Following devastating floods in 2019, Dawn Ranch in Guerneville, a bohemian enclave of the Russian River Valley, has has reopened as Northern California’s newest wellness destination. The refreshed riverfront retreat cultivates an environment that encourages rejuvenation and self-discovery guided by the guest.
Dawn Ranch spans 22 acres, home to ancient giant redwoods, including two rare Dawn Redwoods (the property’s namesake), meadows and vintage apple trees. Designed by Bridgeton Studio in collaboration with Brian Smith and Whitney Clark, who both contributed to the design of sister property, Marram Montauk, Dawn Ranch will unveil new and expanded accommodations following the acquisition of neighboring resort Fern Grove, as well as a new spa, saltwater pool and dining concepts from Argentinian restaurateur, Chef Fernando Trocca. Refreshed and restored, the lodge will offer lounge and event space, as well as a new restaurant concept, The Lodge at Dawn Ranch by Chef Trocca and helmed by Chef Juliana Thorpe.
Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, the cuisine will be vegetable-forward, combining open-fire cooking with seasonal, local procurement, including from Dawn Ranch’s on-site kitchen garden. The Lodge also offers pastry and beverage programs. Guests can dine in the main dining room or al fresco on the deck overlooking the main lawn, The Green. Featuring a bandstand with live local musicians and multiple fire pits where they can enjoy evening s’mores and wine service, The Green offers lively community activations.
Now with 81 keys, the newly renovated cottages and cabins at Dawn Ranch have custom furnishings created in collaboration with Austin-based Oxford Street Company. Guests can expect built-in millwork storage, chambray fabrics, hand-stitched quilts, portable safari campaign chairs and custom daybeds. Select rooms will also offer double-sided gas fireplaces. The bathrooms have hair and body care amenities from Le Labo, as well as solid unlacquered brass fixtures, including rain showers from Waterworks. Room configurations range from the one-room Grove, Redwood and Sycamore cabins to multi-room Creekside and Grove cottages, plus the honeymoon suite, Olive’s Cottage.
Located behind a Japanese-inspired shade garden and set within a classic California-style bungalow that historically served as the owner’s living quarters is The Spa at Dawn Ranch. Guests can enjoy a steam room, as well as three treatment rooms with wood-paneled ceilings inspired by the home’s original millwork details. Outside, a large deck with a garden has four Japanese Ofuro soaking tubs made from redwood, a mahogany infrared sauna with a glass ceiling and thermostatic outdoor showers. The Spa at Dawn Ranch will be open for both guest use and public access.
As part of a new glamping concept, six tents will be available to book upon opening, set to debut later in the summer with the addition of suite-like tents with private bathrooms. Across Fife’s Creek from the Orchard is The Boathouse at Dawn Ranch, a private event space that can also accommodate large format grilling for special events.
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