Cozy yet chic log cabins, a private beach, a fancy spa and a dining experience where the tapas don’t stop and you get to eat in your bathrobe? Welcome to Tigh Na Mara Resort & Spa!
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre is a beachfront accommodation in Parksville, BC on Vancouver Island. I’ve been lucky enough to visit this resort twice over the last couple of years.
Both times I stayed on property for a couple of nights and indulged in the pools, spa treatments and Tigh Na Mara restaurants. I wiggled my toes in the sand of their private beach and almost thought about using the fitness centre…
Tigh Na Mara is one of those places I’d heard about for years and was so excited to finally visit in 2022. I clearly had a good time, because I went back in 2024 with my husband, Colin, for our babymoon!
Both visits were fully paid for and Tigh Na Mara did not know I’d be reviewing my stay. My review is 100% unbiased as this post is not sponsored (though there are affiliate links below).
I would say Tigh Na Mara does live up to the hype and is a great choice if you’re looking for a spa trip. There’s enough to do on the property to enjoy a couple of nights without needing to go anywhere.
But not all aspects of the resort, the spa or the restaurants are worth it. If you’re not planning for a full day at the spa, I’d save your money and stay elsewhere. I’ll dive more into why in my full review below.
Keep reading to hear about my entire experience at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, including staying on the property, using the spa and facilities, and dining in the restaurants.
Find out what’s worth it (and what’s not) and if you should book your own stay!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Quick details on Tigh-Na-Mara
- What is it? Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is a hotel in Parksville BC with an adjoining spa, The Grotto Spa, known for its pools and tapas dining.
- Where is it? Tigh Na Mara is in Parksville, BC on Vancouver Island.
- How do I get there? From Downtown Vancouver you would drive to North Vancouver (30 mins) and take the ferry to Nanaimo (2 hours). It’s then a 30 minute drive to Tigh Na Mara. Alternatively if you’re coming from Victoria, it’s a two hour drive.
- What does “tigh na mara” mean? It means “house by the sea” in Gaelic.
Already sold? Book your stay at Tigh Na Mara Resort here!
My Tigh Na Mara spa experience
I’ve experienced the Tigh Na Mara spa twice (lucky me!), enjoying the Grotto pools, a massage, a facial and their famous endless tapas dining.
To me, the biggest selling point of the resort is booking in at the spa!
The Grotto pools
I tried out the Grotto pools at Tigh-Na-Mara in 2022, before their renovation. And then my husband, Colin, got to try them out during our babymoon in September 2024, after the renovation.
(Since I was pregnant during our Sep ’24 visit, I was advised to skip the heated mineral pools!)
I thought the pools were nice in 2022. I remember there being lots of space, the temperature was nice and the indoor cave vibe was funky.
Keep in mind, photos are not allowed inside The Grotto. In fact, cameras/cell phones are not supposed to be used in the spa at all.
The Grotto (back in 2022 and now post-renovation) includes a Mineral Pool, Whirlpool and Cool Splash Waterfall. There is also water to drink, as the pools can be dehydrating.
Following the renovation, there’s now an outdoor area of The Grotto complete with cedar barrel saunas, outdoor showers, a garden patio, relaxation lounge and complimentary refreshments.
Sadly, I didn’t get to try these things out, but my husband did and he enjoyed them!
I snuck a quick picture at the entrance of the pools before stashing my phone away
To be honest, just The Grotto itself isn’t worth the price tag to me – $115 CAD/$82 USD per person for two-hour access as of May 2025.
I’m not someone who would ever spend two hours just soaking in a pool and I don’t really get the sauna hype (sorry, Scandinavia!).
The Grotto Pools remind me a little bit of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, but without the neon blue water and volcanic setting. Entrance to the Blue Lagoon is actually cheaper than entrance to the Grotto Pools – and it includes a mud mask and a drink!
However, The Grotto is part of the entire Tigh-Na-Mara spa experience. Unless you have a good reason (like a medical note or you’re pregnant), you are required to purchase The Grotto pools experience if you also want to book a spa treatment or dining.
If you’re planning on a full spa day in Parksville, The Grotto is a really nice way to start or end that. These are some nice pools! I think they make a great addition to a spa treatment or dining experience.
But if you’re only planning to hit The Grotto? Personally, I’d save my money and do something else.
The Tigh-Na-Mara change rooms
Did you even go on a girls’ spa weekend if you didn’t take a bathroom selfie?
I have to shout out the change rooms at Tigh Na Mara, as they are part of the whole spa experience. They were also updated during the recent renovation!
When you arrive, you’ll be given a pair of slippers and brought to your locker in the change room. This locker is activated with a code, so no need to keep track of a key.
Inside your locker you’ll find a big plush robe. You’re instructed to wear your robe and slippers throughout the spa – even in the tapas dining room!
The robes come in many sizes and seem to be quite inclusive (I think I saw up to a 4X). Our robes were already in our lockers for us, so I’m not sure if the front desk brings you to a locker with a robe they think will fit you or if it’s just random.
But if your robe is too big or small, simply ask for another!
The lockers in the change room, post-renovation
Inside the change room there are private shower stalls, private change rooms and private toilets. There are lots of counters with sinks as well as vanities with all the amenities – hair dryers, hairspray, flat irons, q-tips, pads, spray deodorant, etc.
And of course, the showers are stocked with shampoo, conditioner and body wash. You really only need to bring your bathing suit – they provide the rest!
And speaking of bathing suits, they even have a little fast drying machine that you can put your bathing suit in after the pools so you don’t have to leave with a sopping wet suit. So handy!
Tigh Na Mara spa treatments
As I shared above, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy two spa treatments at the Tigh Na Mara Grotto Spa. I had a facial during my 2022 trip and a massage during my 2024 trip.
The facial was very nice and relaxing, though a little more intense on my blackheads than I would’ve liked.
The products used were all really lovely and my esthetician wrote down what she used. I could then go to the spa shop and pick up any products I wanted to purchase.
This is the treatment room where I had my facial
When Colin and I went in 2024, we enjoyed a couple’s massage. It was fun to be in the same room and to share the experience.
The whole thing was very relaxing. I enjoyed all of the scented products and warm towels that were used. There was also a big tub in the room, but we hadn’t added on a soaking treatment so didn’t get to use it.
As I was pregnant at the time, they were able to offer me a safe prenatal massage with a special pillow on the table to accommodate my belly.
Both the facial and massage I had at the Tigh Na Mara spa were very enjoyable and indulgent. Were they the absolute best facial and massage I’ve ever had? Honestly, they might have been. If not, they’re up there!
Of course, this being a fancy spa, they were expensive. Note that there’s also 15% gratuity and 5% GST added to spa treatment prices.
The good news if you have health benefits through work/insurance is that Tigh Na Mara does offer RMT (registered massage therapist) massages.
You have to request an RMT ahead of time and their rate is higher than a non-RMT massage. Don’t forget to get a receipt to submit to your insurance. (We actually lost our receipt but I called and they were able to email us a copy – phew!)
In addition to facials and massages, Tigh Na Mara also offers a couple’s bath soak, body cleanse/exfoliation, manicures and pedicures, and hair salon services.
Pro tip if you want to enjoy the spa? Look into Tigh Na Mara packages. They often offer special rates and deals, especially if you’re visiting in the off-season or mid-week.
Grotto Spa lounge
Before heading into the dining room for our endless tapas lunch, Colin and I relaxed in the lounge.
We had scheduled our day so we had 30 minutes between our massages and tapas dining reservation – perfect for enjoying the lounge and not feeling rushed.
I would recommend giving yourself some buffer time between spa appointments, as that gives you time to change or use the restroom and make the most of the lounge.
The lounge has complimentary snacks and drinks. I loved their trail mix and Victoria Fog (a play on a London Fog) tea. They also have heartier snacks and specialty drinks available for purchase.
Endless tapas dining
Tigh Na Mara’s Treetop Tapas & Grill boasts a “culinary experience unlike any other in Canada.”
The experience? A Chef’s Tasting Menu that highlights local, seasonal foods and ingredients, with the menu changing throughout the year.
When Colin and I went in September 2024, it was very seafood focused, which we loved.
Once you’ve worked your way through the entire tasting menu, you’re welcome to re-order any favourite dishes. That’s why they call it endless tapas dining!
But be warned, it is A LOT of food – about 10 small dishes. Both times I’ve been, I’ve only had enough room to re-order one or two dishes. So arrive hungry!
From the lounge, Colin and I were shown to our table in the dining room. It’s kind of funny to be eating fancy food while in bath robes and sandals, but everyone is dressed the same, so you won’t stand out!
Our menu in September 2024 was centred around Pacific seafood and seasonal berries. It also included some fancy touches like foams and a leek ash tuille – aka things Colin and I very rarely find on UberEats!
My favourite dishes were the focaccia bread with olive oil and blueberry balsamic, seared tuna with blackberries three ways, scallops with bacon jam, sous vide halibut, and the deconstructed raspberry shortcake with gelato.
From my April 2022 experience, I still remember the delicious plate of beet cream cheese and smoked salmon!
My favourite dish from my 2022 experience!
Treetop Tapas & Grill seems to be able to cater to different dietary requirements – though I’d recommend confirming your specific dietary needs when you make your reservation.
A table behind us was eating vegetarian and received modified versions of the menu. Because I was pregnant in 2024, they offered me a different version of a dish that used raw fish.
Note that the dining experience is only available if you also book the Grotto Spa. Unfortunately, you cannot come to Tigh Na Mara just for the tapas dining (I wish!).
As of May 2025, Dip & Dine (which includes access to the Grotto pools and the endless tapas dining experience) costs $210 CAD/$150 USD per person.
It’s also worth noting that drinks are not included in the price of tapas dining. We decided “in for a penny, in for a pound” and splurged on a glass of wine for Colin and a fancy pomegranate juice for me.
Overall, the tapas dining at Tigh Na Mara was delicious! It’s not the kind of food or dining experience that I have often, so it’s fun to splurge every now and then.
It was especially cool to try so many different dishes and enjoy local ingredients. I love that the menu changes seasonally, so you can always try something new whenever you visit.
While expensive, I do think the tapas dining at Tigh-Na-Mara is worth it. It’s very unique and not something you’d be able to replicate at another restaurant. It’s probably my favourite part of the entire Tigh Na Mara experience.
It’s also a very fun way to start or end your spa day!
Staying at the Tighnamara Hotel
Not only have I enjoyed the Tigh-Na-Mara Grotto Spa on two occasions but I’ve also gotten to stay on-property at the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort.
There are a number of different accommodation options at Tigh Na Mara. If you want to stay in the Tighnamara Hotel, there are Oceanview Suites by the (you guessed it) ocean or Jedidiah Studios in a building in the middle of the resort.
There are also Rustic Cottages throughout the resort grounds and Spa Bungalows closer to The Grotto Spa. These are stand-alone buildings with private patios, living areas, kitchen and dining areas, etc. And some are pet-friendly!
In addition to accommodation, there are a ton of other facilities and amenities at Tigh Na Mara Resort.
There’s a pool, fitness centre, basketball court, tennis court, a beach with ocean access (with a fire pit and snack shack!), Kids Club, playground, BBQ area, laundry room, bike rentals, paddleboard rentals and EV charging.
They also have a restaurant and lounge on site (not the same restaurant as the endless tapas dining), as well as a conference centre for events and weddings. Of course, there’s also the Grotto Spa!
Duplex Cottage Studio at Tigh Na Mara Resort 
Duplex Cottage Studio bathroom
When we visited in Sep 2024, we stayed in a Duplex Cottage Studio.
I was surprised at how spacious it was for a studio. It had a nice big bed, comfortable couch, huge TV, wood-burning fireplace, large bathroom and an outdoor patio with chairs and a picnic table.
As part of the Rustic Cottages, it definitely had a log cabin feel, but in an elevated way. It didn’t feel old or dirty at all. It was also very convenient to be able to park right in front of our cottage.
As this was a studio, there wasn’t a full kitchen or dining area, but there was a nice sitting area indoors, plus the outdoor table.
When I visited Tighnamara in 2022, we stayed in a Spa Bungalow and did have a full kitchen, larger living area and two separate bedrooms. We were a group of four, so that space worked great for us.
Living room in the Spa Bungalow at Tigh Na Mara Resort 
Spa Bungalow kitchen
In addition to the Grotto Spa, I’ve also tried out the pool and headed down to the beach at Tigh Na Mara. The pool was nothing special but I loved walking along the beach, which was never crowded. Colin and I even took photos with our ultrasound down there!
We paid $307 CAD ($221 USD) per night in the Duplex Cottage Studio in September 2024.
For the room itself, while it was lovely, I think this price is a bit steep, especially considering we were outside of peak summer (though only by a couple of weeks).
However, when you add in all of the other amenities available at Tighnamara, like the private beach, plus being able to walk over to the Grotto Spa, it starts to become much more worth it.
Book your stay at Tigh Na Mara Resort here!
Another option would be to stay at a cheaper hotel in Parksville, or even Nanaimo, and just drive over to Tigh Na Mara Resort for a spa day.
Here are a few well-rated hotels in Parksville that are a short drive from the spa at Tigh Na Mara, but more affordable than staying on property:
Though there’s something extra relaxing about being able to walk back to your room or along the beach after a day at the spa if you do stay at the resort – plus you can drink wine with your tapas dining and not have to worry about driving!
Spa Bungalow
Dining at the Tigh Na Mara restaurant
When most people talk about dining at the Tigh Na Mara restaurant, they’re referencing the famous endless tapas at the Treetop Tapas & Grill inside the Grotto Spa. A reminder that you can only book this if you’re also booking in at the Grotto Pools.
If you missed it, check out my full review on that dining experience above (spoiler alert: I loved it!).
However, Tigh Na Mara also has their own restaurant as part of the resort and not connected to the spa. Cedars Restaurant & Lounge is open for breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner. You can dine-in or take-out to your room.
Colin and I decided to have breakfast at Cedars before our spa day, mostly because we were given a $30 dining credit when we checked in. I went for the smoked salmon benny and Colin got a breakfast bowl.
Overall, I’d say our Cedars breakfast experience was just fine. My smoked salmon was fresh, but the whole dish was overly salty. Colin’s bowl was good but the eggs were over-poached. Both dishes would’ve benefitted from some greens!
The Cedars dining room was pretty quiet when we were there and didn’t seem to offer a ton in terms of atmosphere. Maybe it’s a different story when it’s busier.
All to say, I wouldn’t go out of your way to dine at Cedars. It is convenient if you’re staying at Tigh Na Mara, especially since they open early and close late.
The food is okay but not wow (granted, we did only have the one meal there, so maybe other menu items are better). But if you’re looking for a guaranteed wow, you need to book in for the endless tapas at the Grotto Spa next door.
And since many of the suites at Tigh Na Mara have cooking facilities, plus the communal barbecues, you might be better off cooking your own meals instead of dining at Cedars.
Overall, is the Tigh Na Mara Resort worth it?
Taking babymoon photos on the Tigh Na Mara beach
I’ve visited Tigh Na Mara Resort twice in the last couple of years years, staying on property, enjoying the resort facilities and going to the spa both times.
I really enjoyed both of my visits. It’s nice to stay in one of their upscale log cabins, walk along the private beach, and indulge in a spa day that includes endless tapas dining.
If you want to splurge on a full day or weekend at Tigh Na Mara, enjoying the Grotto Spa and all of the amenities at the resort, I think it’s worth it.
To me, the major appeal of Tigh Na Mara Seaside Resort is the Grotto Spa. And not just the pools, but also booking a treatment and doing the endless tapas dining (the best part!).
If you’re not going to book in at the spa, I’d save your money and stay elsewhere. While the beach is nice, there are other private and public beaches in Parksville. Plus the restaurant and pool at Tigh Na Mara are nothing to write home about.
Or, as I mentioned above, you could stay somewhere else in Parksville and just come for the spa. Look out for package deals on their website to get the most bang for your buck.
I’d love to know: Would you want to stay at Tigh Na Mara Resort in Parksville, BC?
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