The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara has regained its title as number one spa in Canada.
Spas of America, a popular spa and wellness travel website, showcased more than 800 of the best resorts, hotels and health spas to consumers around the world and announced the top 100 spas of 2018, including the top spas in Canada, based on unique page views and consumer choices.
“We are so honoured and it is with great pleasure that the Grotto Spa (now a three-time champ) has regained the title as the number one spa in Canada, as well as being selected as the number one Ocean Spa experience in North America,” said Grotto Spa director, Paulina Alexander.
Paul Drummond, Tigh-Na-Mara general manager, said the grotto has also been the number one spa in western Canada for more than eight years.
“I don’t think it’s so much bragging rights as it really reinforces the quality destination spa the grotto is,” Drummond said. “There’s lots of spas out there and this puts us head and shoulders above your average day spa or other destination spas and it really tells us that we’re doing something right.”
What makes the spa unique, Drummond said, is the 20 acres of surrounding forest area and the mineral pool.
“[The mineral pool] really is the signature venue in terms of setting the ambiance and expectation for us as a spa experience,” he said.
The grotto, which celebrated its 16th anniversary last year, is a destination spa, Drummond said, where people come for high-end treatments, wellness and endless tapas.
“We are not inexpensive but if you want a spa treatment or a 60-minute treatment, go to a day spa. If you want to come for a wellness experience, a true relaxation experience, a 60-minute booking here you should be in the spa for at least three or four hours. That’s the value,” Drummond said
Approximately 40 per cent of spa users are Tigh-Na-Mara resort guests, Drummond said, and 60 per cent come from outside the resort.
“Our local following is significant and that’s really important to us,” he said.
