Brenda Gough
News Contributor
Ten years in business is enough to celebrate in itself, but in the ever-evolving spa market it is a major milestone and the Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort will be marking this special occasion in a big way.
The Grotto Spa's peaceful and private setting in Parksville is home to one of the most inspiring, innovative and luxurious spas in Canada.
March 2013 marks the 10 year anniversary of the spa and to celebrate this milestone the Grotto Spa will be holding a diamond solitaire give-away to express its thanks for the community support.
Spa director Paulina Alexander pointed out that the diamond is the symbol used to commemorate a 10-year anniversary, so they want to offer the public a chance to win one.
Beginning in February and running until March 11 guests who enjoy any of Tigh-Na-Mara's on-site resort amenities can enter to win.
There will also be treatment specials and offers throughout their anniversary month.
On March 12, the spa will cut their 10-year birthday cake and toast their success. That will also be the day they draw the name of the lucky guest who will win the bling.
After operating for a decade in Parksville, the West Coast-inspired sanctuary continues to be recognized in the industry as a leader, with many designations awarded over the years, including the Number One spa in Western Canada for the past five years by Spas of America and eighth overall in North America.
Alexander said the Grotto Spa is very proud of its achievements and their team and she said it takes a lot of work to maintain their world class standards and stay current in an industry that demands perfection on many levels.
"Every year we want to make sure our guest satisfaction is continually improving and we look to our guests for their feedback to find out which treatments they like," she noted.
She said this year they have launched a new website, a new spa treatment menu and a seasonal Tree Top Tapas and Grill menu in their ongoing efforts to stay on top.
"We have been listening to our guests and formulating which treatments they like and want to see more of and this all culminates with our 10 year anniversary."
The Grotto Mineral Pool was closed from January 2 to 11 for rejuvenation. The 2,500 square foot pool will re-open at the end of the month.
More than $100,000 has been re-invested into the spa, including the newly-renovated nail-care room, which now boasts fantastic new pedicure chairs.
"Our guests want to be pampered and we want to make sure we provide the best equipment we can for our treatments," Alexander said.
As they continue to strive to be one of the top spas in their category, the Grotto Spa believes in offering guest experiences that go beyond the expected and provide therapies that invigorate the body and restore the spirit.
Alexander said their goal is to ensure an incomparable level of service and attention to detail, encouraging guests to return time-and-time again.
As they approach their 10 year anniversary, they not only look back with pride, they look forward to an even more prosperous future.