[trip style = spa] Sparkling Hill Elegantly sitting on the highest hilltop in Vernon's swanky Predator Ridge community, the recently-opened Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa blends into its environment, as well as stands out from the landscape. Why hide this gem? After all, this $122-million masterpiece was financed by the Swarovski Family, and crystals are meant to stand out and glisten.

Naturally, I couldn't just read about Canada's newest and most talked-about destination, I had to come and experience it for myself. So I did this past weekend for my 6th wedding anniversary, a few weeks after it opened. [more pictures below]

The Vision Versus The Service Every hotel I've been to in the first month of operation---even the big-names resorts who boast the best and brightest staff in the industry---seem to wobble a little before they walk steadily. Such is the case with Sparkling Hill. The incredible vision for this 152-room property is visible in every physical detail, from the 3.5 million crystals (worth $10-million) delicately placed in every---and I mean e-v-e-r-y---detail of the resort, to the West Coast architecture and as-far-as-the-eye-can-see vistas. But when you spend a weekend at Sparkling Hill, you sense a tension between the resort's oasis-like appeal and the eager, yet not-fully-trained staff. The service inconsistencies simply don't match the hotel's grandiose demeanor, nor its inclusion in the prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts Group, whose ambition is to be the premier global partner for the world's best hotels and resorts.

Would I Suggest Sparkling Hill? Yes, but wait to visit until the fall of 2010. This will hopefully give them time to bring their service to five-stars. It has a lot of potential, it just needs to mature and realize that potential. Aside from the service, Sparkling Hill's beauty mirroring the region's expansive lakes and mountains will ease you into a serenity now moment. And its healing features will transport you into kid-like wonder and amusement. One afternoon when relaxing in Kurspa's aqua thermal area, I could hear groups of adults giggling as they marveled at the unique series of steam and sauna rooms, and experience showers with a cool-water downpour aptly named thunderstorm, and a balmy sprinkle coined tropical rain.

Wellness...Almost One of Sparkling Hill's major draws is its -110 degree Celsius cold sauna, the first of its kind in North America. In Europe, where the cold sauna concept is widely accepted, waits can be up to a year long. I was looking so forward to experiencing fridgid healing, but there was a problem, the cold sauna is indefinitely closed and I got no further explanation. I hope it re-opens, but in the meantime, Sparkling Hill will have to rely on the grandeur of its 40,000 square foot spa, alternating warm and cool calf-deep Kneipp waterway, indoor and outdoor pools, 100+ treatments and aromatherapy steam and sauna rooms to draw people in.

Over the next few months I hope Sparkling Hill's growing pains will strengthen its already remarkable vision, so its crystals will properly reflect the world-class wellness resort it was meant to be.

Know Before you Go

Weekend Packages for two start at $790 (oct - jun) and include 2 nights stay in a deluxe suite, dual oasis massages, breakfast and dinner daily, and a welcome beverage at the resort's coffee and wine bar
Pets are allowed for $25/day, but you'll need to stay in a first-floor standard, mountain view room (with direct access to the outdoors for your furry friend's needs)
Free parking
Free Kelowna Airport shuttle service
Free wifi
Breakfast included
Free Aqua-Thermal Saunas (open from 2 - 10pm, 9-10pm is clothing optional)

Other Hints

The diamond-shaped tub-for-two overlooking Lake Okanagan is perfectly placed in each spacious guestroom
In the summer, don't try and connect with nature by sleeping with the window open, mosquitoes could be buzzing in your ear all.night.long.
The robes and spa slippers in each guestroom are plush and useful
Sadly, the bed linens are rough and need to soften
There are no coffee makers in the guestrooms
Guestroom doors aren't very soundproof, as a result, try and select a room away from the elevator
During the summer, lounging by the outdoor infinity pool is a perfect way to complement a post-spa experience
The pool loungers are beyond comfortable (adjust height to any angle pneumatically)
Look out for the plentiful and adorable marmots who scamper around the exterior of the resort
Take advantage of the extensive walking trails surrounding the resort
Make sure you follow up with the resort via email once you book to reserve your spa treatments and to make dinner reservations
Unless something changes, and I hope it does, there's no bellhop or doorman to assist with luggage
Find more info in my review on Trip Advisor