Wine and water do mix
February 22, 2023 - Two hours from San Francisco and marrying the region’s beauty with the unique natural resources of the original Aetna Springs, the 3,000-acre estate of Six Senses Napa Valley will offer a haven for wellness, sustainability, fine wine, and dining.
Named after the natural thermal Aetna Springs discovered in the 1870s, the original resort thrived as a natural spa destination and Hollywood hotspot. Ronald Reagan declared his candidacy for governor of California in 1966 on the steps of the resort’s dining hall.
Although the original resort closed in the 1970s, it was listed on Napa County Landmarks’ Threatened Treasures list and is now gearing up for a new lease of life as a Six Senses property, with a focus on heritage restoration, native planting, and rewilding. Award-winning architecture firm Olson Kundig has been appointed to ensure the structures are preserved and adapted to suit the next chapter in its story.
There will be 95 rooms and suites, including 10 tent-style structures, with interiors designed by 1508 London, known for its knowledge and unique capabilities in luxury hospitality. 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.
In keeping with our signature wellness approach, there will be an extensive program of yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and nature-inspired therapies. The historic mineral springs will be revived with indoor and outdoor thermal experiences and bathing. Layered onto this will be pioneering indoor bathing facilities incorporating local herbs and essential oils into hot and cold therapies to relax and rejuvenate, privately or socially, to tap into the positive vibes of the whole community.
An on-site organic garden and four food and beverage outlets will offer a variety of dining options with in-house “alchemists” crafting homemade and herbal tonics, tinctures, and detox juices. The Well will showcase the region’s best wines, including Napa’s famed Cabernets, alongside Aetna Mineral Water, which was first bottled in 1886 and sold throughout the American West.
Practices such as rewilding zones and the use of sustainable design and materials will help the resort achieve LEED certification and prove that wine and water do indeed mix.