Published on: January 29, 2026, 04:32h.
Updated on: January 28, 2026, 02:37h.
- The upcoming Hollywood Casino Aurora will include a luxurious full-service spa
- This land-based casino will take the place of the long-standing Aurora riverboat casino
- Penn Entertainment and its property partner are investing $360 million into the establishment of this physical resort
The Hollywood Casino Aurora in Illinois is currently under construction, representing a $360 million initiative from Penn Entertainment and Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. This facility will house what is being termed a “luxury wellness spa” by the gaming developer.
This new land-based venue will replace the traditional riverboat casino. The establishment is strategically positioned adjacent to the Chicago Premium Outlets, near Exit 119 off Interstate 88. The casino will be accessible from N. Farnsworth Ave. and Bilter Rd.
The resort will feature a 200-room hotel, 1,700 parking spots, exceptional dining options, including a venue by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, a 12,000-square-foot event space, and a gaming floor comprising 900 slot machines, 50 live dealer table games, plus a sportsbook. Construction commenced in November 2023.
Upon Penn’s announcement of the Hollywood Casino Aurora’s transition inland, the inclusion of a full-service spa was confirmed. A spa partnership has now been disclosed.
Drift Spa
When the Hollywood Casino Aurora opens in the second quarter of 2026, it will feature a spa branded as Drift Spa.
The spa will include a dedicated salon and barber area with 11 stations for hair, make-up, and nails, along with seven treatment rooms for deep tissue, Swedish, and therapeutic massages, all emphasizing organic salon services that promote hair health and holistic well-being. Drift Spa will also offer manicure, pedicure services, and custom facial treatments.
Drift Spa originated in Pennsylvania, specifically in Lancaster. The inaugural Drift Spa opened in 2022 at the Marriott at Lancaster’s Penn Square and has since enjoyed favorable reviews. The Drift Spa Aurora marks the organization’s second location.
“This strategic collaboration offers a retreat for guests to disconnect from daily life and fully unwind,” stated Drift Spa founder Stacey Steffes. “I aim to work with brands, creatives, and artisans from the Chicago area that share our values to help realize our vision and forge meaningful connections in Aurora.”
Penn Entertainment is a gaming enterprise based in Pennsylvania.
Wellness and Culinary Experiences
Penn Entertainment is optimistic that transforming the aging riverboat into a wellness and indulgence destination—while still providing a casino—will be a profitable venture.
The company hopes that guests who visit the Drift Spa will also venture to the casino to savor the diverse culinary offerings.
In addition to Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian steakhouse named Sorella, Penn has enlisted celebrity chef Stephanie Izard for a burger establishment called the Lucky Goat. They are also developing a food hall in partnership with Shawn McClain, a James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur.
In 2019, Illinois lawmakers enacted regulations enabling riverboats to transition inland. Penn declared its plans to relocate the Aurora riverboat in October 2022.