Romance and Relaxation at Sparkling Hill

Skip the Okanagan sip tours and opt for a soothing spa weekend with your sweetie at Sparkling Hill Resort

For our anniversary, my husband and I headed up to Vernon for what we thought would be a weekend full of wine tasting at Sparkling Hill Resort. To our surprise, we discovered upon arrival that our destination wasn’t a winery as we had assumed, but instead a world-class wellness spa—the only one of its kind in North America. Forced to relax, disconnect from the digital world, and connect with each other, our weekend getaway was exactly what we needed as we headed into another year of marriage.

Here’s how to enjoy a romantic weekend getaway at the jewel of Vernon…

1. Start your day with a breakfast buffet in your bath robe

Dining in bath robes was a bit out of our comfort zone at first, but that’s what you wear when you head to Sparkling Hill’s PeakFine for the complimentary, European-inspired breakfast buffet. There’s something about sitting in an elegant restaurant with sweeping views while in your sleepwear with your sweetie. From fresh fruit smoothies, granola and raw veggies, to bacon and eggs and waffles, there’s something for everyone. There’s no pressure to primp in this place. Instead, you are urged to unwind in every way, and wear your robes for the entire day.

2. Relax with a one-of-a-kind couples massage

The spa at Sparkling Hill is the real deal. Offering 40,000 square feet of treatment space, and nearly 100 different innovative healing services, KurSpa is the heart of the resort, and the primary reason to pick this hillside oasis for your couples getaway. From hot stone to Hammam, there are a variety of massages and treatments fit for two. Choose from a signature one-hour massage, or a lengthier “Oasis for Two” treatment.

3. Take a dip in the infinity pool

Cool off with a dip in one of the picture perfect pools. Choose from an indoor salt water pool which plays soothing underwater music as you swim, and features a sky of sparkling crystal lights that dazzle above your head, or opt for the outdoor year-round heated infinity pool with breathtaking views of pristine Okanagan Lake.

4. Harness the healing powers of the Kneipp walk

The Kneipp walk—an ancient form of hydrotherapy that is known to help relieve poor circulation, lower blood pressure, cure insomnia and help with joint aches and pains—is a fun and effective European-inspired, must-try experience. By walking through sectioned-off, knee-deep pools of water that alternate between hot and cold temperatures, you can harness the healing powers of water in a new and effective way.

5. Steam and sauna like Europeans

Another highlight of KurSpa is the variety of custom-designed aromatherapy steam and sauna rooms available. Featuring varying temperatures (the Igloo room sits at a chilling 10 degrees, while the Finnish Classic Sauna reaches a toasty 90 degrees) and varying scents and themes (the Rose Steam, Salt Steam and Crystal Steam rooms are sure to soothe and impress), you’ll want to work your way through each room for the ultimate in rest and relaxation. For those who are looking for the full European spa experience, an hour nightly offers clothing optional visits from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

6. Dine on farm-to-table fare

If you want to stay on the property for lunch and dinner, there are two great options for your appetite. For light fare, head to Barrique & Java Coffee and Wine Bar, where you can enjoy some hot or cold bevvies and snacks, including charcuterie plates and house-made pastries. For dinner, you’ll want to feast on farm-fresh fine dining at PeakFine, in your proper evening attire. The dishes and wine pairing options are created using the freshest ingredients, sourced from the surrounding Okanagan farms and wineries.

7. Sleep surrounded in sparkles

Privately owned by Mr. Langes-Swarovski, the patriarch of the Swarovski crystal family of Austria, the resort is infused with over three million sparkling Swarovski crystals. The elegant design of each guest room glitters gallantly, with crystal features sprinkled throughout each suite, including a Swarovski crystal display backlit with red lights to resemble a fanciful fireplace. Top that with a soaker tub with room for two, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and the most comfortable beds imaginable. You’re sure to sleep well, and leave feeling fully refreshed.