Summer in September: Our Couples Getaway to Sparkling Hill Resort

Summer in September: Our Couples Getaway to Sparkling Hill Resort

Who says summer has to end when September arrives? With temperatures reaching 26°C, sunshine-filled days and evenings spent watching the sunset over Lake Okanagan, our late-September anniversary getaway felt more like an extension of summer than the start of fall.

We spent four nights at Sparkling Hill Resort near Vernon, meeting up with friends from Alberta for a couples getaway. Between relaxing in the spa, trying new treatments, enjoying long meals together and exploring the surrounding area, it was exactly the kind of escape we needed. We then added a couple of days in Kelowna to round out the trip.

Having visited Sparkling Hill Resort on a girls’ getaway earlier this spring, I already knew how much there was to enjoy. Returning with our partners gave us a chance to experience the resort at a different pace, and it was just as relaxing the second time around.

Four Nights of Relaxation at Sparkling Hill

There is something amazing about arriving at Sparkling Hill and knowing that the next few days are all about slowing down. With its striking crystal architecture, expansive views and peaceful atmosphere, the resort feels a world away from everyday responsibilities.

For an anniversary getaway, it was a lovely setting. And travelling with friends made it even better. We had plenty of time to catch up, play games, go for hikes and enjoy each other’s company without feeling as though we needed to fill every moment with activities.

One of the things we appreciate most about Sparkling Hill Resort is how much is included in your stay. Access to the spa facilities, wellness activities and daily à la carte breakfast all add to the experience. While it is certainly a special-occasion destination, we feel it offers good value when you make the most of what is available.

Pools, Saunas and a Little Extra Pampering

The highlight of any stay at Sparkling Hill is time spent in KurSpa. We happily worked our way between the pools, saunas and steam rooms, taking our time and enjoying the chance to unwind.

The heated outdoor infinity pool is a favourite, especially when the weather is warm enough to linger outside. In late September, the sunshine made the experience even better. It was hard to believe fall was just around the corner when we could still enjoy such beautiful outdoor conditions.

This visit, we also decided to try spa treatments for the first time. I chose the Mud and Muscle Back Treatment, while my friend opted for the Lavender Scrub. We both loved our treatments, and they were excellent additions to the getaway. Sometimes it is worth adding a little extra to an already relaxing trip, particularly when the goal is to leave feeling refreshed.

We also attended one of the resort’s fitness classes and ended up with a private class for our group with a morning stretch session. It was a lovely way to start the day, gently waking up our bodies before breakfast and another day of relaxing.

The following morning, we discovered that the beautiful, sunny class space was available when it wasn’t being used for scheduled activities. We took advantage of the quiet room to do our own stretching and meditation. It became one of those simple moments that made the trip memorable, and a reminder that you don’t always need a booked activity to enjoy a beautiful space.

Breakfasts Worth Getting Up For

One of the best inclusions at Sparkling Hill is the daily breakfast at PeakFine Restaurant. Breakfast is à la carte rather than a basic continental offering, making it something we genuinely looked forward to each morning and we highly recommend making reservations ahead. With a good breakfast included in the room rate, we could take our time over the first meal of the day before heading to the spa, exploring the area or simply enjoying a slow start.

Sunset Dinner at Gerni’s Farmhouse

One of my favourite evenings of the trip was dinner on the patio at Gerni’s Farmhouse, Sparkling Hill’s Austrian-inspired restaurant.

The setting is distinctive, with the charm of a traditional Austrian farmhouse and views across the lake. We enjoyed dinner outside, making the most of the warm weather and watching the sun set as the evening unfolded.

There is something about a meal outdoors, with good company and no rush to be anywhere else, that makes an evening feel special. This was one of those nights. It was a highlight of our getaway and a reminder that the best travel memories are often the simple ones.

If you visit in the warmer months or early fall, I would recommend taking advantage of the patio when the weather cooperates.

An Unexpected Dining Option at Predator Ridge

One of the things we discovered during this stay was that Sparkling Hill offers guests a complimentary shuttle to Predator Ridge. This gave us another dining option without needing to drive ourselves.

We made use of the shuttle and ate at RANGE Restaurant, Bar + Patio twice during our visit. It was a lovely change of scenery and gave us another opportunity to enjoy a meal together outside the resort.

Exploring Vernon and the Surrounding Area

Although we could easily have spent all four days enjoying the resort, we also wanted to explore some of the nearby attractions.

One day, we headed to Luckhurst Farm & Distillery for a fall market. It was an excellent stop, with a lovely farm setting and plenty to browse. The combination of a countryside atmosphere and local offerings made it a fun way to spend part of the day.

We also spent some time wandering around Vernon, browsing the shops and enjoying a change of pace from resort life. Naturally, a stop at La Carraia for gelato was part of the outing. With its Italian-inspired flavours, it was a delicious excuse to pause before continuing our wander around town. Before heading back to the resort, we visited Davison Orchards, where we saw the farm animals and picked up some fresh produce. Fall is a lovely time to visit the Okanagan, with the harvest season bringing seasonal produce and a distinctly autumnal feel, even when the weather still feels like summer.

A Couple of Days in Kelowna

After checking out of Sparkling Hill, we added a couple of days in Kelowna before heading home. It was a nice way to extend the trip and explore.

One of the highlights was our first visit to Kangaroo Creek Farm. We had the chance to get up close to kangaroos and wallabies, which made for a fun and different experience. It was something we had not done before, and a great addition to our time in the Okanagan.

The extra days also meant we didn’t have to rush straight home after our resort stay. Instead, we could ease back into everyday life while still enjoying a few more adventures.

Why We’d Return to Sparkling Hill

Our four nights at Sparkling Hill were filled with exactly what we had hoped for: relaxation, time with friends, good food and a few new experiences. The sunshine and warm temperatures were an unexpected bonus, allowing us to enjoy the Okanagan’s late-summer atmosphere well into September.

What stands out most is the balance. We could spend an entire morning enjoying the pools and saunas, head out for an afternoon exploring Vernon, or simply stay put and enjoy a long conversation over a meal. There was no pressure to do everything and almost no planning required.

For couples celebrating an anniversary, friends planning a shared getaway or anyone looking for a few days to recharge, Sparkling Hill is worth considering. It feels special without requiring a packed schedule, and the included amenities are fantastic.

We came home feeling relaxed, with plenty of good memories and a few new favourite moments, including our sunset dinner at Gerni’s Farmhouse, the sunny quiet morning stretch session, and exploring Predator Ridge. And if you can manage to squeeze in a couple of extra days in Kelowna, even better. We certainly weren’t ready for summer to end just yet.

For more on how to plan your next road trip, check out this post.