With more than 25 years of experience in luxury wellness and spa operations, Nikki Severson recently joined Montage Healdsburg as director of spa. Prior, she served as director of spa and wellness for Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort and Spa (Napa, CA), where she oversaw the resort’s spa retreat housed within an underground cave. She also held leadership roles at Graton Resort & Casino (Rohnert Park, CA), Kalahari Resort & Convention Center (Sandusky, OH), and Sundara Inn & Spa (Wisconsin Dells, WI). In addition, Severson was instrumental in the openings of Spa Kalahari at Kalahari Resort (Pocono Summit, PA) and Potosa Spa at Hotel Julien (Dubuque, IA), building their wellness programs from the ground up.
In her new role, she will oversee the resort’s 11,500-square-foot Spa Montage, a serene retreat inspired by the natural beauty of Sonoma wine country. Severson will guide Spa Montage’s vision and strategy, ensuring an elevated guest experience rooted in relaxation and renewal. A native of Wisconsin, Severson is passionate about mentoring the next generation for spa excellence. She finds great joy and fulfillment in leading and guiding spa professionals to better themselves each day. Here, she shares how she fulfills that mission for herself.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is a lifestyle. It begins with what we put in our bodies and how we treat our bodies. Movement of our bodies and minds are embodied in the wellness mindset and lifestyle.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
Mediation, journaling, and hiking. Spending time alone in nature is also a key component to my personal wellbeing.
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
Hiking, as it allows me time to reconnect with my inner thoughts and rejuvenate.
What is your favorite healthy beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and do you have any insider tips for preparing it?
Kombucha, green tea, and smoothies.
What is your greatest wellness achievement?
I have not yet accomplished my greatest achievement. I am currently working on this progression and am devoted to regaining some of the metabolism that was lost during the natural process of menopause. This year, there are many goals that I will strive to meet. As I have aged, my body has changed due to menopause. I am currently challenging myself to get more active, fit, and increase my metabolism.
What person in wellness do you most admire and why?
Most recently, I was inspired by Amy Purdy, a keynote speaker at the 2025 ISPA Conference in Colorado Springs. She has overcome so many battles along the way and has never lost hope or the drive to achieve her goals.
What is your idea of balanced healthy happiness?
A balanced healthy life and lifestyle creates a pathway for happiness. Taking time for yourself and your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body physically.
What do you think is the most overused word or words in wellness?
Organic and natural.
What is your favorite self-care routine?
It is a simple walk along the ocean at Bodega Head, breathing in the fresh air and just existing. It’s allowing my thoughts to wander and just taking time for myself.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
A bath.
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most, or would most like to improve?
It’s the changes my body has gone through while going through menopause.
How do you celebrate small victories?
I celebrate myself with positive thoughts and by reading positive affirmations.
What brings you joy?
I find joy in small non-materialistic things.
