L'Auberge de Sedona

Arizona's Own David Schmidt to Direct Resort's Culinary Program

SEDONA, Ariz. -- L'Auberge de Sedona, one of Arizona's foremost retreats, has recently named David Schmidt as its Executive Chef. In his new role, Schmidt will direct the luxury destination's culinary program, which includes creating new menu options for L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek, considered the most romantic restaurant in Arizona. Additionally, he'll spearhead menu plans for the Resort's corporate meetings, bridal and social events.

Raised in Wisconsin, David was inspired to explore his culinary talents by his beloved grandmother who cooked three squares a day for 16 children. (His first kitchen exploit was baking peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies.) He relocated to Arizona in the mid-1990s where he's been honing his craft for the past decade, creating his own unique flair for fine cuisine.

"I favor using local vendors for produce and other fresh ingredients," says Schmidt. "In the winter months, I like to use a braising technique which keeps the menu savory and seasonal. But throughout the year, we'll feature a contemporary French cuisine with Mediterranean influences. I've always had an interest in the foods of France, Italy, and Spain, and enjoy incorporating many of them into my creations."

Chef David has held positions at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort and T. Cook's at the Royal Palms in Phoenix, as well as serving as Executive Chef at the Mobil Four Star, AAA Four Diamond rated Michaels at the Citadel in Scottsdale.

He also was an instructor for his alma mater, the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, now Le Cordon Bleu, from which he earned a degree in 1996.

Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Zagat Survey Applaud Arizona's Unique Retreat

SEDONA, AZ - L'Auberge de Sedona, one of Arizona's foremost retreats nestled on the banks of Oak Creek in Sedona's famous Red-Rock country, has been recognized by premiere travel and tourism publications for its excellence in service and amenities. The creekside retreat was named as one of the Top 500 Hundred Hotels in the World by readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine for three consecutive years and secured a position on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List as one of the Best Places to Stay in the World and one of the Top 100 Hotels in the United States for ten years. Furthermore, the property was rated as one of the Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts & Spas by the editors of the trusted Zagat Survey.

Readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine also recognized the romantic allure of the intimate retreat, naming it among the 50 Most Romantic Retreats in the World. While the discerning readers of Condé Nast Traveler placed the hotel's signature restaurant, L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek, among the Top 250 Restaurants in America.

"To be recognized by the readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler as well as achieve the Zagat Survey rating is a great honor for us," says Joe Mottershead, general manager of L'Auberge de Sedona. "Our team works extremely hard to anticipate and exceed the needs of our guests, so it's truly a joy to be recognized by such prestigious publications and their readers. We look forward to continuing to provide exemplary service while creating lasting memories for our guests."

In the recent years, L'Auberge de Sedona has consistently received numerous other hospitality awards and honors including:

* AAA Four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association
* DiRoNA Award of Excellence from Distinguished Restaurants of North America
* Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine
* Number One Country Hotel by Departures Magazine
* One of the Top Hotels in Arizona by Ranking Arizona
* Best Place to Have a Unique Wedding by Phoenix Wedding Pages
* The Most Romantic Hotel in Arizona by The Arizona Republic
* Best Arizona Honeymoon by Arizona Bride Magazine

Award-Winning Retreat Previews Unparalleled Accommodations and Amenities in Sedona

Sedona, AZ - L'Auberge de Sedona, one of the Southwest's foremost retreats nestled on the banks of Oak Creek in Sedona's renowned Red Rock Country, announces the completion of the first phase of an extensive $25 million expansion project. Phase Two of the comprehensive expansion is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2010. The entire project celebrates the award-winning retreat's historic 25th anniversary.

"We are proud to re-introduce our guests to the new L'Auberge de Sedona," said Joe Mottershead, General Manager of L'Auberge de Sedona. "In addition to our collection of new and contemporary styled cottages and upgraded accommodations, we are excited to showcase our elevated levels of service and unique amenities that make L'Auberge de Sedona the most extraordinary vacation destination in Sedona."

Phase One will introduce guests to a collection of sixty-four intimate, newly-built or redesigned cottages with exquisite, comfortable interiors as well as twenty-six elegantly remodeled Lodge guestrooms. New plush amenities in the 1200-square foot, one-bedroom cottages include expanded indoor and outdoor living spaces with large observation decks for unforgettable exterior entertaining and dining. Exhilarating private outdoor showers and cozy gas fireplaces grace each cottage. All of this splendor can be found set against breathtaking Red Rock vistas, harmonizing with the tranquil sounds of the legendary Oak Creek.

Creekside Experience

The Creekside and Garden Cottages feature large sliding glass doors that open onto expanded outdoor decks, offering front row views of glistening waters on the inspirational Oak Creek. Each deck is uniquely designed to work in harmony with the natural beauty of the forested landscape. A few of the outdoor decks are even built around large existing trees, giving guests the feeling of staying in the most exclusive and opulent "tree house" with unparalleled views. The addition of luxurious outdoor showers brings guests out into the environment to enjoy majestic sights, scents and sounds. To complement the peaceful surroundings, the interiors of the Creekside Cottages offer eco-friendly fabrics and area rugs in a natural color palette with hues of sage, taupe and bark. Guests can end a perfect night of stargazing by relaxing in front of the juniper-scented fireplace in their plush cottage accommodations.

Spa Cottage Experience

In addition to the Creekside and Garden Cottages, the newly constructed Spa Cottages provide guests with a tranquil reprieve from an active day in Sedona. Spa Cottages feature eco-friendly bamboo flooring, expansive outdoor wood decks, roaring gas fireplaces, spacious bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs and outdoor cedar showers for bathing amidst the fresh air of Sedona. Furnishings in soothing tones of camel, cream and white are accented by richly stained custom case goods, while a magnificent four-poster bed furnished with sumptuous, high-thread count linens highlights these comfortable and opulent Spa accommodations.

Hillside Experience

A collection of eighteen new Hillside Cottages is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2010 as part of Phase Two of the expansion. These ultra-luxurious and contemporary cottages will offer exceptional 180-degree views of Sedona's celebrated Red Rocks, including Snoopy Rock, Giants Thumb and Elephant Rock. The Hillside Cottages will provide the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living with large wood decks, perfect for relaxing and entertaining under the Sedona sun and stars, as well as refreshing outdoor open-air showers. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Red Rocks and the vibrant colors of Sedona's sky at sunset, the interiors of the Hillside Cottages boast a warm contemporary palette of all natural wood finishes, accented by hints of ginger, plum and amber gold fabrics.

Wanderlust Library

A new feature, the Wanderlust Library and Lounge, was added to give guests the opportunity to relax with complimentary refreshments while perusing well-stocked shelves filled with travel-related and vintage art books of the world. This is a perfect and quiet escape to relax and unwind after an active day in Sedona.

L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek

To complete the expansion program, the award-winning L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek was thoughtfully redesigned to offer all patrons unobstructed views of Oak Creek and ensure that the new Bar at L'Auberge is "the place" to lounge in Sedona - with even more stunning creek views. L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek features the culinary artistry of Executive Chef David Schmidt.

L'Auberge de Sedona, one of Arizona's renowned 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-sqaure 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.

SEDONA, Ariz. - March 6, 2008 - L'Auberge de Sedona, one of Arizona's foremost retreats, has recently named David Schmidt as its Executive Chef. In his new role, Schmidt will direct the luxury destination's culinary program, which includes creating new menu options for L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek, considered the most romantic restaurant in Arizona. Additionally, he'll spearhead menu plans for the Resort's corporate meetings, bridal and social events.

Raised in Wisconsin, David was inspired to explore his culinary talents by his beloved grandmother who cooked three squares a day for 16 children. (His first kitchen exploit was baking peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies.) He relocated to Arizona in the mid-1990s where he's been honing his craft for the past decade, creating his own unique flair for fine cuisine.

"I favor using local vendors for produce and other fresh ingredients," says Schmidt. "In the winter months, I like to use a braising technique which keeps the menu savory and seasonal. But throughout the year, we'll feature a contemporary French cuisine with Mediterranean influences. I've always had an interest in the foods of France, Italy, and Spain, and enjoy incorporating many of them into my creations."

Chef David has held positions at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort and T. Cook's at the Royal Palms in Phoenix, as well as served as Executive Chef at the Mobil Four Star, AAA Four Diamond rated Michaels at the Citadel in Scottsdale.

He also was an instructor for his alma mater, the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, now Le Cordon Bleu, from which he earned a degree in 1996.

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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 forest grounds offer 56 king bed accommodations; including 19 guest rooms and two junior suites in the European styled Lodge, 31 private cottages and four rooms in the expansive Creek House. 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 and a popular Sunday brunch. The luxurious Spa at L'Auberge, a serene retreat offering a tranquil, rejuvenating experience, is surrounded by lush natural beauty, and offers a carefully crafted spa menu designed to soothe and balance. Guests of L'Auberge are treated nightly to an informal, complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres reception in the living room of the Lodge. For more information, please call 800-905-5778 or visit L'Auberge de Sedona Resort and Spa.