Tofino's purity of environment and fame as an internationally renowned resort makes it a natural candidate for health and wellness capital of Vancouver Island. Spas, health retreats and yoga classes are widely available for a range of budgets and preferences. In addition to spas, many individual practitioners offer a variety of massage therapies.
Few would argue with the designation of the Wickaninnish Inn's Ancient Cedars as Tofino's signature spa. No other spa boasts such a location, hugging the rockwork of the Pacific Coast in a rainforest setting. The spa menu is exhaustive. It comes seamlessly executed by therapists attuned to the elusive power of touch. Being where it is, Ancient Cedars doesn't have to import magical seaweeds. The nutrient-rich stuff grows on the coast of Vancouver Island.
Hishuk Ish Tasalk Awakening
A signature treatment inspired by west coast First Nations therapies is the Hishuk Ish Tasalk Awakening. It incorporates techniques from Native cleansing ceremonies. They begin with a full-body exfoliation using local seaweed. Next steps are hot and cold water treatments. They end with massage using heated local basalt stones to bring on calm and deep relaxation. "Hishuk Ish Tsawalk" is a Nuu-chah- nulth phrase translating as Everything is one, all is interconnected.
Sacred Stone Spa
Downtown's compact Sacred Stone Spa focuses on international massage techniques executed with west coast sensibility. Massages include shiatsu from Japan, Thai massage from old Siam and Ayurveda from India. A lemongrass body scrub harks back to Southeast Asian sensuality. The facial is organic. And hot stones are always just a sigh away.
Tofino Massageworks
Tofino Massageworks fills out the international agenda with acupressure, Che Nei Tsang or Chinese reflexology and Tuina massages from China. With 5,000 years of trial and error behind them, the Chinese have much to say about wellness. Rhythmical Rocking - the body rocked back and forth and side to side - is a novel add-on.
Tofino Yoga
Tofino Yoga deals with 21st Century angst with sessions addressing everything from stress relief to spiritual peace. For the best of two Tofino worlds, Milagro Retreats and Surf Sister team up to offer Yoga & Surf Retreats for all levels of yogis and surfers June through Sept. The all-inclusive weekend packages include 3 beachfront yoga practices, 2-day surf clinic, breakfasts, dinners, campfires and group ceremonies.
For more information, on spas and wellness in Tofino, drop by the Visitor Centre at 455 Campbell St.
Show Less