Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort – Girls Island Getaway

Continuing our Girls Island Getaway in beautiful Parksville and Qualicum, Keira and I checked into the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort for two days and a luxurious night of pampering.

The Tigh-Na-Mara Resort features seaside condos for rent, log cabin cottages, and bungalows near the Grotto Spa. Our room was in the Ballenas condo facing the water and I must say, our photos don’t do this breathtaking view justice.

After checking in we hit the Grotto for a soak in their 2500 mineral pool, which is fed by cascading waterfalls. The entire spa area is a “robe and sandal” zone, so you can wander from the pool to the treatment rooms on the second floor, and the Treetop Tapas & Grill restaurant in comfort.

Once we explored (and took advantage of) the mineral pool, we were invited up to the third floor to enjoy the Treetop’s endless tapas feature. Since Keira is a vegetarian I was able to enjoy a few more dishes however I was also very very full by the time the last course arrived.

Roasted Shallot and Portobello Mushroom – Pan-seared Spinach, Buttermilk Dressing
Antipasto – Roasted Stem Artichokes & Marinated Olives
Baby Buffalo Mozzarella – Roma Tomato, Basil, Salsa Verde
Warm Green Bean & Red Potato Salad – Hazelnut & Dijon Vinaigrette
Grilled Flatbread, Caramelized Red Onions, Goat Cheese, Smoky Bacon Lardons

Caramelized, Tequila-infused Prawn and Scallop – Cherry Essence
Smoked Applewood Cheddar Risotto – Opal Basil, Zucchini Chips
Steamed Local Halibut – Citrus Scented Asperagus, Blood Orange Oil
Wild Pacific Salmon Kebob – Honey & Lime

Marinated Lamb Sirloin – Spiced Eggplant Ragout, Minted Yogurt
Grilled Chorizo & Fried Sweet Potato – Mustard & Roasted Tomato Aioli
Baked Saltspring Island Mussels – Tomato Sautee, Garlic & Reggiano
Yam, Leek & Blue Cheese Tart – Dressed Greens

Dessert consisted of creme caramel, a red velvet cupcake, and chocolate mousse.

From floor to ceiling the Grotto Spa offers a relaxed environment with soothing music, a relaxation lounge, plenty of refreshments (such as tea, water, and fruit) and all the amenities a girl could ask for in the dressing rooms.

We returned the next day for another soak in the mineral pool followed by the Pacific Body Balancing Treatment. This included a sea salt scrub, a thermal clay wrap, a hydrating facial, and finally a body butter massage. To say I felt calm and relaxed afterward would be an understatement. The staff at the spa were all very friendly, helpful, and made sure we had the very best time.

I’m looking forward to returning some day, either on another Girls Getaway or with John — as long as we can land us one of the spa bungalows preferably with those copper soaker tubs I heard about.

Nestled between towering firs and limbering arbutus trees on the shores of the Pacific ocean, the Grotto at Tigh-Na-Mara is the ultimate West Coast spa experience.

This week will feature a series of posts about our Girls Island Getaway adventures. My photos will be available on Flickr and you can also read Keira’s posts over on her site.