When the need for pampering becomes an overwhelming priority it’s time to book an experience at the Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville on Vancouver Island.

Any spa worth its’ signature facial can lull you into a semi-blissful state. It takes something truly special to transport you physically and mentally to state of serenity. Tigh-Na-Mara’s Grotto Spa is truly that special.

The Grotto Spa has a full menu of spa delights from which to select including a seaweed and glacial clay pedicure, stone therapy massage and a sea salt exfoliation. But on a gray and dismal afternoon my husband and I found the sunshine hiding inside us with a fun package called “Dip n’ Dine in the Fluff.”

The ‘dip’ is a soothing soak grotto inspired mineral pool with a two-storey waterfall and hot tub. The pool, filled with minerals and trace elements is kept at a just below body temperature of 98 degrees, that eases you into a relaxed frame of mind. You can roam from one temperature to another without ever leaving the Grotto. From the mineral pool you can refresh under an almost glacial shower or move into the bubbling hot tub. That’s the dipping part.

When we had soaked to a finger-puckering state it was time to move onto “dining in the fluff.” After showering and toweling off we donned chenille robes (that’s the fluff) and went to dine in Treetops Tapas & Grill. From the top floor of the spa we looked out over a forest of pine and arbutus trees while ensconced in leather and driftwood chairs. The view alone was enough to feed the soul. But the feast was just beginning.

From a menu of more than thirty selections we would taste and sample a wide range of west coast inspired treats. Treetops approach their tapas menu with an eye to creating a meal from moments. You begin with tastes of various salads. We tried a variation of a Waldorf salad with goat cheese, walnuts and red lettuces and a grilled pear and blue cheese offering with champagne and pineapple vinaigrette. Both were excellent and prettily presented on white plates with tidbits of green scallions and red peppers sprinkled across the plates like confetti. Our salads were accompanied by Mediterranean flatbreads with a trio of spreads made from olives, sun-dried tomatoes and hummus. Spicy Avocado Wontons served with Black Sambuca Cream rounded out our appetizer selections.

For a “main course” we were presented with a Mini-Yorkshire Pudding topped with seared beef drizzled with a horseradish and grainy mustard sauce. A tenderloin of pork with a squash and walnut risotto was next. Thank goodness, Aaron, our knowledgeable yet unobtrusive, waiter kept the plates coming and going with a choreographed ease.

It was hard to believe we had room for dessert, but we did. A warm apple, pear and blueberry cobbler, chocolate cheesecake, almond and hazelnut meringues and a pineapple mille feuille pastry with Chantilly cream were presented for our pleasure. All were terrific but we both agreed the cobbler reigned supreme.

The delight of the tapas approach to meals is the small portion concept. Sample as many portions as you care to choose, and then linger over them with a glass of wine and good conversation. For those who like to insist “you must try this” tapas should be the meal of choice. Treetops Chef James Tripe has created an amazing array of tastes to sample, which is why the restaurant will let you select “endless tapas” option.

This slow-paced meal was the perfect finish to our soothing mineral soak. The atmosphere was peaceful, relaxing and the very essence of the west coast in its décor.

Of course Tigh-Na-Mara (www.tigh-na-mara.com or www.grottospa.com) offers much more than just the Grotto Spa, it’s one of the largest resorts on Vancouver Island. But if you only have time to a short break, try the “Dip n’ Dine in the Fluff “and discover just how delightful an afternoon or evening can be.