Aetna Springs Resort in Napa County, California, will be transformed into a new wellness and luxury hotel under the IHG Hotels & Resorts brand. After thriving as a natural spa destination from the 1870s to 1970s, the 3,000-acre estate will be preserved and regenerated to become Six Senses Napa Valley.
“Six Senses Napa Valley will marry the region’s beauty with the unique natural resources of the original Aetna Springs,” commented Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Sense. “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.”
The architecture firm, Olson Kundig, will work alongside California-based Architectural Resources Group and Weller Development Partners to rejuvenate what the natural springs offer. Wellness will be the focal point of the resort, whereby the historic mineral springs will provide guests with thermal bathing and therapy.
Tom Kundig, owner and founder of Olson Kundig, emphasised their commitment to the site’s natural features.
“There’s so much about this site that I find deeply inspirational, from its layers of history as an agrarian and resort community to its stunning natural beauty,” Kundig said. “This new project provides a great opportunity to craft an authentic experience for visitors that centres around deepening connections to this special landscape.”
There will be 95 rooms and suites, including ten tent-style structures and 16 branded residences serviced by Six Senses. With indoor bathing facilities and private swimming pools, the venue will feature four food and beverage outlets, one with an open-plan dining hall and another with an open-air space. The Juice & Brew Bar will offer in-house and homemade herbal tonics, tinctures, detox juices, and artisanal and draft beers.
The entire investment group will work closely with sustainability experts to restore the recreational greenery surrounding the ground. A water bottling programme will use the natural springs, and practices such as rewilding zones and using sustainable materials will help lead the resort towards a LEED certification.
“We are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Six Senses, as they embody our ethos of sustainability, health, and wellness,” detailed David Cogut, partner at Pegasus Capital Advisors. “ Six Senses Napa Valley will create an extraordinary experience that will stay with guests while restoring and revitalising the property.”
The property is set to open in 2026, alongside other properties across America, such as Six Sense New York at One High Line in 2024 and Six Senses Grand Bahama in 2026.
