Sparkling Hill Resort is only 17 kilometres from Vernon, but the idyllic, calming retreat feels like it’s a world away.
The five-star resort bills itself as “a peaceful sanctuary where you can relax, reflect, and unwind.”
Everything at the resort is designed with this goal in mind.
It begins with a valet parking service and continues with other features and amenities, all designed to create an atmosphere where one can leave behind the cares and worries of the world.
“We enjoyed a luxurious getaway at Sparkling Hill Resort in celebration of my 50th birthday. I don’t know how they knew it was my birthday, so it was a pleasant surprise when there was a card and chocolates on the bed when we arrived.”
Kim
The building is a stunning display of crystal, with 3.5 million Swarovski crystals throughout the resort. The lobby, the hallways, the guest rooms and even the backs of chairs in the dining room feature crystal displays or crystal accents.
The guest rooms are designed for rest and relaxation, with large windows providing stunning vistas of the area.
A stay at the resort includes a complimentary breakfast, and in the morning, many of the guests will show up wearing robes and slippers, enjoying a breakfast buffet before heading to the spa, saunas and pools.
Spa treatments are also available, as the KurSpa has an assortment of services available. These include massages, manicures and pedicures, facials and more.
“Normally, I prefer a bit more activity, but the slow pace and quiet atmosphere left me feeling peaceful.”
John
In addition, the spa offers a cyro cold chamber, where patrons can experience a three-minute session at -110C. That’s colder than the coldest temperature ever recorded anywhere on earth, but it’s promoted as an overall boost to wellbeing.
The pools, saunas and steam rooms are quite a bit warmer than the cyro cold chamber. The pools are intended for a soothing soak rather than swimming. We loved the outdoor infinity pool with stunning views of Okanagan Lake.
Many times through the day, we did the Kneipp Hydrotherapy, walking through hot and cold chambers of water. This is intended to help stimulate circulation. It feels wonderfully relaxing.
The atmosphere in the steam rooms and saunas is intended for calmness and relaxation. Guests are asked to be quiet and the only sounds are ambient noises and the occasional whisper.
Our favourite was the rose petal steam room, with the scent of roses filling the air. It seemed to be one of the most popular of all the saunas and steam rooms.
For even more peace and quiet, there is a tea room and a serenity room.
The tea room is a place to sit and think, read or meditate, while sipping a cup of herbal tea or a glass of fruit-infused water. A sign requests that patrons leave their mobile devices in their rooms, although e-readers are allowed.
The serenity room is even quieter, and no talking is permitted in this space.
In short, Sparkling Hill Resort is a place to slow down and unwind, not a place to catch up on work.
And, after a few hours at Sparking Hill Resort, the spirit of relaxation begins to take hold. No matter how hectic one’s pace of life may be, it’s hard to feel stressed here.
Is it possible to feel too relaxed here? Probably not, but for those who need some activity, there’s a well-equipped gym inside. There are also some great hiking trails in the area, offering plenty of spectacular views.
“We were happy to sit this one out. There are dog-friendly rooms, but we wouldn’t have been allowed in the saunas or pools — even though we know how to do the dog-paddle.”
Porter & Merlot
Our visit was in winter, and the trails were snow-covered. We enjoyed an invigorating hike in the snow with bright blue skies over the stunning vistas. Next time, we’ll plan to bring our snowshoes to give us access to more trails in the area.
After a couple of days and nights of tranquility, we were ready to return home, feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
We had enjoyed a welcome reprieve from the bustle of our daily lives, and we are looking forward to returning here for a relaxing getaway in the future.
