By Elke Porter | Westcoast German News | August 10, 2025
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Perched atop a granite ridge overlooking Okanagan Lake, Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa brings Austrian-inspired wellness to Vernon, B.C. Conceived by Austrian hotelier Hans-Peter Mayr and backed by Gernot Langes-Swarovski of the Swarovski crystal empire, this 4-Diamond, adult-only retreat opened in 2010 with over 3.5 million Swarovski crystals adorning chandeliers, fireplaces, and art pieces. Its 152 luxurious, window-wrapped rooms offer stunning vistas of Okanagan Lake and the Monashee Mountains.

Mayr, a 50-year-old veteran of elite European hotel and spa management, was captivated by the Okanagan Valley’s “heaven on earth” beauty—four seasons, rolling hills, and pristine lakes. After years of vacationing in Western Canada, he partnered with Swarovski, whom he met only after pitching the project, to create North America’s first European-style wellness resort. Unlike typical North American spas focused on relaxation, Sparkling Hill emphasizes holistic mind-body treatments.

At its core is the 40,000-square-foot KurSpa (German for “healing”), featuring over 100 therapies across 48 treatment rooms, seven uniquely themed steam rooms and saunas, hydrotherapy pools, a fitness center, yoga room, serenity rooms, and North America’s first cryotherapy cold sauna (-110°C). The resort’s fastest-growing offering is the weeklong “Stay Young and Healthy” package for those 55 and older, targeting ailments like joint pain and arthritis.

Dining options elevate the experience: PeakFine serves ocean-to-table and farm-fresh cuisine; Barrique & Java transforms from a daytime coffeehouse to a nighttime wine bar; and Gerni’s Farmhouse offers authentic Austrian fare in a reconstructed 16th-century building from Weerberg, Tyrol. The resort overlooks Predator Ridge, home to two of Canada’s top public golf courses with 36 holes and scenic Okanagan views, and sits near the Scenic Sip wine trail, one of B.C.’s fastest-growing wine regions.

Of particular note, tucked within Sparkling Hill Resort, Gerni’s Farmhouse is a captivating celebration of Austrian-German heritage, blending culinary artistry with historical architecture. Opened in 2021 and led by 34-year-old chef Mike Wagenhofer from Dreihütten, Austria, the restaurant is housed in a 1587 timber-framed farmhouse from Weerberg, Austria, carefully dismantled in 2019, shipped in six 40-foot containers, and reassembled by Holzbau Maier.

Named after resort owner Gernot “Gerni” Langes-Swarovski, it exudes Alpine charm with staff in lederhosen and dirndls, complemented by stunning Okanagan Lake views. Wagenhofer’s menu showcases authentic dishes like bratwursts, hühnerschnitzel, gulasch mit semmelknödel, and gebratenes forellenfilet, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients reflecting Austria’s rich culinary influences from Italy, Germany, Hungary, and Czechia, paired with genuine Austrian beers.

Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa, with its Swarovski crystal elegance and holistic KurSpa, continues to redefine luxury in Vernon’s Okanagan Valley, and the addition of Gerni’s Farmhouse elevates this allure with its authentic Austrian experience. From chef Mike Wagenhofer’s soulful dishes to the historic 1587 farmhouse setting, the restaurant invites guests to savor “gemütlichkeit” amidst breathtaking views and vibrant Bavarian tunes.

Paired with the resort’s gourmet dining, championship golf at nearby Predator Ridge, and proximity to the Scenic Sip wine trail, Sparkling Hill offers a perfect blend of wellness, culture, and community, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers and retirees seeking a slice of Alpine magic in British Columbia.

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788. Public Relations. Communications. Education.

TAGS: #Sparkling Hill Resort #Gernis Farmhouse #Okanagan Wellness #Austrian Cuisine #Vernon BC #Luxury Travel #Westcoast German News #Elke Porter

Note: The Author just had the privilege of enjoying lunch at Gerni's Farmhouse on Tuesday, August 5th and can highly recommend it.

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