Wellness Centre at The Balcomo
The Balcomo Wellness Centre is the only hotel wellness facility in Penticton — and one of the most complete wellness experiences available at any hotel in the Okanagan Valley. Spanning 2,200 square feet at the heart of our 2-acre courtyard, the Wellness Centre was designed for guests who want more from a hotel stay than a gym and a pool. Whether you’re here for a full wellness retreat, recovering from a long week, or simply curious about cold plunge therapy after hearing about it everywhere, this is the place. The facility includes a cedar sauna, cold plunge pool (maintained at 10–15°C), indoor hot tub (38–40°C), Himalayan salt room yoga and Pilates studio, and a meditation and relaxation room. All included with your stay. No spa booking required. Guests travel from Kelowna, Vancouver, and across British Columbia specifically to use the Wellness Centre at The Balcomo. Many book for two nights and wish they’d booked three.
Contrast therapy (moving between heat and cold) is one of the most effective and evidence-supported wellness practices available. Used by professional athletes, wellness practitioners, and increasingly by everyday travellers seeking real recovery, it’s the cornerstone of the Balcomo Wellness Centre experience.The combination of our cedar sauna, cold plunge pool, and indoor hot tub gives you everything you need for a full contrast therapy circuit in one facility. No other hotel in Penticton can say that.
Cold Plunge Pool
Start or reset your day with an energizing dip. Cold therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, support immunity, and boost mental clarity. Cold plunging is more than a trend, it’s a time-tested practice that awakens the body and sharpens the mind. This pure form of hydrotherapy boosts circulation, enhances immunity, and naturally elevates mood and energy levels. As your body adapts to the chill, stress hormones decrease and resilience builds physically and mentally. Though rooted in frosty Nordic traditions, this ritual finds new life here in our calming wellness sanctuary, offering a refreshing reset whenever you need it most.
Sauna
Relax tired muscles, encourage detoxification, and promote a deep sense of calm. The dry warmth of our sauna enhances skin health and supports restful sleep.
Hot Tub
Soothe your body in warm, circulating water designed to ease tension and encourage total-body relaxation. For thousands of years, people have gathered in warm spaces to heal, connect, and reflect.
How to Do Contrast Therapy at The Balcomo
Basic Contrast Cycle (Repeat 2–3 Times)
1. Sauna or Hot Tub – 10–15 minutes
Warm your body fully. You should feel relaxed, your skin should be flushed, and you may start to sweat. Goal: Open blood vessels, increase circulation, and relax muscles.
2. Cold Plunge – 1–3 minutes
Submerge up to your shoulders if comfortable, and focus on slow, deep breathing.Beginners can start with 30 seconds and work up to 2–3 minutes over time. Goal: Close blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and activate the nervous system.
3. Rest & Recover – 5–10 minutes
Use the Relaxation Room or lounge. Hydrate with water or herbal tea. Reflect, journal, or simply breathe. Goal: Allow your body to rebalance before the next cycle.
Suggested Full Session Timing (Approx. 45–60 minutes)
• Round 1: 10 minutes sauna ➝ 2 minutes cold plunge ➝ 5 minutes rest
• Round 2: 10 minutes hot tub ➝ 2 minutes cold plunge ➝ 5–10 minutes rest
• Optional Round 3: Sauna or hot tub again ➝ Short plunge ➝ Final rest
Tips for a Great Experience:
• Hydrate before, during, and after.
• Listen to your body. Start slow and don’t push past your comfort.
• End cold. Finishing with a cold plunge can leave you feeling energized and refreshed.
• Combine with breathwork or gratitude journaling to deepen the calming effect.
The quieter side of the Wellness Centre, and for many guests, the part they didn’t know they needed until they arrived. The Himalayan salt room at The Balcomo doubles as a yoga and Pilates studio, with rotating instructor-led classes available soon alongside space for independent practice. The meditation and relaxation room is a technology-free zone designed for journalling, stillness, breathwork, or simply doing nothing (something most of us don’t allow ourselves often enough). Indoor and outdoor lounge areas give you space to decompress between sessions. The salt room and relaxation space are open to guests 18 and over unless privately booked.
Meditation & Relaxation Room
A tranquil space to reset. Journal your goals, reflect on gratitude, or simply be still. Ideal for quiet mornings or end-of-day unwinding.
Yoga & Pilates Salt Studio
Our bright and calming studio offers space for personal practice, or join us for rotating instructor-led classes in gentle yoga, Pilates, breathwork, and stretching.
Indoor & Outdoor Lounges
Linger longer post-treatment or between sessions. Sip herbal tea, read a book, or enjoy the view of our courtyard gardens.
Our Mindful Movement & Stillness Cycle
Total Time: 60–90 Minutes
A balanced journey through movement, breath, and introspection.
1. Ground & Breathe – Relaxation Room (10–15 min)
• Begin with 5 minutes of mindful breathing or guided meditation.
• Reflect on your intention for the session or your day.
• Journal or sit quietly with a cup of herbal tea.
Focus: Arrive fully. Let the outside world pause.
2. Move & Flow – Salt Studio (30–45 min)
• Do a yoga or Pilates class in our mineral-rich Salt Studio.
• Breathe deeply and let the salt-infused air support your lungs and energy.
• If solo, follow a self-guided stretch or mobility session using props provided.
Focus: Open the body, move with breath, and feel renewed.
3. Reflect & Reset – Relaxation Room (10–20 min)
• Return to stillness.
• Journal: What did I feel? What do I need today?
• Practice 3–5 minutes of gratitude.
• Optional: Use affirmation or goal cards for inspiration.
Focus: Seal in calm and carry intention forward into your day.
Optional Enhancements:
• Add a cold plunge or hot tub session before or after movement.
• Enjoy a light snack or infused water to rehydrate.
• Combine with contrast therapy for a full-body reset experience.
Our lush, 2-acre courtyard is a key part of your wellness experience. Start your day with a peaceful walk among the gardens, a 15 minute walk to Okanagan Lake or venture out for a 7 km walk to Skaha Lake. Let nature support your healing and calm.
• Comfortable clothing for movement or lounging
• Water bottle and journal (if you like to write)
• Swimsuit for hot tub and plunge pool use
• Openness to unwind, recharge, and reconnect
The Wellness Centre Salt Room and Relaxation Room is open exclusively to Balcomo hotel guests during the following hours:
Morning session: 6:30AM – 9AM
Afternoon and evening session: 4PM – 10PM
Private bookings: 9AM – 4PM (contact reception to enquire)
The Yoga & Pilates Salt Studio and Meditation & Relaxation Room are available to guests aged 18 and over, unless the space is privately booked for a group or retreat.
To book a private wellness session, a corporate retreat, or a group experience at The Balcomo Wellness Centre, contact us at hello@balcomo.com or call (250) 492-8926.
