17 Jul 2023
Six Senses to breathe new life into 100-year-old Napa Valley natural spa destination
BY Megan Whitby
Six Senses is taking its wellness and sustainability formula to a sanctuary in California's Napa County, an agricultural haven producing some of the world’s most sought-after wine.
Named after the natural thermal Aetna Springs discovered in the 1870s, the original resort thrived until the 1970s as a natural spa destination, with Aetna Mineral Water also sold throughout the American West.
“Six Senses Napa Valley will marry the region’s beauty with the unique natural resources of the original Aetna Springs,” said Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs.
“Working with Weller Development Partners, Pegasus Capital Advisors and committed sustainability partners, we have the right energy in place to revitalise this precious jewel in the Napa crown as a destination to rewild our guests back to a connection with nature, each other, and ultimately themselves.”
Six Senses Napa Valley is slated to open in 2026.
Heritage restoration
Located a two-hour drive from San Francisco, Six Senses Napa Valley will welcome guests to the western edge of a 3,000-acre estate.
The existing structures will be sensitively preserved, and the landscape regenerated to bring back the beauty and functionality of the natural mineral springs, with a focus on native planting.
As for the historic resort itself, architecture firm Olson Kundig will work alongside California-based Architectural Resources Group and developer Weller Development Partners to ensure the structures are preserved and adapted to suit the next chapter in its story.
There will be a choice of 95 rooms and suites, including ten tent-style structures, with interiors designed by 1508 London. There will also be 16 branded residences, which will be serviced by Six Senses and, alongside all the resort amenities, enjoy access to a dedicated lounge.
Returning to nature
With a retreat vibe and location, Six Senses says wellness will be front and centre in attracting local and international guests.
Programming will include yoga, meditation, mindfulness, visiting practitioners and various treatments and therapies, all inspired by nature.
Personalised longevity programmes will work on the mind-gut-skin connection, fusing scientific advances in neuroscience with ancient wisdom.
In addition, the mineral springs will be revived with indoor and outdoor thermal experiences and wild swimming activities. Restored greenery will ensure pockets of privacy for a secluded post-swim lounge on the surrounding decks.
Layered onto this will be indoor bathing facilities incorporating local herbs and essential oils into hot and cold therapies.
The sensory Alchemy Bar will be the place to blend spa scrubs and soaps to suit the season and mood, using natural ingredients picked from the resort’s organic garden.
Regeneration for future generations
The investment group, comprising Weller Development, Pegasus and IHG Hotels & Resorts (Six Senses' parent company), will work with partners in sustainability to restore the recreational green spaces, vineyards and agricultural activities supporting the resort.
A water bottling programme will tap into the natural springs and offset operational water requirements. Furthermore, practices such as rewilding zones and the use of sustainable design and materials will also help the resort achieve LEED certification.
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