I have attended the “Sparkling Hill” yoga retreat with Geha Gontier three times because it is a gem!
For me the priority of a yoga retreat is the quality of the yoga. Geha’s yoga retreat is of high quality her vast knowledge and years of experience of teaching yoga with her perspective of asana instruction bring out the energetics of your body. The yoga sequence is a combination of a flow type yoga interspersed with bodily energy work thus allowing your body to release and flow resulting in flowing energy and calmness simultaneously.
Of note not only is the yoga divine the venue of the Sparkling Hill resort is gorgeous and luxurious! The room where yoga is taught twice a day has stunning views of rolling green hill vistas that are breath taking and pleasing to the eye.
The hotel rooms are beautifully appointed and my personal favourite a bathtub you can immerse your entire body up to your neck!
The food is fantastic and tasty that will satisfy discerning foodies. I love sitting in the beautiful dining room for both breakfast and dinner that provides an ariel type view of the Okanogan lake and believe me it is stunning.
I recommend this retreat as a must attend at the end of 4 glorious days I always feel relaxed, energized and inspired!
Anonymous, Edmonton, AB.
Sparkling Hill Retreat has become a tradition I look forward to honouring every year. This getaway offers a balance of rest and rejuvenation. The daily practices are so healing and create new openings, the spa facilities are truly outstanding, and the trails surrounding the resort are a wonderful way to recharge and reconnect. Each year I leave this retreat with new lessons and learnings that deepen my soul connection!
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I have been to Wellness on Whyte many times and have experienced the full spectrum of healing and rejuvenation they offer. From the front desk staff, to the facility itself, I give Wellness on Whyte 5 stars and two thumbs up without hesitation! I recently had the privilege of experiencing a Day in Sanctuary – it couldn’t have lived up to it’s name more! It was a day of pure BLISS in the hands of competent and compassionate people. Go try it! – Petra
It’s my sanctuary!! Everyone here exudes love, health and good spirits. I go for regular facial treatments and Katarzyna is the best therapist I have ever had. Her facial massage is very relaxing (I’ve fallen asleep almost every time) and her treatments provide real results. I look years younger and my skin is in the best condition that it has been in years. – Anastasia
I love WoW because it has given me back my health and spirit…Geha is absolutely amazing with TCM … truly a harmonious sanctuary, peaceful…what healing is all about. – Anonymous
Magical, Blissful and Beautiful Crystals
This retreat offers awesome value for the money. On both retreats I attended, Geha put together a getaway that strikes the right balance of activity and free time and of luxury and simplicity. The group is a mix of returning guests and first-timers, singles, couples and friends looking for a getaway. I went solo the first time and returned with a friend the next. I’m looking forward to the third time.
We start off the day with a yoga class led by Geha in a room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lush greenery and later in the afternoon, she leads us thru a mind bending class of Gi Gong. We have ample time to experience the first class resort amenities including steam and sauna rooms, pools, beautiful views, and miles of hiking trails. All the areas are quiet, serene and elegantly appointed. One of my favorite places to enjoy a good book or simply stare out at the panoramic view is in the Serenity Room while seated in a chaise lounge.
The spacious bedrooms are like a spa within a spa and have views of either the lake or the hills. I’ve stayed in both types and both were lovely. I wanted to take the bed and linen back with me they were so comfortable. The robes are plush and cosy and the hotel encourages guests wear them while enjoying the excellent and extensive breakfast buffet included in the retreat. Really there’s no need to get dressed until dinner if you don’t want to!
We do get dressed for the three-course meal of our choice from the regular or vegan menu. The food is as beautifully presented as it is delicious. I love how I don’t have to worry about the cost of individual items on this retreat and can focus on enjoying the food and company in the elegant dining room. The wine menu offers plenty of reasonably priced regional wines to try. Wine is of course extra, but the staff will label and put your bottle aside so you to enjoy what’s left the following evening with dinner. While we’re free to dine at whatever time we want and with who, Geha always makes sure no one dines alone.
You can also choose to add on one of the many spa treatments to your stay. The Spa has an interesting mix of familiar and not-so-familiar treatments available. The first time, I tried the cryogenic cold chamber because because I couldn’t imagine how it would feel and it was covered by the $50 discount on any spa treatment included in the retreat. LOL. It’s an experience I’ll never forget and still chuckle over. On my most recent visit, I was tempted by, and not disappointed with, the honey detox treatment.
To sum up, you get an excellent instructor and leader, daily yoga, meditation and Gi Gong with a group of lovely people looking to relax, acres of natural beauty, elegant accommodations featuring Swarovski crystal accents, delicious healthy cuisine, themed steam and sauna rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, optional spa treatment and feel like a million the entire time.
- Geha’s online consultations feel like finding a wellspring of pure water flowing in a desert. I was surprised by how intimate, clear and powerful the interaction was even though it was online. I normally avoid technology as much as possible, and prefer in person interaction. But our sessions somehow transcend the limitations that I usually feel to online communication: I feel heard and seen and deeply supported. As a woman and a mother this is of infinite value. Geha’s words are always helpful and easy to integrate and apply to daily life immediately: I walk into my kitchen or go to the grocery store and I know exactly what I need more of in my diet and daily rhythm. This is so helpful!!! And energizing. Her presence radiates grounded wholistic healing. She continually helps me become a happier healthier mama and woman! My whole family is so thankful.
– Rachel Wyatt I always have an unreal experience at Wellness on Whyte. All of the acupuncturists I have worked with are lovely, knowledgeable and very good at what they do. I have and will continue to refer my friends and family. – Amber
I was referred to Geha for acupuncture after suffering from chronic stress, anxiety and headaches for four years. She spent time doing her initial assessment and I felt calm, relaxed and optimistic after my first treatment. I saw her weekly for the first month and then we began to space out the appointments. Fast forward five months and I am doing amazing! I have been to other acupuncturists in the past, but there’s just something about Geha that is unique, special and one of a kind. Thank you so much! – Anonymous
A beautiful space, considerate and competent staff, a really great massage. Parking was easy, Blush Lane market right there for buying a few groceries afterward. What more could you ask for ?! – Karen M.
I have been going to Geha for years and she has always been great! The atmosphere in the spa is welcoming and calming–wonderful experience! I look forward to my treatments at WoW like a kid at xmas! The treatment providers are amazing and I love the full service options such as facials, facial acupuncture, sauna, etc. After using the products and services I can see immediate results with my skin, within my body and, most importantly, my psyche. I have referred countless friends and family to WoW. – Jeneil
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I see Geha regularly for acupuncture, but I have received more than the benefits of acupuncture. Geha has offered me suggestions for lifestyle changes ranging from dietary changes to ways to reduce stress. The holistic treatments she has recommended have helped to increase my energy, improve my digestion, and this year, I did not suffer from seasonal allergies. Her encouragement and advice has made me conscious of the mind-body connection and making consistent healthy choices. – Anonymous
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Every time I come into your space, I love it. It’s never customary – it is always new. – Duncan
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I recently broke out in painful cystic acne and I started seeing Katarzyna for regular facials in hopes of improving my skin. The extractions are not pleasant, and it is still a work in progress, but the results have been great; most of the acne has cleared up and the texture of my skin is smoother. What I appreciate most about Katarzyna is her kindness; she has called me to check on my recovery between treatments and always makes time for follow up appointments. – Anonymous