Dive Brief:
- The flagship location of luxury hotel brand Appellation — founded by Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger — has opened in Healdsburg, California, the brand announced Thursday.
- Located in California’s Sonoma wine country, the 108-room Appellation Healdsburg is designed to immerse guests in the region’s food, wine and agricultural heritage, according to Appellation. The property offers two Charlie Palmer dining venues, Folia Bar & Kitchen and Andys Beeline Rooftop, as well as a spa and more than 15,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor event space.
- The resort opens as Appellation plots growth nationwide to cater to luxury travelers’ growing demand for immersive culinary and wellness experiences.
Dive Insight:
Designed by architect John Hill and global firm EDG Design, Appellation Healdsburg aims to “heighten exploration and create a ‘distinctly here’ guest experience” centered on wellness and culinary offerings, according to the brand.
Situated on 8.5 acres, the resort grounds are landscaped with native trees and include walking paths, culinary gardens and open-air gathering spaces. The resort offers two pools, one with cabanas and an Airstream food-and-beverage concept, and another adjacent to the property’s Terroir Spa and indoor-outdoor fitness studio.
The resort’s culinary theme carries into the lobby, where guests are met with a snack made with ingredients from on-site gardens. The lobby will also host chef-led tastings, demonstrations and art installations, according to Appellation. Additionally, the resort will hold hands-on workshops led by local makers, farmers, artisans and its own staff.
The property’s event space will be the largest luxury event space in downtown Healdsburg, Appellation shared. That space includes The Grange, an indoor-outdoor, barn-inspired space with a signature exhibition kitchen designed for interactive culinary experiences. Also on property is an al fresco venue, The Lawn. And Folia Bar & Kitchen will include private dining venues for smaller gatherings.
Appellation Healdsburg opens as luxury travelers increasingly seek wellness and culinary experiences that immerse them in their destination.
Catering to that demand, Appellation is also underway on a resort near Park City, Utah. Set to debut next year, Ameyalli Park City by Appellation will span 78 acres and include an 80-key hotel, a wellbeing center and multiple luxury dining concepts in the mountain town of Midway, Utah.
Appellation also converted a hotel in Lodi, California, under its flag earlier this year, and has several forthcoming hotels across the state.
Appellation Healdsburg was among several highly anticipated U.S. hotels slated to open this fall.
