Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort: A Tranquil Oasis on Vancouver Island

Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Spa Review: Vancouver Island

Looking for the best hotel in the central Vancouver Island area? Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is the most amazing resort to stay for your next trip to the island.

This hidden gem property offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, a large variety of amenities, and impeccable service, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a rejuvenating escape. The Grotto Spa, which is famous in Canada, was my personal favorite part of the stay at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort.

LOCATION: 10/10

Situated in the heart of Parksville, Vancouver Island, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is surrounded by lush forests and the soothing sound of the ocean waves. This prime location provides you with easy access to the region's stunning beaches, hiking trails, and charming local attractions.

From the resort, we will able to walk directly to the beach and even see whales and Orcas out in the water! Located on the center part of the island, he location couldn’t be a better base for all of the amazing things to do on Vancouver Island.

Here are the top 5 things to do in the Parksville area near the resort:

1. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park: this is within walking distance on the beach from the resort!

2. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park: this is my absolute favorite waterfall on the entire island

3. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park: another beautiful waterfall

4. Take a day trip to Tofino/Ucluelet (click here for the top 10 things to do in this area)

5. Take a day trip to the Cambell River area

ROOMS + AMENITIES: 10/10

Our oceanfront view suite was one of the best rooms I’ve stayed in, in a long time! I highly recommend reserving this type of room when booking at Tigh-Na-Mara. The resort also offers pet-friendly rustic log cottages and spa bungalows.

The views from our private balcony were incredible and we watched the most amazing sunrise and sunset from up there. I also loved the bath tub and the high ceilings in the room were awesome. Waking up to the sound of the ocean outside of our window was also a special treat.

the grotto spa: 10/10

One of the standout features of staying at Tigh-Na-Mara is the award-winning Grotto Spa, one of the best spas in all of Canada!

The Grotto Spa offers a range of treatments, from therapeutic massages to rejuvenating facials. I did the massage and it was extremely relaxing! The mineral pool was also nice to soak in before my treatment and I highly recommend spending some time in the Grotto before any treatment you do.

Something that really brought the WOW factor at the spa was the endless tapas dining experience at the spa. We enjoyed 14+ courses of delicious tapas while overlooking the trees. Dining while still wearing my robe and spa sandals was certainly a treat. My favorite dishes were the unique and crunchy kale salad, and the desserts. At the end of the experience, they also ask you if you want to get another dish again which makes it unlimited.

It was one of the most unique dining experiences I have ever had! Warning though that you will be very stuffed by the end of the day but it is 100% worth it. If you eat at the Treetop Tapas & Grill and add this onto your spa day, you won’t regret it.

Overall, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort needs to be added to your bucket list for your next trip to Vancouver Island! Whether you're seeking a romantic retreat, a family getaway, or a solo escape, Tigh Na Mara caters to every group of travelers with a touch of coastal charm.

From the moment you arrive at Tigh Na Mara Seaside Spa Resort, you'll find yourself transported to a nature lovers paradise where you can relax and enjoy your time on the island.

Best Place To Stay in North Cascades National Park: Sun Mountain Lodge Review

Sun Mountain Lodge Review: Winthrop, Washington

Welcome to a paradise tucked away in the heart of the Pacific Northwest – Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, Washington. This enchanting destination offers an unforgettable experience that combines stunning natural beauty, a wide range of activities, and luxurious amenities. If you're seeking a perfect getaway, especially when visiting North Cascades National Park, look no further. Here's why Sun Mountain Lodge deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!

LOCATION: 10/10

With North Cascades National Park at your fingertips, the location here is excellent. The town of Winthrop which is about 15 minutes down the hill, is a fun cowboy town that has cute shops and restaurants.

Sun Mountain Lodge is located on top of a hill that allows you to look into valleys and see other mountain ranges in the distance, which is gorgeous.

Activites: 10/10

From horseback riding to kayaking to a special Cowboy dinner, Sun Mountain Lodge has an abundance of activities that will keep you busy during your stay.

Horseback Riding:

This was my favorite activity I did while staying at Sun Mountain Lodge! The guided trail ride was excellent and we were taken through forests, meadows, and to a beautiful overlook of the mountains. It was my first time horseback riding so I was a bit nervous, but they made me feel comfortable and explained everything perfectly for safety and comfort.

Kayaking on Lake Patterson:

Kayaking on the property was such a great experience! Super easy to get in the water and we had the lake all to ourselves. There was an Eagles nest which was really cool to see from the kayak. I would recommend going kayaking in the morning because this lake can get pretty breezy in the afternoon. You can also go fly fishing on the lake as well!

Cowboy Dinner:

If you are staying at Sun Mountain Lodge, you must go to the special Cowboy dinner that they put on! It was such a wonderful evening where they take you in a horse-drawn carriage to a beautiful spot in the woods. There you enjoy wonderful comfort food and live music. The company was excellent and the blueberry cobbler pie at the end was to die for!

Once you are done with dinner, they take you back in the carriage and drop you off at the hotel entrance. This was a magical experience and I highly recommend it for all ages!

AMENITIES: 10/10

Sun Mountain Lodge has two outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs which are great ways to unwind, especially after a long day of activities and/or hiking in the national park. There are also an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails right on the property which was very cool.

Pro tip- go in the hot tub at night and look up to see all of the amazing stars above!

food: 10/10

We found the food on the property to be excellent, so much so that we didn’t even go into Winthrop to get food during the trip. There were a variety of options on the menus and we were very happy with the quality of the food and the service in the restaurants on property.

Dining Room:

Had an absolutely wonderful dinner at the Dining Room in Sun Mountain Lodge. The food was incredible and the filet mignon was the best my boyfriend had in a very long time! We also enjoyed the strawberry burrata appetizer and the chocolate cake for dessert was delicious. Whether if you’re staying at the lodge or not, I definitely recommend eating at the dining room for a nice dinner.

Wolf Creek Bar & Grill:

The Wolf Creek Bar & Grill which is also on the property was a great lunch spot! We got the charcuterie board and the mac and cheese. Both were delicious and it was a great place to fuel up before more outdoor activities.

summary:

Overall, Sun Mountain Lodge is a hidden gem in Washington that needs to be added to any outdoor and nature enthusiast’s bucket list. Especially being so close to North Cascades National Park, this is a perfect destination. I had such a wonderful stay and loved the town of Winthrop as well.

Flanigans Resort and Spa: The Best Hotel near Zion National Park

Flanigans Resort and Spa Review: Springdale, Utah

Looking for the best place to stay near Zion National Park? Flanigans Resort and Spa is the place to be! This was my favorite place to stay during my Utah trip and I couldn’t recommend it any more. Linked here is a video that captured my experience staying at this beautiful property.

Flannigans Resort and Spa is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty. With its idyllic location near the stunning Zion National Park, this resort provides a rejuvenating retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

LOCATION: 10/10

Located just outside of Zion National Park in Springdale, this resort is within walking distance from the town and cute restaurants. It’s also a couple of minutes drive from the entrance to the park. The location is perfect for anyone wanting to go into the National Park. This made it super easy to get into the park without having to deal with the traffic on a busy day. The location couldn’t be any perfect!

SERVICE: 10/10

The front desk was extremely helpful and also knowledgeable about the area. They gave us tips of where to eat and explore during our trip. They also told us about the complimentary wellness events that they have every day at the resort.

Whenever we needed something, they were always on top of it.

AMENITIES: 10/10

The pool, spa, labyrinth, and restaurant were all incredible! This resort has it all and then some. The pool was extremely relaxing, especially after a long day of hiking.

I personally loved the spa and got a Deep Canyon CBD massage which was incredible, especially after the long days of hiking. The pool area was beautiful and had a gorgeous view of the mountains of Zion.

on-site Restaurant: 10/10

The restaurant, Spotted Dog Cafe, had incredible views of Zion National Park and the food was delicious. What made the restaurant so wonderful as well was the amazing service!

The food was incredible: I got the pesto pasta and the lemon cake for dessert. Even if you aren’t staying at the resort, you must try the Spotted Dog Cafe!

OVERALL RATING: 10/10

If you are looking for a boutique hotel that has it all and is super close to Zion National Park, this is the place for you!

Flannigans Resort and Spa in Springdale, Utah, is a sanctuary of serenity and natural beauty. With its prime location near Zion National Park and an array of services and amenities, this resort offers an unforgettable experience for every guest. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, relaxation in a luxurious spa, or simply want to bask in the splendor of nature, Flannigans Resort and Spa is the perfect destination for a remarkable getaway. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the wonders of Springdale and Zion National Park.