Appellation Healdsburg has joined Small Luxury Hotels of the World following its recent opening in Sonoma County. The property is the first hotel from the Appellation brand to join the global collection of independent hotels. The announcement marks an early milestone for the culinary-focused hospitality company founded by Charlie Palmer and Christopher Hunsberger.
Located on the north side of Healdsburg, the resort occupies eight and a half acres and includes 108 guestrooms and suites. The property features two pools, a spa, wellness programming and indoor and outdoor event spaces. The hotel was developed as a flagship project for the Appellation brand, which centers its concept on food, wine and regional craft.
“Appellation Healdsburg was created to honor the spirit of Sonoma County through food, wine, and community,” said Christopher Hunsberger, co-founder and COO of Appellation. “Joining Small Luxury Hotels of the World connects us to like-minded independent hotels and discerning travelers around the globe that share our belief in approachable luxury and meaningful, place-based experiences. It is a privilege to align our very first new-build hotel with an organization that celebrates individuality and excellence.”Â
Culinary programming is a central element of the resort. Folia Bar & Kitchen serves American cuisine prepared over live oak embers and is led by executive chef David Intonato and chef de cuisine Reed Palmer. Palmer is a Healdsburg native whose prior experience includes kitchens such as SingleThread, Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Amass in Copenhagen. The resort also includes Andys Beeline, a rooftop lounge offering food and drinks with vineyard views.
The property’s spa, Terroir Spa, draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Treatments incorporate locally sourced botanicals and wellness rituals tied to the agricultural rhythms of Sonoma County. The resort’s wellness offerings are designed to reflect regional practices and materials.
Appellation Healdsburg also hosts hands-on programming through Crafted at Appellation. These activities involve local artisans, farmers and makers and focus on regional traditions. Guests are invited to participate in workshops intended to reflect the area’s creative and agricultural culture.
“Joining Small Luxury Hotels of the World is a wonderful acknowledgment of the experiences we’ve created here at Appellation Healdsburg,” said Charlie Palmer, co-founder and CEO of Appellation. “From our signature restaurants and bars to immersive workshops celebrating Sonoma’s artisans and seasonal bounty, every detail is designed to connect guests with the spirit of the region while offering a distinctive hotel experience.”Â
Through the agreement, Appellation Healdsburg becomes part of a portfolio of more than 650 hotels in over 90 countries. SLH describes its members as independent properties with a strong connection to place and limited scale.
“We are delighted to welcome Appellation Healdsburg to the SLH portfolio, an exciting 2025 hotel opening in Northern California,” said Richard Hyde, Chief Operation Officer of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. “The vision brought to life by renowned chef Charlie Palmer and Christopher Hunsberger at Appellation Healdsburg reflects the Independently Minded ethos of SLH and is deeply rooted in place. We know SLH travelers will enjoy the authentic Sonoma Country immersion on offer at the hotel, including the standout culinary and wellness experiences.”Â
The addition positions Appellation Healdsburg as the brand’s first representative within the SLH network while establishing its role in Appellation’s broader development plans.