“People can take part in smart, safe and respectful travel within B.C.”
That’s the official definition for Phase 3, and so we decided to embark on what should feel like our very first little vacation in months. Yes, we may not be able to explore the world for a while but we live in one of the most breathtaking places on the planet, so let’s “Stay Home.”
Our first two days took us to Sparkling Hill Resort in Vernon.
SPARKLING HILL RESORT, VERNON
Sitting majestically on a hill overlooking Okanagan Lake and Predator Ridge Golf Course, this luxury resort is known for its spa treatments. Not all treatments are available at this point but the pools are open. They also have thermal cameras in the entrance and have made sure you feel safe at any time. Make sure you book a lake view room or suite, or the 1,200 sq.ft. penthouse.
For dinner, we opted for 50th Parallel Winery.
50TH PARALLEL ESTATE/ BLOCK ONE
Just a short 10min drive from the hotel, the destination winery is boasting panoramic lake views and is consistently producing world-renowned award-winning Pinot Noir and aromatic white wines.
Their new restaurant, Block One, offers amazing views over the lake and the food is simply fantastic. We joined proprietors Sheri-Lee and Curtis Krouzel for a culinary extravaganza, sampling several dishes, paired with their award-winning wines. Highly recommended!
There are many things in the area for you to do, from winery visits to outdoor activities.
For the second part of our road-trip, we headed south to Osoyoos, making sure to replace a healthy lunch with some oh-so delicious ice-cream at legendary Tickleberrys in Okanagan Falls. Our hotel of choice.. the beautiful Spirit Ridge Resort.
SPIRIT RIDGE RESORT, OSOYOOS
Situated in gently sloping vineyards, overlooking Osoyoos Lake, the luxury resort is the perfect place if you are concerned staying at a hotel: Spirit Ridge is an all-suite resort. You have your own kitchen, living room, and a patio or balcony with BBQ. However, we can highly recommend their The Bear,The Fish,The Root & The Berry restaurant. The resort also has a golf course, private sandy beach, a spa and a winery right next door.
There’s a lot to do in the South Okanagan. Here’s our Top 3:
Wineries! And the new Phantom Creek Estate is a must!
PHANTOM CREEK ESTATES
Situated on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver, the winery officially opened two weeks ago. The massive 78,000 sqft destination winery includes a 500 seat amphitheatre, a spacious tasting room with indoor and outdoor seating area, a private member club area and more. Their restaurant with view patio will open in the Spring (2021). Guided tours are available and the winery follows all social distancing and sanitation protocols for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Go-Karts! Head over to Area27 Motorsports Park and Kartplex.
KARTPLEX is the State of the ArtKart Racing Centre located at the AREA 27 Motorsports Complex in Oliver. Designed by racing legend (F1, Champ Car and Indy 500 Champion) Jacques Villeneuve, this track offers some thrilling and rewarding racing.
And… Visit the Nk’mip Cultural Centre.It was a 4 night/ 5 day trip, and it felt so good. For other unique road-trips in BC, stay tuned for our next print edition!
