Opened just over a year ago, I first read about Sparkling Hill in a fashion magazine. What caught my attention was the description of a -110C (yes, you read that right) cold sauna, intended for those with chronic pain or inflammatory health conditions. Going back to the 1980s, the Japanese introduced cryotherapy chambers. But a German rheumatologist commissioned the first such sauna outside of Japan in 1984, expressly for patients with arthritis. The technical descriptions, history, indications and therapeutic benefits for cold sauna treatment is fully addressed in a book authored by retired occupational health physician Dr. Winfried Papenfuss (Power From The Cold, published in 2005). He lists about 20 conditions, besides arthritis, which may be eased.
The cold sauna at Sparkling Hill is the first in North America. While I was there, many guests expressed incredulity at the mere sight of brave souls entering the cold sauna system. At the time, I was recovering from recent shoulder and elbow surgery and I had become a convert to the benefits of ice. Since I was off work while recuperating, it was a perfect time to get myself to a spa that billed itself as Canada's first European-inspired wellness resort. Although pampering would also be on my agenda, it was the cold sauna I was seeking.
I flew by WestJet from Vancouver to Kelowna and, after landing at the airport, it took just 20 minutes by shuttle to arrive at the striking oasis of shimmering serenity. The entrance atrium, with its spectacular glass front, is meant to evoke a multi-faceted nonsymmetrical crystal. It's made of dozens of sloping glass triangles that rise to four storeys. David Wilkinson, the Victoria architect who worked with the Cannon Design team, told me the architecture was meant to honour the surrounding environment of "majestic mountains, refreshing waters and lush vineyards."
"Chiselled from granite bedrock, the architecture has a fluid style that respects and infuses the natural landscape. Guest rooms challenge conventional expectations, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing panoramic mountaintop views and unique bathing fixtures that extend the spa experience," said Wilkinson, whose impressive portfolio includes the Richmond speed skating oval used during the 2010 Olympic Games.
During my four-day stay, I swam in both the indoor and outdoor pool, the latter an infinity pool which blends into the horizon of the lake even though it is far below. I had daily physiotherapy sessions and went on a scenic, bird watching hike with a kinesiologist on staff who also introduced me to a new piece of equipment in the workout gym, a Power Plate whole body vibration machine. |
發表於 2011-7-14 19:24
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