Deep in the wilderness, in a secluded cove off the coast of Canada’s Vancouver Island, there’s a place so magical and transformative that some have claimed it to be one of the best experiences of their life. Moon Jelly Bathhouse is a haven where mermaid dreams come true and luxury is guaranteed. What makes this destination so special is that it is one of the only spas in North America offering seaweed bathing, something far more sumptuous than it sounds.

Moon Jelly Bathhouse was started in 2024 by a couple, Mike Mavis and Kaeli Robinsong. The brains behind the idea came from a visit Robinsong made to her ancestral homeland of Ireland, in which she discovered the decades-old tradition of seaweed bathing in bathhouses dotting the West Coast of the country. Fueled by the idea of a simple bucket of seaweed dumped into a steaming bath, Robinsong knew the concept had legs outside of Ireland.

After falling in love with Mavis, who is an offshore builder, Robinsong set up a seaweed bath on their floating houseboat and quickly found long-term benefits to seaweed bathing. Seaweed has natural antioxidants and minerals including zinc, potassium, magnesium and iodine. Robinsong discovered that taking a weekly seaweed bath relieved persistent symptoms of arthritis, skin irritations, high blood pressure and stress.

Mavis and Robinsong built Moon Jelly Baththouse on a floating barge using reclaimed cedar wood, without pre-cut lumber. Unique lines, shapes and intimate nooks make the space special — it’s more than just a place to bathe. The highlight of the spa is in fact two wood-fired hot tubs where locally sourced seaweed is employed. Clients are welcome to spend the day enveloped in seaweed, which is where the magic happens. “It’s like no other feeling — it’s pretty wild,” Robinsong said of seaweed bathing.

Moon Jelly Bathhouse

Photo by Kai Rosentzveig

The spa is more than just seaweed. It’s also about the skiff ride out there, just a 15-minute journey from the surf town of Tofino (a four-hour drive from Nanaimo, a small city a ferry away from Vancouver). The boat ride to the quiet Clayoquot Sound, where the floating spa resides, introduces participants to the natural wonders of the area, replete with seals, otters and bald eagles. Once at the spa, guests can sprawl out on decks with day beds, a covered gazebo and a hammock over open water. Those brave enough to jump into the icy cold water can cycle between the hot seaweed water and back, a practice of hot and cold that’s been in vogue of late.

The power seems to be in the potent healing and relaxation properties of the seaweed, the disconnect from the busy world and the unique beauty of the bathhouse.

An emphasis on community and sustainability adds to the allure of the spa. To start, the owners worked with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation tribe to be allowed to operate in its territory. Recycling is at the forefront of the operation, from the reclaimed materials used in the building to the return of the seaweed to the water after use. Seaweed itself is extremely hearty, growing up to 2 feet per day, meaning it is extremely sustainable. Moon Jelly Bathhouse also offers “community days,” or discounted days for individuals who may not otherwise have a chance to visit the spa.

Wellness and community were the impetus behind building Moon Jelly Bathhouse, and they’re what continue to motivate Mavis and Robinsong. They hope to open the spa open year-round (as it stands, they need to weatherproof it to withstand the fierce winds and cold during the winter months). They also have plans to build a sauna to add to the allure.

For now, the spa stands as a place for those wanting to experience being swathed in seaweed, a spot for rest and recovery, and a chance to feel like a creature of the sea.

Book your escape

Moon Jelly Bathhouse can be booked for parties of one to 10, with the entire facility reserved for six hours for each party per day. The cost ranges from $954 to $1,696 (Canadian) depending on the size of the group. An extra $80 per person covers the boat ride out.