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A night dining at Che-Ah-Chi is one you’ll talk about for years to come. By now the sun has set so you won’t be awestruck by the views at this time of the year (make plans to return in the summer), but you won’t be disappointed, either. Enchantment remodeled its signature restaurant in 2012, and it now has a modern feel with a bit of regional flair. The lights suspended from the vaulted ceilings reflect off the windows, which gives you the feeling of dining in a constellation of stars. How romantic is that?
Che-Ah-Chi’s award-winning and always-changing wine list is presented on your own personal iPad; you can sort by region, vintage, grape and price. While there’s a good chance the restaurant will feature a special menu for Valentine’s Day, if the regular menu is available, start with the lobster bisque, a creamy soup with bits of lobster and beech mushrooms, drizzled with lemon oil. Chef David Schmidt and Chef de Cuisine Sam Williams turn premium cuts of beef into works of art, and the Wagyu bavette is highly recommended. The melt-in-your-mouth steak is sliced like London broil and topped with candied pancetta (made in-house, of course), asparagus and a roasted onion. A savory cambozola blintz is served alongside. The restaurant’s buffalo tenderloin, served with a poached pear, marcona almonds, gorgonzola and a pearl onion agrodolce, is also delicious.
No romantic dinner is complete without chocolate, and Che-Ah-Chi makes its desserts in house. The Canyon Crunch Chocolate Torte is a perennial favorite. Chocolate cake is topped with milk-chocolate mousse, vanilla-bean gelato and a white-chocolate straw. The cake is studded with crunchy bits of chocolate that add a satisfying texture. Linger with a cup of coffee or tea before returning to your villa, where the smell of baking bread and the sounds of soft music await.
Saturday, February 15
11:32 a.m. Hike through Crescent Moon Ranch
All Adobe Grand guests receive gourmet, multi-course breakfasts during their stay. Executive Chef and General Manager Michael Merilli makes sure that guests never have the same breakfast twice; you can enjoy your meal in the main dining room or in the privacy of your room. (Take note: With advance reservations, Michael can prepare a private dinner for two served in your villa complete with candles and roses – something to consider if other restaurants in town are booked for Valentine’s Day.)
After breakfast at Adobe Grand, head to Crescent Moon Ranch, better known as Red Rock Crossing, which meanders along Oak Creek and offers iconic views of Cathedral Rock. This is more of a leisurely stroll than a hike, so hold hands and enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat.
1 p.m. Private yoga followed by a couples massage at eforea: Spa at Hilton Sedona
Learning something new with your partner can be equally as romantic as a bottle of wine, so book a private yoga class at eforea: Spa at Hilton Sedona in the Village of Oak Creek. Whether you are veteran yoga enthusiasts or it’s your first time on a mat, your instructor will tailor the hour-long class to your skill level. Classes take place in the spa’s 1,100-square-foot fitness studio complete with hardwood floors and mirrors. Make the experience extra special by bringing your own soundtrack to the class.
