Embracing the Spa-cation: The 2024 Ultimate Girls Getaway Guide – Sparkling Hill Resort

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Are you looking for candid Sparkling Hill Resort reviews to help you plan an ultimate girls’ weekend spa escape? 

I was recently introduced to the concept of a “spa-cation” (a spa vacation). And as amazing as that sounded, the only thing that made it better was the ability to bring my girlfriends along with me for the ultimate mid-week retreat. Sparkling Hill Resort is a retreat for health and wellness, luxury relaxation, nourishing food, and refueling the soul. While the ambiance and decor are incredible, how you feel after you settle in your room is only the beginning of what undoubtedly will be a world-class stay. 

The 2024 Ultimate Girls Getaway Guide: Sparkling Hill Resort Reviews

Two women cheering their glasses in the restaurant at Sparkling Hill Resort reviews

We had the fortune of visiting for two nights in the middle of May, and it was the perfect combination of fun and silly girlfriend time (yes, there are videos of our random break-out dance parties), as well as deep relaxation while we took in the many spa services and amenities that the resort had to offer. From the Lavender Fields Massage to the Kneipp Hydrotherapy to the 8 steam rooms and saunas to the indoor & outdoor pools with an unforgettable infinity pool, it really is an incredible place for the ultimate girls’ getaway. 

We’ve put together this Sparkling Hill Resort reviews guide to help you get a detailed behind-the-scenes look at our girlfriend’s getaway to Sparkling Hill Resort, but also to help you plan your own “spa-cation.” We hope this guide will encourage you to seek out the solace that can be found in the embrace of beautiful scenery, and the magic that can happen when you surround yourself with those powerful women for your weekend getaway.  

And before I go any further, I want to send a shout-out to the guests, whom we shared the hotel with during our stay. While the other guests were primarily traveling with their significant others, there was a sense of gratitude and an overall vibe of joy whenever we interacted with them. From fun giggles in the saunas to sharing stories while overlooking the infinity pool, to genuine hellos in the elevators, there’s never been a better group of guests than the ones we met during our stay.

Disclaimer: While I share my own thoughts and stories about these experiences, should you click on the affiliate links, I may receive a small commission on that sale which helps fund Adventure Awaits.

Sparkling Hill Resort in Vernon, British Columbia

three Swarovski crystal chandeliers hanging in the lobby of the sparkling hill resort reviews

Sparkling Hill Resort is located on top of Mount Royce, about 20 minutes south of Vernon BC on the traditional land of the Syilx Okanagan people. Surrounded by the Predator Ridge community, this idyllic setting was a passion project from a true visionary, Hans-Peter Mayr. Mr. Mayr collaborated with Mr. Gernot Langes-Swarovski and built a one-of-a-kind world-class wellness resort that boasts 3.5 million Swarovski crystals all atop a mountain… hence the name, Sparkling Hill. 

sitting area in front of floor to ceiling windows in the lobby of the sparkling hill resort reviews

As beautiful as the resort is from the outside, guests will be embraced by the luxury surroundings and experience as they transition through the front doors. Above head, three stories of Swarovski crystals invite you into the lobby. Large floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outdoors in, allowing Mother Nature to show off her surroundings every hour of the day. From lazy loungers in the tea room to bathtubs so you can soak in the views (see what I did there?) the connection between the natural environment and the luxury amenities all connect to create an unparalleled wellness experience for you. 

This four-diamond resort is one of the most unique spa experiences and has won worldwide accolades and awards for their work including recently the 2024 Traveler’s Choice Award by Trip Advisor. They have received recognition as one of the top 10% of hotels worldwide. With a holistic approach to wellness, guests can enjoy an escape that nourishes their minds, bodies, and souls in a world-class retreat.

Sustainable Initiatives At Sparkling Hill Resort

woman wearing glasses and black shirt faces the camera as she sits in a chair in front of large windows inside a room at the sparkling hill resort reviews

A few days before we were to check in at Sparkling Hill Resort, we received a welcome email with some essentials, and one of the things that popped out to me the most was a new initiative that the hotel had launched. They have removed single-use plastic cups at the resort and installed water refill stations throughout the resort, reminding you to bring your water bottle before heading to your room or down to the sauna. I loved spotting these refill stations around the resort and after a bit of research, I discovered that every month this saves about 7500 plastic water bottles from being used! What an incredible impact they are making and a more sustainable future. An important highlight in this Sparkling Hill Resort reviews guide.

Other eco-friendly initiatives that I was grateful to see included:

EV Charging Stations – Valet parking is included in your stay and I was happy to see EV charging stations for guests to use. 

Sustainable Clothing – The gift shop showcases sustainable and ethically sourced brands like “Sustainability Movement.” 

Curated Gift Shop – The gift shop was a collection of carefully curated items and none of the traditional “touristy trap” type of merchandise often is made offshore and of poor quality. One of my favourite items was the Heritage-Crystal Tipi. These were made from 16 paintings created to honour the history of the Okanagan Indian Band. The large tipi stands outside the front entrance but in the gift shop, you can find miniature Swarovski Crystal tipis that can only be purchased at Sparkling Hill. They are very special and unique. 

Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash – All the bottles in the shower were large, refillable dispensers, which meant no single-use plastics, and I didn’t have to worry about running out of product! 

Glass Glasses – In the hotel rooms there were real glass drinking glasses for use rather than single-use plastic ones. There were only two items of single-use plastic that we saw in the whole hotel, the hand lotion and the plastic bags that the slippers came in. We hope someday Sparkling Hill can be 100% single-use plastic-free since they are so close (I’ll be there to celebrate when that day happens!).

Check-in at Sparking Hill Resort

staff standing at the check in desks in the front lobby of the sparkling hill resort reviews

After a genuine hello and assistance with our bags from the complimentary valet parking, you’ll be ready to end your road trip and start your relaxing adventure. A welcoming host will whisk you through the check-in process and you’ll glide up the elevator to your room where more sparkly magic mixed with luxury awaits.

Sparkling Hill Check-In Time: 3:00pm 
Sparkling Hill Check Out time: 10:00am (with the opportunity to purchase later check-out times based on availability) 

Sparkling Hill Resort Reviews – Rooms

inside view of a standard 1 queen lakefront view room at sparkling hill resort reviews

The rooms at Sparkling Hill are unlike any other hotel I’ve ever stayed in. They are an open concept grounded in luxury and connection with the outdoor surroundings. I felt like they were designed around three main things:

  • Luxury experience: With Swarovski crystal finishes, including sparkling and dancing lights over the bathtub, high-end wood millwork, and elegant linens and decor.  
  • Incredible scenery: One wall of floor-to-ceiling windows allows you to soak in the Okanagan views.  
  • Intimate setting: With a window-side two-person bathtub, two-person shower, and open-concept living, this is a setting that is best when shared. 
double sinks, two person show and bathtub inside a standard queen lakefront view room at sparkling hill resort reviews

There are 146 rooms and 3 penthouse suites at Sparkling Hill in Vernon. There are standard, superior, and deluxe rooms with standard rooms being on the first floor, superior rooms on the second, and deluxe rooms on the third floor. Each room has a two-person shower, a two-person soaker tub that feels like you’re hanging out right into the scenic view, floor-to-ceiling windows, luxury robes and slippers, and what we have officially dubbed the most comfortable beds we’ve ever slept on! An important feature in this Sparkling Hill Resort reviews guide.

woman sits in the large bathtub and looks out the large windows at the lake view from her sparkling hill resort room

Bath Tub Tip: When you’re there be sure to seek out the little white box on the ledge of your bathtub, it has bath salts that are the perfect addition to the soaker tub. I say this as I missed mine on the first night!

Sparkling Hill Lakeview Rooms

woman sits in a chair and looks out at the view from her lakeview room at sparkling hill resort, the infinity pool can be seen out the window

During our stay, we were in rooms 243 – 245, lakeside, and before you had even fully opened the door, your senses were on overdrive while the scene was set. Soft spa music played as we pushed open the door, inviting us to slow down and soak in the transition from the busy outside world into the Sparkling Hill retreat. Views from the other end of the room beckon you to come and capture the 180-degree views. Your room has a bird’s eye view, all from the comfort of the lounger chairs.  Perfectly positioned on the summit of Royce Mountain allowed us to see weather systems move in, and the clouds roll by, of which we even captured on a time-elapsed video as the view was so stunning. 

Sitting Area: The spot was one of my favourite parts of the room as the big oversized comfy chairs invited you to grab a book, a warm drink, and alternate between soaking in the view and falling deeper into my novel.

Sparkling Hill Mountainside Rooms

Watch the sunrise over the Monashee Mountain range, keep an eye out for the family of deer that roam the property, or perhaps catch a golfer as they make their first swings of the day on the Predator Ridge golf course.

Sparkling Hill Penthouse

Can’t decide between lake and mountain view? Want to have your own sauna in your room or a private patio? Why not get it all with a stay in the Sparkling Hill penthouse? With 1200 square feet of luxury you can choose between one king bed or two, a room with a patio (or no patio) as well as enjoy upgraded amenities like an in-suite sauna. Luxury in penthouse style!

Is Sparkling Hill Pet Friendly?

Pets are allowed and welcomed at Sparkling Hill (if they are well-behaved of course). Rooms are located on the ground level with quick access to hiking trails and walking paths. There is an additional fee for pets so be sure to let the reservations team know when booking.

Other things we loved about our rooms at Sparkling Hill

a large two person bathtub sits in the corner of the hotel room at sparkling hill resort reviews
  • Rooms were large with ample storage including closets, drawers, and thought-filled elements like places to hang wet bathing suits and robes. They also had all the essentials like a safe, a hair dryer, an ironing board, etc. 
  • While there are no patios in the rooms (except the penthouse) the windows have a large door that opens up, allowing you to breathe in the fresh air and transform your sitting area into what feels like a patio. One night we even slept with the door open, making for a magical soundtrack to our sleep with the crickets chirping, the frogs croaking and the soft breeze blowing in fresh mountain air. 
  • The shampoos, conditioner, and body wash in the shower were amazing. Tip: If you like bubble baths you can use the body wash as a bubble bath! 
  • Since we were working while we were there, it was nice to have a desk and workspace to keep organized and on track (in between spa experiences, of course!).

Tips for your first-time stay at Sparkling Hill Resort

  • Coffee: There are no coffee makers in the rooms but there is a self-serve coffee and tea station at PeakFine Restaurant. We encourage you to bring a reusable mug (from home) or use one of their paper cups. 
  • Windows: The windows in your rooms may look like one-way mirrored glasses, but indeed they are not. We found this out in a funny way when we were doing a dance party around the bathtub and after laughing and dancing we realized that we had some spectators down below in the infinity pool!
  • Fridge: Each room comes with a small fridge, but I didn’t even know it was there until the last day as it’s built into the millwork underneath the crystal display. You could stop at one of the local wineries or farms and pick up some fun drinks and treats to enjoy.

Book your stay at Sparkling Hill Resort here!

Girls Getaway To Sparkling Hill Resort

two women wearing bathing suits laughing while covered in bubbles in the bathtub at sparkling hill resort reviews

Sparkling Hill Resort is the perfect place for a girlfriend’s getaway and spa retreat. Located only four hours from Vancouver (or 6 from Calgary) you can do a short road trip with the girls (and enjoy all the delectable road trip snacks) all while making it to the top of the hill for 3:00pm check-in.

a woman wearing a bright bathing suit soaks in the hot pool at sparkling hill resort while looking out the large window at the view

While the list of why we loved this resort for a girlfriend getaway is long, one of the best highlights of our experience was how there was more than enough space in the resort to have fun girlfriend time, like being silly and having a dance party in your room, to transitioning into the wellness experiences, either as a group or solo, getting to fully experience the magic of Sparkling Hill.

6 Reasons Why Sparkling Hill Is The Best Place For a Girls’ Getaway

1. Wellness Retreat

a woman wearing a white robe and slippers sits on a blue lounge chair inside the serenity room at sparkling hill resort reviews

As a center for health and wellness, we know that not only as women we need that, but our healing is maximized when we spend it with the people we love. From whispery chats in the pool to drinking mocktails (or cocktails at Barrique & Java) to floating in the infinity pool, there are ample ways you can enjoy your wellness journey together. 

Equally important is the quiet downtime and restoration that happens on solo journeys whether that’s through private spa bookings, cuddling up on the pool deck with a book, or taking some time in the soaker tub in your room to reflect on a well-rested day, there are lots of ways to enjoy some quality self-indulgent time.

2. Spa Treatments

a woman walks along the edge of a crystal calm inside pool at sparkling hill resort

Looking for wellness treatments and massages? The KurSpa has something for every guest. Being able to take a moment for wellness from a girls’ trip is a great way to balance all of the fun with some downtime. Scroll down for more on KurSpa.

3. Sauna & Steam Rooms

a woman sits back relaxing in the water meditation room at sparkling hill resort

Come as a group and either move through the hot cold therapy rooms together or split off for your own experience. Quiet voices and whispers are required to protect everyone’s serenity, but I enjoyed being able to have quiet conversations with my girls while we “spa-ing.”

4. Yoga, Hiking, & Mountain Biking

2 women friends sitting on a large rock enjoy the mountain views as they take a break from hiking around sparkling hill resort reviews

For those who like outdoor adventure, Sparkling Hill Resort is surrounded by many different hiking, and mountain biking trails. Before or after your outdoor adventures you can stop in the yoga studio to take part in their guided classes.

5. Sparkling Robes to Glitter Up Glam

two photos side by side. photo on the left shows a woman wearing a robe looking at the swarovski crystals in the sparkling hill resort, photo on the right is of the same woman dressed up looking up at the crystals

Mornings and lunches can be spent in your robe where you and the girls head to PeakFine for your meals. I loved watching other women on their girl’s getaway make the transition from the Sparkling Hill robes in the mornings, to getting all glammed up at night for a 3-course meal over sunset.

6. Nourishing Food For Everyone

close up view of a scallop appetizer dish in the peakfine restaurant at sparkling hill resort reviews

In my friend group, we have a whole host of allergies and preferences, I’d say we have them all! We have a vegan, a celiac, a lactose-free, a nut-free, and a diabetic. I can say confidently if I were to bring my extended group up on this trip, all of their allergies and preferences could be accommodated. Our server Alex (and the many other servers who we got to meet), took our concerns with the highest priority and helped us adapt as we needed to get meals we all loved. I’m still salivating over my 3-course meal on the first night, and looking at pics it makes me hungry!

KurSpa at Sparkling Hill Resort

close up of a woman wearing a robe in the kurspa area at sparkling hill resort, she peeks from behind a hanging white string curtain

KurSpa is at the heart of Sparkling Hill Resort and is centered around wellness and rejuvenation. Walking down the halls is an ambiance, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. A mix of modern design, Swarovski crystals, combined with the smells and scenes of the saunas and spas, you quickly know your spa experience will be at an elevated level. As the largest luxury spa in Canada, there is 40,000 square feet of treatment rooms, relaxation areas, spas, and saunas to explore, all surrounded by panoramic views out over the Okanagan region. We are excited to dive into our KurSpa Sparkling Hill Resort reviews.

Spa Services

This spa offers all of the traditional spa services you’d come to expect including massages, facials, mani-pedis, and scrubs but also takes a holistic approach and offers expert services including naturopathy, acupuncture, nutritional counselling, B-12 treatments, anti-aging treatments, chelation therapy, and more. 

I was fortunate to be invited to experience the Lavender Fields Massage, “This is the perfect treatment if you are looking for relaxed days and sweet dreams at night. Warm lavender infused oils are incorporated into this deeply relaxing full body massage. A lavender foot scrub and aromatic lavender scalp conditioning treatment make this pure relaxation from head to sole. The relaxation doesn’t end with the massage, receive a complimentary lavender sleep sachet for under your pillow.” As a regular massage client, I have to say this was a massage with a lavender infusion. I enjoyed a long back, neck, and shoulder massage, which then transitioned into a foot scrub and head (with warm lavender oil) massage. It was the best of so many different worlds. 

Sparkling Hill Resort Reviews Tip: Don’t book this right before dinner as they will use oils in your hair and you will want to shower them out right away. I’d book this before bed, or mid-day. 

Sparkling Hill Sauna and Steam Rooms

a woman sits deep in thought inside the rose steam room at sparkling hill resort reviews

Open from 2pm – 10pm daily, the steam and sauna room experiences allows you to transition through hot and cold therapy on your own schedule. We met a couple who had been back and forth from their hotel room down to the sauna 3 times in one day, while other guests only visited once per day. In our group some of us (ah hem me) enjoyed the warmer settings, while those who liked the cold plunge feeling spent more time in the ice room and cooler areas of the spa.

The seven unique steam rooms and saunas are centered around the large cedar tree which gives the essence of living in the moment, connecting with the unique space in each room, and moving with intention and the rhythms of your body. You can choose your own experience, whether that is warming up in the rose steam room, cooling down in the igloo room, or letting your visit linger in one of the cedar saunas. A true highlight in this Sparkling Hill Resort reviews guide.

Sparkling Hill Steam & Sauna Room Hours: 2pm – 10pm daily (note: 9pm – 10pm is their European Spa hour, so bathing suits are optional)

Kneipp Hydrotherapy at KurSpa

a woman walks through the kneipp hydrotherapy pool at sparkling hill resort reviews

The Kneipp Hydrotherapy pool was a new experience for me, where you step into a walking pool filled with water that is no deeper than your knees. The first section is hot water, but as you walk counter clockwise around the pool, the water transitions from hot to cold twice. It is recommend that you complete at least four rotations to start to see the benefits (each loop goes: hot, cold, hot, cold). Kneipp Hydrotherapy, a popular European water-stepping experience, uses the process of  “thermo-therapy which causes the blood vessels to expand and contract, stimulating the circulatory and lymphatic systems while reducing swelling and inflammation.” I’ll admit I found myself walking a lot faster through the cold sections and meandering in the warm! (however, after one loop, the cold sections didn’t feel that cold anymore). However, I will say that it was a really unique experience and I could see how one would benefit from this water healing practice.

Sparkling Hill Resort Reviews – Pools

view of the inside hot pool and floating pool at sparkling hill resort reviews

While it’s hard to choose favourite elements of Sparkling Hill Resort, the pools really are on the top of the list for me. Their large indoor serenity pool is perfect for swimming a few laps or floating and taking in the sparkling Swarovski crystals on the ceiling. An indoor hot pool that has mountain and lakeside views with lots of jets to soothe your muscles and increase blood flow. And an easy transition from indoor to outdoors via a closed viaduct, leading you to an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the lake. Their pools are an experience that’ll never be forgotten.

2 woman relax in the outdoor infinity pool at sparkling hill resort reviews, lounge chairs on the pool deck can be seen behind them

On hot sunny days I could see being poolside with a good book, lying on one of their lounge chairs all while visiting with the girls in between chapters. I loved that there was lots of space at the infinity pool for everyone to have a spot with a view. 

Sparkling Hill Pool Hours: 7am – 10pm daily 

Serenity Room

a woman faces the camera while lounging in a robe and slippers inside the serenity room

Another one of my favourite stops was the Serenity Room, a place where no talking is allowed, and two full walls in the room are floor to ceiling windows, letting the outdoors shine through. With large comfortable loungers, private spaces, and quiet minds, I really enjoyed the solace of the Serenity Room.

Tea Room

Another room to be sure to stop in is the Tea Room where you can sit back on a lounger chair, check out the mountain views, and quietly visit and snack! With fresh fruit, hot herbal teas, and flavour infused water, it’s a great place to rehydrate and rest in between spa stops. A spa pit stop if you will! (minus the washrooms, which are located in the changing room across the hall).

Women’s Changeroom

womens change room inside the kurspa area of sparkling hill resort

Speaking of changerooms, before the pool opened to the public I had to sneak in and get a photo of what I think is one of the most beautiful change rooms I’ve ever been in.

Book your stay at Sparkling Hill Resort here!

KurSpa Tips

woman sits inside a cedar sauna while looking outside the window

Towels in Saunas – It is proper and expected etiquette that guests will use their towel to sit on when visiting the saunas. 

Towel Exchange – You will get a pool towel in your room that you can exchange as often as you want down at the towel exchange. The exchange is located next to the women’s changeroom and pool area. 

European Hour – From 9pm – 10pm daily bathing suits are optional during European hour in the steam/sauna area only (there is no European hour at the indoor and outdoor pools). You must keep a towel on in the common areas until you are in the sauna/steam rooms.

Sparkling Hill Resort Reviews Note: We were there one night after 9pm and there was no one taking part in European hour but the saunas were quite quiet so it was a great time to go!

Reservations for Spa Services – Be sure to make reservations for your spa treatments as soon as you make your room bookings to avoid disappointment. You can always try to add on services when you are there but it is based on availability.

Sandals – While the hotel provides you with slippers, many guests opted to bring their own waterproof sandals, which was something I wish I had thought about. While the slippers were warm and cozy for the room and perfect for going to breakfast, walking on the pool deck with wet feet meant my slippers got wet as well, so not ideal. Next time I’ll bring my own flip flops.

Shhhhhh! – To ensure a calm and relaxed environment, guests are reminded that KurSpa is a quiet zone, so be sure to keep your speaking volume low.

Sparkling Hill Restaurants

the empty peakfine dining room at sparkling hill resort reviews

With three unique farm to table dining experiences at Sparkling Hill Resort, you are sure to find the perfect place to eat during your stay. Healthy nutrition is all part of your wellness journey, so let’s explore each option.

PeakFine Restaurant

two women cheers over dinner at peakfine restaurant at sparkling hill resort reviews

PeakFine Restaurant is a beautiful lakeside dining experience that offers gourmet and nourishing meals for guests. Breakfasts and lunches are a lot of fun as you are encouraged to wear your robes and slippers, taking your spa and rejuvenation experience through to your dining experience.

Breakfast at PeakFine

close up of an omelet and toast at breakfast

While you will indulge on truly incredible food (their menu speaks for itself), what made the experience stand out was the little extras. For example, as soon as we sat down for breakfast we were greeted with a fresh fruit platter and small baked goods. The baked goods changed daily but included things like banana bread, oatmeal cookies, and fruit crumble squares (they even offered gluten-free chocolate oat bars, I appreciated that they took my dietary needs into consideration). 

All of the drinks (juice, coffee, teas) were all included and you were allowed to choose from an a la carte menu (vs. buffet), which made for a lovely sit down gourmet experience. From berry granola yoghurt bowls, to full meal breakfasts, to chorizo hashes, there was a wide range of fueling food to start off your day with.

Sparkling Hill Resort Reviews Note: Breakfast is included for each guest for each night of your stay.

Dinner At PeakFine

close up of a steak, mashed potatoes and broccoli during dinner at peakfine restaurant at sparkling hill resort

Dinner was a more glamorous affair, as we chose to get dressed up after spending the day at the spa and embrace our own crystal looks under the Swarovski crystal decor. As soon as we sat down our server Alex took great care of us, spoiling us with bread for the table (including gluten free bread for me), introduced us to the drink menu and explained the different dining options. Whether you were looking for seafood, beef, poultry, or vegetarian, their chef had created meals that were as aesthetically appealing as they were delectable on the pallet. 

Some other things we loved about PeakFine: 

Zero-proof menu – As a mocktail maverick I do love a good zero-proof menu and appreciate being offered lots of options throughout the resort. 

Local wines – The restaurant was dedicated to supporting local which was reflected in the wine that they had on the menu, as well as the wine pairing recommendations that they showcased for the meals. 

The view – While the food is absolutely incredible, be sure to take a few moments and soak in the scenic sights just outside the window. From watching the clouds roll by to seeing the sun dance on the Okanagan Lake waves, it really is a stunning view that will have you making your meal linger so you can capture it all. 

PeakFine Restaurant Hours

Breakfast: 6:30am – 10:00am
Lunch: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Dinner: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Sparkling Hill Resort Reviews Tip: Make your reservations for your meals BEFORE you get to the hotel. Window seats can be requested but are not guaranteed.

Gerni’s Farmhouse

looking past the side of the gerni's farmhouse at sparkling hill resort and out towards the lake

Gerni’s Farmhouse is a 16th century farmhouse that was delicately disassembled in Austria in 2019, packed into six 40-foot containers and shipped to Canada in 2020 and reassembled at Sparkling Hill in 2021. It’s named after Sparkling Hill’s late owner, Mr. Gernot Langes-Swarovski (his close friends called him “Gerni”).

close view of the entrance of the austrian farmhouse restaurant at sparkling hill resort reviews

“Willkommen” was the traditional Austrian greeting we received as we walked through the large wooden door into Gerni’s Farmhouse. An eclectic collection of traditional Austrian decor had us transported into not only a new restaurant but what felt like another country. With the servers dressed in traditional Austrian attire, music playing through the halls, we were led into one of the dining rooms where we pulled up a seat and got ready for our meal. From bratwursts to pretzels, to more traditional food like schnitzel, the menu is completely different from what you’ll find inside the restaurants at Sparkling Hill and that’s what makes it such a unique experience.

close up of the pretzel and mustard dip that is served at gerni's farmhouse

The scenery outside from the patio deck is something that is worth taking time to appreciate (and if it’s nice enough enjoy your meal out there!). We were taking photos of the beautiful building and met a local man who would often walk up, order a pint of beer and just sit and soak in the scenery. Even living up there he said, “This never gets old!” and I so appreciated his gratitude for where he lives and how he was soaking up each moment.

Gerni’s Farmhouse Hours

Lunch: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Sparkling Hill Resort Reviews Note: Gerni’s Farmhouse does not take reservations.

Fitness and Wellness Classes at Sparkling Hill Resort

woman doing a yoga pose in front of the floor to ceiling windows in the fitness studio at sparkling hill resort reviews

Floor-to-ceiling windows and shiny hardwood floors welcome you into the fitness studio in KurSpa. The serene setting combined with the spa atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy a class. Classes are $10 each (but are included with some packages) and reservations are recommended, but drop-ins are allowed, so be sure to check them out if you want to go. 

To be honest this was something that we wanted to do on our visit but didn’t have the time in our schedule for. From aquacise to flow yoga, to foam rolling there were so many amazing classes that I wanted to do! Here’s a peek at the classes they offer: 

Gentle Yoga Flow – 45 minutes
Yoga Fusion – 45 minutes
50/50 Yoga – 45 minutes
Aqua Fit – 45 minutes
Foam Rolling – 45 minutes
CORE – 45 minutes
Strength and Sculpt – 45 minutes
Low & Tone – Circuit – 45 minutes
Stretch – 45 minutes
Cardio Circuit – 45 minutes
Lengthen & Strengthen – 45 minutes

If fitness classes aren’t for you, there is also an extremely well equipped gym space with treadmills, free weights, elliptical machines, exercise mats and weight machines where you can start your day with a full body workout.

Sparkling Hill Resort Reviews Tip: The gym space tended to get busy, so we suggest heading down right when it opens at 7am.

Hiking at Sparkling Hill Resort

woman looks back over shoulder while walking along a gravel trail through lush green foliage

There are over eight main hiking trails around Sparkling Hill Resort with loops #6 and #7 being the most popular. We checked out those trails as well as added on #8, and honestly could have spent more time out exploring. I loved that the trails were very clearly marked and easy to navigate, were marked based on difficulty, and that there was a combination of easy trails as well as a balance of more technically challenging ones.

close up of the map of the trail system that sits outside the entrance of sparkling hill resort

Trail Tips –

  • They have trail maps in the front lobby, so you can grab one and go! 
  • The viewpoints that are marked on the trail with a camera are not only picture-perfect but some of them have a rest spot, a bench, or a covered area. 
  • We went in May which allowed us to meander through meadows that were filled with wildflowers including lupins, daisies, and fireweed. 

Book your stay at Sparkling Hill Resort here!

Sparkling Hill Resort Reviews FAQs

sparkling hill resort sits atop the mountain with houses and the predator ridge golf course that sits below it

What is the closest golf course to Sparkling Hill Resort?

You’ll drive through Predator Ridge Golf Course on your way to Sparkling Hill Resort, making it the perfect destination for those who like to hit the links.

Are there Sparkling Hill Resort deals?

Sign up for their newsletter for up-to-date information on what’s going on, packages, and specials. Also be sure to check out the retreat packages that they advertise on their website.

What is the secret with the second elevator?

There are two ways to access the KurSpa area of the resort, one is the main elevator that takes you to the lobby and the second (or what we called the secret elevator) takes you right to the entrance to the pools. The second elevator is around around the 147 / 247 / 347 rooms and is a great shortcut right to the spa.

How much did it cost to build Sparkling Hill Resort?

The resort cost $122 million dollars to build and showcases $10 million dollars worth of Swarovski crystals.

When did Sparkling Hill Resort open?

This luxury, one of a kind resort opened it’s doors to guests in 2010.

In conclusion, while this girls getaway to Sparkling Hill Resort may have been my first visit, I can assure you that it won’t be my last. An investment in time and resources that focus on health, well-being, and rejuvenation is one that I will always make time for, and being able to do it with a group of girlfriends only makes it that much better. I hope these Sparkling Hill Resort Reviews have sparked you to plan a getaway with your girlfriends!


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About The Author
Jami Savage
Jami Savage
Jami Savage is one of the top Family Travel Writers in Canada, and has been featured on CTV and Vancouver Sun, and more. Go here to read our families story about how we went from backyard adventurers to world travelers, and how you can do the same. If you want to send Jami a quick message, visit her contact page here.
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Jami Savage

Full Time Travel Writer, Mom who is passionate about empowering and educating travelers on how you can use your own tourism dollars as a catalyst for positive change worldwide. Click here to learn more about us, our family, and how we lead an adventure filled life!

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