The Sparkling Hill Resort is located at 888 Sparkling Place in Vernon, British Columbia V1H 2K7 Canada
Ever since my first stay at this stunning hotel it has been one of my favorite places to go relax and unwind. All three of my visits here so far have been for ‘work’ and this recent trip is no exception. Hidden away in a beautiful location surrounded by stunning views and one of the most incredible spas I have experienced, heaven on earth would be the perfect way to describe it.
The name comes from the owner, Gernot Langes-Swarovski. The the creator of the world-famous crystal artwork and jewelry line. Because of this, crystal plays a big role in the hotel’s design, and there are more than 3.5 million crystals through out the hotel.
I am feeling a bit disappointed with my schedule for this trip as we only get to spend one night here and the majority of the time will be spent working.
As we arrive at the impressive front doors, some of the Buick staff are there to great us. It is normal for us not to be greeted by the hotel staff when we arrive like this. However, the front desks are completely empty and the lack of acknowledgement even by a distance smile was missed.
Our rooms are not ready yet so one of the event planners offers to take our bags. I decline as everything I will need for filming (hair and make up) is in my suitcase and I know I will need it later.
We get to sit in the back area of the hotel in front of a long beautiful gas fire place on one side and a gorgeous view of the valley out the window. Comfy, high back chairs around small tables are offered while we eat our lunch.
If you don’t know this about me already, I have a sweet tooth. A salad with several toppings and dressings were available as well as thickly stacked sandwiches. Thick, fluffy buns and lots of meet with fresh, crisp lettuce and tomatoes. They did have a vegetarian option as well. Dessert was your choice of a blonde browning, Kahului torte or a chocolate coconut mouse (vegan and gluten free).
At this point it is almost time to get to work. I am not sure if this was an issue with the hotel or with the event planning company but it is shortly after 1pm and still no rooms are available. I understand that the hotel official check in time is 4pm or so this was not a major issue. However, I was surprised that when I asked if a room might be ready earlier, the woman behind the desk didn’t even look, or pretend to look. She politely apologized and said our rooms would be ready when we came back in a couple of hours. I take my suitcase into the public washroom and plug in my straightener and get ready as best as I can.
We drove around for a few hours and got most of our filming done. When we got back in our Buick Enclave, I was surprised that their was still no door staff to help with bags or check on our arrival. I was perfectly fine to carry by luggage myself but again, surprised at this point that no one even came out to ask.
I was super excited to have about 90 minutes before dinner to get into the spa! The KurSpa and the Wellness Clinic offers seven unique themed steams and saunas, a breathtaking outdoor infinity pool Kneipp Hydrotherapy, tea room and a serenity relaxation room. I rushed up to my room and moved quickly to do what I needed to get down to the spa.
This is when I started to notice a few other small details missing from this visit. The check in thing bothered be but I undstood.
The first thing was the welcome paper on the bed with my rob and slippers. I am all about saving paper and trees but the paper they had was wrinkled and looked like it had been reused. Laminating or even using a better quality paper would have made the presentation just a bit more luxurious.
Knowing that I didn’t have much time, I undressed quickly, slipped into my bikini, threw on my white robe and slippers and hurried down the hall to get some relaxation.
As I waited for the elevator I was surprised to see letters missing from the signage on what appeared to be the spa only elevator. “Please use the main elevators _ear the atriaum to _ ess the lobby when in tree _othes and when car_ing ?? gag.” I am not even sure what the last part was supposed to be?
They have instructions before you enter into the steams and saunas. Recommending the best way to enjoy the different temperatures and humidity. Hot, cold followed by relax.
Outside each steam or sauna are numbered hooks to leave your robe or towel. A great system, however, after 15 minutes in the ‘Crystal Steam’ at 40 Celsius with 100% humidity I was in a relaxed brain fog and not sure which one was mine. Another woman was in the same predicament and we shared a laughed as we both got excited that our room key was in the pocket. Perfect solution if only the room keys had the room number. No one was around to help us figure out who’s key was who. I sauntered to my room only to find that I had the wrong key and needed to go to the front lobby in my robe and slippers to get a new one.
Dinner was downstairs in a semi private room and it was fantastic.
No turn down service. I don’t really understand turndown service but I missed it. No special treat or note or music playing on the radio when I came up to my room for the night. It just felt like a stay at every other average hotel. It was the ‘special’ factor that seemed to be missing.
No overhead lights or coffee makers in the room. I didn’t ask why the coffee makers were absent but I was annoyed that to get my morning java fix meant overpriced room service or going down to the buffet. I would have loved to sit in my robe and enjoy the morning before going down to eat.
My room had large windows and a soaker tub that would have been a treat if I had time. I would love to come here and enjoy this space with a partner. I can imagine how romantic it would be to open a bottle of wine, watch the sun set while sharing a bubble bath. A plan for next time.
This visit was a short one but it feel like this resort missed some small but important details. If I had paid over $200 a night for my stay I would have been annoyed at these details that seemed to be ignored.
