Sparkling Hill sits on a hillside at 888 Sparkling Place in Vernon, in the north of the Okanagan, and it is among the most distinctive hotels in British Columbia. The resort has 149 rooms plus three penthouses of about 1,200 square feet each, and it was the first resort in North America to build Swarovski crystal elements into its design, which means light fixtures, walls and corridors that sparkle. The centrepiece is the KurSpa, a spa of about 40,000 square feet that offers more than 100 treatments, with steam rooms, saunas, a heated outdoor infinity pool, an indoor serenity pool, a hot pool and Kneipp hydrotherapy. Acres of private walking trails surround the property, and several restaurants cover breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a place for rest rather than sightseeing.
Location and getting around
Vernon is about 45 minutes by road north of downtown Kelowna, and the resort is on a hill above the town, so most guests arrive by car. Valet parking for one vehicle is complimentary and extra vehicles carry a nightly fee. From the resort you can drive to Kalamalka Lake, the Okanagan Rail Trail's northern sections and Vernon's wineries, but you will not walk to town, so it works best as a destination in itself rather than a base for Kelowna sightseeing.
The rooms and the feel
Rooms are modern and calm, many with views over the valley, and the design leans on glass, stone and crystal. The spa is the heart of a stay, with steam rooms, saunas and pools that guests use between treatments, and a heated outdoor infinity pool that is especially atmospheric on a cool evening. Dining includes PeakFine for breakfast and dinner, where reservations are strongly recommended, plus more casual outlets that take walk-ins, and several of them restrict guests to those aged 16 and over.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, friends on a wellness weekend and anyone celebrating something will get the most from it. Rates are at the top of the market, so midweek and off-season stays are better value. Cats and dogs under 60 pounds are welcome, but pets are not allowed in the spa or some restaurants. Check the resort for its age policy, spa booking rules and winter driving conditions before you go, because the hill road can be icy.
Why stay here
- ✓KurSpa with more than 100 treatments
- ✓Heated outdoor infinity pool
- ✓Indoor serenity pool and hot pool
- ✓Steam rooms and saunas
- ✓Swarovski crystal design throughout
- ✓Private walking trails
- ✓Several on-site restaurants
- ✓Valet parking
Good questions
Where is Sparkling Hill Resort?+
It is at 888 Sparkling Place in Vernon, on a hillside about 45 minutes north of downtown Kelowna. Most guests arrive by car.
What is the KurSpa?+
It is a spa of about 40,000 square feet with more than 100 treatments, steam rooms, saunas, a heated outdoor infinity pool, an indoor serenity pool and a hot pool. Check the resort's pages for booking and age rules.
Does it have restaurants?+
Yes, PeakFine serves breakfast and dinner with reservations strongly recommended, and more casual outlets take walk-ins. Several outlets restrict guests to those aged 16 and over.
