib, who is Dutch, brings a traveler’s intuition and a host’s generosity to every part of the experience. Together, they’ve created Eagle Dancer as the kind of place they always looked for on their own journeys: peaceful, beautifully designed, and quietly intuitive. Nothing feels staged or scripted—it’s just the natural outcome of two people who know how they like to be treated when they travel, and have put it all together here for their guests.
The location is a sweet spot—close enough to get into Sedona for dinner or a gallery visit, but far enough out that you feel the quiet. But you’ll love Sedona. The town’s charm lies in its strangeness—a collision of the metaphysical and the material. There’s the art scene, rich with sculpture and landscape painting; theater productions under the stars; and a weekly rhythm of crystal fairs, book readings, and storytelling sessions. There are also the small-town joys: a little boardwalk squirrel darting under cafe tables, outdoor film nights on red dust lawns, a Friday night guitarist singing Leonard Cohen outside the bakery. Sedona lives in paradox, and it’s better for it.
The land itself is integral to the experience at Eagle Dancer—more than a backdrop, it feels intentional, meditative. The drive winds up a red dirt road, past scrubland and cliffs, to a private gate. From there, it’s all views: wide skies, distant ridgelines, and sunlit rock faces that turn gold, then purple, as the day moves on.
Once you arrive, you’ll find winding rock gardens trace paths through native desert flora: agave, flowering yucca, and wide pads of prickly pear. But what deepens the sense of stillness are the hundreds of small Buddha statues placed quietly throughout the landscape—tucked into crevices, resting between stones, watching from shaded alcoves. Their presence lends the terrain a hushed spirituality, as if the land is in constant prayer. Meandering paths connect shaded terraces and open-air lookout points, each angled toward a different slice of the view. Wildlife appears at its own rhythm—quail scurry through the brush, lizards stretch across warm boulders, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a mule deer at first light or a red-tailed hawk circling overhead. Even the roadrunner moves with purpose, darting across a trail like it has somewhere sacred to be.
But it’s the javelinas—stocky, bristled, and surprisingly bold—that tend to steal the show. These wild pigs are part of the fabric of Sedona life: they sniff around the cactus beds, wander across the drive, and occasionally stage an evening parade past the guest rooms. They’re not dangerous, just determined—and a little theatrical. In many ways, they’re a perfect unofficial mascot for Sedona: earthy, strange, and exactly where they’re meant to be.
The Desert Surrounding
From every corner of Eagle Dancer, the views stretch without obstruction: mesas that glow ochre at dawn, violet ridgelines at dusk, and eerie formations that, under moonlight, cast shadows in the shape of something almost sentient. The land feels older than time here—ancient, volcanic, carved by water and wind and reverence. Trails unspool directly from the grounds, some leading toward Bear Mountain’s rugged slopes, others toward lesser-known canyons and dry washes, where the stillness becomes a kind of language.
This is after all the desert and the days can swelter. A respite lies beneath a broad timber canopy where the saltwater pool offers shaded reprieve from the high desert sun. Framed by red rock formations and thick juniper forest, the pool isn’t just scenic—it’s private. Guests can reserve dedicated time here, making it an ideal retreat for couples who want the stillness to be theirs alone. The elevation lends a sense of remove, and the silence—broken only by the occasional raven or rustle of pine—feels almost ceremonial.
After a swim, couples can move to the cedar dry sauna tucked beneath the main house or melt into the eucalyptus-scented steam room, both available by private arrangement. These are no perfunctory amenities: the sauna is commercial-grade, the steam room clad in sleek Italian porcelain, and the hot tub is hydrotherapeutic—designed to release specific muscle groups, not just heat you up. It’s easy to spend hours cycling between heat, water, and view, with no need to speak. The canyon does the talking.
Accommodations at the Eagle Dancer Retreat
Each unit is separate and private, with its own entrance and patio, offering a peaceful corner of the landscape to call your own. Inside, the aesthetic is warm and grounded—kiva fireplaces in traditional brick, terracotta tile underfoot, adobe-textured walls, and exposed ceiling beams reflecting regional architecture. The furniture may not follow the latest trends, but it complements the space: low leather sofas, wood-framed beds, and handwoven rugs that evoke a sense of being both thoughtful and lived-in. Subtle spiritual elements, like Buddha statues by the hearth or tucked into shelves, enhance the calm, meditative atmosphere of each room. Large windows open to the trees and red rock beyond, with sliding glass doors framing the light and inviting in the desert.
The kitchens are clean-lined and fully equipped with top-tier appliances—gas ranges, full-sized refrigerators, dishwashers, blenders, toasters, and coffee makers—along with quality cookware, utensils, and thoughtful amenities. The mini-fridge is stocked with breakfast essentials, such as eggs, yogurt, fruit, and fresh bread from local bakeries. Bathrooms are spacious and airy, with walk-in showers, handmade tiles, and a quiet elegance that mirrors the rest of the space.
Guests can either prepare their own meals or have a private chef craft an expertly prepared dining experience in the comfort of their accommodation. Dining out is also a good option. , Sedona is a haven for foodies, offering a diverse array of dining options that range from casual brunch spots to intimate, romantic dinners. One standout is Mariposa, helmed by celebrity chef Lisa Dahl, where Latin-inspired flavors meet breathtaking views of the red rocks. The open kitchen lets you watch as dishes like wood-fired Argentinean steak and Chilean sea bass are expertly prepared, while the signature prickly pear margarita adds a refreshing touch to the experience.
At Eagle Dancer, wine lovers can indulge in a truly exceptional tasting experience, guided by Huib, the owner and Master Sommelier. Huib takes his wine seriously, offering guests access to a carefully curated selection that spans local Arizona wines as well as classics from renowned European regions. For a deeper immersion, guests can join Huib for an intimate Wine Tasting Evening, where eight to ten old and new world wines from his personal cellar are featured. The evening is enhanced by a wide array of charcuterie and hors d'oeuvres, perfectly paired to complement each wine. Held in the cozy, candlelit Casa Amor, the tasting is not only a feast for the senses but also a lively, educational experience, with Huib sharing his knowledge on the history and artistry of winemaking. It’s an engaging and educational exploration of the world of wine, led by a true connoisseur.
Away from the retreat, , Sedona offers a rich mix of art, culture, and wellness. The town is home to a thriving creative community, with galleries lining Gallery Row and the cobbled walkways of Tlaquepaque Arts Village, showcasing everything from fine art to Native American crafts. Spiritual seekers can book energy sessions, aura readings, or sound baths, while those looking to unwind can spend the day at a top-tier spa. There are also intriguing local shops, crystal boutiques, and metaphysical bookstores that reflect Sedona’s deeper, more esoteric side.
But first and foremost, Sedona is known for its beautiful nature. This location offers an ideal base for hiking enthusiasts, with trails that cater to all levels of experience. Some trails are conveniently located right off the property, allowing for immediate immersion into the natural beauty of the landscape. For those seeking more variety, nearby trails such as Boynton Canyon, Doe Mountain, and Bear Mountain are just a short drive away, each offering its own distinct scenery. Whether you’re looking for an easy, one-hour loop or a more challenging half-day hike, the area provides ample opportunities to explore at your own pace.
What makes these hikes truly remarkable is the dramatic geological backdrop that surrounds you—towering red rock formations, sweeping canyons, and rugged terrain that highlight the raw power of nature. As you trek through the quiet, pristine wilderness, the air feels refreshingly clean, and the silence is profound, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of wildlife. The views, ever-changing and awe-inspiring, seem to unfold at every turn, ensuring that each step offers a new perspective of Sedona’s stunning desert landscape.
Eagle Dancer Retreat doesn’t overpromise or try to transform you. It’s just a quiet, beautiful place to be still for a while. Whether you spend your time hiking, reading on the terrace, or soaking in the view with a glass of wine, you’ll leave feeling different. Calmer. More grounded. More aware of what silence sounds like.
To stay here is not simply to visit Sedona. It is to feel it—to allow it to rearrange your pace, your attention, your breath. Eagle Dancer is the kind of place that doesn’t demand you remember it. You just will.
