Appellation Healdsburg named best resort in the United States by Travel + Leisure readers
Less than a year after opening, Appellation Healdsburg has been named the top resort in California and the continental United States in Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards readers’ survey.
The 108-room luxury resort, developed by Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer and former Four Seasons executive Christopher Hunsberger, opened in September 2025 on an 8.5-acre site near the convergence of the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys.
-
Mary’s Whole Chicken with pickled shishito pepper and garden herbs from at Folia Bar + Kitchen, part of Appellation Healdsburg. Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
1 of 6
Mary’s Whole Chicken with pickled shishito pepper and garden herbs from at Folia Bar + Kitchen, part of Appellation Healdsburg. Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
The property emphasizes Sonoma County’s food and wine culture, with two restaurants by Palmer — Folia Bar & Kitchen and Andy’s Beeline Rooftop — as well as culinary gardens and workshops led by local farmers and artisans. Amenities include two swimming pools, a spa and 15,500 square feet of meeting and event space.
The World’s Best Awards are based on reader voting and recognize hotels, destinations, airlines, cruise lines, spas and other travel experiences worldwide. The rankings appear in the magazine’s August 2026 issue and online.
Appellation has additional resorts planned in Petaluma, Morgan Hill, Pacific Grove and Park City, Utah. The company’s first property, Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort Spa, opened in 2025.