Streep door Bungalup en andere bungalowfestivals

Het is gedaan met de bungalowfestivals in Center Parcs de Eemhof. Het festival Where The Wild Things Are gaat in ieder geval in 2017 niet meer plaatsvinden. Het bekendste festival in de Eemhof, Bungalup, stopt er zelfs definitief mee.

Dit maakt de organisatie van de drie festivals via Facebook bekend. Where the Wild Things Are wordt in 2017 in ieder geval overgeslagen. Van het festival NACHTIVILLE was al eerder bekend dat er in 2016 geen editie zou plaatsvinden, omdat er geen nieuwe datum kon worden gevonden met Center Parcs. Volgens de organisatie gaat er nu definitief een streep door het festival.

Bron en hele artikel: Metro

Einde aan samenwerking Bungalup festivals en Center Parcs

Na vijf succesvolle jaren heeft Center Parcs de samenwerking met Bungalup opgezegd. Niet alleen de editie op Center Parcs De Eemhof komt te vervallen; ook de Belgische editie op De Vossemeren, en het festival ‘Where the wild things are’ worden niet voortgezet op een CenterParcs park.

Einde van de pionier
Dat betekent het einde van Bungalup, want de organisatie kan geen alternatieve locatie van dezelfde omvang vinden. Voor het festival ‘Where the wild things are’ wordt nog naar een alternatieve locatie gezocht. (zie interview op www.3voor12.vpro.nl Vijf jaar geleden was Bungalup een van de eerste grotere festivals die op een bungalowpark werd georganiseerd. Het bleek een doorslaand succes omdat het publiek het comfort op een bungalowpark bijzonder kon waarderen. In die periode stond een gemiddelde festivalovernachting vaak nog gelijk aan ‘slapen in een tentje’. Ook voor Center Parcs was zo’n festival een welkome aanvulling op de bezetting buiten het hoogseizoen. De festivalorganisatie Plus1 reageert niet rancuneus op de beslissing: “Center Parcs heeft ons na 5 prachtige edities laten weten dat ze zich weer volledig willen richten op gezinnen en daar hebben we alle begrip voor.”

Bron en hele artikel: Pretwerk

Natuurgeheimen: Gaan dieren altijd een vaste periode op vakantie of ook flexibel?

The Outdoor Activity Centre

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Vakantie als ruimtelijk ordeningsinstrument

Als het aan de regering had gelegen waren de regels voor kustbebouwing begin dit jaar aangepast en zou er meer ruimte komen voor (bouw)activiteiten. Een storm van protest brak los en minister Schultz van Haegen (Infrastructuur en Milieu) trok het voorstel in. Om een of andere reden bleek het geen effect te hebben. In verschillende dagbladen verschenen berichten over nieuw te bouwen vakantieparken in natuurgebieden. Hoe kon het zover komen? Petra Brouwer las Tussen tent en villa. Het vakantiepark in Nederland 1920-nu van Mieke Dings.
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De explosieve groei van het vakantiepark tussen 1960 en 1980, zowel in aantal als in omvang, ging gepaard met een nieuwe ontwerpbenadering. Rabbit Hill in Nieuw Milligen dat in de jaren veertig en vijftig doorging voor hét voorbeeldige vakantiepark, telde 22 huisjes van 15 tot 25 vierkante meter. De begroeiing van het heuvelachtige terrein bleef zoveel mogelijk intact en de plaatsing van de huisjes aan slingerende paden garandeerde vrij uitzicht. Rieten daken en roederamen gaven de bebouwing een landelijke uitstraling.

Sporthuis Centrum park De Eemhof bij Zeewolde, dat in 1980 de deuren opende, bestond uit 550 uniforme huisjes van 75 vierkante meter die in lange schakelingen bijeen stonden. De moderne bungalows van grijs betonsteen hadden grote glazen puien die toegang boden tot een royaal terras. Van den Broek en Bakema, het vaste ontwerpbureau van het Sporthuis Centrum-imperium van Piet Derksen, creëerde een spectaculair artificieel eilandenlandschap met een ongekend voorzieningenaanbod. Primeur waren de congreszaal en het hypermoderne ‘subtropisch zwemparadijs’. Volgens Dings representeert De Eemhof het compact ontworpen generieke vakantiepark met veel groendecor en waterpartijen. Voor de sterke plaatsgebondenheid van de oude parken, die veelal in een nog ongerepte natuurlijke omgeving lagen, was in het steeds vollere welvaartslandschap geen plaats meer.

Bron en hele artikel: Archined

Natuurgeheimen: Hebben bomen heimwee?

It’s official: Center Parcs is coming to Ireland

Today marks an exciting day for Center Parcs. Planning permission for our first Village in Ireland has just been granted and we’re more than thrilled! So to spread the excitement, here’s a reminder of what to expect from Center Parcs Longford Forest, due in 2019…

Center Parcs Longford Forest will become our sixth Village and the first one outside of England. The new Village will follow in the footsteps of our five popular UK Villages and will include the same high quality features.

The plans for the Village are to transform a 395-acre site near Ballymahon in County Longford, offering accommodation for up to 2,500 each break. The new Village will incorporate features from all our five UK Villages including 470 Lodges, 30 apartments, more than 100 indoor and outdoor activities, an Aqua Sana spa, a range of restaurants and shops and, just like every Center Parcs Village, the famous Subtropical Swimming Paradise.

CEO of Center Parcs Martin Dalby said: “Today’s announcement marks another significant milestone in the history of Center Parcs. Since we announced our intention to bring the Center Parcs experience to Ireland last year, we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received, both at local and national level.”

The creation of the new Village is exciting for all and will provide a boost to the local economy. Longford Forest will see around 750 new jobs being created during the construction and a further 1,000 permanent jobs once the Village has opened.

Center Parcs Longford Forest is expected to open its doors in 2019. But don’t worry, we’ll keep you updated along the way on our exciting journey to Ireland!

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Nice as ice: fresh fruit iced lolly recipes

It’s a summer miracle! The sun has made its grand reappearance and the heat wave has caught us all by surprise.

I usually find myself digging around in the freezer, hands blue with cold, trying to find a few rock-hard freeze-pops left over from last summer. But not today, because I have a stash of these lovely lollipops to keep us cool.

They’re made with all the good things: yoghurt, coconut water, fresh berries and chopped fruits. Even Ernie, my border terrier, took a shine to them once he spotted one made with two of his favourite things – blackberries and yoghurt.

All you need is an iced lolly mould. I used this one, but there are loads of different versions available. The curve ball I’m throwing you this month is a chia see version. I’m not a health-food-wagon-jumper but, intrigued by its frogspawn-esque weirdness, I gave chia a go. When mixed with coconut milk and a squeeze of honey turns the tiny seeds into a moreish coconut-y pudding.

These are so simple that they make a great little project to try with little ones over the summer holiday. Plus you’ll sneak some undercover fruit into them.

Blackberry and honey fro-yo

1450ml pot of Greek yoghurt with honey
Punnet of blackberries (you could swap for raspberries, if you prefer)

1 Mix a little of the yoghurt with some lightly crushed blackberries
2 Spoon alternate dollops of blackberry yoghurt with the honey yoghurt into your moulds, swirling a little as you go
3 Freeze for a minimum of four hours and run a little warm water over the moulds to release them

Kiwi and coconut chia pudding pops

Two or three peeled, sliced kiwi fruit
1 can of coconut milk
50-60g of chia seeds
2 tbsp honey

1 Mix the honey and chia seeds into the coconut milk
2 Place the kiwi slices into the sides of the mould
3 Pour the chia and coconut milk mixture into the moulds
4 Freeze for a minimum of four hours and run a little warm water over the moulds to release them

Pineapple and mango popsicles with chocolate drizzle

1 large can of pineapple slices or chunks
1 fresh mango
150ml Greek yoghurt
Small bar of plain chocolate
1 tbsp honey

1 Whiz up all the ingredients except the chocolate in a blender and pour into your moulds
2 Freeze for a minimum of four hours
3 Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water
4 Run a little warm water over the moulds to release them
5 Place the pops on a greaseproof paper and drizzle over the chocolate
6 Place them back into the freezer briefly to set

Coconut water and fresh berry ices

1 carton of coconut water
Your favourite fresh fruit – try raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, nectarine and kiwi
A squeeze of lime juice
1 tbsp honey

1 Mix the coconut water with the lime and honey to your taste
2 Fill the moulds halfway with the liquid, add some fruit and top up with more coconut water
3 Freeze for a minimum of four hours and run a little warm water over the moulds to

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Summer Food Fun op Center Parcs Bostalsee

Waar op de Nederlandse en Belgische parken sprake is van Summerfestival, is er op Park Bostalsee spraken van Summer Food Fun.

Bron: facebook park bostalsee

Summerfestival bij Center Parcs

Net als vorig jaar is er ook dit jaar weer Summerfestival op de Nederlandse en Belgische parken van Center Parcs. 

Natuurgeheimen: Bestaan er ook dierenkoningen en -koninginnen?

Pierre et Vacances-Center Parcs: Revenue for the Third Quarter of 2015/2016

PIERRE ET VACANCES (Paris:VAC):

1] Main events

First bond issue on the European private placement market

After the €200 million bank refinancing operation undertaken on 14 March 2016, the Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Group has launched a bond issue in the form of a non-listed Euro PP private placement. The €60 million bond issue is due to mature in December 2022, has a 4.25% coupon and is destined for French institutional investors. Settlement and delivery is scheduled for 19 July 2016.

The placement was managed jointly by BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Natixis as lead arrangers.

The Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Group has therefore obtained fresh financial means for stepping up its development and growth strategy. The operation also enables the Group to optimise its financial structure by staggering its debt payments and diversifying its financing sources.

Progress of projects under the framework of the partnership with HNA Tourism Group

On 4 July 2016, Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs and HNA Tourism Group signed letters of intent to acquire three plots of land located in Jixian, Xiangcheng District and Pinghu, on which tourism resorts inspired by the Center Parcs concept are to be developed.

At the same time, the two groups signed a memorandum of understanding for distribution and marketing of the Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs European tourism offering in China. In partnership with HNA CAISSA Touristic (network of travel agencies) and Tuniu.com (online tourism distribution platform), subsidiaries of HNA Group, 15 French Pierre & Vacances, Center Parcs and Adagio sites are to be marketed to Chinese tourists.

These agreements come under the framework of the strategic partnership signed in November 2015 between Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs and HNA Tourism and testify to the dynamic collaboration between the two groups.

2] Q3 2015/2016 revenue

The revenue and financial indicators commented on in this press release stem from operating reporting with the presentation of joint-ventures under proportional consolidation.

Euro millions 2015/2016 2014/2015 Evolutions Evolutions 
on a like-for-like basis(*)
Tourism                  278.4 272.9 +2.0%
- Pierre & Vacances Tourisme 124.3 127.3 -2.4%
- Center Parcs Europe 154.1 145.6 +5.8%
   
o/w accommodation turnover 182.4 178.9 +2.0% +4.5%
- Pierre & Vacances Tourisme 82.5 86.2 -4.4% +0.3%
- Center Parcs Europe 99.9 92.6 +7.8% +8.5%

Property development 62.7 41.9 +49.6%
 
Total Q3   341.1 314.8 +8.3%
Tourism 800.1 749.1 +6.8%
- Pierre & Vacances Tourisme 375.6 371.1 +1.2%
- Center Parcs Europe 424.5 378.0 +12.3%
   
o/w accommodation turnover 521.5 490.1 +6.4% +3.1%
- Pierre & Vacances Tourisme 247.0 250.1 -1.2% +1.3%
- Center Parcs Europe 274.5 240.0 +14.4% +4.9%

Property development 126.5 216.4 -41.6%
 
Total 9 months          926.6 965.5 -4.0%

Bron en hele artikel: Business Wire

Get the low-down on the latest summer fashion at Center Parcs

Finally summer has arrived and the mini heatwave has got us searching the back of our wardrobes and the bottom of our drawers, for those summer essentials that have been hiding away. This means it’s time to give our summer wardrobe a bit of affection. So if you’re wondering where you can get the latest summer trends whilst on your break; take a look at the range of brands we have available at our Center Parcs Village stores.

Time for Shade

If it’s luxury brands you desire, then look no further than Time for Shade! Big brands such as Ray-Ban, Sekonda, DKNY, and Citizen grace our shelves alongside newer brands such as Revo. So this summer head down to Time for Shade to get your perfect pair of sunglasses.

Ray-Ban is known worldwide for its fashionable and unique design of sunglasses and it is the go-to brand for the latest, on-trend pair of sunnies. From aviators to wayfarers, Ray-Ban offers outstanding quality, comfort and style, so be sure to check out the classic range of Ray-Bans at Time for Shade.

If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that are diverse and designed for all environments, then look no further than one of Time for Shade’s newer brands, Revo. They are a leader in polarized lenses and use technology originally developed by NASA to create stunning quality sunglasses, so it’s no surprise that they are on our shelves at Time for Shade.

Spirit

With an exciting range of brands at Spirit, we’re looking forward to all the summer collections for both men and women! With brands such as Crew, Fat Face and Joules, Spirit is the perfect place for that ultimate summer shopping spree.

Inspired by the simplicity of English coastal clothing, Crew is one clothing range that is perfect for those relaxing days under the summer sun. The latest summer range captures the coastal inspiration and is teamed together with seasonal pieces to create a collection of timeless summer classics. Browse a collection of light-weight, cotton t-shirts and polo shirts for a flawless summer wardrobe.

Fat Face is perfect for dressing up or down during your days at Center Parcs. A clothing range created to reflect the active lifestyles of their customers, Fat Face clothing makes a perfect purchase whilst being active on your break. With original prints teamed with summer classics, the summer range from Fat Face is one to browse for those staple summer items.

Joules is a British lifestyle brand that encompasses values of family, fun and spending time-off outdoors, fitting perfectly into our Center Parcs ethos! For the Joules summer range, shop their well-known classics such as their nautical inspired Harbour tops to their colourful selection of waterproof parkas.

 

Aquatique

Get ready to hit the beach or the Subtropical Swimming Paradise with the latest summer swim trends at Aquatique. Alongside brands such as Speedo, Esprit and Fat Face, Aquatique stocks an exciting new range of Havaianas.

With the summer of sport just around the corner, Havaianas has launched a Rio inspired range of flip flops! In the new collection, there are four models which are all inspired by famous Rio landscapes. A mixture of vibrant colours make up the new collection of flip flops, making them a perfect purchase to get all the family geared up for an exciting summer of sport.

Want to find out more? Take a look at our range of shops across all of our Villages.

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Natuurgeheimen: Waarom praten papegaaien?

Grab a Gelato from Bella Italia

One of the best parts about taking a short break is it becomes acceptable to stop for an ice cream at all times of day, every day, whatever the weather.

Now you can grab a cone or cup of delicious gelato to go from the fancy new Gelato Cart at Bella Italia when you’re visiting Whinfell, Sherwood, Elveden or Longleat Forest.

Bella Italia serve up traditional Calabrian gelato sourced from a family-run gelataria in Pizzo. There are all sorts of flavours – from your traditional strawberry, chocolate and vanilla to honeycomb, tiramisu, hazelnut and cocotella. Make it your own by topping with anything from sprinkles and crushed meringue to popping candy and chocolate tagliatelle!

After this sweltering week, we’re dreaming of a scoop of sweet raspberry sorbet drizzled with that incredible Limoncello sauce…

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Pokémon Go at Center Parcs

There have always been creatures rustling in the bushes at Center Parcs. But over the past few days, there’s been more talk of Squirtles than squirrels, more Rattatas than rabbits (more Butterfrees than butterflies, more Gyrados than geese – we could do this all day. But we won’t).

The Pokémon Go craze that’s sweeping the world has made it to our Villages, and while we’re still not 100% sure what we’re doing (we’re old enough to have played Pokémon the first time round, after all), we have to admit it’s been pretty fun.

Finally there’s a smartphone game crazy that families can play together, that pushes you outside and encourages you to explore your environment. We’re on board.

It turns out, our natural eco-diversity makes us a Pokémon Go haven! With hundreds of acres of forest, wild meadow, streams, lakes and beach, we’re overrun with the little pocket monsters.

So if you’re joining us soon and are yet to catch them all, here are some of our tips…

Go green for grass types

Get right into the forest for a veritable riot of grass type Pokémon. You’ll find plenty of Weedles without straying too far from the path, but you’ll need to really start exploring if you want to catch a Vileplume. Grab a map from Guest Services and start hunting!

There’s more than (Magi)carp in the lake

Unsurprisingly, water type Pokémon hang out by our lakes, ponds and streams. Though we’ve also found a fair few Magikarp floundering in the Village Square. Rumours of a Blastoise hiding in the Cascades at Longleat Forest remain unconfirmed…

Walk it off

Have an egg you need to hatch and want to hit that elusive 10km incubation distance? Well, you’re in luck because we have miles of woodland trails for you to explore in the sunshine while that egg takes its time. Fingers crossed for something cool like a Cubone or an Alakazam or really anything except another Eevee.

Pull out all the stops

There are Pokéstops all over the shop at Center Parcs because we have ‘points of interest’ everywhere you look. Signs, sculptures and bridges are all good bets for a cache of Pokéballs and potions. The ‘sleeping moon’ at Sherwood Forest is our favourite so far – if you can find it.

Hit the gym

Oh, we have gyms alright. We aren’t going to give anything away but while you’re choosing your bike at Woburn Forest or picking up some shopping at Sherwood Forest, you could take some time out for a battle or two. Team Mystic…?

Stay smart

Ok, here it is: please don’t cross the roads without looking, wander too far away from marked paths or get too close to edges of lakes (you don’t want to end up in one of those articles about the stupidest Pokémon Go accidents). And please don’t interrupt other guests’ activities, no matter how rare the spot. We know you wouldn’t anyway.

So there you have it – I bet you never thought you’d read an article about Pokémon at Center Parcs. We certainly didn’t think we’d write one! But if you need 68 Pidgeys and three dozen Magikarp, you know where to come.

What have you found on our Villages? Share your screenshots, best catches and insider tips below.

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We’re launching The UK’s Top Treehouse competition

Growing up, many of my favourite family moments involved my family and I spending time together exploring the outdoors.

Today, it seems most of our time is otherwise ruled by the strains of work and school, while children are now growing up in a generation obsessed by electronics. But is this really what children enjoy?

In a recent survey conducted by Mortar, it was revealed that 58% of children would rather have a treehouse than the latest game console. However, just 10% of children today have their very own house within the treetops, compared to 25% of their parents who grew up with one. This shows a 15% drop in children growing up with a treehouse in just one generation.

Top 10 ‘most epic’ things a parent can do for their child

1. Build a treehouse with them – 42%
2. Build a den with them – 35%
3. Play a game with them outside – 35%
4. Read them a story – 33%
5. Watch favourite film or tv programme together – 33%
6. Go swimming together – 33%
7. Play computer game together – 28%
8. Bake them a cake – 22%
9. Teach them to climb a tree – 19%
10. Know all the words to their favourite song so they can sing along – 14%

Here at Center Parcs, we aim to bring families together in an environment that allows you to create your very own family adventure. Looking at the ‘epic’ list, did you know you can try Den Building and Decorating, enjoy Tree Climbing and swim to your heart’s content – all on a Center Parcs break?

The competition

Following the research, and to celebrate the arrival of our four new Treehouses at Center Parcs Elveden Forest, we’re excited to launch a nationwide search to find The UK’s Top Treehouse, with wildlife presenter Steve Backshall joining our Center Parcs panel of judges to select the best.

The family with the winning entry will receive a short break in a Center Parcs luxury Treehouse. Our Treehouses are suitable for up to eight guests, feature four luxurious bedrooms, a hot tub and a games den. What better place to spend time together as a family?

CEO of Center Parcs, Martin Dalby said: “It’s great to see that children are still excited about being outdoors and would love to build a treehouse with their parents. What better way to mark the arrival of our new Treehouses in Elveden Forest, than by finding a family who has built the UK’s Top Treehouse?”

How to enter

This means we need you to grab your camera and get creative! If you think you could be the winner, then get in the garden and post a photo of you and your treehouse onto Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag, #UKTopTreehouse before midnight on Wednesday 3^rd August. View the full terms and conditions here.

The new Elveden Forest Treehouses are available to book now.

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First look at Mini Captains’ Adventure in action

Mini Captains’ Adventure is up and running at Elveden Forest. If you haven’t heard about our adorable new water-based activity yet, here’s everything you need to know.

What’s it all about?

• Mini Captains’ Adventure is a new and unique activity for a little one aged three or over and a parent
• It’s available at Elveden Forest now
• You’ll find it at the Boathouse

So what’s involved?

You’ll learn the ways of the water before heading out to conquer the lake. But first things first: you need to look the part…

After donning a tiny captain’s hat, your little one will be shown by one of our instructors how to salute the other captains and how to talk on a radio. You’ll learn your port from your starboard and your ‘over’ from your ‘out’.

Then it’s time to start your voyage in one of our bespoke, tiny trawlers. These adorable boats have been designed by the Center Parcs team and are perfect for little hands to steer. Both kitted out in very fetching buoyancy aids, you’ll be helped into one of the colourful boats and handed a map.

Now it’s up to you, as First Mate, and your Mini Captain to make your way around the lake, finding every buoy on your map as you go. Each one will have an answer you need to fill in your activity sheet. Once it’s completed, head back to the jetty and see if you’re the first crew back on dry land!

If you think your little one would have a splashing good time at Mini Captains’ Adventure, it’s available to book now.

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Your guide to summer sports fashion at Center Parcs

With all the summer sporting action well and truly underway, don’t miss out on all the fun! Get involved in the occasion and get dressed from head to toe with the latest sporting fashion, available at stores across all our Center Parcs Villages.

Sportique

Sportique is where you will find all your sporting essentials; whether it’s clothing or equipment, Sportique has everything you’ll need for an active break at Center Parcs. With major brands such as Adidas, Puma and Superdry on our shelves, you’re sure to find something to fit both your fashion and sporting needs.

For shoes that are fashionable and practical, Adidas is a leading brand when it comes to footwear. With products that are on-trend and that allow you to perform your best, Adidas is a firm favourite when purchasing footwear. Adidas also have a range of fashionable sports clothing that can be purchased at Sportique, so if you’re looking for a comfy but stylish outfit to wear whilst playing a game of Adventure Golf or whilst whacking some shuttlecocks, then look no further than Sportique.

With a mission to be the fastest sports brand in the world, Puma offer a wide range of performance and sports-inspired leisure products, which you can browse at Sportique. Puma create shoes that are practical and popular due to their distinct designs. So for summer days walking in the sun, add a pair of Pumas to your essential sports summer wardrobe.

Superdry is a contemporary brand that combines Japanese inspired designs with British style; it offers distinct, high quality products that are known worldwide. From core gym essentials to Superdry’s staple graphic tees and hoodies, their summer collection is perfect for all your summer sports fashion, whether you’re working out or walking around.

Time for Shade

Time for Shade is the perfect place to shop all the latest designer brands whilst on your break. With the sun finally arriving, we all know that it is important to protect our eyes, this is why Time for Shade stocks an array of brands that provide a combination of safety and style and that are ideal for both sports and leisure use.

If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that can withstand all types of sports, then Oakley delivers on both appearance and technological excellence. Don’t allow the sun to hinder your performance; join team Oakley this summer and snap up a pair of Oakley sunglasses at Time for Shade.

With glasses designed to last, Dirty Dog sunglasses let you get active in the world of sports. Function drives the design of the Dirty Dog range, creating the perfect combination of comfort, wear-ability and responsiveness for the demands of an active lifestyle. So whilst on your break at Center Parcs, browse a selection of the latest Dirty Dog collections at Time for Shade.

With the family kitted out, get ready to take part in a thrilling summer of sport! So whilst on your break, why not test out your new sports gear here at Center Parcs? Team up for a game of tennis, go for a scenic run around one of our woodland trails or take a leisurely dip in one of our pools at the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.

Want to find out more? Take a look at our range of shops across all of our Villages

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Waanzinnige Woensdag bij Center Parcs

Deze zomerse temperaturen zijn waanzinnig voor een vakantie in eigen land! Tijdens de Waanzinnige woensdag heeft Center Parcs wederom een super scherpe aanbieding! 

Vanaf €229,- voor 4 pers, 3 nachten (inclusief verplichte kosten) 

Aankomst: juli en augustus 

Paras gespot op Center Parcs Parc Sandur #PokemonGo

Vier jij deze zomer de vakantie bij ons op het park, en speel je toevallig ook Pokémon Go? Dan heb je geluk...Parc Sandur beschikt over twee Pokéstops en tal van Pokémon op het park. Welke zeldzame Pokémon heb jij gevangen? Maak een screenshot en laat het ons weten in de reacties.

Bron: Facebook Sandur

OUTRAGE as Hockley and Belfairs Woods confirmed as next UK CENTER PARCS resorts

Residents of Hockley and Leigh have been expressing their outrage after it was confirmed that Hockley and Belfairs Woods are set to be the latest locations for Center Parcs leisure and spa resorts.

According to Essex councillor Nigel Parrish, the plans will bring millions of pounds into the local tourism economy every year.

Plans have now been drawn up for a central swimming complex, 500 woodland villas, camping pitches and a limited number of luxury lodges on each site.

Cllr Parrish said: ‘It has now become impossible to stop local dog haters from trying to poison dogs in Belfairs and Hockley Woods, so we were left with no alternative but to accept Center Parcs’ very generous offer.’

‘The Center Parcs proposition is a very attractive one. They get lovers of the outdoors to stay in an enclosed woodland community, and they can get up close and personal with nature while being charged £19.95 for a cheeseburger and chips. It’s like a service station surrounded by trees.’

‘Naturally we will have to make some improvements to Main Road in Hockley and The Fairway in Leigh to allow for the extra traffic.’

‘We only predict 18 months of road closures and temporary traffic lights for this, but fortunately that is Essex Highways’ responsibility so they can handle the complaints.’

Bron en hele artikel: Southends News Network

The Lowdown on Las Iguanas at Longleat Forest

Las Iguanas, the Latin American-style restaurant founded in 1991, is coming exclusively to Longleat Forest – and is going to rock your taste buds.

The arrival, due in October 2016, was revealed on our Facebook page last week. Since then Center Parcs’ followers have been expressing their love for the restaurant, which is joining well-known classics such as Bella Italia and The Pancake House at one of the UK’s premium short break locations.

Las Iguanas’ popularity comes from its enjoyable dining experience – one that you’ll never forget. The restaurant offers high-quality food in a relaxed setting, which will be situated next to Café Rouge in Longleat Forest’s Plaza.

The menu includes many popular Latin American foods, with starters including succulent Chicken Wings and tasty Quesadillas. The main menu is inclusive of dishes ‘From the Flames’, such as the fiery Flaming Bird and the juicy Picanha steak.

Whether you’re looking to fulfil your love of Mexican or Brazilian foods, Las Iguanas has you covered. Mexican fajitas are served with a variety of different fillings and spices, whilst Brazilian Sea Bass is grilled to perfection and will rock your world.

What can you expect from Las Iguanas?

This restaurant is unlike any another at Longleat Forest. Why not come to ‘Mini-Mexico’ later this year and experience first-hand the vibrant atmosphere.

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Brand new Breckland Apartments

Take part in photography at Elveden Forest

Are you visiting Elveden Forest next week and have a couple of hours to spare?

We’re taking some photography on Thursday 14^th July and Friday 15^th July to show off preschool breaks and all the brilliant things under 5s and their families can enjoy at Center Parcs.

It’s really important to us that we use real families in our photography and filming where possible, so if you’re on a Center Parcs break and are free on either Thursday or Friday, get in touch!

Don’t worry if you’re camera shy or haven’t perfected your pout, we’ll just be taking photos of you and your family having fun. We could have you building sand castles and eating ice cream, or feeding ducks and playing Adventure Golf. Sounds easy, right?

We’ll also give each family that takes part £50 in Center Parcs vouchers, which you can use to treat the gang before you head home, or put it towards your next break.

Interested? Just email us at your.story@centerparcs.co.uk with your booking reference, names and ages of your family and a recent photo.

Remember, to take part you must be:

• On a Center Parcs break next week and available on either Thursday or Friday
• Have children aged 5 or under in your party
• Up for having fun and receiving a £50 voucher!

 

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What happened when a letter from the Queen arrived at Elveden Forest

But even the most experienced, ‘nothing-can-phase-me-anymore’ staff at Elveden Forest were wide-eyed when a letter arrived bearing the Royal seal.

With instructions to hand-deliver it to a family in the middle of their break, and even a telephone number to ring to confirm the delivery had taken place, it was all feeling rather James Bond.

Andy Dunn, the Senior Duty Village Manager at Elveden Forest, took control. “We knew nothing about the letter,” he explains. “I just had instructions to deliver it to a certain family at a certain time. So my first task was to track down the family and see what it was all about.”

After checking our activity booking system, Andy tracked the family down to the Pottery Painting Studio, where they were busy painting plates and mugs to commemorate the occasion. There he got the whole story. The Jones family were at Center Parcs to celebrate their grandparents’ diamond (60 years) wedding anniversary. Granddaughter Jessica and the family had organised the surprise anniversary message from the Queen.

Jessica told Andy that they had three generations of family at Elveden Forest for the diamond anniversary celebration, so wanted to give them a very special surprise they’d never forget.

So while the family were celebrating in their Lodge that evening, Andy – armed with the letter from Her Majesty and a bottle of Champagne – knocked on the door to deliver the message. Mr and Mrs Jones were over the moon with their surprise.

Andy said “The Jones family told me that they had celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary at Sherwood Forest ten years previously, and had such a wonderful time that they wanted to do the same this time but at Elveden Forest.”

Stepping into the role of royal courier was a first for Andy too. “I’ve never been involved in such a special surprise,” he said. “But I really enjoyed going along to the party and celebrating a royal surprise for our guests!”

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Frank Spooren nieuwe directeur VVV

Per 1 september is de 37-jarige Frank Spooren de nieuwe directeur van de Texelse VVV. Hij volgt Wouter de Waal op, die de functie negen jaar heeft bekleed. Spooren werkt nu nog bij Center Parcs, waar hij verantwoordelijk is voor 'new business' in Nederland, Duitsland, België en Frankrijk.

Woensdagmiddag ondertekende Spooren zijn contract. "Ik zal met verve de geslaagde aanpak van de laatste jaren verder uitbouwen", laat hij enthousiast weten. "Ik verheug me op de samenwerking op het eiland, maar ook daarbuiten. Na een korte oriëntatieperiode zal ik snel met alle geledingen in contact treden."

Bron en hele artikel: Texel Plaza

Bella Italia opens at Sherwood and Longleat Forest

It’s a big year for Bella Italia – not only are they celebrating their 25^th birthday, they’ve also opened two new restaurants at Sherwood and Longleat Forest. With a modern new look, a fabulous Italian menu and a friendly welcome, the new restaurants are promising to be big hits.

Bella Italia is all about offering their guests a genuine taste of Italy.

They go to great lengths to source ingredients from, well, the source… They travel all over Italy finding the best of everything – their Agnesi pasta comes from the oldest pasta maker in Italy, their cured meats are from the expert Fontana family, and the trademark Bella Limoncello (without which any Italian feast is incomplete), comes Dole Cilento on the Amalfi coast.

The menu

This year has also seen a menu makeover for Bella Italia. They’ve welcomed in new options and made some of their hero dishes even better. There’s a richer, creamier carbonara made with fresh tagliatelle and topped with leeks and creamy pancetta.

They use part sourdough in their Roma pizzas, which creates a thinner, crispier base for toppings including smoked salmon, king prawns and tenderstem broccoli.

The new restaurants at Sherwood and Longleat Forest are open now and available to book.

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Small plates, big flavour: tapas recipes for summer

It’s over, summer. You and I are done.

I won’t let you hurt me like this again. I’m done with buying barbecue coals, burgers and sausages, only to be left disappointed by another rainy weekend. I’ve decided instead to make food that brings its own sunshine, whatever the weather. If it’s warm, we can eat outside, but if not, we can curl up under a blanket and eat tasty snacks that remind us of holidays, while we consider lighting the fire in July.

It’s never been easier to enjoy a tapas feast; cured meats, stuffed chillies, marinated olives, Manchego cheese… You can pick up all of these at a supermarket, then make a couple of extra dishes to impress and so you still feel like you cooked from scratch.

I use chorizo in cooking a lot, but this was the first time I’ve tried simmering it in red wine and honey. It’s a revelation. It gets sticky and somehow spicier, rich with paprika heat. Do give it a try. The crispy, ham-wrapped asparagus is excellent too – great with a glass of wine or a dry sherry.

Perhaps we’ll be blessed with a few sunny weekends this month, but if not, I’ll always have my tapas back-up plan.

Asparagus in crispy Prosciutto

Ingredients
1 bunch of asparagus
1 or 2 packs of Prosciutto, Prama or Serrano ham
A dash of olive oil

Method
1 Peel the base of the asparagus stems with a vegetable peeler
2 If they’re thicker than a pencil, boil in hot water for 1 minute then plunge into cold water to keep their colour
3 Wrap a piece of ham around each stem, leaving the end sticking out
4 Fry gently in a little olive oil until the ham is crispy and the asparagus is tender

Chorizo in red wine

Ingredients
1 packs of cooking chorizo – cut some of the sausages in half
A small glass of red wine
1 or 2 finely chopped shallots
A finely chopped clove of garlic
A tablespoon of honey
Sprinkling of parsley
A dash of olive oil

Method
1 Gently fry the shallots and garlic in the olive oil, remove from the pan
2 Fry the chorizo in the same pan until coloured, then add the shallots and garlic back in
3 Add the wine and the honey and simmer for a few minutes until rich and sticky
4 Sprinkle with parsley and serve with bread to mop up the juices

Mozzarella and tomato rosemary skewers

Ingredients
A bunch of rosemary
A tub of mozzarella pearls
Cherry tomatoes
Basil leaves

Method
1 Strip the leaves off the rosemary, leaving the top few in place
2 Skewer the stalks through a mozzarella pearl, folded basil leaves and tomatoes

Fresh figs with goat’s cheese and honey

Ingredients
Fresh figs
Runny honey
Soft goat’s cheese
Thyme leaves

Method
1 Cut a cross in the top of each fig and squeeze to open
2 break up the goat’s cheese and serve with the figs, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with thyme leaves

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First look at the new Elveden Forest Treehouses

The four spectacular new Treehouses at Elveden Forest are now available to book for breaks starting from 22 July 2016.

We were lucky enough to be invited down to Elveden Forest for a sneak peak last week and we brought a photographer with us so we could capture the magic and share it with all our Under the Treetops readers before anybody else.

Click on any image below to open up the gallery.

What do you think? Could you see yourself enjoying a Treehouse break at Elveden Forest this year?

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