This summer I had the amazing opportunity to drive across Canada, exploring five different provinces from Ontario to British Columbia. While each province had so much to offer, to explore, and to experience (which I will highlight in an upcoming blog) today I wanted to take a moment to talk about what was definitely my favourite part of the seven-day journey.
After five days on the road we finally reached B.C. and decided that after sitting in a car for hours on end, we decided to take two days off and relax and recharge at Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa in Vernon B.C.
Rolling up to the spa located on top of a hill I already knew that this was going to be a special stay. Even from the outside the spa was decorated in Swarovski crystals. The views from the perch overlooking the mountains on one side and Lake Okanagan on the other, there is only one way to describe it… Paradise.
Inside, just as spectacular. Our giant room had its own European style bathtub, crystals surrounding the walls, a king size bed for a comfortable sleep, and incredible views of the rolling hills of the Okanagan Valley. I was in awe.
Yet what makes this spa truly unique is the amenities that it has to offer their guests, and amenities I took full advantage of. Sure there are the usual spa features like massages, but Sparkling Hill has so much more to offer. Like their amazing Sauna and Steam rooms.
I spent two straight days rotating through all of the unique spa rooms. The Rose Steam Room smelled like fresh flowers and offered a romantic and calming vibe. The Salt Steam was a natural salt cave which helps cleanse and reduce stress. The Crystal Steam covered in Swarovski crystals helped to energize and uplift. The list of the amazing sauna rooms goes on. Each one its own unique theme and unique feel. Each one relaxing, uplifting, calming, and wonderful.
Aside from the sauna rooms, there was also the aqua relaxation area. I spent the early evenings of my stay in the heated infinity pool. It overlooked the lake and gave the perfect backdrop to watch the sun set behind the hills.
My favourite amenity was probably the Kneipp Water Therapy. Healing with water is an ancient body wellness therapy. What you do is walk through cold and warm water bodies. This causes blood vessels to expand and contract helping relax the nervous system and reduce swelling. Just what the doctor ordered after a long car drive.
It is hard to think that the views and spa can be topped, but the food at Sparkling Hill definitely deserves to be mentioned. Firstly, the resort offers a complimentary buffet style breakfast, making sure your bellies are full for the day’s activities. But what really excited me was the lunch and dinner options. We ate most of our meals at PeakFine, the on-site restaurant. PeakFine comes from the meaning peak-form. The restaurant draws their ingredients from local Okanagan farms and wines from local B.C. wineries. You could truly taste the freshness of the food in each bite.
After 48-hours at Sparkling Hill Resort we were rejuvenated and ready to continue our drive to Vancouver. I literally felt like a whole new person walking out of the resort on my last day. My aches and pains disappeared replaced with energy and excitement.
This spa is a must visit for anyone who needs a quiet, relaxing, and re-energizing weekend away. I know that I will be back when life gets just a little too hectic to handle.
