“It’s a pleasure to hear that people in Sonoma County appreciate what we’re doing.” —Circe Sher
Best Spa/Resort is a tricky category. By definition, a resort caters to visitors, but to be chosen by NorthBay biz readers—local readers—it has to have a strong community connection. The Spa Hotel Healdsburg fits the bill.
“We’re very active with the Healdsburg Education Foundation [HEF] and have underwritten many of its programs, including funding many of the art programs and, through our annual Pigs and Pinot event, the high school internship program,” says Circe Sher, marketing and public relations director as well as partner for Hotel Healdsburg and h2hotel. “A portion of sales of the neighbor menu at Dry Creek Kitchen goes to HEF each quarter.
“We’re also involved with the Northern Sonoma Healthcare Foundation as a sponsor of its annual Wine, Women and Shoes event, and we’re a major, year-round sponsor of the Riverkeepers. The spa is very involved in issues of women’s health and does an annual breast cancer awareness fund-raiser during breast cancer awareness month.”
Opened on the square in Healdsburg in 2001, the property balances Wine Country elegance with a farmstead sensibility. The result is a tranquil hideaway that’s become a welcome addition to downtown. Chef Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen, located on the property, regularly earns accolades for its menus and wine lists; the hotel lobby bar and lounge has become a favorite hangout for locals; and the property’s multiple event spaces are in-demand for meetings, parties, weddings, receptions and fund-raisers.
The architecture uses wide, open hallways, lots of glass and natural materials to easily blend indoors with out. Corridors are sunlit, outdoor spaces are abundant and guest rooms reflect an understated elegance. The pet-friendly hotel even provides bicycles for those who’d like to tool around town (and safe bicycle storage for those who bring their own ride).And then there’s the spa, which offers special midweek pricing for locals (now that’s how you can earn BEST Of votes). Weekend yoga classes are free to hotel patrons and also open to Healdsburg neighbors (for a fee). According to spa manager Leah Helthall, it’s a popular destination for bridal and birthday parties, showers and other celebrations. She estimates about 30 to 40 percent of the hotel’s spa business is local during high season (it jumps to as much as 60 percent in the off season).
There are six treatment rooms, nail and facial studios and a couple’s suite. A small garden patio and Jacuzzi (plus pool access) provide fresh air and quiet spaces for reflection and sipping custom-blended herbal tea or other locally produced beverages.
Speaking of “locally produced,” the spa takes cues from the North Bay’s agrarian mindset,and many of the healing treatments change seasonally; these “farm-to-spa” services feature custom products crafted from local farms, including (for spring) a wine and honey wrap sourced from Quivera Vineyards. Many items for sale in the spa shop are also locally produced.
“We’re so grateful to be acknowledged by NorthBay biz readers,” says Sher. “It’s a pleasure to hear that people in Sonoma County appreciate what we’re doing and are taking advantage of what the hotel and spa have to offer. We’re happy to be a relaxing sanctuary to get away from it all or a great place to have a special business event or function.”
