Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort

 Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort – A Moms’ Getaway Retreat

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre is located on Vancouver Island. For those of us who live in the Vancouver area, it is easily accessible via BC Ferries and even easier to get to if you’re on Vancouver Island. For visitors to either Vancouver or Vancouver Island it’s not only worth a visit to Tigh-Na-Mara it’s an experience that will provide you with lasting memories of a serene and beautiful environment, exquisite food, fabulous amenities and accommodations.

I have so many great moments to share about our mom’s getaway and of course oh so many pictures, too many that I can’t get them all here so I created a lovely PHOTO ALBUM that you can look at HERE

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort

I escaped to the Tigh-Na-Mara with two of my closest friends Tammie and Stacey who are pictured above for a mom’s getaway that was true bliss.

The Tigh-Na-Mara is an all-season seaside resort that is nestled in 22 acres of Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest with some amazing views of the Strait of Georgia and coastal mountains.

Goats on a Roof?!

They are a few minutes from the centre of the town of Parksville, a short drive to Coombs where you can stop to see the famous Goats on a roof in Coombs which you can see one in the photo below! No matter where you’re staying on the resort it’s not a long walk down to Rathtrevor beach where you can sit or walk and enjoy the amazing ocean views, smell the salted air, look at the mountains and so much more.

Moms Need to Get Away

We were three tired moms who are always on the go. In fact, my friend Tammie (the one in red) had just returned from a week-long business trip the evening before we left for our mom’s trip. We were all more than ready for a weekend away to relax and enjoy the company of good friends.

(L to R Tammie, MIchelle (Powered by Mom) and Stacey)

We were booked in two-bedroom spa bungalow which was steps away from you got it the Grotto Spa the onsite spa which also housed the Treetop Tapas & Grill. Our first night we enjoyed dinner in the town of Coombs and then spent the rest of the evening in our lovely cabin enjoying the fireplace. We, of course, enjoyed each other’s company, some wine and then some comfortable beds.

Oceanfront suites at Tigh-Na-Mara

The next morning we had a tasty continental breakfast buffet at the onsite Cedars restaurant. Everything was tasty and fresh, and believe me, if things were up to par these moms aren’t shy to say if they’re not happy with the food or service.

Exploring the beach

After breakfast, it was time to explore the 22 acres that the resort is nestled amongst. Naturally, we went to the beach where we enjoyed breathtaking views, took in the ocean air and just enjoyed walking along the beach. You can sell more of the beach photos HERE but I’ve put a few below for you to enjoy.We spent several hours on the beach and worked up a good appetite. We didn’t know it but we were in for a night of unparalleled pampering and exquisite food at the Grotto Spa which would be followed by our dining experience at the Treetop Tapas & Grill.

Grotto Spa Mineral Pool

First, we enjoyed getting detoxified in their beautiful mineral pool. Don’t you just love the look of it? I was very impressed with how they have thought of everything at the Grotto Spa. From bathrobes to non-slippery flip flops, to the lockers and blow dryers, flat irons and more to do your hair after you’re done! If you don’t have time or didn’t book ahead for a spa treatment you can drop in and pay just to go to the mineral pool, it would be worth it as it’s very relaxing.

Treetop Tapas and Grill

If you can get into the Treetop Tapas it is something you do not want to miss (children 13 years of age & older can go to the spa and Treetop Tapas and Grill when with an adult)! After the pool we enjoyed our spa treatments, for me, it was a facial which I thoroughly enjoyed and according to Stacey and Tammie, I was glowing afterwards.

Tammie and Stacey in front of the Grotto Spa, almost time to head in!

After our treatments and while we waited for our reserved time to get into the Treetop Tapas & Grill you get to sit in their lovely lounge where you can re-hydrate with various water or warm up with coffee and/or tea. We were the first ones to be in the Treetop Tapas and Grill for the evening, so we were brought in and yes you keep wearing our robes. While it might seem weird at first to be seated to eat with robes on trust me you appreciate the robes as time goes on.Cameras and phones are to be left in lockers at all times while in the spa and Treetop Tapas but our lovely hostess Ashlee took a picture for us before anyone else came in. Ashlee explained how it all worked, she would tell us what was in each dish when she brought it out.

The first tapas were brought out and it blew our minds or should I say our taste buds. In fact, EVERY SINGLE food item we had was amazing, I can’t tell you enough how good everything was. There was not a single dish that we did not like.

Here were are the three of us and our amazing hostess Ashlee. I’m so relaxed that I’m tired and you can tell.

Truly Endless Tapas

We had prawns, salmon, halibut, poultry, beef, vegetables, you name it there was a dish made with it but each one was so unique that I would bet money you’ve not had that exact dish anywhere else. The flavours were amazing and the service even more so. Each dish is catered to the number of people at your table and there’s always a constant progression of food being brought out.

It didn’t take long before we started to feel the richness of the food. Tapas can sneak up on you as you think oh these are small servings but all of a sudden you start to feel full. We were getting fuller by the minute but we didn’t want to miss tasting the next amazing dish. We asked Ashlee if everyone does all the courses. Apparently not everyone and even though it’s called “Endless Tapas” the most she’s had people re-order is five more dishes.

This is not what we had but as I couldn’t bring in a camera here are some items they have served and each dish always has enough for everyone at your table.

I can’t remember how many courses there were but it was at least 10. We didn’t make it to the last two which was fruit and cheese and something else. However, we did re-order a prawn dish of which I myself could not indulge again as I was that full. I have a hearty appetite but as try as I might I could not eat everything. Remember the robes? Well, I was thankful to have a loose and comfy robe on when I was so full!I’ve never experienced so many unique dishes where I loved all of them nor eaten so much or been so full, it was a unique experience that is not to be missed at the Tigh-Na-Mara! We are still talking about how much we loved this experience and can’t wait to go back.

We went back to our spa bungalow and enjoyed the rest of the night in and enjoyed all the comforts of the bungalow.

Now don’t take my word for (but really you should) it on how spectacular it is to stay at Tigh-Na-Mara, here’s what Tammie and Stacey had to say:

Testimonials from the Moms

Tammie:

WOW having never been there and having no expectations whatsoever I was truly overwhelmed with the resort from the 2 bedroom comfortable bungalow that we were fortunate to stay in, access to the beach which we took full advantage of, to the spa that was truly amazing; I had the signature pedicure which even today looks like I just had it done!

When you thought it couldn’t get any better along came the endless Tapa’s – wow, simply divine!  I was fortunate to have been invited by a dear friend with whom I have known for over 20 years who knew what I needed before I did, I cannot remember the last time I felt so at home yet I was away from home, the service from everyone we spoke with treated us like royalty and I would sincerely recommend this resort to any and everyone!

Tammie & Michelle

Stacey:

Who doesn’t love a girls getaway, especially when there’s a spa session involved?  I love spending time with my family, but I think it’s also healthy to find time for yourself or with some girlfriends. We stayed in a perfectly cozy and well-appointed 2 bedroom Spa Bungalow for our stay at this beautiful resort.

We had booked our spa packages well in advance of our stay and they were coordinated perfectly! The Grotto Mineral Pool and hot tub were fantastic and set the mood for the indulgent day we had ahead of us. I had the Glacial Clay & Seaweed Body Wrap treatment which was 90 minutes of pure bliss!

We met up after our treatments in the relaxation lounge & enjoyed complimentary coffee, tea, and fresh fruits as we waited for our table at the Treetop Tapas & Grill, where we indulged in the Endless Tapas, the ultimate foodie’s experience!  Tigh-Na-Mara is a beautiful resort and I recommend it to anyone needing a getaway.

Stacey and Michelle

There you have it, we loved it so much that we’re trying to figure out when we can go back! If you’re even a few hours drive away from the Tigh-Na-Mara on Vancouver Island you will want to make the time to visit and stay at this fabulous resort. It simply is not to be missed! I also want to go back with my family and we can bring our dogs as they allow pets in their “rustic cabins”.

When I say rustic it’s an exaggeration as their rustic cabins are so nice. You can see pictures of them on our photo album HERE. They also have pet-sitting services available for an extra fee (so you can go to the spa and your canines are taken care of too!) and can recommend babysitting services for younger children too!

Tigh-Na-Mara an oceanfront experience that is not to be missed!