Sedona, AZ (January 30, 2009) – L’Auberge de Sedona, one of Arizona’s renown getaways announced today that it will celebrate its 25th Anniversary in early 2009 with a $25 million dollar resort expansion, Project Elevation, to be completed in late summer 2009. The resort will remain open during the expansion.

At the heart of the enhancement program, named “Project Elevation,” is the resort’s initiative to provide the most comfortable and luxurious experience while being environmentally sensitive in one of nature’s most beautiful settings. The project is conceived with the utmost respect for the creek and its pristine waters. Electric Gem cars will transport guests around the property and to and from Sedona’s shopping district. “We are committed to preserving the natural beauty and sustainability of Sedona and the ecologically-sensitive Oak Creek for generations to come,” says Joe Mottershead, general manager.

“The project will introduce guests to a collection of ultra-luxurious and contemporary hillside cottages, every one offering unparalleled views of Sedona’s famous Red Rocks,” adds Mottershead. These 1200-square foot, one-bedroom cottages will offer indoor and outdoor living spaces including a large observation deck for outdoor entertaining and
dining, spacious and discreet outdoor showers, gas fireplaces and many more design features and amenities.

In addition to the new hillside guest cottages, a newly constructed spa and spa cottages will be added to form a kind of “spa village.” Additionally, existing creekside and garden cottages throughout the resort will be redesigned and upgraded. In short, all cottages will either be newly built or newly designed.

A new feature, the Wanderlust Library and Lounge, is being added to give guests the opportunity to relax with refreshments while perusing well-stocked shelves with travel, travel-related, and art books of the world.

To complete the resort’s “elevation” program, the award winning L’Auberge Restaurant will be redesigned to offer all patrons unobstructed views of Oak Creek. All hard and soft goods will be replaced in the resort’s existing guest accommodations in the main lodge. Mottershead says that new meeting rooms and public spaces will reflect an “elevated” level of service and amenities at the property.

“The $25 million dollar investment in L’Auberge de Sedona’s expansion and sustainability is an important component of our comprehensive growth strategy,” adds Mottershead. “We strive constantly to deliver unforgettable and unique guest experiences and look forward to showcasing a bigger, better, and one-of-a-kind L’Auberge de Sedona.”

A member of the elite travel products and services organization Virtuoso, L’Auberge de Sedona has established itself as a leader in the hospitality industry and is one of the most highly respected and beloved resorts in North America. Located in breathtaking Sedona by Oak Creek, the resort is minutes away from sophisticated art galleries, entertainment and shopping. Exhilarating outdoor activities such as Jeep tours of the Red Rocks, horseback riding and hot air balloon rides are just minutes away.

In addition to recently receiving its sixth consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award, L’Auberge de Sedona has been awarded numerous accolades including its most recent designation by Departures Magazine as “#1 Country Hotel” for North America, as one of the “50 Romantic Retreats in the World” by Travel + Leisure, and one the “World’s Best Places to Stay” in Conde Nast Traveler’s Ninth Annual Gold List.

About: L'Auberge de Sedona
L’Auberge de Sedona is an intimate creekside retreat surrounded by the stunning Red Rocks of central Arizona. The Inn’s 11 acres of lush forested grounds offer 56 king bed accommodations; including 19 guest rooms and two junior suites in the European style Lodge, 31 private Cottages and four rooms in the expansive Creek House. Recently, the property was included on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List as one of the world’s best places to stay and as a Top 500 hotel by Travel + Leisure. The AAA Four-Diamond L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek features the culinary artistry of Executive Chef David Schmidt with breakfast, lunch and dinner services along with a popular Sunday brunch. L’Auberge de Sedona’s luxurious spa opened in mid-September of 2006. Guests of L’Auberge are treated nightly to an informal complimentary wine and cheese reception in the Lobby of the Lodge. For more information, please call L’Auberge de Sedona 800-905-5745.