IF YOU'VE EVER SEEN that poster of a frazzled cat, its extended claws clinging to the ceiling, you will understand my usual state of mind. I’ve been heard to say, “I’m not tense. I’m just terribly alert!”
The calming effects of last year’s 21 day Panama cruise subsided long ago. Recently, I’ve been hankering for some alone time, a break from the pressures of deadlines, crashing computers and home responsibilities.
So, in January, when fellow-Panama-cruise-passenger-turned-friend Gwen Holt invited me to a weekend yoga retreat at Sparkling Hill, I was ripe for the picking. I’m not a girly girl; I’m not much into pedicures, manicures or massages, but when she dangled that “relaxing weekend, time-to-yourself” carrot in front of my nose, I snapped it up.
On Friday afternoon, I packed my bathing suit and my bad disposition into the car, bid good-bye to colleagues and family and drove a half hour to paradise. At least that is what Gwen promised and I was holding her to it.
I would not be disappointed. Even the drive to the resort was relaxing. The snow covered branches of grand ponderosa pines shimmered under the sun, as I followed the winding road through Predator Ridge golf community up to the top of the hill. Relaxation shifted to awe when I rounded the last corner. It’s as if the resort, inspired by the elements, has grown out of the granite. 240,000 square feet of cutting edge architectural brilliance sits on 188 acres atop Mount Royce, with sweeping views of Okanagan Lake and the Monashee Mountains.
If you’ve lived in the Thompson Okanagan long enough you are probably already taking your surroundings for granted. But not from this spot. It’s not possible.
And inside, the marvel continues. The lobby boasts an outstanding three story glass atrium, adorned with crystal chandeliers more impressive than any I’ve seen on a cruise ship, and yet none of it is pretentious. 1.9 million Swarovski Crystals are embedded in ceilings, walls, tiles, staircases, pools, fireplaces and the spa, and it is stunning.
My lake view room was equally spectacular. Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, reflecting off the crystal fireplace. A two person bathtub sits right in front of the window, taking advantage of the breathtaking view.
“I could kick off my shoes and just stay right here for the weekend,” I thought, but I had agreed to meet the rest of my yoga group in the library for a tour of the spa. When I arrived, the buzz was all about the rooms. None of us had experienced anything like this before. So when Sparkling Hill CEO, Hans Peter Mayr arrived to lead us on a tour of the spa we were all gushing with excitement.
Hans Peter explained that the 40,000 square foot KurSpa focuses on health more than pampering. We viewed the spa’s six aromatherapy sauna and steam rooms, three traditional pools, therapeutic Kneipp waterway, and the Serenity Lounge. He told us that a naturopath, a reflexologist, and a massage therapist were all available for consultation or treatments.
We spent a few minutes in the aqua meditation room, with its huge U-shaped bench moulded for comfort. The central water feature provided a focal point, while soft music served to relax. I don’t know much about ergo dynamics but the seats were so comfortable and the experience so restful that I eased into a completely different frame of mind.
Gwen facilitated two sessions per day – gentle yoga and meditation/relaxation in the morning and another meditation/relaxation in the early evening before the inclusive dinner. That meant a stressed out, multi-tasking wife and businesswoman could have all the afternoon and evening to herself, without the pressure of dashing from event to event. It also provided an opportunity to take advantage of the countless spa treatments on offer.
I tried the Fango Treatment where hot fango (Italian for mud), comprised of pure volcanic dust and water, was laid on my back; then I was wrapped in plastic and towels and left to lie in peace for 15 minutes while the natural minerals in the compound detoxified my skin and reinvigorated my muscles. Because the mud is heated to 50°C, I had wondered about hot flashes. No need. No flashes. And when I was unwrapped, no jangled nerves either!
By contrast, several of my new found yoga buddies chose to try the Ice Sauna, aka cryotherapy, which involves subjecting the whole body to extremes of low temperature for short periods. How low is the temperature? Minus 110 degrees Celsius.
Mercifully, I don’t suffer from arthritis or joint issues, the ailments most often eased by this treatment. As I watched others, dressed incongruously in shoes, socks, masks, earmuffs and bathing suits, from outside the glass windows, I felt like yelling “Are you nuts?” Obviously, they weren’t, because when they emerged, cold and red, they said they felt fantastic.
In case anyone didn’t feel fantastic, Hans Peter stayed inside with them, dressed immaculately in suit and tie, ready to escort them out to the warm waiting room if necessary.
I chose to forgo the ice sauna and chill out in the indoor pool instead. Oh, I was enjoying this experience. It was just too wonderful not to share. I’d intended to indulge myself but now I wanted my husband to relish the holistic experience too – pools, saunas, steam rooms, spas, and sheer luxury. So I called and my husband arrived in time for a superbly designed, cooked and presented dinner in the European inspired dining room.
After we’d eaten, we sipped liqueurs in the Barrique and Java social gathering spot downstairs, where Ken Heatherington - founder, vocalist and lead guitarist with Kelowna’s Zamboni Brothers - was giving an impromptu concert. What better way to end a perfect weekend than to laugh, sing and dance into the late evening?
Now I’m feeling renewed, revived and absolutely able to cope – at least until the next deadline.
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