Fresh off its grand debut as the flagship resort of Appellation – a visionary, culinary-first hospitality brand founded by Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger – Appellation Healdsburg proudly announces its acceptance into Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH), a curated collection of the world’s most characterful, independently spirited hotels. The partnership marks the first Appellation hotel to join SLH, signaling a major milestone for the brand’s growth and global recognition.
“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.”
Located on the north side of Healdsburg in Sonoma County on eight-and-a-half acres of lush landscapes, Appellation Healdsburg is a culinary-driven retreat designed to immerse guests in the region’s rich food, wine, and agricultural heritage, featuring 108 guest rooms and suites, two pools, Terroir Spa, a thoughtful wellness program, dynamic programming, and expansive indoor-outdoor event spaces. Culinary experiences are at the forefront, with Folia Bar & Kitchen offering progressive American cuisine fueled by live oak embers, led by Executive Chef David Intonato and Chef de Cuisine Reed Palmer, a Healdsburg native whose experience spans acclaimed kitchens including SingleThread, Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Amass in Copenhagen. After honing his craft globally, Palmer has returned home to honor Sonoma County’s agricultural heritage, shaping Folia’s menus around local ingredients and seasonal rhythms. Andys Beeline, the resort’s vibrant rooftop lounge, offers shareable bites, garden-infused cocktails and sweeping vineyard views. Channeling the region’s natural bounty into a deeply immersive wellness experience, Terroir Spa offers a sensory journey rooted in place, featuring treatments inspired by the surrounding landscape, locally sourced botanicals, and holistic rituals that reflect the rhythms of Sonoma’s land and lifestyle. At the heart of Appellation’s ethos is a celebration of craftsmanship. Through Crafted at Appellation, guests are invited to roll up their sleeves and dive into Sonoma’s creative spirit — joining local artisans, farmers, and makers in hands-on workshops that transform regional traditions into memorable, personal experiences.
“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.”
Through the partnership with SLH, Appellation Healdsburg joins a global portfolio of more than 650 hotels across 90+ countries, all distinguished by their individuality, intimate scale, and authentic connection to place.
“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.”
