Sparkling Hill Resort Vernon BC: Your Spa Retreat

As a travel writer with decades of mileage under my belt, I’ve learned that wellness for us solo travelers over 50 should be pure relaxation. That’s why I escaped to Vernon, British Columbia, checking into Sparkling Hill Resort. Established by the patriarch of the Swarovski crystal empire, Gernot Langes-Swarovski, the property sparkles with 3.5 million crystals. It feels like stepping into a remote oasis, built entirely for unwinding. I packed a week’s worth of relaxation into 24 hours.

Highlights

• Wellness Can Be Luxurious, Not Tedious: Many wellness articles focus on grueling hikes or strict diets. I prefer the Sparkling Hill Resort experience, where self-care is about accessible luxury, deep relaxation and pampering.
• The World-Class KurSpa Experience: At 40,000 square feet, this European style spa is massive. I loved wandering the seven uniquely themed steam and sauna rooms, trying the Kneipp hydrotherapy circuit and floating in the year-round outdoor infinity pool overlooking Lake Okanagan.
• Vernon Delivers an Effortless Solo Escape from the PNW: For a solo traveler over 50, safety, ease of travel and proximity matter. I hopped on a plane from Seattle and arrived in Kelowna in under 2 hours. You don’t need to endure a 10-hour flight to Europe to find a world-class European-style spa resort.

Editor’s note: the writer was hosted.

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Finding Wellness at Cambium Cider Co

I visited Cambium Cider Co. years ago and loved seeing how remarkably this small, family-owned business has grown. I had some time before check-in, so I stopped here for lunch to begin my 24 hours of wellness.

• Fresh Air: I soaked in the sun and air while dining al fresco, surrounded by apple trees.
• Farm to Table: Noshing on a farm-fresh salad and a few slices of wood-fired pizza kicked off my wellness trip with healthy food and a decadent treat. Wellness doesn’t always mean fat-free; sometimes a slice of pizza goes a long way in destressing.
• Hard Cider: I enjoyed a tasting of orchard-to-glass cider, which delivers some surprising wellness benefits. Rich in polyphenols and tannins, these antioxidants help combat cellular damage and reduce inflammation. Plus, it is really yummy.

After a beautiful scenic drive to the Sparkling Hills Resort, I felt like I walked into an upscale European Spa. I’ll be honest, I didn’t want to leave my room to explore the hotel. The gorgeous seating area and soaking tub had incredible views from floor-to-ceiling windows.

• Luxury Rooms: No basic here, each room frames a sweeping view and has a two-person soaker tub. I loved the plush robes that fit my plus-size body.
• So Many Inclusions: Valet parking, upscale breakfast at PeakFine and use of the 40,000 sq ft KurSpa’s extensive amenities are all included in the rate.
• Wellness Retreats: The resort hosts wellness retreats featuring traditional European health spa treatments and services at the holistic clinic, in a luxury setting.
• Spa Treatment: Book a spa treatment six to eight weeks before you arrive at the resort. Available appointments start at 1:30 pm on check-in day.

Dine at Gernie’s Farmhouse

Crews dismantled a historic 16th-century building in Weerberg, Austria, shipped it to Vernon, BC and reassembled it at the resort. Named in honor of the resort’s owner, the architecture is quite a contrast to the hotel’s modern aesthetic.

• Authentic: The moment you walk in the door, you are transported to Austria. The restaurant’s interior, the music and the staff, many from Germany or Austria, add to the authentic atmosphere.
• Food: The food was fantastic, honestly I haven’t tasted a schnitzel that good since living in Germany.
• Beer: I’m not usually a beer drinker, but I had to indulge in the selection of German beer. Each sip brought back fond memories of my time in Germany.

Early Risers Will Love PeakFine

• Start Early: I made the most of my time by having breakfast at 6:30 am when the restaurant opened and I beat the rush.
• Spa Attire: Guests are encouraged to use the robes in the room to dine at breakfast. I have to admit I felt a little wary but many diners chose that option. It was nice to go start to the pool after dining already in my swimsuit.
• Farm Fresh Dining: I loved this hearty breakfast prepared from locally sourced ingredients.

Unwinding at KurSpa

Call me a spa aficionado, but the KurSpa is a whole new level of luxury wellness that just blew me away. The indoor and outdoor pool area opens at 7 am and I visited right after it opened to enjoy the beautiful space when it’s not crowded.

• Largest Luxury Spa in British Columbia: I couldn’t believe how massive the space felt, stretching over 40,000 sq. ft.
• Seven Steam and Sauna Rooms : Don’t miss the Crystal Steam room and the unique crystal architecture throughout the spa.
• Spa Appointments: You can schedule a variety of rejuvenating treatments as early as 9 am so you can fit in one last treatment before you checkout.
• Breathtaking Views: For me soaking in the outdoor infinity pool while looking out over Okanagan Lake functions as its own wellness treatment.

A Scenic Drive for Lunch at the Edge Restaurant and Bar

• Worth the Drive: I drove about 45 minutes to get here and it was totally worth it due to the stunning scenery along the way.
• Vernon Restaurant of the Year 2025: The Edge Restaurant deserves the accolade. The high ceilings and massive windows give the whole restaurant an airy, dramatic feel, making the views even more impressive.
• Okanagan Valley: The Edge offers 360 degree panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley and locally sourced cuisine. Lunch felt like a special occasion.

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SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.