This wasn't a trip — it was a rebirth.
This past October, I had the privilege of staying in one of the most breathtaking, healing, and transformative places I have ever experienced — Eagle Dance Lodge & Retreat Center in Sedona, Arizona. My partner Rob and I stayed for three nights, and every moment felt intentional, sacred, and deeply restorative.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed not as guests, but as family. The warmth, care, and presence offered by Iona and Huib created an environment that was instantly calming and safe. I am a daily meditator and have been practicing since 2020, but the guided meditation we experienced inside their private residence took my journey to a new depth. Sitting with Iona and Huib was grounding, emotional, and beyond words. I felt a warmth within myself that I thought I had lost.
For Rob, this was his very first real experience with meditation and energy work. He arrived with natural reservations, but by the first morning, he had fully embraced the process. Watching him open emotionally and spiritually was beautiful. This retreat touched both of us in lasting ways.
One of the highlights was an unforgettable sound bath on a cliff overlooking Sedona’s red rocks. The experience became even more magical when we were joined by local wildlife — including a group of javelina — making it feel ancient, wild, and deeply grounding. We also shared a couples massage that redefined bodywork for us entirely. It was releasing and renewing, performed by practitioners who were truly gifted and intuitive.
The property itself is stunning. The views are the best I have seen in my lifetime. The accommodations exceeded our expectations — peaceful, luxurious, and clearly designed with healing in mind. The pool, sauna, and aromatherapy sanctuary are immaculate, and the trailheads right on the property make it easy to immerse yourself in nature at any moment.
Iona’s guidance extended far beyond the retreat experience. From dining recommendations to revealing one of the most magical lunch spots I’ve ever experienced, every detail felt thoughtfully curated. Each morning, she greeted us with the warmest embrace — a small gesture that meant everything.
One particularly powerful moment came when Huib encouraged me to go barefoot into the red rocks and release emotion. I did. I screamed, cried, and let go. And I left pieces of heaviness behind that I didn’t even realize I was carrying.
Two months later, the healing continues to unfold. The calm and clarity I gained remain with me. Iona is not simply the owner of this space — she is a master at helping others reclaim their power. She carries profound wisdom about feminine and masculine energy, personal healing, and intentional living.
Since returning home, I have even continued with virtual sessions and will be returning to join Iona’s Coherence Center program, Heart Mapping. This work blends science and spirit in a way that creates true inner peace.
This is not a typical resort. This is a sanctuary. If you are seeking healing, renewal, and real transformation — this is where it begins.
