Spa Scene Responding to the public passion for spa indulgence and wellness, the valley offers dozens of such establishments; many of them are incorporated within the region’s inventory of hotels and resorts. Among them is the outstanding Sparkling Hill Resort at Vernon, where the décor of the place is beyond stunning. More than 3.5 million Swarovski crystals are featured throughout the building from its famous KurSpa to guests’ rooms, dining space and public areas. Opened in 2010 and founded by Langes-Swarovski of the Swarovski crystal family, the resort’s design was intended to blend European-style spa culture with the Okanagan’s beautiful landscape. I had the immense luxury of staying for a couple of days at Sparkling Hill which, as it pleasantly turned out, was right next door to the Predator Ridge Golf Course –ranked as one of the valley’s top tracks. While Sparkling Hill is among the region’s premier spa resorts, there are dozens of other options ranging from independent day spas to small boutique operations. Throughout the valley, spa and wellness menus are extensive, with treatments ranging from standard massage to thermal water therapies, laser rejuvenation, body wraps, stone reflexology and everything in between. Among the many which fall within the category of “in between” is the Beyond Rapture Spa at Kelowna, where treatments represent a nod to the Okanagan wine industry. Called vinotherapy, grape-derived treatments include a grape-pip scrub, honey-wine body wrap and grapeseed oil massage. Valley Folklore Monster Nobody visits the Okanagan region without hearing about the famous Ogopogo, the legendary lake monster said to inhabit the depths of Lake Okanagan. Described as a large, serpentine creature with a horse-like head, sightings of it have been reported for centuries, although there is no conclusive evidence that it ever actually existed. Nevertheless, those claiming to have seen it describe a long, dark, undulating body which creates a significant wake. Over the years, there have been many eye witness accounts together with blurry photos and videos, yet none have been deemed as definitive. The region’s indigenous people and other locals believe that the beast’s lair is a hidden cave under the lake’s Rattlesnake Island. At least two professional researchers probed the island’s waters, but came away with no proof of Ogopogo’s existence. Sightings continue to this day, with about six reported yearly. Unproven theories have suggested that the beast is a yet-unknown aquatic species or a surviving prehistoric animal. Whatever the case, Ogopogo is the popular mascot and cultural symbol of the Okanagan Valley, as well as being an important pillar of the region’s tourism platform. Oggy (the common pet name for the creature) is a folklore icon similar to Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster. nicknamed Nessie. Both are drivers of tourism without ever having been proven to exist. There are Oggy souvenir items throughout the valley from key chains to refrigerator magnets, T-shirts and stuffed animals. Travel Planner Getting there: Kelowna International Airport receives numerous non-stop flights from major Canadian cities including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Victoria. Penticton Airport receives direct non-stop flights primarily from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Information: Access a detailed directory online at okanagan.com. 20 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
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