Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa Getaway

Few weeks ago my girlfriends and myself decided to treat ourselves to a Spa weekend without our husbands and children.

Our destination was the Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa located in the heart of the Okanagan wine country in Osoyoos, British Columbia.

After our arrival we checked into our very own luxurious villa overlooking NK’MIP Cellars vineyards and lake Osoyoos. Nothing beats the stress better then sitting on the balcony enjoying a glass or two of award winning wines from NK’MIP Cellars like 2007 Riesling or 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and admiring the view.

The Spirit Ridge Vineyard and Spa Resort

Few relaxing hours later we were ready for our Spa treatments. Sonora Spa is a full service wellness spa located inside the Spirit Ridge resort.

Our treatments started by changing into soft and comfy robes and slippers and unwinding in their lounge with a glass of wine or lemon water.

I decided to go for an hour long relaxation facial treatment. It was the best facial treatment and massage I ever had. The only drawback was that the music inside the treatment room was so soft that I could hear other people talking inside the lounge.

Few of my friends decided to try the Lavender pedicure and the Sonora Signature pedicure. The both treatments should take 60-75 minutes, but took only about 30 minutes. The nail polish was all over the place and running, the heels were still flaky and cracked. It was a disaster. Out of 3 people having the pedicure not one was done properly. It was very disappointing. What was more disappointing was the way the owner of the Spa dealt with it. She was lucking on compassion and people skills. In other words do not have a pedicure at the Sonora Spa.

Bad pedicure could not keep our spirits down.

The next stop on our agenda was dinner at the Diamond Steakhouse downtown Osoyoos.

In my opinion the Diamond Steakhouse used to be the best and the classiest restaurant in Osoyoos many years ago and locals are so used to going there that the restaurant is still thriving due to it’s former glory.

The menu is a mixture of Greek, Italian, pizza, steak, seafood and touch of European cuisine. The food is nothing extraordinary, but tasty and in my opinion a bit overpriced. The interior is outdated and hardly no privacy with so many tables cramped into a small space. Overall the Diamond Steakhouse is a good restaurant for groups and families on a special occasion, but not as a romantic or classy place.

To finish of our day we stopped for a few drinks and little dancing at the Sage Pub in Osoyoos. The Sage Pub is the most popular place to have a drink or two. They have nightly food and drink specials and live music on the weekends.

Next morning we decided to order some breakfast from the Passatempo restaurant located inside the Spirit Ridge resort. I’ve been told that they have very tasty dinner and lunch menu. When it comes to breakfast take my advice and drive to town unless you are prepared to pay $6.00 for an average size cinnamon bun or $5.00 for a muffin or croissant without any fixings. I was very disappointed. Not only the breakfast selection was small and overpriced, but they forgot part of our order as well.

The villas and suites are absolutely beautiful and have full kitchens, but there is no place in the whole resort to purchase bottled water, pop or snacks (either drive to town or walk/drive down to the RV park located below). No gift shop, no vending machines and only couple of ice machines in some of the buildings. The resort is still being added to so there is a hope that once it is all finished there will be a gift shop, vending machines and hopefully some ice.

While staying at the Spirit Ridge resort or in Osoyoos don’t forget to visit the NK’MIP Cellars tasting room and sample from many of their award-winning wines.

NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre located within the resort is another place you can’t miss. You will learn a lot about the Okanagan First Nations culture and habitation on desert lands. The Desert Cultural Centre offers tours, self-guided nature trails, Rattlesnake research, interpretive sites, display of native sculptures and crafts. Understand the culture of the Okanagan people and explore the Canada’s only desert. Experience of a lifetime.

If you are a golfer you will enjoy Sonora Dunes a desert style 9-hole golf course adjacent to the Spirit Ridge resort.

Our weekend at the Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa was a success despite some minor difficulties and we can’t wait to go back….well, maybe we will wait till the resort construction is complete.