Some hotels have a spa. At Sparkling Hill Resort, it feels more like the hotel was built around the spa. Perched above Okanagan Lake in Vernon, about 30 minutes from Kelowna Airport, this 16+ resort takes the wellness getaway concept a step further with its massive 40,000-square-foot spa.
Pools, saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas and fitness classes round out the experience, along with an impressive menu of treatments available at an additional cost.
I spent two nights here during my latest trip to the Okanagan, and it didn't take long to understand why people come here first and foremost to unwind.
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
One rather telling detail: in the hotel corridors, it's completely normal to see just about everyone walking around in robes and slippers.
Millions of Swarovski Crystals
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
It's impossible to talk about Sparkling Hill Resort without mentioning the Swarovski crystals. They are literally everywhere. More than 3.5 million crystals have been incorporated into the hotel's design, from the guest rooms and common areas to the spa.
The choice is tied to the history of the property itself. Sparkling Hill was developed with Gernot Langes-Swarovski, a member of the family behind the famous crystal company, with the idea of bringing the European approach to health and wellness retreats to the Okanagan.
On paper, you might worry that the concept would feel a little over the top, but the crystals actually contribute a lot to the hotel's personality. Chandeliers, walls, ceilings... they pop up everywhere, sometimes where you least expect them.
The theme even continues into the KurSpa, where one of the steam rooms is decorated with Swarovski crystals, while the indoor Serenity Pool sits beneath a starry ceiling created with crystals as well.
This sparkling hotel certainly lives up to its name!
The KurSpa: At the Heart of the Experience
The main reason to come here, as you've probably guessed, is the enormous spa, access to which is included with your stay. As soon as you arrive and make your way down the long corridor leading to the pools, you quickly realize just how extensive the facilities are.
Along the way are relaxation rooms, cold plunges and seven different saunas and steam rooms, including a panoramic sauna and herbal, rose and Swarovski crystal steam rooms. There's plenty to keep you busy trying them all.
And for those who are interested, the spa's final hour of operation, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., is designated as a "European hour," meaning swimsuits are optional.
One stop I particularly enjoyed was the Kneipp circuit, where you walk through pools alternating between hot and cold water. It feels especially good on tired legs.
But my favourite was definitely the outdoor infinity pool, heated year-round and offering a beautiful view over the Okanagan.
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
Indoors, the Serenity Pool is also worth a visit, with underwater music and a starry ceiling made of Swarovski crystals.
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
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What Are the Rooms and Restaurants Like?
The rooms are comfortable and spotless, with everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Unsurprisingly, Swarovski crystals make an appearance here too.
My Mountain View room had large windows overlooking the surrounding landscape, as well as a spacious bathtub beneath an illuminated ceiling.
But it's really the overall experience, and especially the spa, that sets Sparkling Hill apart.
When it comes to dining, there are three options on site: PeakFine, the main restaurant; Barrique & Java for coffee or a lighter bite; and Gerni's Farmhouse, which serves traditional Austrian cuisine in a setting inspired by Austrian farmhouses.
The latter is another nod to the hotel's roots, as it was named after Gernot Langes-Swarovski. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to try the restaurants during this stay, aside from breakfast, which was very good.
What to Do at Sparkling Hill and Nearby
There's also plenty to do between spa sessions. Daily classes are offered for $15, including yoga, aqua yoga, stretching and various workouts. If you'd rather get outside, there are 25 kilometres of marked trails around Sparkling Hill, while golfers have Predator Ridge right next door.
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
And since you're in the Okanagan, you can of course add a few wineries to your itinerary. The Scenic Sip Wine Trail, which runs through Lake Country between Vernon and Kelowna, is a great way to discover several of them.
One worth stopping at is 50th Parallel Estate Winery. Set on a beautiful 61-acre property overlooking Okanagan Lake, the winery specializes in Pinot Noir and aromatic white varieties.
A tour takes you through the winemaking facilities and into the impressive cellar carved into pink granite, where tastings are now offered.
And make sure to leave time for a meal. The winery is home to BLOCK ONE, a beautiful restaurant showcasing seasonal and regional ingredients, with part of the menu prepared in a wood-fired oven.
Is Sparkling Hill Worth It?
If you enjoy spa hotels where wellness is truly at the heart of the stay, yes. I would plan on spending at least two nights here so you have enough time to enjoy the KurSpa without rushing, while still leaving a few hours for a hike, a winery visit or an outing in Lake Country. It's an ideal place when your main goal is to unwind and treat yourself in the Okanagan.
It's also particularly well suited to a girls' weekend, a couples' getaway, an anniversary or another special occasion.
Practical Information About Sparkling Hill Resort
Where: Vernon, British Columbia (about 30 minutes from Kelowna Airport)
Who: Ages 16 and over
Good to know: Access to the KurSpa is included with your stay
Refined Rituals and the Mazda CX-5
This trip to the Okanagan was hosted by Mazda Canada for the launch of the 2026 CX-5, under the theme of "refined rituals." The idea? To show how well-established experiences, such as winemaking, sourdough bread and wellness rituals, can evolve with new tools and technologies without losing what makes them special.
It was a parallel to the CX-5 itself, which retains a familiar driving experience while incorporating more technology, including larger screens, voice interaction with Google built-in and new driver-assistance features.
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Marie-Noël Ouimet is a writer and content creator specializing in gastronomy, wine, and travel. She is the founder of the digital magazine Urbaine City, where for over 10 years she has been highlighting the pleasures of the table and the destinations that bring them to life. She also holds the WSET Level 3 certification in wines and spirits.
