We LOVED the location. Vancouver Island is a beautiful place. The landscape is diverse, with waterfalls and beautiful hikes, ocean, lakes, rivers. Check out a hiking guide at the resource area in the lobby of the resort. Wildlife is wonderful! While using the free kayaks from the resort, we were visited by a harbour seal! There are many nearby park and hiking areas. Strathcona Park is only an hour's drive away with excellent skiing, on a smaller ski hill, and mountain biking and hiking adventures in the summer.
The Pacific Shores property is quite lovely, with gardens and a nicely developed walkway along the ocean (suitable for children, the elderly, or the wheelchair bound). Some amazing scenery surrounds the hot tub at the point, but the glass walls that enclose it are quick to fog. The larger hot tub/mineral pool at the center of the resort was nicer. (There is a little-used outdoor kiddie pool and a play structure near it.) It is also very close to the indoor pool, which is suitable for laps, and an indoor hot tub for those who find the west coast rain too cold.
The restaurant and the spa are definitely worth checking out. The HUGE fish tanks at "The Landing" provide entertainment and the food is very good. Prices are reasonable for the class of restaurant, but the service, although friendly and helpful, lacks the polish of other similarly priced restaurants. I had a massage in the spa; I usually get massages with a licensed therapist, and found this massage, although good, very expensive for something not as good as I am used to.
We were in a hotel/studio room and found it quite nice, if not all that large. Queen-size bed. Nicely decorated. Heated tile floors in full bathroom with Jacuzzi soaker tub. TV/VCR (rentals available in the hotel store for $5). Gas fireplace. We were pleasantly surprised to discover a small fridge, coffee maker, toaster, and dishes in the room. Small deck with ocean views off to the side. Clean and nice, but next time we go, and we will be going back, we will make sure to get a one-bedroom unit for the additional space.
There are many things to see nearby. Parksville is only minutes away and has lovely beaches, great used bookstores, and pubs, groceries, liquor store, coffee shops, fast food, restaurants, etc. Qualicum is a short drive north and is a lovely town to putter around. To the south (30 min.?) is the second largest city on the island, Nanaimo. It is your average city with exception of a gorgeous harbour area (if you have a kitchen, buy some seafood from the guys on the boat!!) If you are looking for nightlife, this is not the resort for you. But if you want a relaxing getaway with many opportunities for nature adventures - it is great.