Technogym
Technogym
Technogym

Approachable luxury, authenticity and local flavours inspire new hotel and spa brand Appellation

by Megan Whitby | 09 Dec 2022
Credit: Curry Spa Consulting
Our hotels will be impressive yet unpretentious and have a connectivity to their setting
– Lynn Curry

A new collection of urban retreats focused on food, wellness, local produce and authenticity are set to launch across the west coast of the US in the next 10 years.

The group's hotels, restaurants and spas will all be owned, managed and operated by a new hospitality company called Appellation. Founded on a philosophy of approachable luxury, the business is set in Healdsburg, California.

The brand is the vision of Charlie Palmer – chef, restaurateur and hotelier – and Christopher Hunsberger, a hospitality specialist whose 20-year career at Four Seasons culminated in a role as president of the Americas and global head of human resources.

Four years ago, the duo decided to start their own luxury hotel company that blends the best of the culinary and hospitality worlds and spotlights and celebrates the unique settings of each of its locations.

Soon after, Palmer and Hunsberger – along with a small group of private investors – started the company and invested in the first several hotel projects. They’re currently raising additional funds for future developments.

The first Appellation property is due to launch in 2023 in Healdsburg, in Northern California’s famed wine country. The hotel will feature 108 keys and is anticipated to cost more than US$120m (£97.8m, €113.6m) to create.

With over 40 designers and consultants on board, key names helping to realise the project include Hart Howerton Architects, EDG Interior Design, John Hill, Niteo Lighting and spa consultant Lynn Curry of Curry Spa Consulting.

Wellness forms an important branch of the concept and Palmer and Hunsberger have enlisted the help of Curry to develop a nature-centric spa concept for the company.

Wellness at Appellation

“Guests love to be connected to nature and the Appellation properties will allow that both in the spa and outside its walls,” Curry said, speaking exclusively to Spa Business.

Built using natural materials, the group’s vision is to create nature-centric spas which blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces and respect Appellation’s focus on approachable luxury. Curry said that F&B is also being incorporated as an integral pillar of the spa experience.

Wellness offerings will range from outdoor treatments and walks through the vineyards to yoga along the water, hillside meditation and hikes in the mountains and vineyards. Indoor and outdoor areas are also being designated for guests to enjoy the F&B offerings during their relaxation time.

Despite the synergy between Appellation’s future spas, Curry says each one will be delicately crafted to authentically reflect its surroundings.

“Each spa will have a sense of place thanks to locally-sourced treatment and retail products, locally-inspired F&B options and a design palette dictated by the property’s location.”

As part of this, the properties’ landscaping will feature edible and scented flowers and herbs that can be used in treatments and for take-home products – either created by the spa team or guests at an apothecary bar in the spa’s reception area.

“From light-filled gyms and treatment rooms to a host of outdoor activities and adventures to be found on and off property, the inclusion of the local environment is sure to create a great repeat guest market,” Curry added.

“Chef Charlie and his local culinary brigades will work with me to create spa menus that focus on fresh local healthy ingredients that complement and elevate the overall spa experience.

“Charlie’s influence and expertise will be woven into the spas to create an opportunity for all spa team members to think like and learn from a world-renowned chef in bringing local flair and flavours to the spa.

"Adding native local plant products into treatments – many of which may be culinary-inspired, sourced from the property’s on-site gardens or local farmers – will be crucial in creating that connectivity to a place."

In addition, spa snacks and beverages are being created for Apellation with the intent for guests to recreate them at home to remind them of their spa experience.

Growth aspirationsAlongside the flagship Healdsburg destination, three extra Appellation projects are currently underway. This includes one in Sun Valley, Idaho, and two further properties in California – another in Healdsburg and one in Pacific Grove.

The team is also working on new developments in San Diego, Santa Barbara and other locations in California, as well as Oregon and Washington wine country.

“The Appellation properties planned will be located within a few hours of major metropolitan areas, and yet will always carry the experience of a true escape, even for those arriving from a short drive away,” said Curry.

It’s expected all hotels will be four-and-a-half-star luxury destinations.

“Our positioning as an approachable luxury brand means guests who stay will likely have experienced staying in other luxury hotels but will feel very welcome here. We’re going to be less formal – our hotels will be impressive yet unpretentious.”

All Appellation destinations will be built with the local community and the environment in mind and the team will source most of what is used in the hotels locally – be that building materials, ingredients for menus and products used in the spas.

All properties will also be built with energy and water conservation features.

The team expects the typical guest demographic to draw from both local and international pools and particularly interest those with a curiosity for food, wine, wellness and adventure.

Curry sees the concept’s approachable luxury focus as its USP as well as the owners’ devotion to sustainability and creating a cooperative environment for the entire design team to push past the conventional ideas of hotels and spas.

Appellation  Lynn Curry  Four Seasons  Hart Howerton Architects  EDG Interior Design  John Hill  Niteo Lighting  Curry Spa Consulting  
Related stories
11 Apr 2022

Scandinative Nordic spa concept to debut in Washington DC in 2023

03 Nov 2016

Curry Spa Consulting merges with RLA

A new collection of urban retreats focused on food, wellness, local produce and authenticity are set to launch across the west coast of the US in the next 10 years. The group's hotels, restaurants and spas will all be owned, managed and operated by a new hospitality company called Appellation. Founded on a philosophy of approachable luxury, the business is set in Healdsburg, California. The brand is the vision of
SAB,HHR,HOT
The first Appellation property will launch in Healdsburg, California, in 2023 / Appellation
More news
News stories: 1 - 30 of 7784     
 
 
 
News stories: 1 - 30 of 7784     
 
 
 
featured supplier
Featured Supplier: CSI Design Expo Americas 2024 announces new Attractions & Entertainment Technology Zone
Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) invites cruise lines, shipyards, design studios, outfitters, and suppliers to take part in CSI Design Expo Americas in Miami, Florida, the region’s only event dedicated to cruise ship interior design.
company profile
Company profile: Global Project & Spa Advisory
We focus as much on profitability as we do on customer experience, in the definition of global wellness services. Daily wellness is a trend we support. We define personalised services, integrating health prevention and all experiences that enhance the sustainability of one’s wellbeing.
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
features
The acrylic pool will link the two 10-storey buildings
The project is the brainchild of Ballymore CEO Sean Mulryan
"It will feel like floating through the air while you’re swimming "

On his plans for the London 'sky pool'

WeWork’s Rise gym was designed by Brittney Hart
Dror Benshetrit and Di-Ann Eisnor will head up the team
"We will work to fuse nature, design, technology, and community in our cities in order to measurably improve the lives of citizens"

High profile design hirings for the We Company

The family spend time together at the Swartberg House in South Africa, resting and recharging from their hectic life in London
"It’s important for people to be rooted in place. This is a very special house, with powerful connections to nature"

Jennifier Beningfield has built her dream home in South Africa, using ancient building methods

Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
features
Cucinelli’s Monument to Human Dignity was unveiled in September 2018 within the Park of Dignity
"It would be great if today’s men left as a legacy for the future some architectural and humanistic monuments for the next hundred, three hundred, one thousand years"

BrunelloCucinelli has madehisfortune from cashmere and has used hiswealthto restoreandrevive theItalian hamlet he callshome. Wefindout more

The concrete shell was cast in southern Norway. The building was constructed on a barge so that it could be lowered into the water
"The Norwegian coast inhabits such beauty"

The world’s most ambitious underwater buildings

The lap pool runs through the centre of the residence
"Even brushing your teeth in the right space can elevate a daily routine into a ritual"

With a lap pool at the heart of the home, this property is a sanctuary for Rene Gonzalez

features
Stefano Boeri is working on a number of major green schemes in China
"We’re creating new spheres, where people, trees and animals can coexist in an environment of wellness"

On how the vertical forest model promotes wellness

Francis graduated as a landscape architect in Belgium. He returned to Lebanon in 1993
"I believe gardens are where the soul rests"

With a focus on desert landscapes and collaborations with Zaha Hadid and OMA, the principal of Francis Landscapes has a deep belief in the power of nature

Gardens by the Bay in Singapore
Patrick Bellew, founder, Atelier Ten
"It’s a wonderful extension to the existing modernist MOMA museum by Snohetta"

Working with Zaha Hadid, Heatherwick and more, Atelier Ten helps create sustainable buildings. Patrick Bellew speaks out

cladkit product news
Mather & Co and ITV unite to create Coronation Street Experience
Mather & Co has transformed the visitor centre into the ultimate haven for ardent Coronation Street viewers
Magali Robathan
Experience designers, Mather & Co, have orchestrated a remarkable collaboration with ITV to unveil the new Coronation Street Experience, a ...
Koto Design introduces wood-fired hot tub
Koto is known for crafting modular, energy-neutral cabins and homes
Katie Barnes
A striking wood-fired hot tub has been unveiled by Koto, an architecture and design studio which has a passion for ...
Eden project uses drones to spell out climate change warning
Magali Robathan
Almost 300 drones were used to signal an environmental message above the Eden Project’s biomes, during the UN Climate Change ...
cladkit product news
Siminetti unveils iridescent decorative panelling range inspired by plants
The Clematis design
Megan Whitby
The Botanicals is Siminetti’s newest Mother of Pearl decorative panelling collection, inspired by the distinctive patterns found in botany and ...
Codelocks develops new glass door smart lock
The new lock model allows facilities and building managers to create and manage access via an app or online portal
Megan Whitby
Codelocks has launched its first glass door smart lock to bring intelligent access control to modern spa, leisure, fitness and ...
Alberto Apostoli designs tech-forward Wellness Therapy furniture collection for Varaschin
The furniture collection draws on absolute geometries, pure lines, neutral colours and strong references to nature
Megan Whitby
Furniture manufacturer Varaschin has unveiled the new Wellness Therapy range, designed by Italian spa and wellness architect and designer Alberto ...
cladkit product news
Jaffe Holden helps bring Academy Museum of Motion Pictures alive
Jaffe Holden provided architectural acoustics for the Academy Museum
Magali Robathan
Acoustical consulting firm Jaffe Holden provided architectural acoustics and audio/video design services for the recently opened Academy Museum of Motion ...
Alberto Apostoli and Newform collaborate to launch the A.Zeta showerhead
The showerhead offers two modes; rainfall or waterfall
Megan Whitby
Italian architect Alberto Apostoli has renewed his partnership with Newform – an Italian wellness company – and designed A.Zeta. A.Zeta ...
Eco Resort Network conference to convene in Mauritius this May
The event will be hosted in the Mauritius in 2024
Megan Whitby
Hospitality industry event Eco Resort Network is set to take place at the Ravenala Attitude Hotel, Turtle Bay, Mauritius, from ...
x
Sign up with CLAD for regular news updates
x
Email this to a friend or colleague
I am happy for Leisure Media to contact me occasionally by email and understand that I can opt out at any time.
Approachable luxury, authenticity and local flavours inspire new hotel and spa brand Appellation
A new collection of urban retreats focused on food, wellness, local produce and authenticity are set to launch across the west coast of the US in the next 10 years.
Technogym
Technogym