Sparkling Hill Resort is an Okanagan wellness resort tucked away above the Okanagan wine region and lake. It is a short drive from Vernon, BC and neighbours the elite golfing village of Predator Ridge. Sparkling Hill is a luxurious Swarovski resort famous for its views, spa and focus on holistic health and wellness. Incredibly there are 3.5 million Swarovski crystals so there’s no way you’ll forget that this is a Swarovski resort.

Overlooking Lake Okanagan and surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, this is an escape surrounded by nature, where body, mind and spirit can be rejuvenated. With over 40,000 sq ft of spa facilities including steam rooms, saunas and the famous cryotherapy cold sauna, Sparkling Hill is the place to come for a mix of relaxation and cutting edge health treatments. I found myself here for my 8th wedding anniversary with my husband, ready for a piece of luxury not far from our home. I was hoping for world class food, service and ultimate relaxation. Did it deliver? Read on to find out or watch our video.

History of Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa

Sparkling Hill Swarovski Wellness Resort was the dream of Austrian born Gernot Langes-Swarovski, the head of the Swarovski crystal family. Opened in 2010, the resort combines European spa culture with the natural beauty of British Columbia with Swarovski crystals being a major part of the design. Over 3.5 million crystals are embedded in the resort from chandeliers in the dining rooms to the crystal decor in each guest room giving the property its sparkle and luxury.

Wellness is at the heart of the resort’s philosophy, based on European holistic health traditions and combining modern spa technology with natural therapies. One of its most unique features is the cold sauna, a cryotherapy chamber that reaches -110°C (-166°F) to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Since opening Sparkling Hill has become a wellness destination in Canada, attracting guests from all over the world who want to experience the peaceful atmosphere, advanced wellness programs and the magic of crystal and nature. 

What is included in your stay at Sparkling Hill – A Swarovski Resort

Sparkling Hill Resort is a luxury wellness resort and so you should expect to pay higher prices. We went during August and paid $700 total for a basic 2 night stay in a King room with a mountain view. Premium rooms with lake views cost more. This included a complimentary breakfast for 2 people at Peak Fine during your first full day. Coffee is complimentary each morning with to go cups at the coffee station tucked next door to to the Peak Fine check in desk.

As a guest you also get complimentary access to the 7 themed steam and sauna rooms, the outdoor year round heated infinity pool, indoor hot tub and indoor pool. There is also a Kneipp Hydrotherapy pool. Known as water-stepping, Kneipp hydrotherapy is when you walk through a pool “trail” of hot and cold water that comes up to your knees. This simple yet effective technique uses thermo-therapy to expand and contract blood vessels, circulation and lymphatic flow while reducing swelling and inflammation.

A tea and serenity room is also available for guests and is essentially quiet rooms with no phones allowed. Every square inch of these rooms take advantage of the stunning views with floor to ceiling windows and lounge chairs. A gym is also available for guests to use.

Additionally, Sparkling Hill guests can use the free shuttle service to the Predator Ridge golf resort to take advantage of even further dining options and the state of the art golf course beloved by many NHL greats.

What’s NOT included at Sparkling Hill Wellness Resort – A Swarovski Resort

If you want to book a yoga or HIIT session it is available for an extra fee. 
The spa services such as message, facials, body treatments, Cryo Cold Chamber and a Body Pod assessment is also available for an added cost. These services do book up quickly so try to make an appointment as soon as you have your reservation confirmation number.

Food and drink at all other restaurants and bars are at an additional cost. Breakfast is only complimentary during the full days of your stay. So we booked for two nights arriving on a Friday with departure on Sunday. We received one free breakfast for 2 people on the Saturday only. 

Okanagan Wine Region Resort Comparisons

Things to note before booking your stay at this Swarovski resort

Sparkling Hill wellness resort is a 16+ resort so no children are allowed. We saw a family visiting the resort for the day asked to leave the lobby because they had two kids under the age of 16 with them. 

There are no plastic bottles on the resort so I suggest you bring your own reusable water bottle or buy one from the gift shop at over $40 CAD. Fashion wear, jewelry and bathing suits are also available in the gift shop.

European hour in the spa is from 9 pm to 10 pm and clothing is optional for men and women.

Book a spa treatment (if you want one) as soon as you have your reservation confirmation or risk appointment times booking up. I didn’t feel like we needed a spa treatment (facial, body scrub, etc.) as we were very happy with the complimentary yet luxury Swarovski wellness resort spa experience (steam and sauna rooms). Frankly, my skin never felt so soft after our visit!

Each room has a mini fridge hidden at the end of the wall unit facing the window. It isn’t very cool but does the job. We brought our own beer and wine to enjoy in the room to save on cost.

The guest rooms – A Swarovski resort experience in the Okanagan Wine Region

Each room is the same but either comes with two queens or one king. You have a large 3 piece bathroom separated by a wall that doubles as towel and clothes hangers, a shelf with the opposite side being where the television is located. There are two sinks, a two door jack and jill style shower where you can enter one side and exit out the other. The toilet is contained in its own room making it ideal for sharing a room with a girlfriend or just that extra privacy. There are floor to ceiling windows in each room with a large two person stand alone jetted tub perched so that you have a view as you enjoy a luxurious bath.

There is also a seating area next to the tub that faces the windows – perfect for sitting with a glass of wine with your loved one gazing out the window. Depending on your room you may have a sliding door that opens one panel creating a patio vibe. Although, we did notice that some windows in other rooms only open partially. 

If you want the most privacy I recommend a mountain view room. The lake view rooms have incredible views and in the spring and summer you’ll get the sunset, however, the outdoor pool will be below. The outdoor pool gets busy in the summer months and anyone can look up and see your rooms with the tubs perched against the windows. Just a note of caution if you want the utmost privacy during your stay. 

Dining Options – Needs a bit of work

There are 3-4 dining options on site depending on the season. During the summer while we stayed there was a lunch patio option called The Terrace which provided gorgeous views and an ample lunch menu.
Otherwise you will consistently have these dining options:

Peak Fine for breakfast and dinner options. Your complimentary breakfast will be served at Peak Fine. We suggest you make reservations for breakfast and dinner. We reserved our dining and still had to wait at least 5-8 minutes to be seated. 
For breakfast you have hearty and healthy options from eggs benedicts to smoothies. Included with your complimentary breakfast is coffee, a main menu breakfast dish, banana bread, juice and health shots. The smoothies and fancier coffees are extra.
For dinner at Peak Fine you will find a smaller but decent menu. However, prices are high and we found the quality doesn’t match. We suggest taking the free shuttle to Predator Ridge for dinner at Range Restaurant Bar & Patio. Most people who have stayed at Sparkling Hill agreed and wouldn’t suggest eating there. In the Okanagan wine region, when guests pay this much to stay they expect the quality to match that of the views and luxury that surrounds them.

Barrique and Java for coffee and cocktails along with small bites and share plates. This is a great spot to enjoy a drink before or after dinner. During our stay once we dined at Peak Fine we received our receipt and were instructed to show it to any on property restaurant for an additional 10% off.

Gernie’s is open for lunch and dinner and serves Bavarian style food inside an Austrian farmhouse from the 16th century. Incredibly, the farmhouse was dismantled from its original location in Austria and shipped to Canada in 2019 when it was rebuilt for us to enjoy.  I adore Gerni’s and would eat here for lunch and dinner. Think schnitzel, spaetzel, brautwurst, freshly baked pretzels and apple strüdel.  There hours are 12 pm to 9 pm. During the summer months you’ll want to enjoy the patio where they occasionally have live music. The sunset over the Okanagan lake is so gorgeous. There are no reservations so if you arrived after 5:30 you should expect a lengthy wait. We arrived at 5:25 and waited about 15 minutes before we were seated outside. 
In the cooler months you’ll be seated inside the cozy farmhouse which is also a wonderful experience.

The idea for Gerni’s was born from Gernot Langes-Swarovski’s desire to bring a piece of his Austrian homeland to Canada. To create an authentic dining experience like the Alpine taverns and cozy Bavarian inns, the restaurant features traditional European architecture and design. Much of the woodwork and interior details were crafted in Austria and shipped to Canada for reconstruction at Sparkling Hill. This attention to detail not only preserves the old world charm but also brings the warmth and hospitality of the Bavarian dining experience.

The Kurspa at Sparkling Hill Resort

Sparkling Hill has the largest spa in all of British Columbia. It is peak luxury with every wall and tiny detail reminding you that this is a Swarovski wellness resort & spa. Crystals adorn entire walls and some even appear in the steam rooms themselves. There are 7 uniquely themed steam and sauna rooms for guests to enjoy within the 40,000 foot spa area. Let’s break each one down. I urge you that hydration is key during the Kurpsa experience so be sure to take advantage of the water stations or bring your own reusable water as this is a plastic free resort.

Finnish Classic Sauna: In this sauna you’ll find a hand painted replica of the Michelangelo piece, The Creation of Adam, on the ceiling. Otherwise this is a classic sauna with soft polished wood seating. It is ideal for boosting circulation, thought to shorten recovery times post injury or surgery, improves joint and muscle function, promotes nutrient and oxygen supply to muscles as well as increases mental acuity. Suggested time 5-10 minutes without a towel.

Panorama Sauna: Offering views of the Okanagan Lake from the top bench, this is another classic sauna experience but 10˚F lower than the Finnish sauna. Its purpose is to calms the body, promote balance of mind and spirit, assists the body in releasing tension, stimulates the glandular system and aids in improving circulatory system function. 8 – 10 minutes with a towel.

Herbal Sauna: Perhaps one of my favourite sauna experiences here, the automatic system holds the iron basket filled with stones. The fire turns on automatically then shuts off when the stones are hot enough. The lever moves the iron basket gently into a pool of water. It was fun to watch in the coziest of rooms with cedar beams and rock walls. It is thought to offer a moisture surge for your skin, cleanses lungs and airways, increases white blood cell count, enhances blood flow and aids In strengthening the immune system. 10 to 20 minutes with a towel.

Crystal Steam: One of the most popular rooms, it was a little crowded during our visit. In the centre of the room is a stunning Swarovski crystal element that glows. The scent of mint is released creating a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. It is great for stimulating the immune system, assisting in respiratory issues and soothes digestive discomfort.

Salt Steam: The infrared light aids in wrinkles while a salt-infused water droplets and herbal scents air to enhance concentration, slows aging, significantly reduces stress and aids with common cold symptoms. 8 to 15 minutes without a towel.

Rose Steam: Popular with women, the wonderful smell of roses fills this steam room. You could smell it each time someone emerged from the room. It is said to help shrink and tighten pores, reduce skin irritations, improves mood and aides In improving sleep. 

Aqua Meditation Steam:  They suggest ending or starting your experience here although it wasn’t clearly marked while in the spa. The sound of water helps with meditation and relaxation with a glowing Swarovski crystal element in the centre of it all. Cushioned seats and an orange scent filling the air with a suggested time of 30 minutes in this one room alone. 

Additionally there is an Igloo room which was a great way to cool off when I found the steam rooms too hot to handle. Full disclosure – I wasn’t able to follow all the suggested time frames in each room. My husband and I would pop in and out of each steam or sauna room based on availability of seating and how our bodies felt. 

Pools at Swarovski the wellness resort

The outdoor heated infinity pool is an incredible experience. Perfectly perched overlooking the Okanagan lake I woke up early to arrive as soon as it opened one Sunday morning. With coffee in hand at 7:30 am I was the first to enjoy the pool but it didn’t. take long before more people began to arrive. In the summer months the pool is very busy with couples concealing alcoholic beverages in their reusable water bottles. If there is anything this resort is missing out on, it is a poolside bar but then…it may not be a wellness resort. 
Next to the pool is a sandy spot to lounge for a suntan and a wash station to avoid bringing sand into the spa. 
The indoor pool is meant for floating 3-4 minutes at a time and meditation but frankly, it was used as a waiting area for a lounge chair seat to open.

The indoor hot tub has a stunning view next to the floor to ceiling windows facing the lake and mountains.

Hiking Trails & other things to do around Sparkling Hill Resort

If you’re like me, I’m someone who finds it difficult to sit still you might want to hit the 25 kms of hiking trails surrounding the property. There’s a nearby pond, plenty of wildlife to view from wild birds to the occasional coyote or bear. Because of this be sure to be bear aware and talk loudly as you hike. Do not feed the wild animals! There are manicured trails or deer trails for those looking to be a bit more adventurous. Bring water and snacks and stop to enjoy the views!

Golfing is very popular with the one of the best courses right at your doorstep! Predator Ridge is a playground for celebrities especially NHL players who frequent the area and put the spa to use.

Sparkling Hill is nearby many wineries in Lake Country, a hidden gem within the Okanagan wine region. You can organize a wine tour that will pick you up from the resort or enjoy a DIY tour. If you’re at an Okanagan resort you might as well experience all that the Okanagan wine region has to offer!

Kalamalka Lake is one of the most beautiful and surreal bodies of water in Canada. Glowing a teal blue it is a smaller and calmer lake perfect for SUP boarding or taking a dip. 

If you’re looking for a true local gem, be sure to dine at Pane Vino – one of the Okanagan’s top Italian restaurants. With its grapevine covered patio and authentic dining options you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to Italy before returning to your European wellness resort in the hills. 

Final Thoughts on Sparkling Hill Swarovski Wellness Resort & Spa in the north Okanagan wine region

Sparkling Hill is an exciting getaway for anyone looking to experience an anniversary, girls getaway or even a solo excursion for moms who need a break. The Peak Fine dinner menu pricing and quality need some work to bring it up to a level to match the rest of the resort. But overall, the amenities included in a stay at Sparkling Hill are unmatched. The spa and pools are complimentary for guests as are the serenity and tea rooms. The views are unparalleled showcasing one of the most unique Okanagan wine region viewpoints. If you can’t afford to stay at the resort a visit to Gerni’s is deserved for the historic purposes, food and views. My husband and I can’t wait to return and spend even more time in the steam and sauna rooms as well as that unforgettable infinity pool that is open year round. 

Tell us, would you stay at the Sparkling Hill Resort in the Okanagan wine region?

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