It’s hard to miss when driving north on Highway 101 just past downtown Healdsburg. After years of planning and design, the 32-acre, mixed-use development known as North Village is beginning to look less like a construction site and more like a community. One of the most talked about pieces of the project — celebrity chef Charlie Palmer’s food and wine-focused Appellation Healdsburg hotel — is eyeing a late summer opening.
The Appellation hotel brand is a collaboration between Palmer and Sonoma County resident Christopher Hunsberger, a hospitality veteran formerly with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. In addition to 108 rooms and suites, the hotel will feature a restaurant, rooftop bar, spa and fitness center.
“It’s really coming to life,” said Hunsberger.
Appellation’s food and wine focus will be apparent from the moment guests step into its take on a hotel lobby. Instead of the classic front desk serving as the focal point, it’s the restaurant, kitchen and circular fireplace that will make the first impression on visitors (the reception desk is set off to the side of the entrance). When they pick up their room keys, guests can expect such offerings as light bites and seasonal cocktails.
The lobby layout also includes dedicated space for the brand’s Crafted at Appellation classes. Forthcoming workshops at locations throughout Sonoma County cover everything from planting terrariums to blending freshly roasted coffee beans.
“It will be very different than any other hotel reception experience, at least that I know exists today,” said Palmer.
Rooms and suites are spread throughout a dozen or so buildings. In addition to a spa with eight treatment rooms, there are two pools (one for adults only), and a fitness center with training equipment and class offerings. No details have been released, but a local membership option is said to be in the works.
Many residents at neighboring Enso Village — described as a Zen-inspired senior living community — appear to have already settled in. Above approximately 12,000 square feet of retail space, the framework for 53 affordable apartments is coming together. There will also be 27 middle-income qualified townhomes as part of the North Village project.
Appellation Healdsburg is still a hard hat construction site, but the number of final stretch touches are growing with each day. Mature olive trees are being planted and tile is being set. It won’t be long before an assorted four dozen fruit trees and 24 raised culinary beds are integrated into the landscape.
It’s been more than two decades since Palmer opened Dry Creek Kitchen in downtown Healdsburg. Every Thursday night, locals are invited to take advantage of the restaurant’s three-course Sonoma Neighbor Menu for $55. Palmer said he looks forward to welcoming locals to Appellation Healdsburg as well.
“Yes, it’s a hotel and yes, there’s going to be people coming here hopefully from all over the place, but first and foremost, it’s about welcoming locals into another great piece of Healdsburg,” said Palmer. “I want that bar to be full of locals. I want the restaurant and spa to be full of locals.”
Rates at Appellation Healdsburg are expected to start at just above $500 a night, plus a daily resort fee of $45. 165 Foss Creek Circle, Healdsburg, appellationhotels.com
Sonoma County Hotels Show Off Renovations, New Menus and Wellness Options
Just in time for spring, several Sonoma County hotels are giving people more reasons to plan a trip or Wine Country staycation.
Vintners Resort just debuted a new resort pool flanked with daybeds, cabanas and fire pits. Day passes are available for locals looking to lounge poolside, but not stay at the property. The next phase of renovations at the Santa Rosa property includes refreshed rooms and a lobby facelift. 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7350, vintnersresort.com
The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn is now serving breakfast and lunch. Dinner service now includes a la carte offerings in addition to the three-course, prix fixe Taste of Farmhouse menu. 7871 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-3300, farmhouseinn.com/restaurant
Calling all spa lovers! Thanks to a new partnership with UK-based celebrity skin designer Fatma Shaheen of Skin Design London and Montage Hotels & Resort, a pair of new facials just launched at the spa at Montage Healdsburg. The new treatments include the SDL Vitamin Skin Glow Facial ($495) and SDL Face Tight Facial ($975). 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, 707-979-9000, montage.com/healdsburg