Center Parcs laat ons vaker 'ja' zeggen

Center Parcs en Ogilvy laten ons vaker 'ja' zeggen.

Center Parcs lanceert vandaag zijn nieuwe campagne die mensen aanmoedigt 'ja' te zeggen tegen wat er echt toe doet. Met een hectisch gezinsleven, overvolle agenda’s en allerlei verplichtingen zeggen we uit automatisme vaker ‘nee’ dan we zouden willen tegen ons gezin en kinderen. Center Parcs wil hier verandering in brengen met een nieuwe merkcampagne.

De campagne draagt de boodschap uit dat het leven zoveel mooier zou zijn als we vaker ‘Ja’ zouden zeggen en dat dit onze familiebanden zou versterken. De 360° campagne wordt zowel intern als extern gevoerd en is vanaf eind december 2017 te zien op televisie, online media, social media en in alle eigen kanalen van Center Parcs.

Het is herkenbaar voor vele ouders: we zeggen uit automatisme vaker ‘nee’ dan we zouden willen tegen onze kinderen, omdat we bezig zijn met zaken zoals de telefoon, ons werk of andere dagelijkse beslommeringen. 'We zijn vaak te druk met het managen van ons gezinsleven en het is de vraag of we niet uit het oog verliezen wat ertoe doet', zegt Andres Neira de Back, Marketing Director Center Parcs Europe. 'Center Parcs brengt mensen al vele jaren samen door het bieden van bijzondere vakantiebelevenissen. Wij zijn ons er sterk van bewust hoe belangrijk het is om samen tijd door te brengen, plezier te maken en zo de banden met familie en vrienden te versterken. Hiervoor willen we in onze campagne aandacht vragen. We willen mensen aanmoedigen "ja" te zeggen tegen wat er in het leven écht toe doet.'

Bron en hele artikel: Marketing Tribune

What’s happened in 2017 at Center Parcs?

At the beginning of the year we promised to bring you lots of exciting updates about what was new to Center Parcs across all our villages. From new water slides and a Huck’s American Bar and Grill refurbishment to new accommodation and new activities.

But what exactly was new in 2017?

Many makeovers

From our new look website and Rajinda Pradesh at Whinfell Forest, to Huck’s American Bar and Grill to the Pottery Painting Studio at Longleat Forest.

Our new website has a completely different look and is sleeker and fresher than ever before. With more images and videos for you to feast your eyes on, it’s never been easier to discover your perfect break, make sure you’ve set up your account so you can book your activities and reservations before you arrive.

Elveden Forest, Sherwood Forest and Whinfell Forest now have a new-look Huck’s American Bar and Grill to show off. With a lick of paint and a bright and breezy American look, the appearance is just as classic as the food on the menu. If you’re visiting Whinfell Forest soon, spice up your evening in Rajinda Pradesh with new exotic colours, geometric tiles and luxurious textiles.

The biggest transformation of them all is Aqua Sana at Sherwood Forest, with six nature-inspired spa zones, 25 different experience rooms and a one-of-a-kind Treetop Sauna it really is the perfect place to spend some quality ‘me’ time.

Making a splash

Longleat Forest welcomed new water rides and children’s water play areas this year and, after months of anticipation, they didn’t disappoint.

The new rides included twists, turns and drops. If you haven’t seen them we opened the Tropical Cyclone, a two- or three-person raft ride (also available at Woburn Forest and Elveden Forest) with added audio-visual themes to choose from, as well as Typhoon, a one or two-person ride with an exciting personalised lighting element to enhance the fast-paced drops and swings.

For little ones, the pirate-themed Venture Bay features warm shallow pools, fountains, games and smaller slides. Venture Harbour is a family water play area that’s perfect for slightly older children, with slides, splashes and tipping buckets.

New activities have landed

Action Challenge at Woburn Forest now delivers even more heart-racing thrills with The Drop, our most adrenaline-fuelled activity ever. The Drop tower features four elements that will challenge even the biggest thrill seekers – the Double Drop Zip Wire, the Leap of Faith and the Quick Jump, plus the ultimate Air Bag Jump at heights of up to 10 metres, so book now if you dare.

Woburn Forest isn’t the only Action Challenge having an upgrade; Aerial Adventure at Sherwood Forest is working on 12 new elements and a 250m double zip wire across the lake.

At Sherwood Forest, Whinfell Forest and Elveden Forest, challenge yourself to a game of Football Pool that will have you stepping onto our giant 12ft pool table. Its spots against stripes as you replace the cue with your feet and aim to score the footballs into the pockets. Will you be the first to pot them all?

Off-Road Explorers went on the road to Elveden Forest and Whinfell Forest, after being such a big hit at Sherwood Forest. Your little one can don a tweed flat cap and get behind the wheel of a miniature 4×4. With you by their side, they’ll navigate around our bespoke track, tackling tough terrain and rumble strips, collecting puzzle pieces as they go.

Accommodation

This year for accommodation there’s so many ‘firsts’, such as our first-ever adapted Treehouse at Woburn Forest, the Waterside Lodges at Elveden Forest and our first ever 6-bed Woodland Lodge.

New to Sherwood Forest, and offering the most number of bedrooms under one roof, our 6-bed Woodland Lodge features six spacious bedrooms, four family bathrooms and shower rooms, and a large open-plan living space so you really can bring everyone with you.

Three first-of-their-kind Waterside Lodges are being built at Elveden Forest. Positioned on the bank of the picturesque lake, each has three en-suite bedrooms, beautiful open-plan living and a private waterfront deck with hot tub.

Woburn Forest are building three Treehouses including our first ever adapted Treehouse, all including four en-suite bedrooms, detached games den and beautifully styled open-plan living and private outdoor hot tub.

Sign up to our Under the Treetops newsletter to be updated on what we’re bringing you in 2018 and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what we’re up to.

The post What’s happened in 2017 at Center Parcs? appeared first on Under the Treetops.

from Under the Treetops http://ift.tt/2DZqURS
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Center Parcs introduceert vier cottageconcepten

Center Parcs Les Trois Forêts heeft vier nieuwe cottageconcepten. Op deze manier creëert Center Parcs een geheel nieuwe beleving. De thema's zijn 'Het koninkrijk der sprookjes', 'De dieren uit het bos' en 'Avontuur'. Daarnaast kunnen gasten nóg meer genieten van de luxe met de nieuwe 'Exclusive' cottage.

In de cottage met het thema 'Het koninkrijk de sprookjes', beleven gasten de magische sprookjeswereld. Iedere kamer heeft zijn eigen verhaal. Tijdens het verblijf in deze cottage beleef je dus verschillende kinderverhalen. In de cottage 'Dieren uit het bos' heeft ook iedere kamer een eigen thema. Daarnaast leren de kinderen alles over verschillende dieren. In de 'Avontuur'-cottage kun je verschillende avonturen beleven. Zo kun je kamperen onder de sterrenhemel of een jungle-expeditie doen door het Amazonewoud.

De 'Exclusive'-cottage biedt veel ruimte, luxe en ontspanning. Zo heeft iedere cottage een wellnessruimte en een sauna. Vanaf het terras van deze cottage heb je een adembenemend uitzicht over de Vogezen.

Bron en hele artikel: Reisgraag

Flair test bungalows Center Parcs: ‘Kids blij, wij blij!’

Een suptropisch zwembad, magisch ingerichte kinderkamers, een prachtige omgeving… Kortom, de nieuwe bungalows van Center Parcs

Les Trois Forêts zijn de ideale plek om met je gezin even helemaal bij te komen. Marjolein van Flair mocht met haar gezin een van de huisjes testen.

‘Center Parcs is voor veel gezinnen in Nederland een begrip, behalve voor ons, want dit is de allereerste keer dat we het familiepark gaan bezoeken. Na een kleine zes uur rijden komen we vrijdagmiddag aan bij ons huisje in Hattigny. Mijn meiden zijn direct door het dolle heen, want ons huisje heeft het thema  ‘Bosdieren’. Voor hen is het weekend daarom nu al geslaagd, want: een beren stapelbed, een houten speelhuisje in de woonkamer, mooie felle kleuren en diverse sluip-routes van kamer naar kamer. Je begrijpt: kids blij, wij blij.

Het park met 435 hectare bos, diverse restaurants, zwembad, kinderboerderij en vele activiteiten is enorm groot. Het bijgeleverde golfkarretje is dan ook geen overbodige luxe. We racen meteen in ons karretje naar de Forest Lodge. Daar kunnen wij met een wijntje bij het haardvuur bijkomen en de kinderen kunnen hun energie kwijt in de grote binnenspeeltuin. Na een heerlijk buffet in een van de restaurants op het park gaan we terug naar onze bungalow, waar onze meiden in hun berenbed en wij in onze sterrenhemelkamer gaan slapen. Wat een feest!

Bron en hele artikel: flair online

Familiekorting & 55+ korting verandert bij Center Parcs

Vanaf 18 december 2017 is de familiekorting en 55+ korting geldig vanaf 2 maanden voor aankomst. Dit is in lijn met de vroegboekkorting.
Voorheen was kon, indien van toepassing, ook binnen 2 maanden van aankomst gebruik gemaakt worden van deze korting

Olivier Brémond CEO of the Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Group

Since its creation, Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs (Paris:VAC) has been majority controlled by its founder, Gérard Brémond. This family control was maintained after the Group was listed on the Paris stockmarket and has enabled the implementation of a long-term strategy.
To ensure the continuity of this aim and with the full support of the members of the General Management Committee, Gérard Brémond has today proposed to the Group’s Board of Directors the nomination of his son Olivier Brémond, 55 year-old, as CEO of the Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Group, with effect from 3 September 2018.
This nomination, as well as the ensuing separation of the Chairman and CEO functions, is to be formally presented for vote at the next Board meeting.
Until his nomination comes into effect, Olivier Brémond is to withdraw from his personal activities and focus on analysing the Group’s various activities and projects, and on exchanging with teams on the ground.

For almost 30 years, Olivier Brémond has been a successful entrepreneur outside the Group:
After taking over Gamma TV in 1988, he created Marathon Productions and Marathon International in 1990. The two companies rapidly ranked among the main television contents producers and distributors offering reports, documentaries, animations and series, and taking the no. 1 spot in programmes for young viewers and becoming the leading exporter of French programmes broadcast in 80 countries.
Marathon has produced more than 3,000 programmes for all channels, some of which have become household names, such as: "Les Intrépides,” "Sous le Soleil,” "Marsupilami” and "Totally Spies.”
Olivier Brémond then went on to initiate and create concept stores in Iceland and New York.
In September 2018, under the chairmanship of Gérard Brémond, Olivier Brémond is to join the Group’s Management Committee made up of Martine Balouka-Vallette, Patricia Damerval and Thierry Hellin, who will maintain their current operating functions.

"This change in the Group’s operating organisation is an answer to a major challenge for the company and all of its teams. I am delighted with this nomination, which ensures the continuity of the Group in respect of its values,” stated Gérard Brémond, CEO of the Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Group.
"Having been a Board members for 22 years, I am well aware of the Group’s fundamentals and growth potential. I will carry out my functions as CEO enthusiastically, rigorously and with team spirit to ensure the successful implementation of the Group’s strategy,” stated Olivier Brémond.

Press release Pierre et Vacances

Center Parcs wins Silver for Best Brand Marketing Campaign

Center Parcs is celebrating after winning the Silver award for Best Brand Marketing Campaign at the MIMA awards last Friday (17th November). Held at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel in London as part of the EVCOM Industry Awards, the MIMAs recognise marketing achievements in the meetings and events industry.

Center Parcs faced stiff competition from fellow finalists including ITA Venues, QHotels, SoolNua and Flanders Meeting + Convention Centre Antwerp, winning the Silver award for its innovative ‘Center Parcs Contest’ campaign which saw 600 clients and press completing specially-designed office teambuilding challenges to win a weekend stay at Center Parcs.

Judges were impressed by the success of the campaign, both in terms of widening Center Parcs’ reach and communicating its key objectives surrounding delegate wellbeing, the importance of teambuilding and spending time in the great outdoors.

Commenting on the award, Liz Pilling, Corporate Events Commercial Manager at Center Parcs said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised for our ‘Center Parcs Contest’ campaign at this year’s MIMA awards. The campaign was incredibly successful particularly in terms of generating interest in Center Parcs as a corporate events destination and teambuilding provider, while encouraging companies to understand and engage with our core focus. The campaign not only generated interaction and conversation on social media, but directly influenced a significant number of showrounds, enquiries and confirmed bookings.”

Bron: Incentive Travel

Tientallen miljoenen euro's verlies door nieuw vakantiepark Disneyland Paris

Center Parcs heeft het afgelopen boekjaar afgesloten met een nettoverlies van 56,7 miljoen euro. Dat was voornamelijk te wijten aan problemen bij de bouw van het nieuwe vakantiepark Villages Nature bij Disneyland Paris. Voor het project hebben Disney en de Center Parcs Group de handen ineen geslagen.

Villages Nature ging in september open, anderhalf jaar later dan gepland. Veel accommodaties waren toen bovendien nog niet helemaal af. Volgens Center Parcs werd de vertraging onder meer veroorzaakt door ontwerpfouten. Het vakantiepark zorgde voor een verlies van 37,3 miljoen euro.

Bron en hele artikel: Loopings

28 new lodges built at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest as part of £6.3m upgrades

Center Parcs has unveiled 28 new timber-framed lodges at its Sherwood Forest holiday village as part of ongoing improvements.

The new accommodation comprises 27 executive lodges – 22 with three bedrooms and five with four bedrooms, featuring hot tubs and saunas – and a six-bedroom Woodland Lodge, the first of its kind across the New Ollerton-headquartered company’s five resorts.

Chilwell-based construction specialist Stepnell built the cabins, which were designed by New Ollerton architect Jackson Design Associates and feature external timber with stone cladding the same architectural style as those at Woburn Forest.

The lodges have been built at three separate locations at Sherwood Forest with Stepnell also creating new roads, services and car parking through a £6.3m construction contract.

Steve Robinson, deputy general manager at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest , said: “Stepnell have helped us deliver an exciting accommodation project at Sherwood Forest, which includes our first ever six-bedroom Woodland Lodge, perfect for larger families or groups of friends to get together.

“The team really understood our requirements and helped us to deliver the project on time so more guests can experience short breaks at Center Parcs.”

Bron en hele artikel: nottinghampost

Center Parcs verhalen op de Voorleeshoek

Welkom bij De Voorleeshoek. De plek waar je kunt genieten van de leukste voorleesverhalen.

Bekijk de volgende voorleesfilmpjes:

• Orry & zijn vrienden: Vallende sterren
• Orry & zijn vrienden: De bed-raket van Rep
• Orry & zijn vrienden: De onderwaterwereld van Woops

A family is for life, not just for Christmas

This Christmas Day, 1.5 million adults* will be seeing their immediate families for the first time this year, after last seeing each other at Christmas in 2016.

New research by Center Parcs has revealed one in three (36%) of us only see our parents once a year and half (52%) of people see their siblings less than six times a year.

Furthermore, more than a quarter (27%) of people only make the effort to see their immediate families at special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas and weddings.

Despite nine in ten (90%) people saying they like spending time with their families, 38 per cent say it’s too difficult to regularly meet up. The main reasons for this were; distance from each other, juggling busy diaries and lack of space.

However, Christmas is the time of year when people do make the extra effort to arrange the logistics, with the average person starting to discuss plans on the 19th of August and locking them in a whole two months before. In fact, one in fifteen (7%) find it so difficult, they start planning where they will be for Christmas a year in advance.

The average household will this year have six family members sitting round the dinner table and one in seven (13%) even have a family member stay in a nearby hotel overnight to make sure they get to see each other.

Even though people go above and beyond because it’s Christmas, we’re actually still trying to get out of having to host the day, with 41% having refused to host Christmas at their house – blaming the size of their house (16%) and the amount of work that goes in to hosting (10%) as the main reasons we’re not keen.

However, Psychologist Emma Kenny says that quality time together as a family unit throughout the year - and not just at Christmas - is essential to mental wellbeing, with nine meetings a year the magic number for happiness.

Kenny said:

“Spending time together as a family is key to feeling good and happy. From the family counselling I do, it’s become clear that families who see each other little and often are more likely to have a better sense of well-being and less tension among each other, opposed to those who save up their meetings for one or two key moments a year.

“Approximately nine meetings a year is – in my mind - the perfect amount for family togetherness. By meeting more than every two months we reduce the pressure that’s put on each gathering which means we look forward to it more, rather than feeling the pressure of the whole affair. And if a few people can’t make it that time, it doesn’t matter as another gathering is just around the corner.”

Colin Whaley, Marketing Director from Center Parcs said:

“We understand the challenges families face when trying to organise a get together and how it can become overwhelming when added to every day pressures. That being said we all know the effort is absolutely worth it! For many years we have had families come to Center Parcs for breaks with aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins and they all arrive and stay in neighbouring lodges, spending time doing activities, having family meals and just enjoying each other’s company. It’s wonderful to see families meeting up and spending good time together, throughout the year and not just at Christmas.”

Psychologist Kenny has revealed her top tips for stress-free family gatherings:

1. Meet semi-regularly – not too often that little things become annoying, but regularly enough that you don’t put too much pressure on the occasion

2. Delegate - If you are getting together make sure everyone chips in by bringing food and drink along. This way no one needs to stress and everyone gets involved

3. Have fun - Make meeting up fun by planning activities that you can all enjoy together. Whether it involves going to the park, or taking part in a new activity. Trying something a little different means everyone will take something positive from the experience

4.Get organised - If you want your get together to work out well, then make sure that everyone knows exactly what they are doing, where they are meant to be and what time they need to arrive. This means that no one becomes stressed or anxious and helps to create a harmonious event

5. Take turns hosting - Make sure that your meet ups are shared and don't end up becoming one person’s responsibility. The whole aim of connecting regularly with your family is to increase bonding and make you all feel connected, and that can’t happen if one person has to be the host on each occasion. At the end of each meet agree who will go next so that everyone is treated equally

Valse winactie Center Parcs: 'gratis winterverblijf'

Een gratis verblijf winnen in Center Parcs tijdens deze winterweken? Dat klinkt aantrekkelijk. Maar pas op! Er is een valse winactie uit naam van het vakantiepark in omloop.
In het bericht staat dat het park vijftig mensen uit een database heeft geselecteerd die kans maken op een gratis verblijf in 'Center Parcs Winter Wonderland'. Het enige wat je hiervoor hoeft te doen is het invullen van een enquête.

Realistische lay-out
Wanneer je klikt op de button 'Bevestig vakantie' kom je terecht op een website waarvan de lay-out erg realistisch is. Het heeft een huisstijl die lijkt op de huisstijl van de echte website van het park. Hier worden je enkele vragen gesteld. Nadat je deze hebt beantwoord, kom je terecht bij een formulier. Hier dien je je gegevens achter te laten. Doe dit niet!

Advies: lees de kleine lettertjes!
Wanneer je de kleine lettertjes onderaan het formulier leest, wordt duidelijk dat dit geen actie van het vakantiepark betreft. De winactie komt van een organisatie die aan jouw gegevens probeert te komen om deze in het vervolg door te verkopen. Wanneer je meedoet zal je in de toekomst worden lastiggevallen met spam per mail en telefoon. En een weekje vakantie? Dat kun je wel vergeten.

Bron: Opgelicht

Villages Nature Paris | Villages Nature Super Sale Kerstvakantie

Villages Nature Super Sale Kerstvakantie
Vanaf €544 voor een 4-pers. cottage, 3 dagen/2 nachten incl. verplichte kosten

Looptijd: t/m 13 december

Kerstvakantie Last Minutes

Beleef de magie van Winter Wonderland
Kerstvakantie vanaf €299 (4-pers. Cottage / 3 nachten / inclusief verplichte kosten)

Mensensmokkelaars brachten Iraniërs zonder papieren onder in Sunparks Mol

Het Openbaar Ministerie heeft vandaag celstraffen van twaalf maanden tot acht jaar gevorderd voor elf beklaagden die vervolgd worden voor de smokkel van 120 Iraniërs richting Groot-Brittannië. De vakantiehuisjes van Sunparks in Mol deden dienst als tijdelijke opvangplaats voor de clandestiene migranten, in afwachting van hun verdere doorreis.

De procureur eiste ook monsterboetes tot 3,480 miljoen euro en de verbeurdverklaring van 720.000 euro, de minimumopbrengst van de smokkel.

De beklaagden maakten volgens het OM deel uit van een criminele organisatie die zich had toegelegd op de smokkel van Iraniërs naar West-Europa. De 120 slachtoffers moesten minstens 6.000 euro betalen, wat de organisatie dus zeker 720.000 euro had opgeleverd. Ze vlogen via luchthavens in Turkije en Cyprus naar West-Europa. Hun eindbestemming was Groot-Brittannië.

Bron en hele artikel: De Morgen

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Boek nu een verblijf bij Center Parcs! 

of kiest u liever voor Landal of Roompot! 

Liever een kijkje of verblijf bij Droomparken, Topparken, Molecaten of RCN

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€25 extra korting op de Last Minutes!

Center Parcs heeft een speciale aanbieding die alleen hun trouwe nieuwsbrieflezers ontvangen. Wanneer u voor 15 december 2017 uw Last Minute boekt, ontvangt u €25* extra korting bovenop onze Last Minute prijzen.

Kerstvakantie Last Minutes Sunparks vanaf 199 Euro

Sunparks heeft voor de kerstvakantie aantrekkelijke Last Minute aanbiedingen voor een paar gezelligen dagen samen in een van de 3 Belgische vakantieparken. Al vanaf 199 Euro boekt u een vakantiehuis met 4 personen. En al vanaf 139 Euro met z´n tweetjes - bijvoorbeeld om het nieuwe jaar goed te starten, een hotelkamer in De Kempense Meren (Weekend, 5- 8 januari).

Of lekker uitwaaien aan zee in Vakantiepark De Haan aan Zee, ook van 5- 8 januari - vanaf 199 Euro met 4 personen.

De aankomsten waar kerst en oud en nieuw in vallen zijn natuurlijk duurder - maar nog steeds aantrekkelijk geprijsd ten opzichte van parken van bijvoorbeeld Center Parcs en Landal.

Alle Sunparks parken hebben het overdekte zwemparadijs Aqua Fun. Ideaal met kinderen! Kijk wel even op sunparks.nl hoe het zwembad eruit ziet, zodat u weet wat u kunt verwachten.

Bekijk Sunparks kerstvakantie Last Minutes

(aankomsten tussen 22 december 2017 en 5 januari 2018)

Bron: www.sunparks.nl

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Boek nu een verblijf bij Center Parcs! 

of kiest u liever voor Landal of Roompot! 

Liever een kijkje of verblijf bij Droomparken, Topparken, Molecaten of RCN

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Terhills: Dit wordt het mooiste vakantiepark van Vlaanderen

VLAAMSE MINISTERS ONTDEKKEN MAASLANDSE PAREL TERHILLS

De volledig Vlaamse ministerraad is donderdag samengekomen in Maasmechelen en kreeg er een exclusieve rondleiding in het Terhillspark. Dat gebeurde via de nieuwe verbindingsweg van 4,2 kilometer doorheen het ganse park. "Ik ga hier zeker eens met mijn kleinkinderen komen", zei minister-president Geert Bourgeois (N-VA).

De gemeente Maasmechelen kreeg gisteren hoog bezoek over de vloer. De volledige Vlaamse ministerraad logeerde in het Terhillshotel en boog zich in de voormiddag over het SALK-plan dat werd opgericht om het aantal werklozen na de Ford-sluiting weer aan een job te helpen. Voor meer dan 80 procent van de Ford-werknemers - grotendeels afkomstig uit Genk en Maasmechelen - lukte dat ook. LRM dat het Terhillspark uitbaat, ontving minister-president Geert Bourgeois (N-VA) en co met veel plezier. "Welkom in het mooiste vakantiepark van Vlaanderen", lachte Tobias Reeckmans van LRM. "Met deze busjes van de lijn kunnen we doorheen het park een parcours afleggen van 4,2 kilometer dat ons naar de meest belangrijke punten leidt. Opgelet: op termijn worden dit zelfrijdende bussen."

Wellness

Het kloppend hart van de site wordt het resort dat Terhills samen met Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs gaat ontwikkelen. Dit jaar nog zal hiervoor de omgevingsvergunningsaanvraag ingeleid worden. "Maar intussen wordt er al volop gebouwd aan een wellness-complex 'Elaisa'. Een hypermodern gebouw temidden van het groen. De opening zal mogelijk voor eind 2018 zijn." Minister-president Bourgeois was laaiend enthousiast over de troeven van het park, en vroeg zich af of het ook aantrekkelijk was voor zijn kleinkinderen. "Natuurlijk, want met het cable-park kunnen de kleinsten zich uitleven op het water. Shoppen voor mama, sporten voor papa, en ravotten voor de kleinsten. Het zal hier allemaal kunnen, en in totaal honderden jobs opleveren."

Bron en hele artikel: HLN

Give the gift of family time this Christmas

New Center Parcs research has revealed that, although 90% of people said they like spending time with their families, more than a third of us (38%) say it’s just too difficult to regularly meet up.

From bust diaries to travelling distance getting in the way of quality family time, Christmas seems to be the one time of year we’re willing to make the extra effort. But a break at Center Parcs is the perfect opportunity to get together at any time…

Can Christmas be hassle-free? 

Of those surveyed, 41% said they didn’t want to host Christmas due to the lack of space in their home and the stress and effort involved. The great news is, at Center Parcs you don’t need to worry about cooking or washing up; you can dine in some of our restaurants for a Christmas Day lunch or carvery.

Why not spend the day relaxing, rather than running round after the family. Struggling on where to eat? Take a look at this handy guide for all things food at Center Parcs.

Space for all

Lack of space was another issue cited – 13% have a family stay in a nearby hotel over Christmas.

Sleeping up to eight people, our luxury lodges and Treehouses with open-plan living areas, are the perfect place to host your family together, while also giving you space to unwind to after a busy day. Want to bring the whole family along? No problem. You can have more than one lodge, or try our 6-bedroom Woodland Lodge at Sherwood Forest.

Plan ahead 

Between wrapping gifts and stocking up on fizz, there’s so much to do at Christmas. Our research showed planning starts as early as 19 August and can be locked in place a whole two months before.

So plan ahead, that’s fine! You can book a Center Parcs break up until April 2019 and with our new website you can invite your guests to the booking so they can book their own activities and restaurants, as well as view the break itinerary.

Live far from family?

With five villages across the UK, we’re sure there’s one village you can meet family half way, so you don’t have to make such a long journey in all the Christmas traffic.

And with a mixture of break durations over weekends or the midweek, there’s plenty of opportunity to get together all year round. Three nights could be the perfect way to spend quality time together and what better way than at Winter Wonderland?

Want to spend more time together?

It’s important that time spent together as a family is quality time, which psychologist Emma Kenny says can be improved by seeing each other more frequently. She says: “families who see each other little and often are more likely to have less tension among each other than those who only see each other on special occasions”.

So don’t feel that you have to get together just at Christmas, we offer breaks all year round including February half term, May half term and summer. So whether you come with little ones or the grandparents, there’s something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

Book now for hassle-free family time at Center Parcs.

The post Give the gift of family time this Christmas appeared first on Under the Treetops.

from Under the Treetops http://ift.tt/2iyWCMs
Source Under the Treetops

Zoetermeers gezin beleeft een Super Droomdag

Onlangs was het een spannende dag voor een gezin uit Zoetermeer. Op uitnodiging van Stichting Droomdag gingen Melissa en Bart en hun zoontje Stefan hun Super Droomdag beleven. Aanleiding van deze dagen is de ziekte van één van de ouders in het gezin.

Twee vrijwilligsters van Stichting Droomdag haalden hen en namen hen mee naar Center Parcs De Eemhof. Stichting Opkikker was de gastheer deze dag en door een erehaag van vrijwilligers liep het gezin naar binnen. Daar was drinken met een gebakje en na het welkomstwoord gingen zij op pad. Allereerst werden zij bij een aantal stoere activiteiten verwacht. Rijden in een grote truck en de lucht in met een helikopter. Na het lunchbuffet was er een fotoshoot. Er werd een feestje gebouwd en een bezoek aan de brandweerkazerne gebracht. Er werd een knuffel uit de boom gered en een brandje geblust. Nog meer feest aan het einde van de dag en er kon gedanst worden. Ook de lasershow was gaaf.

Bron en hele artikel: streekblad zoetermeer

A-Z guide of everything festive at Center Parcs

A – Arriving at Center Parcs

Access to your accommodation is available from 3pm (3.30pm Whinfell Forest), but you’re welcome to arrive as early as 10am. Explore the village, enjoy the facilities and slip seamlessly into holiday mode.

B – Breakfast with Santa

Join Santa in Huck’s American Bar and Grill for a good breakfast to set you up for the day and if you’ve been extra good this year, you might get a little gift from Santa.

C – Coffee

Nip to Starbucks and try some of the fabulously festive drinks including gingerbread latte, fudge hot chocolate and toffee nut latte.

D – Decorate your tree

For your festive break you can order a Christmas tree and decorations to be delivered to your door, so make your lodge feel all Christmassy for your stay.

E – Eat – lots!

‘Tis the season to indulge. From Indian cuisine and Italian to American and Mexican favourites, there are plenty of choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

F – Fireworks displays

Every Wednesday and Sunday evening on our villages is a fabulous fireworks display and at Woburn Forest a pyrotechnic display.

G – Gifts

Between trying new activities and relaxing with the family, Christmas shopping might be the last thing on your mind, but your Center Parcs break is a great opportunity to purchase the perfect Christmas gift.

H – Have an adventure

Whether you explore the forest or spend all day doing activities, each village is the perfect place to have a fun-filled adventure with all the family.

I – Indoor activity

Warm up indoors with an activity you haven’t tried before, like the Indoor Climbing Adventure, a vertical playground like no other or get competitive with a game of Badminton.

J – Jingles Roller-skate

Get the whole family ready, lace up and rock and roll to the best Christmas hits under the dazzling disco lights.

K – Krispy Kreme

Treat yourself to a Krispy Kreme doughnut – or six – just visit the ParcMarket or Refresh to get your hands on them. Look out for our Winter Wonderland doughnut, filled with chocolate and dusted with coconut.

L – Lodge, your little haven

With touches of luxury in an open-plan living space, your lodge will be the ultimate place to relax. Put your feet up, put the television on and cosy together for a night in.

M – Musical night

A Christmas Eve Concert like no other. With traditional carols and songs, join us and our guest choir. If that’s not enough we have complimentary mince pies.

N – Nutmeg

Nutmeg is back on our villages this year with a special edition of Nutmeg’s Antlers: An Adventure at Center Parcs. Head over to Santa’s Woodland Workshop, ParcMarket or Just Kids to get your hands on this Christmas tale and cuddly toy.

O – ‘Ooo’

The noise you make when you see our forest at night, bedecked in thousands of twinkling fairy lights.

P – ParcMarket

The perfect place to pick up your Christmas essentials like vegetables, cranberry sauce and prosecco.

Q – Quiz

We Wish you a Merry Quizmas, bring all the family along and test your knowledge on what’s been happening in 2017.

R – Reindeer

Real reindeer love to have a break at Center Parcs too, take a trip to Santa’s Woodland Village to see them for yourselves.

S – Subtropical Swimming Paradise

It may be winter outside but at the Subtropical Swimming Paradise it’s always summer. Heated to 29.5c, the perfect place for the whole family to play and enjoy the thrills of our water slides and Wild Water Rapids.

T – Turkey

Spending Christmas Day with us? You can order your turkey to be delivered to your lodge upon your arrival. Or make things a little easier and order a traditional Christmas dinner package and indulge in all the trimmings.

U – Under the stars

Whether you’re walking or cycling round our village at night under the stars, they won’t be the only thing lighting your path, the twinkling decorations will lend a little light.

V – Visit Santa

Take a trip to Santa’s Woodland Workshop and you’ll find elves, real reindeer and of course Santa, who will give you a little gift – only if you’ve been good of course!

W – Wish list

Get your wish list ready to meet Santa and hand deliver it to him at Santa’s Woodland Workshop.

X – X-factor       

With the lights, the snow and the real reindeer – a festive break really has the x-factor

Y – Your family memories

Christmas at Center Parcs is full of magic and opportunity to create family memories, so make this one the most magical Christmas yet.

Z – Zzz

And… sleep – after a busy day of activities, drinking coffee, walking, and cycling – or whatever you get up to on your break, we know you’ll sleep well.

It’s not too late to book now for your festive break.

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Your New Year’s Eve at Center Parcs

If you’re spending New Year’s Eve with us this year – or next – be sure to check out this guide into what actually happens at Center Parcs as we celebrate

Fireworks Display

Time: Midnight

Viewing Areas:

• Sherwood Forest – around the beach
• Whinfell Forest – around the lake near the Village Centre
• Longleat Forest – outside Jardin des Sports and certain areas around the beach
• Woburn Forest (pyrotechnic display) – outside The Pancake House
• Elveden Forest – on the lawn outside The Venue

Top tip: Make sure to arrive 15 minutes before the fireworks display to get a good viewing spot

Celebrations on village

Before the fireworks get underway there are plenty of places on our villages that have a celebration like no other, so come and join us in saying (or singing) goodbye to 2017, with discos, food and drinks that all the family will enjoy.

Café Rouge

Where: All villages

What happens: Toast goodbye to 2017 at Café Rouge, with a delicious four course menu; there is something for everyone to enjoy. With dishes like Steak Frites, Confit de Canard, Salmon Fillet and more, as you bring in the New Year with us!

Huck’s American Bar and Grill

Where: All villages (except Whinfell Forest)

What happens: A warm American welcome awaits you with a glass of festive fizz at this spectacular New Year’s Eve event. Tuck into generous sharing platters, perfectly cooked steaks and tender ribs. You can enjoy a three-course meal while younger ones get stuck into the popular children’s buffet.

Sports Café

Where: All villages (except Woburn)

What happens: Sports Café offers fun for all the family this New Year’s Eve as you welcome in 2018. Enjoy a three-course meal and children’s buffet for younger ones, as well as entertainment for all, from a live band to a children’s entertainer (depending on the village).

The Venue

Where: All villages (The Green Room at Whinfell Forest)

What happens: Transformed into the ultimate party place for New Year’s Eve. Say goodbye to 2017 and ring in 2018 with festive fizz and canapés on arrival. Enjoy a spectacular five course gala dinner, live music, disco and lots to keep little ones entertained then head out to watch the fabulous firework display over the lake bringing an end to a fantastic evening.

Top tip: Wherever you choose, make sure to book early as these events are very popular.

Don’t miss out, book your New Year’s Eve break and join in the celebrations.

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How to make your own Christmas tree decorations

It’s that time of year where the Christmas trees are going up and the decorations come down from the loft.

Make your Christmas tree a little different this year with some homemade decorations with things you can find in the forest. So if you’re coming on a break at Center Parcs be sure to pick up some essential items like sticks, twigs and pine cones and you can get making the decorations when you’re home.

Rustic Stars

A hot glue gun (only to be used by adults)
A handful of thin, straight sticks
Pine needle sprigs
Felt – cut into 2cm squares
Christmas accessories: tiny pine cones, buttons, bells, ribbons
Needle and thread
Scissors

Method

1 Cut four sticks about 8cm long and four slimmer sticks a little shorter
2 Glue the four sticks in a cross shape onto the felt, leaving a small gap in the centre
3 Glue the four smaller sticks on the diagonal to make a star shape
4 Snip tiny sticks to add across the main twigs or at 45º angles at the ends, like a snowflake
5 Glue small sprigs of pine in the gaps
6 Add Christmassy bits like bells and ribbons with glue, or thread wires through the felt
7 You can sew festive buttons through the felt centre
8 Hang with a length of ribbon

Cork Reindeers

Large corks or prosecco corks
A hot glue gun (only to be used by adults)
A pine cone
Googly eyes
Red bells, buttons or pom poms for a nose
Scissors
Brown pipe cleaners
Stripy string for hanging
A bradawl
A small screwdriver

Method

1 Make three holes with the bradawl across the top of the cork for antlers and for hanging
2 Cut a pipe cleaner in two then cut 3cm from each half
3 Bend the larger pieces into a loose question mark and the smaller into an ’s’
4 Twist the S’s around the pipe cleaners to make antlers
5 Push the antlers into the cork holes
6 Push a length of stripy string into the central hole with a screwdriver
7 Cut two lobes from a pine cone to use as ears
8 Make eyebrow shaped slits with a screwdriver then press the pine cone ears in
9 Glue on some googly eyes and a red reindeer nose

Pom Pom Pine Cones

Large, open pine cones
Mini pom poms
Hot glue gun (only to be used by adults)
Sparkly thread or ribbon

Method

1 Glue the tiny pom poms under each lobe of the pine cone
2 Thread sparkly ribbon around the stalk of the pine cone or stick on with the glue gun

Book now for your festive break.

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Center Parcs eerste Nederlandse leisure organisatie met ISO 50001

Center Parcs heeft als eerste Nederlandse organisatie op haar vakgebied het ISO 50001 certificaat ontvangen. ISO 50001 is het instrument om bedrijven te ondersteunen bij hun energiebeheer en bij het besparen van energie en kosten. Ooit was Center Parcs de eerste organisatie op het gebied van vrije tijd die het ISO 14001 certificaat ontving voor haar inspanningen op het gebied van milieumanagement. Nu ontvangt Center Parcs als eerste organisatie binnen dit vakgebied naast een nieuwe ISO 14001 certificering ook het...

Bron: NRIT

Mulled Cider

We have mulled wine through Winter Wonderland so you can continue that feeling at home with mulled cider. A warming and Christmassy drink which means you won’t be running around making numerous different drinks for everyone. Just offer your guests a mulled cider as they come through the door (they will already be able to smell the winter spices wafting through the house) and I promise you 90% of them will accept.

It is an altogether more pleasing drink than mulled wine, and if you add an optional shot of brandy to the mix, your gathering will be very merry. For the kids, teetotallers and drivers there is a delicious non-alcoholic version too.

My bonus tip is that you can keep it warm in a slow cooker, ladling out a glassful when needed, or leave some in a coffee pot, warming by the fire for top-ups.

Merry Christmas!

Mulled Cider

Ingredients

3 litres of Dry Cider

Mulling Spices:
2 star anise
1 split vanilla pod
4 cloves
A good grating of nutmeg
1 cinnamon stick
Juice of 3 or 4 clementines
Peeled zest of 1 clementine

Sweetness:
6-8 dessert spoons of caster sugar

Pretty bits:
1 Sliced orange
1 Sliced apple – pips removed
Cinnamon sticks

For a party:
Optional addition of brandy

Method

1 Heat the cider in a large pan until it just starts to boil
2 Add the mulling spices and allow to simmer for 5 minutes
3 Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves
4 Test the sweetness and flavour and add a little honey if it needs to be sweeter
5 Turn off the heat and add a splash of brandy if you want to
6 Remove the star anise (to stop the flavour getting too strong) and add the pretty bits before you serve
7 You can pour it into a slow cooker to keep warm, or pour into teapot to warm by the fire
8 Pour or ladle into glasses that are strong enough to take a little heat

Non-alcoholic Mulled Cider

Method

1 As above but replace the cider with apple juice
2 Reduce the sugar to 3-4 dessert spoons
3 Don’t add the brandy!

It’s not too late to book your festive break at Center Parcs.

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Vakantie Voordeeldagen: nu verlengd t/m maandag 4 december!

Goed nieuws: De Vakantie Voordeeldagen zijn verlengd! U heeft nog t/m 4 december om uw schoolvakantie in 2018 te boeken met 20%* Vroegboekkorting + ActiviteitenCadeau t.w.v. €30 en Voorkeursligging t.w.v. €33. Of profiteer nog van onze kerstvakantie Last Minutes.