25 Years of The Spa at The Hotel Hershey: How ESa designed for a historic brand

25 Years of The Spa at The Hotel Hershey: How ESa designed for a historic brand

Randy Nale, AIA
Sarah Woodard, IIDA, NCIDQ

This year, The Spa at The Hotel Hershey celebrates 25 years as one of the country’s most iconic and decadent destination spas. Known affectionately as “The Chocolate Spa,” it has become synonymous with indulgent treatments, refined elegance and a deep sense of place.

For three decades, ESa has partnered with The Hotel Hershey, owned and operated by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company. The relationship began in the 1990s with a comprehensive hotel master plan that included extensive renovations to guestrooms, public spaces and meeting rooms.

Upon completion of the hotel upgrades, ESa was asked to design a spa addition that would both complement and elevate the historic 1933 hotel. Strategically positioned between the original structure and a 1970s-era guestroom wing, the spa preserved the hotel’s architectural integrity while opening toward panoramic views of manicured gardens, reflecting pools and the rolling Pennsylvania Blue Mountains.

“The challenge of adding to a historic structure is respecting the original design while addressing the facility’s current needs,” said Randy Nale, principal. “Incorporating architectural detailing and materials from the original building into the design allowed for a fluid transition between old and new.”

Design rooted in Milton Hershey’s legacy
When The Spa at The Hotel Hershey opened in 2001 as part of the hotel’s revitalization master plan, the vision was to create a world-class luxury destination spa representing the heart of its community and the history of the town that was built on chocolate.

The spa’s conceptual design was inspired by High Point Mansion, the stately home of Milton and Catherine Hershey. The intent was to evoke the aesthetics and comfort of a well-appointed residence constructed in the early 20th century.

Details included:

• The stained glass window in the spa’s reception was inspired by windows in the mansion’s foyer and grand staircase
• Architectural detailing at the exterior of the Inhalation Room referenced the mansion’s breakfast room
• The color palette was drawn from the tones and textures found throughout High Point
• The carpet pattern reflected Catherine Hershey’s love of yellow roses
• The Quiet Room detailing celebrated the mansion’s library, complete with a hand-painted mural above the wood paneling that referenced the rolling pastoral hills surrounding Hershey
• Wallcoverings, drapery treatments, furniture and fabrics were all selected through the lens of the Hersheys’ home

Residential-style cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile wainscots in soft blues, greens and peaches reinforced the feeling of stepping into an elegant private estate rather than a commercial facility. Lighting was selected for refined detailing, elevating the atmosphere while maintaining warmth.

A sensory experience inspired by chocolate
From chocolate soaks to cocoa facials, the spa’s “Everything Chocolate Treatments” became its signature. In collaboration with a spa consultant, ESa designed an immersive journey that stimulates all the senses through water features for ambient sound and carefully orchestrated floor plans that offer intimate moments along the spa journey.

As offerings expanded, so did the narrative. “Rose Garden” and “Cuban Experience” treatments honor Milton and Catherine Hershey’s love of roses and their travels to Cuba. Recent additions include Wellness Journey packages incorporating essential oils to support balance and holistic well-being.

Behind the scenes, durability was equally important. Spa environments endure constant exposure to oils, moisture and heavy use. ESa specified materials designed for longevity while maintaining the spa’s elevated aesthetic.

Expansion with purpose: The Chocolate Spa’s new era
Rapid success led to an expansion four years after opening, almost doubling the size of the spa that now includes 40 treatment rooms, providing massage treatments, facial treatments, wet/body treatments, soaking experiences and a signature shower treatment, along with multiple steam rooms and a sauna. Spa guests can relax in any of the three relaxation lounges (Social, Quiet and Silent) or enjoy a casual lunch in the spa’s Oasis lounge. A full-service salon is also available offering manicure, pedicure, hair styling and make-up services. Completing the holistic wellness offerings are the indoor pool and fitness center, both of which were designed by ESa.

To commemorate the spa’s 25th anniversary, ESa was engaged to update the interior design with a lighter, more modern aesthetic aligned with recent hotel renovations. The design team posed a thoughtful question for the refresh inspiration: What finishes, fabrics and furnishings might Milton and Catherine Hershey select if High Point Mansion were built today?

The solution evolved into a subtle yet impactful transformation with original architectural detailing and cabinetry, preserving a connection to the past. Patterned wallcoverings and fabrics were replaced with soft, calming tones and textures, decorative tiles gave way to full-height marble-inspired neutral porcelain tile and travertine mosaic accents and water-jet cut floor medallions introduced refined focal points. Lighting and plumbing were upgraded to modernize and harmonize with the spa’s historical elegance while new carpet patterns subtly reference water droplets, evoking the calming sensation of gentle rain.

“The goal was to honor what has made the spa special for 25 years while giving it the freshness and calm today’s guests expect in a spa environment,” said Sarah Woodard, senior interior design manager. “It’s a subtle shift, but one that has a big impact .”

A tradition of hospitality
The Spa at The Hotel Hershey stands as a model for longevity in luxury hospitality design. It’s 25 years of success that demonstrate how intentional design, thoughtful evolution and shared values can sustain both a place and a partnership.

For ESa, creating hospitality environments focuses on the guest’s experience and wellbeing. The firm’s portfolio spans independent resorts, adaptive reuse boutique hotels and complex historic preservation properties. Projects like The Hotel Hershey illustrate the design creativity possible when working with independent owners who value authenticity and long-term vision.

Twenty-five years later, The Chocolate Spa continues to evolve while remaining rooted in the legacy that inspired it. It is a testament to how design can honor history, support operations and create meaningful guest experiences for generations.

Considering how to elevate your hospitality experience? Contact ESa to discuss your options.