With views of the red rocks, Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa, located in Sedona, Arizona is a break from the usual Southwestern architecture. The design inspiration, attentive and dedicated staff and Reds, a fabulous fine-dining restaurant are just a few reasons to put this on your list of places to visit. Jim Apple, owner of Sedona Rouge Hotel & spa, shares his story of this successful 77-room boutique hotel.

Tell us a little bit about what it is you do at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa?

Jim Apple, one of four owners, and the visionary behind the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa visits the hotel monthly. His enthusiasm is contagious and motivating to the staff, sales, marketing and public relations departments. He stays involved and connected with all the employees encouraging them always be personally responsive to the guests of the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa.

What inspired you to get into this line of work?

Jim was traveling to Sedona looking for commercial investments. It was during these visits that he envisioned building a new hotel that was as exotic as the red rock surrounding but very different from the traditional southwest architecture and design normally seen throughout Arizona. Jim travels the world and could visualize a small Mediterranean designed boutique hotel & Spa set in the middle of Sedona. It wasn’t long before he had a group of investors involved and the new hotel opened on June 10, 2005.

Tell us what distinct characteristics set your property apart from others.

The design and architecture are unique. The Sedona Rouge was designed with seductive design elements and influences from North Africa and Spain to create its authentic Andalusia theme. Mediterranean accents include hand carved stone columns lit from the inside that surround the center fountain courtyard; delicate ironwork balconies and courtyard railings that reflect the craftsmanship found throughout Europe; outdoor fire pits enhance intimate moments and a rooftop terrace perfect for viewing the red rock landscape at sunset and for snuggling up by the fire pit and star gazing at night.

A full service boutique full service spa that dedicates itself to your privacy and desires whether it be a 90-minute couple’s massage, yoga or a psychic reading.

Reds restaurant known for its gourmet cuisine, wines from around the world, delicious comfort food and small plate appetizers.

What is special about the Location of your property?

The Sedona Rouge is set in an urban location central to the finest shopping, art galleries, and site seeing destinations in Sedona. The property is just one mile from Thunder Mountain trailhead (one of Sedona’s most popular trails).. The design of the hotel affords its guests privacy and intimate sitting areas in which one can just relax and enjoy the fountains, red rock views or a bottle of fine wine together.

Tell us about your clientele, who are they and where do they come from?

Our clients come from around the world. The Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa is renowned for its romantic and exotic ambiance and attracts couples of all ages, for all occasions. Within the US; Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago, NYC, Minneapolis, and Tampa. From the world; Canada, France, England, Germany and Japan.

What are a few of your favorite rooms/suites on the property?

The hotel has 77-guest room accommodations all designed with rich colors, textures and fabrics. The rooms feature sumptuous beds with luscious linens and comforters. Many of the guest room offer fireplaces and spacious walk-in showers, with duel overhead rain shower sprays. Other amenities include 32 flat screen TV and wireless internet. In the spa, there are six spa guest rooms and one spa suite with sunken soaking tubs in the living areas. The hotel features three Andalusia suites with separate living and sleeping areas. The furnishings are Mediterranean in design including a chest from Morocco decorated with mother of pearl inlays.

Is there anything not to be missed at your property?

The signature spa treatments such as the Pas de Duex couples massage; the rooftop terrace for full views of expansive red rock scenery, and reds lounge for apple martinis and small plate appetizers.

Tell us something unusual about your property that guests might not know.

Guests can order gourmet picnic basket lunches for their red rock hikes.

Guests experiencing the Pas de Duex will be left alone after their massage to enjoy a candlelit bubble bath.

To get a real taste of Sedona, what restaurants nearby do you recommend to your visitors?

Coffee Pot restaurant only open for breakfast but world renowned for its 101 Omelets.

Lastly, If you only had one day in Sedona, where would you go and what would you do?
I would order a gourmet lunch picnic basket and take in the views from a comfortable spot on Thunder Mountain while enjoying a glass of Sedona Rouge wine and gourmet cheese.

That concludes our interview!

Thank you Jim, for sharing and participating in this interview for TravelerWIRE.