Life can be hectic and stressful, with demanding schedules and heavy workloads. Too often, it’s easy to negate the importance of rest.
Imagine waking up to the beautiful views of a mountain range, sipping on a coffee or tea with a delicious breakfast in a restaurant overlooking Okanagan Lake, then heading to the spa for a day of European-inspired wellness — including steams, treatments, and a heated outdoor infinity pool. Cap it all off with a multi-course meal sourced from local Canadian growers before heading back to your room. There, snuggle in for the night on a custom wellness bed.
All of that and more is possible with an adults-only, luxury relaxation getaway at B.C.’s Sparkling Hill Resort.
“Our ideal guest is anyone who is interested in a bit of rest, relaxation and wellness,” says Sparkling Hill Resort’s General Manager, Jana Gohl. “You can rejuvenate yourself, reboot your overall wellbeing, or go for a simply relaxing vacation.”
In partnership with Sparkling Hill, we examine some of the ways this resort and spa is the ultimate luxury relaxation getaway.
A 40,000 square-foot KurSpa
There are more than 100 treatments available at Sparkling Hill Resort, from massages and facials to clinical services and a Cryo Cold Chamber. The KurSpa , which is a blend of the German word for “healing” and the Latin word for “water,” also features seven unique steam rooms and saunas, such as the Salt Steam, Rose Steam, plus the Igloo for cooling off.
Outside, the heated infinity pool offers panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding vistas, or hang out indoors for an experience shower with invigorating showerhead wands and custom scents.
You can also move through the hot and cold chambers of the Kneipp Hydrotherapy area, or float to underwater music in the indoor serenity pool as you gaze up at the starry Swarovski-crystal sky above.
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Looking for a wellness workout? KurSpa also features a fully equipped fitness centre with weights that are controlled by air pressure to avoid the traditional clinking sounds you’d hear in a regular gym.
“It’s one of the largest spas in North America,” says Gohl. “Every guest receives access to the KurSpa with their stays which includes the 3 pools, 7 Steams & Saunas, a Kneipp Hydrotherapy waterway, Tea & Serenity relaxation rooms, and our FunFit Center.
A luxurious stay
The adults-only resort includes 146 lavish rooms with a shower, a two-person soaker tub, custom wellness beds, and floor-to-ceiling windows either overlooking the Monashee Mountain range or the Okanagan Lake. Watch these rooms sparkle at sunrise and sunset thanks to the addition of Swarovski crystal decor. In fact, there are more than 3.5 million Swarovski crystals throughout the resort.
If you’re looking for even more luxury, Sparking Hill offers three unique, 1,200 square-foot penthouse suites. No matter which accommodation you choose, every guest receives a plush robe, slippers and a towel for use in the KurSpa.
There are also accessible rooms to enjoy, and pets are welcome in the ground-level mountain view rooms, where they’ll receive a little welcome package too.
“All of the room layouts and amenities are the same, except for what floor level you’re on, your view – lakeview or mountain view, and what type of bed you have,” says Gohl. “The three penthouses are also the same, but with a distinct wood difference and bed choice. They all include a separate seating area, a TV room, a powder room, a separate bedroom, and a large bathroom area that has a private sauna in each of them.”
A delicious dining experience
There are three unique, year-round dining experiences at Sparkling Hill Resort designed to deliver the best locally-sourced cuisine around. In summer, Sparkling Hill adds another dining experience, The Terrace, offering lunch on its enviable patio. Or, order room service and enjoy a private or romantic dinner in the comfort of your room.
PeakFine is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering gourmet fare all day long. All overnight guests receive a complimentary a la carte hot breakfast in the mornings. In the evenings, a three-course feature menu includes seasonal items and wine pairings from a sommelier, or choose from a variety of appetizers, mains and desserts.
Barrique & Java is the resort’s all-day destination for coffee, snacks and cocktails, with a menu that includes house-made pastries and local craft cocktails. There are also shared plates if you’re craving a snack while taking in the beautiful Okanagan Lake views below.
Finally, Gerni’s Farmhouse is the newest restaurant at Sparkling Hill, and features a traditional Austrian menu. Enjoy bratwurst or meatloaf while taking in the architecture of the original 16th-century building, which was dismantled in 2019 in Weerberg, Austria and shipped to Canada, where it was rebuilt on the resort.
“It was one of the oldest buildings,” Gohl says. “It shipped over here in containers and after making sure no invasive species came over, we rebuilt it inside and out within 4 weeks.”
Something for everyone
“Whether you’re looking for a solo getaway, a girls’ getaway or a romantic retreat, Sparkling Hill has something for everyone” says Gohl. There are always offers and packages available, including the West Coast Resident special that BC residents can take advantage of.
Once you’re at the resort, there are also hikes, fitness classes, and a comfortable library with multi-language collections to enjoy. Sparkling Hill has also partnered with many local vendors to help curate the ultimate vacation.
“Stay for at least two nights so that you can take advantage of all the included amenities and to really have the chance to rest and rejuvenate while you’re here. Most guests say two nights isn’t enough when they leave.” Gohl adds.
To learn more or to book your stay, head over to Sparkling Hill Resort.