The Center Parcs tradition lives on through generations

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It’s true when we say a Center Parcs break is for the whole family. A lot of our guests have been coming on breaks for years, visiting with their parents when they were little to now keeping the tradition and bringing their own family. Read the memories of our long-returning guests and their stories about their visits to Center Parcs.

Generational memories

“I’ve visited Sherwood Forest every year since I was six months old, I’m now 25 and still go every year with my mum and dad. I now have two children which I am carrying the tradition on with them. It’s my favourite place to be!” – Shaz E

“For over 32 years. Every year. Three generations, wonderful memories and more to create. It is our family tradition to go.” – Tania B

“Once a year to bring our family all together in one place and the memories we make get better every year, we’ve been doing it ever since we were young children and have no plans in stopping” – Nikki A

“First went 30 years ago when our children were small. Been every year since and our grown-up children now go with their friends. Our youngest daughter has just had her honeymoon at Sherwood Forest. Center Parcs is the place where our family makes happy memories.” – Sara A

“My mum and dad brought me as a baby in 1988 just after you opened Sherwood Forest and we have been coming ever since, usually once or twice a year. Now we bring our son along with us who enjoyed his third visit this summer.” – Kirsty J

 

It’s the little things

“We’ve been coming since our older teen was born and have returned at least once each year since. Our accommodation choice has grown along with our family. We have an autistic child who is always at their happiest when we’re in the forest. We know it isn’t, but we always say ‘it’s our forest’ as we feel so at home and free from any of life’s pressures when we’re there!” – Emma D

“We’ve been coming nearly every year since my son was around 12 months old, he’s now 18! Many precious family memories have been made and we’ve also visited with friends on a number of occasions. For me, there’s something about parking the car up for the week and wandering into the forest which helps me relax and unwind.” – Lisa V

“We first visited around 2004, a few more times over the next few years then in 2010 we stayed for a week during Winter Wonderland and it became our family holiday place to be. We’ve celebrated special birthdays, anniversaries, and many Christmas breaks at Center Parcs. We’ve made lots of amazing memories together. The reason we still come back is because it’s beautiful, it’s tranquil, it’s peaceful and very relaxing, yet there’s also lots to do and places to eat and drink too.” – Terri S

 “I have been coming since I was very little, my sister was 10 months old on our first trip and she is now 25! I have just visited with my fiancé and his little girl for their first trip. The joy on their faces going down the rapids has now cemented it as an annual trip. I’m back again in October with my sister and I can’t wait!” – Justine H

“Almost 30 years of Center Parcs, shared with family or friends, sometimes both at the same time. We keep coming back because no matter how many times we visit, there’s always something new to explore and experience. We’ve grown up together at Center Parcs and we look forward to introducing our granddaughters for the first time next year… We’ve stayed in every kind of lodge there is except the Treehouses, but there is still time yet. We love the lakes, the wildlife and the freedom to roam, relax, catch up and chill out. Can’t wait for every next booking.” – Gary T

Year after year

“I have been coming for the last 33 years at least once a year. I got engaged at Sherwood Forest and this year is our 31st anniversary. Many happy memories at all the villages we have visited. Looking forward to our next visit, next year.” – Anthony W

 “I will have been five times by the end of the year including a Treehouse treat, I’m obsessed and we arrive again tomorrow! Fresh air, trying new activities, lighting the fire on an evening and beautiful wildlife is what brings us back, again and again! Family and making memories” – Lisa S

“Not often enough, twice a year for over 20 years…” – Alison S

“Over 13 years we’ve had 16 visits! Completely love everything about it.” – Maxine S

 

Book your Center Parcs break whether you are a returning guest or a first-timer, the forest awaits you.

Look out for our photo opportunities whilst on your break and take a family snap. Why not make it your family tradition and you could look back at lovely memories over the years. We would love to see your snaps, tag us using the hashtag #mycp.

 

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Longleat Forest sponsors red panda

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Our story started towards the beginning of 2020, when sadly, like many businesses, we temporarily closed our doors. Our villages were left with a lot of leftover stock, including fruit and vegetables from the Food, Beverage, and Retail venues. Longleat Forest, being neighbours with Longleat Safari Park, decided to gift their food to the Safari Park. After all, whilst their doors were closed, they still had lots of hungry animals to feed!

This led us to look at additional ways to support the Safari Park with their ongoing conservation projects at the park, especially given their opportunities had been limited whilst closed during the pandemic. This is where the idea to sponsor an animal came from. Having been given a list of animals we could sponsor, we picked red pandas mainly due to the hard work Longleat is doing for their breeding programme – and they are really cute!

In the last few weeks, Sarah Deverill, Deputy Village Director, and Emma Ledbury, On Village Marketing Coordinator at Longleat Forest were invited by Graeme Dick, Head of Animal Adventure to meet with him and Samantha Allworthy, Red Panda Keeper, to Longleat Safari Park.

We visited Maya, our sponsored red panda, and the other two male pandas at the Safari Park to find out more about the endangered species in the wild and how the team at Longleat is helping with a red panda breeding programme.

Samantha said “Currently we house three red pandas at Longleat Safari, Maya, Koda, and Lionel. All of whom are members of the European endangered species breeding program and will each have their own part to play in the survival of the species.

 Since having red pandas at Longleat Safari we have also developed a close relationship with The Red Panda Network, a charity that works in Nepal to help wild red pandas by employing local people to become forest guardians that monitor the habitat and record vital data on red panda behaviour.

Having red pandas at Longleat means that the individual animals we have, act as ambassadors for their species in the wild. And by seeing them and learning about them our guests become inspired to help their wild cousins and make a difference to the future of a very special species.”

Center Parcs Longleat Forest and Longleat Safari Park share the same forest and it’s great to see how we can work together for such a great cause.

 

Book your Longleat Forest break today.

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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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Picture perfect moments on a summer 2022 break

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Whether you are looking to escape to the forest for complete relaxation or exhilarating activities, you can create your days just how you want them for complete summertime family moments. Here’s our suggestion.

Morning

Wake up to the sound of the early morning bird song and breath in the warm forest air as you sit on your private patio, taking in the aroma of coffee in hand. Grab a bite to eat in Sports Café to fuel up before your action-packed day ahead. Watch them conquer Mini Trek or for the brave older ones, tackle Aerial Adventure and soar down the zip wire over the lake. For the nature enthusiasts, discover woodland walks nestled in the forest, or learn about different habitats on our Nature Walk.

 

Afternoon

Before the tummies begin to rumble, head to The Pancake House for a sweet or savoury fix. Take a stroll around the lake and finish at our sandy beach. Have a moment to relax, soaking up the sun. Listen to the little ones having fun, building and knocking down sandcastles, their giggles melting your heart. Hire a Pedalo or Electric Boat and cruise along the lake, taking in the picturesque views around you. Cool down with refreshing ice cream from Treats, with various flavours to try you may have to visit more than once!

 

Evening

Have you ever visited our Subtropical Swimming Paradise on an evening? Lay on your back and float away in the heated outdoor pools, looking at the summer night sky. Bliss! Splashing good fun can be had by all ages with relaxing whirlpools, exhilarating rides and slides and dedicated water play areas for the little ones. Cycle back to your lodge, summer breeze on your face, to enjoy al fresco dining in your private outdoor space, cook up an epic barbecue or order delivery from your favourite restaurant. Staying in a hot tub lodge? Once the little ones are tucked up in bed, hop into the hot tub for some ‘you’ time, smiling about the perfect family time you’ve had.

Can you imagine their faces when you tell them they are going to Center Parcs? Book your summer 2022 break and have something the whole family can look forward to.

It’s never too early to book your summer break. Book before 5 October 2021, using code SUMR22, to benefit from our Price Promise and receive a refund or reduction if you find your break for a lower price after you book.

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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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FAQ’s eating out at Center Parcs

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To help make your Center Parcs break as stress-free as possible we have come up with a few frequently asked questions to help you plan for your break and answer your burning questions.

Q: Do you need to book restaurants at Center Parcs?

We recommend restaurants to be pre-booked in advance, to ensure you can get a table at your favourite Center Parcs restaurant. Or if you suddenly have a craving for something sweet or savoury our restaurants are also accepting walk-ins, so you can satisfy that sweet craving at everyone’s favourite The Pancake House.

You can pre-book your restaurant reservations four weeks before you arrive, giving you time to decide what delicious food to choose. Or have your favourites delivered to the comfort of your lodge, with our restaurant delivery service. Delivery orders are same-day ordering only.

 

Q: How do I pre-book restaurants at Center Parcs?

Get your date nights or family meals pencilled into the diary by logging into your Center Parcs account via our website and making a restaurant reservation before or during your stay.

 

Q: How do I use the order and pay system for food and drink?

For all questions on our new restaurant order and pay system which also includes food delivery to your accommodation, see here for all the answers.

 

Q: How is Center Parcs keeping everyone safe in the restaurants?

We are still working hard to ensure our restaurants are safe places to enjoy a meal out. Here are a few highlights on what you’ll see when you dine in:

• Single-use menus
• All tables will be spaced out for social distancing
• Our restaurants are now cashless (so don’t forget your payment cards!)
• Face coverings are advised but not compulsory

 

Q: How do I order a delivery to my lodge?

We all know how our little one’s eyes, big or young light up when you can all enjoy a restaurant meal in the comfort of your cosy lodge. So, ordering a delivery especially after a long day of activities needs to be a quick and easy process and at Center Parcs, it is just that. Simply visit the ‘food and drink’ page on our website, pick your restaurant of choice, log in to your order and pay account or set one up and follow the instructions.

 

Q: What restaurants are in Center Parcs?

In the forest, you’ll find a wide variety of food and drink options to suit every occasion and mood. So you can stop off for a quick bite while you are out and about or find somewhere all the fussy eaters in the family can have a big hearty meal to fill you up after a day of activities. For more details on what restaurants are available in the village you are visiting please have a look at our food and drink page.

 

Q: Will the soft play areas in some of the restaurants be open?

Unfortunately, our indoor soft play areas in some of our restaurants will be closed during your visit. But keep your little ones entertained with our single-use activity packs where they can colour and draw while waiting for their food.

 

To experience a getaway in the forest and our unique restaurants, book your Center Parcs break today.

 

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Boek nu een verblijf bij Center Parcs! 

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

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Take a look inside Longleat Forest’s Rajinda Pradesh refurb

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See the transformation from the old purple and red Rajinda Pradesh to the new restaurant refurb which features over 5o lanterns and so much more.

 

Sean Erangey, Projects Manager mentioned “There hasn’t been a refurb before this. The last major change to Rajinda Pradesh was when it was opened! Rajinda Pradesh was originally Country Club and was changed in 2002.”

 

The recent refurbishment took only 4 weeks to complete and features some new wall art in the restaurant. The feature wall shows Indian Proverbs in Hindi writing which translate to:

“A person of excellent qualities is like a flower, which, whether found amongst weeds or worn on the head, still preserves it’s fragrance”

“The heart of an excellent person resembles the coconut, which, though hard without, contains refreshing water and delicious food within”

“Let the traveller fainting on his journey take rest under a tree which contains both fruit and shade”

 

See if you can spot these fun facts on your next visit:

• 258 jars of real spices are on display, with many more being added
• In the restaurant there are 55 lanterns. See if the little ones can count them all!
• They have raised the lower level up so that all the restaurant is on one level
• The coloured plaster in the bar area and the toilets was carried out by specialist tradesmen and the texture of the plaster is created using ground up Cornish clay.

 

We spoke to Wesley Taylor the Restaurant General Manager who says “Many of our repeat guests were very much accustomed to the purple and red Rajinda Pradesh restaurant they had known over the last decade and so they are very much wowed when they first enter our new look Rajinda Pradesh. Guests love how modern but authentic the restaurant looks, how inviting and cosy the selection of booths are and how much improved it is over its former self. We have had nothing but positive praise about it. Our colleagues are also buzzing with the new look restaurant and have had a great first few weeks serving our guests some great food and memorable holiday experiences.”

 

Tantalise your taste buds with the tastes of India at Rajinda Pradesh available at all Center Parcs villages. A selection of contemporary Indian dishes packed full of flavour, like a mild and creamy Korma made with coconut and mango, to a rich and fiery Madras. Indulge in a choice of starters and sides like fragrant rice or fluffy Naan bread. Made with delicious authentic ingredients, inspired from across India.

 

If you love what you see at Longleat Forest, Sherwood Forest’s Rajinda Pradesh has also been refurbished!

 

Book your Center Parcs break here. 

 

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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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Hints and tips for first time guests

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Whether you are new to Center Parcs, haven’t visited for a while or are frequent guests, our hints and tips will provide you with all the latest information so you can plan and prepare before your break then relax and enjoy every family moment whilst you are there.

Arrival

Make your first day of your break stress free and make note of these top tips before you arrive.

• Read the latest information on arrival times, the current time you can arrive is 12 noon. Unfortunately you won’t be able to access the village before the time stated and it’s not much fun having to wait in the car
• Make sure you have checked in, with all guest names, online prior to arrival. This will make check in a lot quicker meaning you can start your adventures sooner!
• It’s often very busy with guests driving to their lodges at 4pm. Why not spend more time enjoying the village and then collect your car later in the evening once the queues have gone down?
• Don’t forget to drive your car back to the car park once you have unpacked, helping us operate a car-free village. But remember where you parked your car, even after three nights you can easily forget where you parked it!
• Keep the map you are given in a safe place, or alternatively download the village map from our website if you have a smartphone

Departure

The last day of your family break is always a sad one but there’s lots of ways you can make the most out of it.

• We ask that you leave your accommodation by 10am, day of departure. Therefore, make sure you go and collect the car to pack up in enough time to vacate
• Once you have packed up, you can stay and enjoy the village all day! Pop to the shops for last minute treats or gifts, have one last round of Badminton or visit your favourite restaurant before heading home.
• Look out for our Come Back Soon offer which gives you a £50 (€50 for Ireland) discount when you book your next Center Parcs break within 31 days of your departure date

Packing essentials

Whether you are visiting for three, four or seven nights it’s important to know what you should pack and what you could leave behind.

• All-weather clothing – a waterproof is a must. Being in the UK we all know that we could be hit with a surprised rain shower. By packing a lightweight waterproof, you can still enjoy all the activities whatever the weather
• A plastic bag is a great idea to cover your bike seat when leaving outside, to keep it dry from any showers and prevent any wet bottoms!
• Most guests’ dress code is casual and with lots of forest to explore, either by foot or cycle, trainers or comfy footwear are essential
• The forest can get dark at night, bring a torch to help you find your way back to the lodge after your evening fun
• The Cycle Centre offers various wheels including children and adult cycles, pushchairs and wheelchairs. Save room in your car and visit the Cycle Centre
• Looking to stay in your lodge in the evenings? Why not pack some good old fashioned board games for the whole family to play? Or read our ‘The perfect evening at Center Parcs‘ blog for some inspiration
• Visit our what’s included page for more hints and tips

Activities

• With up to 200 indoor and outdoor activities, there’s plenty to do. Don’t miss out, make sure you pre book before you arrive. Visit the website and read all pre-arrival information for the latest information
• When booking your activities, leave plenty of time in between as your next activity may be on the other side of the village and we wouldn’t want you to miss your session. Why not visit our shops and restaurants and fuel up before your next activity?
• Spend time together exploring the forest finding new woodland trails, try a new activity or connect with nature by visiting our Bird Hide and Nature Discovery Area where there’s lots of activities for all ages
• Are you visiting as a young family? Make the most out of our three hour children’s activities at the Activity Den and Creche facilities, so you can have some ‘you’ time in our Aqua Sana Spa

Subtropical Swimming Paradise

• Our Subtropical Swimming Paradise is currently running on pre-booked sessions, make sure you book before you arrive. Guests have commented that pre-booked sessions have meant less queues on our rides and slides, meaning more time for splashing good fun!
• Tight for space in your suitcase? Leave the towels behind and hire them from the Subtropical Swimming Paradise
• Swimming in the evening is magical, float away in the outdoor pools and watch the starry night sky
• Book one of our Cabanas to add a touch of luxury. With more privacy, comfy chairs, TV and a safe, it’s great for those families where everyone wants to do something different, from enjoying every minute of the slides and pools to having some time out
• Forgot to pack your pool essentials? Visit our shop, Aquatique, selling pool accessories from floats, swim nappies, goggles to swimming costumes

Restaurants

• Similar to activities, it’s important to pre-book the restaurants to avoid disappointment. The deposit fee taken at booking will be taken off your bill at the end of your meal
• There’s plenty of restaurants available offering a variety of cuisine, for all ages, those with dietary requirements and whether you are visiting for breakfast, light snack or an evening meal. Visit our list of restaurants to help you choose
• If you fancy a night in, you can order your restaurant favourites to be delivered straight to your lodge

Shops

• We have a range of shops on village including toys, sweet treats, gifts, clothing and food. If you have forgot to pack something, the ParcMarket stocks most things and if you spend over £40 we will deliver your shopping to your lodge for free
• Most of our shops open till later in the evening, enjoy a browse through the shops during the quieter times

Accommodation

From cosy Woodland Lodges to stunning Treehouses, all of our accommodation is nestled within the forest offering home from home luxury living.

• If you are worried about walking too far you can pay an extra fee at the time of booking to select a lodge in the central area or a specific lodge of your choice
• Make sure to use smokeless logs on the log burners, these can be purchased from the ParcMarket. A roaring fire creates a cosy atmosphere anytime of year
• All lodges are equipped with cooking utensils, glassware, plates and bowls. As well as a fridge/freezer, oven and microwave, if you do decide to do your own cooking
• Our lodges are baby friendly, providing high chairs, cots, stair gates and bed guards. Check out our top tips when visiting with a baby post
• If you are thinking of bringing your four-legged friend make sure you book in advance, we only have a limited number of dog lodges and they sell out pretty quick
• Most lodges include a brick built barbecue stand which caters for disposable barbecues only. Cook up an epic feast for some al fresco dining. Bring some marshmallows and skewers and finish the night with some marshmallow toasting

Guests with limited mobility

• We have a range of adapted accommodation with lowered worktops, walk-in/wheel-in showers, ramps up to the lodges, electric bed and handrails throughout the lodge
• Contact Guest Services to make use of our Mobility Bus service where one of our friendly colleagues will pick you up and take you to your next place of adventure
• Lifts and ramps are in place around the village and in our restaurants, making it stress-free for you to get around
• Adapted lodges features a specific car parking space which allows you to keep your car parked outside your lodge for the duration of your stay
• Our pools in our Subtropical Swimming Paradise, Aqua Sana Spa as well as the hot tubs in the adapted lodges all feature a hoist aid so you can sit back and relax

 

If you still have a burning question or would like to find out more about a Center Parcs break, visit our social pages, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, where we share lots of information about our villages. Our friendly colleagues are also available to answer any queries. Alternatively, you can check our FAQ’s page to see if your question has already been answered.

 

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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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Best spots to find wildlife – latest nature notes

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Here at Center Parcs wildlife is at the heart of our six villages. From vocal cuckoos singing in the treetops to playful young red squirrels scampering around the forest, there is always a new creature to discover on your short break, whatever the time of year. Keep reading for our latest nature notes provided by our expert Conservation Rangers, to keep you updated with all the comings and goings of our much-loved wildlife. Remember to keep your eyes peeled and your cameras at the ready and see what you can capture on your break!

Sherwood Forest

Throughout May, we were lucky enough to hear cuckoos calling at the top end of the village. The warmer weather has also meant we have seen the first common lizards of the year, with several spotted across the heathlands after a long few months of hibernation over the winter. As our lizard surveys continue into the warmer months, we’re hopeful we’ll see plenty more!

After a moderately warm May, June brought highs and lows. Fluctuating temperatures can be difficult for birds and plants to navigate, as the level of available food fluctuates alongside the temperature. We’ve certainly seen fewer butterflies in June when compared to previous years at Sherwood Forest, so hopefully the warm weather will stabilise a little.

Our Nature Walk at Dusk sessions have begun again, and we have an opportunity to show guests our nocturnal animals, with badgers and bats at the top of the list. There are also some interesting birds to see in the village at this time, with woodcocks in particular being spotted in the evenings. Woodcocks are rarely seen as they are ground-dwelling birds with perfect camouflage, so keep a look out on your break to see if you can spot one!

Elveden Forest

Spring migrants arrived with all the normal warblers being recorded this month, chiffchaff, willow warbler, blackcap, common whitethroat and garden warbler. The cuckoo was first recorded on the 7 May and has been calling all along the perimeter track from the golf course to the Treehouses. Grey wagtails have again nested in the Aqua Sana yard even with all the building work that’s going on and its relative the pied wagtail is nesting around the Village Square.

Dragonflies and damselflies are now emerging and the new pond on the front drive seems to be a magnet for them at the moment. On 16 June there were over 60 pairs of common blue damselflies mating and laying on the large patch of hornwort (an aquatic plant) in the middle of the pond.

Longleat Forest

The wet and cold weather in June appeared to have an adverse effect on some earlier nesting birds with the warm spell coming just in time to benefit those that left it a little later. Many blue, great and coal tits sadly lost their broods soon after hatching as their food supply of moth caterpillars weren’t available.

Roe deer and muntjac were seen, and badger and fox tracks were found on the main path. Fresh otter tracks were again found on village too.

Tawny owls were very vocal near the Redwood Apartments and one flew within a couple of metres of our heads before perching silhouetted in a nearby tree. The first fledgling birds of the year are always a welcome sight as it is a sure sign of successful breeding. Wrens, blackbirds, nuthatches and song thrushes were the most frequently encountered during June.

Whinfell Forest

The presence of fawns is one sign that summer at Whinfell Forest is in full swing. Roe deer are a regular sight, and the distinctive barks of the bucks can often be heard in the more remote areas of the forest.

Adult and juvenile red squirrels have been observed during transect surveys colonising new areas within the forest, establishing dreys (the name for squirrel nests) and expanding their territory.

Badger offspring are usually born between February and April, emerging above ground 8-10 weeks later. A wildlife camera situated at Whinfell’s largest sett has allowed the Conservation Rangers to monitor three badger cubs, now beginning to forage for themselves in between boisterous play fighting. Another species engaging in playful antics are the red squirrel juveniles frequently seen chasing each other up and down trees in spiralling patterns, behaviour that allows for the development of their coordination and strength.

Woburn Forest

We took in another four hedgehogs (two boys and two girls) from Shepreth Hedgehog Hospital. These animals had been rescued and rehabilitated before being brought here to Woburn Forest, where they were placed in our release pens to acclimatise before being allowed to wander off into the forest. Our pair of swans with their cygnets continue to do well and are managing to cope with their newfound popularity since the return of our guests.

Our population of moorhens have been increasing over the last month with four new chicks being spotted on the main lake in amongst the marginal reeds. The chicks were described to me as being ‘ugly and cute at the same time’. I think it is because their heads are initially bald and they have large feet for the size of their bodies and wings that look like little stumps! But then their bodies are this amazing ball of fluffy feathers, which is usually what catches our guest’s eyes.

Longford Forest

“Summertime and the living is easy” is how you feel when you are greeted every morning with the beautiful songs from the chorus of birds like the coal tit, blue tit and especially the great tit. With over 70 different songs and calls, its predominate song of ‘tea-cher tea-cher’ can be heard on the forest edge, which adds to the ambience of the wakening of Longford Forest.

Our red squirrels are now spending most of their time foraging in the tree canopy and can be particularly elusive, often hiding on the opposite side of the tree trunk. The young are called kittens and are born blind and naked and only resemble adults at three months. Guests really enjoy looking out for them! This is the best season to admire new generations of all kinds in the forest.

 

If you and your family love nothing more than a short break surrounded by nature and wildlife, book a Center Parcs break today and experience the forest coming alive for yourselves! Or if you’ve already got your break booked, why not try one of our nature activities during your stay? Explore the forest with Nature Detectives, meet our magnificent birds of prey in Falconers Club and see our majestic owls up close in An Outing with Owls.

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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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We all scream for ice cream

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Treats

Where: all villages

The home to all things sweet and delicious, a trip to Center Parcs isn’t complete without a visit to Treats. For a range of classic ice cream flavours, all made with authentic Cornish clotted cream why not pop in and try Kelly’s ice cream with a variety of yummy cones to choose from. Which flavour will you try?

 

Sports Café

Where: all villages

Finish off your Sports Café experience in the sweetest way with the Ultimate Chocolate Sundae. Layered with chocolate and caramel ice cream, marshmallows, crushed Flake and Maltesers, topped with whipped cream and finished with a drizzle of chocolate and toffee sauce, you’ll be in the ultimate food coma.

 

The Pancake House

Where: all villages

Crispy on the outside, but fluffy on the inside sweet Belgian Style Waffles, Dessert Pancakes and Pancake Stacks, all come with an array of ice cream at The Pancake House. Have you tried our popular pancake, The Cookie Monster? Cooked with chocolate chip cookie dough and topped with caramel and chocolate ice cream, crumbled Flake, crushed Oreo cookies, toffee sauce and whipped cream, it’s a sweet tooth’s dream!

 

Bella Italia

Where: Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest

Bringing you the taste of Italy to your Center Parcs break at Bella Italia. Try our creamy and smooth Italian gelato from our dessert menu. With a full list of flavours and toppings, you can pick and choose your ice cream just the way you like it.

 

ParcMarket

Where: all villages

Or for an ice cream on the go, pop into ParcMarket. Choose from a selection of ice creams in the freezer aisle to either take back to your lodge or enjoy while wandering around the forest.

 

Dont Forget to share your ice cream snaps with us using the hashtag #mycp

 

Click here to book your next Center Parcs break.

 

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Award-winning Aqua Sana Spa

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The annual awards were held on Monday 2 August and saw Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest winning the Best Day Spa at the Good Spa Awards while also being shortlisted in two other categories – Aqua Sana Woburn Forest, in Bedfordshire, for Best Retreat Spa and Aqua Sana Longleat Forest, in Wiltshire, for Best Countryside Getaway.

 

We spoke to Kay Pennington, Group Spa Manager, who states “Since we launched our Forest Spa concept in 2017 this is the fourth time Aqua Sana Sherwood has been recognised by the Good Spa Guide. We are very fortunate to have a fantastic product in a beautiful location within the forest , however  I truly believe that it is down to the individual team members at Aqua Sana Sherwood who are committed and driven to drive excellent service. They are a very passionate and motivated team and we have all stayed in close contact during the pandemic to come back stronger than ever. To win the Best Day Spa (sponsored by Dale Sauna ) is the best accolade and a true credit to every member of the team.”

 

In 2017, Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest underwent a £3m refurbishment to introduce the first Forest Spa, bringing together 25 experiences to harness the proven benefits of forest bathing. Set across six spa zones – Nordic Forest, Treetop Escape, Treetop Nesting, Volcanic Forest, Hot Springs and Forest Immersion – the spa also has a heated outdoor pool, as well as a number of treatment rooms, and express treatment areas.

 

Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest is home to the exclusive Treetop Sauna, set amongst the forest canopy with panoramic windows giving a stunning view of the surrounding woodland, as well as a range of saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas and so much more.

 

Offering a range of luxurious treatments from well-known product houses Elemis and Decléor, Aqua Sana has recently begun working with VOYA to deliver their organic seaweed-based treatments, which are suitable for those who have been treated for cancer or who are undergoing cancer treatment. Aqua Sana also offers two treatments designed by their own therapists, using Aqua Sana own brand products.

 

Seb Firman, Aqua Sana Manager at Sherwood Forest, said: “I’m thrilled that we have been named Best Day Spa. As a brand, we’re always looking to introduce new experiences, treatments and products for our guests, so it’s great to be recognised for offering a great experience. It’s been a really tough 15 months for everyone, but it’s great to be seeing guests returning to spas. Our team always seek to create a space where guests can relax, escape daily life and reconnect with the natural world, so I know they’ll be so pleased to have won this award!”

 

Book your Award-winning Aqua Sana Spa break here

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The living roof at Woburn Forest

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What’s so great about our roofs?

In 2014 the opportunity was taken to include within the design of Woburn Forest Center Parcs a ‘Green Roof System’ on our Plaza building which includes the Aqua Sana. This ‘Green Roof’ covers 8500m² with an array of Sedum plants which provides an inviting habitat for creatures great and small. But we didn’t stop there, not only does the living roof feature on the Plaza it is also on The Pancake House which provides a further 353m² of friendly environment for the local wildlife.

 

Raising the roof

Made up of a special mix of compost, crushed brick and plant cuttings, the roofs are an additional habitat for a diverse range of insects and birds. Not just a benefit for the animals though, these green roofs are brilliant for the environment as they absorb excess carbon dioxide.

Ian Buck the Grounds Service Manager at Woburn says that ‘not only do the buildings blend in better with the surroundings but the green roofs also provide an important habitat for insects and other animals.’ This was highlighted in 2017 when we were recognised by DEFRA (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), who are responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, and named a Bee’s Needs champion at their annual awards ceremony. This accolade is in celebration of the green roofs the village has on two of it’s buildings which were planted in 2014.

 

How you can help

Center Parcs believes in protecting the forest and our environment. So can you and your family help? Of course you can. Read our tips on how to create a bird friendly garden.

 

Book your short break to Woburn Forest and spot the roofs for yourselves.

 

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The perfect evening at Center Parcs

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Ten Pin Bowling

A strike, a spare… who will emerge the victor in this traditionally competitive game? Visit the Leisure Bowl and get the whole family involved in some Ten Pin Bowling. It’s family fun at its finest, and our special slides mean even the littlest family member can join in. The Leisure Bowl is the perfect place to stop by for a drink. With hot drinks, soft drinks and bar snacks, there’s something for everyone. You can book your bowling lane here.

 

The Sports Plaza

Or if you are feeling more energetic take a look at our indoor activities at the Sports Plaza. Shuttlecocks and racquets at the ready… badminton brings out the competitive streak in us all. Get your friends and family together, in an evening game of doubles or singles. Book your court and equipment hire here before you arrive to secure your place. Or why not try your hand at Table Tennis whether you’re a pro or a keen amateur, dashing around the table with ping pong paddles is always lots of fun. This high-energy game is great for bringing out the competitive spirit in the whole family as you battle to become the Table Tennis champion. Book your table before you arrive to be sure of getting your evening game.

 

Nature Walk at Dusk

Our forests are full of creatures who come out when the sun goes down, discover the nature and wildlife that come out to play when most of us are thinking about getting ready for bed. Our Nature Walk at Dusk is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to see the forest in a different light, available for little ones aged 4 and over. If you want to discover the secrets of the night forest don’t forget to book your activity slot.

 

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise

Heated to 29.5 °C and decked in tropical plants and trees, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise is open till 9pm – ideal for an evening swim. Unwind after a jam-packed day of activities and gaze up at the stars in the Outdoor Pool. Tackle the Wild Water Rapids and enjoy our exhilarating rides and slides – the perfect place to tire out the little ones before bed.  Access to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise during your break is through a pre-booking system only, available from four weeks before you arrive, so be sure to pre-book and secure your place to take a dip in the pool.

 

Twilight Taster at Aqua Sana Spa

Relax into a Twilight Taster at our award winning Aqua Sana Spa. Treat yourself to an evening of bliss, a space to unwind without the chaos. Our evening spa sessions are open from 4pm till 9pm, the ideal evening of relaxation. The Twilight Taster includes a glass of bubbly on arrival and an evening of some uninterrupted ‘you’ time. Don’t forget to book in advance to secure your place on a twilight forest spa evening.

 

Or if an evening in is more your speed, why not try these…

 

Eating in

Enjoy our on-village restaurants from the comfort of your lodge, choose from a selection of our restaurants and have your food delivered straight to you. After a long day of activities treat yourself and your family with a takeaway from a range of cuisines, we have something for everyone (even those fussy eaters)!

 

Toasting marshmallows

Why not have your own campfire experience by picking up one of our marshmallow s’more making kits from ParcMarket. Gather the whole family around the barbecue to toast marshmallows and melt chocolate to create your own s’mores. The ideal way to share stories and reconnect, perfect for quality family time under the stars. Open till 9pm, ParcMarket has all the supplies for those evening food cravings.

 

Hot tub lodge

Take a look at our hot tub lodges we have available. Put the little ones to bed and spend some quality ‘us’ time relaxing in your own hot tub. Situated in the forest relax and gaze up at the starts among the treetops, the ideal ending to a day at Center Parcs.

 

Share your snaps of your Center Parcs evening fun using the hashtag #mycp

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Elijah – Together For Short Lives

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Children’s Hospice Week is run by our charity partner, Together for Short Lives, and is very close to our hearts. Families caring for a seriously ill child are pushed to their limits – caring around the clock can leave them feeling exhausted and alone. Our children’s hospices must never be pushed to theirs.
With the numbers of children with life-limiting conditions rising, children’s hospices need our support to ensure they can help as many families as possible. Families like Elijah and his mum Natasha…

 

“It’s nice to go somewhere where you don’t have to worry about fitting in.”

For Natasha and her two-year-old son, Elijah, going for ‘normal’ trips out as a family could be a challenge even before Covid-19 hit. He is unable to walk, talk or see and even simple things like going to the play park just don’t work, they’re not accessible enough and it all just becomes too stressful.

Not like their local children’s hospice, Little Havens, which Natasha calls their “safe haven”. She says “Everything is just tailor made for kids like Elijah –  the sensory room, hoists, bath, gardens. It’s nice to go somewhere where you don’t have to worry about fitting in.”

 

‘We knew straight away something was wrong’

Even before birth, it was not a straightforward journey for the family.

Natasha says, “We knew from the 28 week scan that Elijah had too much fluid in his brain, but we never had the chance to investigate further as I went into pre-term labour on the day they were due to start tests. Elijah was born four days later. His skin was so damaged, we knew straight away something was wrong.”

Just hours after his premature birth the doctors and dermatologists diagnosed Elijah with a rare virus infection called Congenital HSV. This has caused a number of other complex conditions which affect Elijah’s brain and development.

 

‘Tailor-made for children like Elijah’

When Elijah started getting infantile spasms at five-months-old, hospital visits and an array of medical equipment became a mainstay in their lives. They needed support and the right environment for Elijah to flourish. And that’s when their local children’s hospice came in.

“I’ve always known Elijah was life-limited and he was likely to not live into adulthood. I’ll always take what support is offered if it’s of benefit to Elijah and myself” says Natasha. “The hospice is just beautiful and everything is tailor-made for children with disabilities and life-limiting conditions. We especially love the pool. It’s our favourite part. Elijah has issues regulating his temperature and is always cold so needs a pool that is consistently warm.”

 

Losing that new-found freedom

Suddenly though, all those new experiences and sense of space and freedom came to a halt for Natasha and her baby boy. When Covid took hold, Natasha and Elijah needed to shield at her parents’ house, confined to just one room for 12 weeks to minimise the risk of them catching the infection.

 

‘Helping us get the best out of life’

Moving into their own house over Christmas, Natasha and Elijah are now back receiving that all-important children’s hospice support from Little Havens: “The people at Little Havens understand Elijah’s needs, they’re enthusiastic at helping us get the best out of his life, and everything is tailored to allow us to do that.”

 

There are no limits to what Little Havens children’s hospice will do for families like Elijah’s.

But right now, hospices like them are being pushed to their limits. We are proud to support the UK’s children’s hospices and hope you will join us too.

Will you push yourself to your limits, so children’s hospices aren’t pushed to theirs? #ChildrensHospiceWeek

For more information and to donate click here

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See inside the forest with our latest nature notes

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Sherwood Forest

During April, we saw plenty of migrating birds arriving on our village, with the familiar call of the chiffchaff and the singing of the willow warbler signalling the start of spring. The majority of chiffchaff will have spent winter in the Mediterranean and Western Africa, before moving northwards to nest in our cooler, wetter climate. The willow warblers tend to migrate more than 5,000 miles from sub-Saharan Africa to nest – their eggs weigh about the same as a 1p coin! Both birds will start returning to warmer climates as autumn approaches.

We’ve also noticed swallows and a sand martin swooping over the lake – both birds eat ‘on-the-wing’, flying over waterways to catch and eat insects mid-flight. In previous years, we’ve had a pair of swallows nest on the village, so we’re keeping a close eye out for them this year.

So far, we’ve counted four long-tailed tit nests – these are built in areas of gorse and camouflaged with lichen and spiders’ webs to protect the eggs from predators.

We’ve also spotted seven badger cubs at our main sett and they’re starting to explore further afield – we’ve even seen evidence of them at the Creepy Crawlies activity area.

 

Elveden Forest

In Suffolk, it’s been a later arrival for our summer visitors, with swallows arriving almost two weeks later than in previous years and brambling staying around a lot longer! We’ve also spotted three endangered species – the lesser redpoll, fieldfare and redwing – during our breeding bird survey, as well as two more endangered species – tree pipits and yellowhammers – and some of our more common birds including a red kite, bullfinches, stonechats, woodlarks, house martins and crossbills.

In exciting news, we also spotted redstarts, which are a species which are scarce in Thetford Forest. We are hoping they may breed this year.

We’ve also spied a ruby-tailed wasp, which doesn’t share the synonymous yellow and black stripes of the common wasp – instead it has red, blue, green and bronze metallic hues.

 

Longleat Forest

During our closure period, our roe deer population ventured out of their usual sanctuary and were spotted resting next to lodges. They’ve since retreated back to the quieter parts of the forest, but keep your eyes open, as they’re regularly spotted by eagle-eyed guests.

For several days, we observed a pair of red kites descending below the treeline and calling – we think this behaviour (which is out of the ordinary for them) might mean they were looking for a place to nest, but we’ve not seen them recently. We’ve also spotted a female sparrowhawk in the woodland and we have a pair of buzzards nesting in a Douglas fir.

Our team of rangers also spotted a seldom seen mammal nesting in one of the mammal survey tins – a pygmy shrew!

 

Whinfell Forest

The red squirrel population remains healthy and has been keeping the rangers company during the closure period! We’ve also spotted a number of birds in our breeding bird survey, including yellowhammers, goldcrests, nuthatches, coal tits, blue tits, great tits, great spotted woodpeckers, buzzards, oystercatchers and a heron.

The mammal population has been particularly active at Whinfell Forest, with two new inhabitants in the lake – a pair of otters! Our staff have nicknamed them Whinnie and Pennie (short for Whinfell and Penrith) and, while one of the pair is a little more camera shy, the other has been showing off their fishing prowess for staff and guests alike. We’ve also spotted a fox taking up a nightly patrol and we’ve seen evidence of some new badger setts.

 

Woburn Forest

Early last year, a pair of swans arrived and made themselves at home on the lake but, as the summer came, they moved on. However, like a lot of our guests, they couldn’t stay away and they were back before the end of 2020. In April, we noticed they had built a nest and, in May, we were rewarded with the sight of six cygnets!

One less cute, but equally interesting, resident is the St Mark’s fly, so called because they’re supposed to emerge on 25^th April (St Mark’s Day). The fly has a very short lifespan and is only in flight for one week. Much of their life is spent as larva in the soil – they feed during autumn and winter then, as spring arrives, the males emerge followed by the females a few days later. After mating, the females lay their eggs and die soon afterwards. A short but fascinating life!

 

Longford Forest

After an initial sighting of just three ducklings, our lake is now a hive of activity, with ducks, swans and a pair of herons spotted. We’re also thrilled to see the grass meadows growing up, ready for the fallow deer to graze on as they prepare to calf their fawns. Our wildflower meadows are looking beautiful and will provide sustenance for the bees and butterflies that are starting to emerge.

Elsewhere on the village, there are baby blackbirds, blue tits and robins who are gearing up to take their first flight and, based on the calling heard from the woodland around the car park, our sparrowhawk has once again nested in the trees.

Finally, if the old saying is to be believed, we’re in for a nice, dry summer! Our oak trees burst into life before the ash this year and, as we all know, “Oak before ash, in for a splash. Ash before oak, in for a soak!”

 

To book your Center Parcs break and see what nature you can discover, visit our website here 

 

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Reopening, relaxation and Ronnie the robotic pool cleaner – a behind the scenes look at how Aqua Sana works

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Hi Adam, thanks for taking the time to show us behind the scenes at Aqua Sana! Firstly, can you tell us about your role at Center Parcs?

I started working at Center Parcs 20 years ago in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. I basically watched Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest being built and, when it opened in 2003, I started working there. In my role, I’m really making sure everything is running smoothly and safely for our guests. Myself and my team are all lifeguard trained and first aid trained, so we’re available in case anyone needs medical help and we also work alongside our Maintenance Technician to make sure all the equipment is kept maintained and the water quality levels are monitored throughout the day.

So, what does a typical day opening up the spa look like?

We have quite a big cleaning team – as you can imagine, it takes a lot of effort to keep the spa sparkling. While they get to work, we start our safety checks – that includes physically checking each room, paying particular attention to the seating and floor. In the rooms with tiles, we’re checking to make sure nothing has come loose or chipped and in the rooms with wooden benches, we’re checking there’s nothing sharp that could hurt someone. We also go into each plant room and switch the rooms on. Each room and zone has its own specific ‘feel’ so we check the lighting is right and the correct music is playing.

What’s a plant room? It sounds more like something you’d find in a garden centre than a spa!

Very different plants! The plant rooms contain all the equipment and machinery to keep that specific experience running – here at Sherwood Forest, we have a plant room for each heat experience, one for the outdoor hot tubs and one for the spa pool. When we arrive in the morning, we switch on the heat and, for the steam rooms, the steam generators. We also have the individual fragrances for each room which are filtered into the experience and we control the lighting from the plant rooms as well. We have some fragrances which were designed especially for our experiences, like the cherrywood fragrance in the Forest Glade, and then we have some of the more typical spa fragrances like jasmine in the Salt Steam Room and eucalyptus and menthol in the Alpine Steam.

Wow, so it’s really not a case of just switching one machine on! What about the hot tubs and pool?

The hot tubs and spa pool are slightly different – we don’t actually switch them off overnight. We turn them right down, so they’re using as little energy as possible and cover them over to retain the heat, which is actually more energy efficient than letting them go cold and then heating them back up again. We also have water quality monitors which are testing the water all day and will alert us if the levels of chlorine or pH drop too low or go too high. We do our own manual testing every two hours as well, just as an extra safety measure.

We know sustainability and energy efficiency are important to Center Parcs. Are there any other ways you’re saving energy?

The spa here at Sherwood Forest is actually powered by biogas (a renewable gas) and we have energy saving invertors on any machinery that consumes a lot of power. We run our hot tubs like a swimming pool, using UV filtration, which means we don’t have to empty and re-fill them constantly, cutting down on our water consumption. We also reuse the water from the spa pool and hot tubs – when guests get into the water, the level rises and some of the water is forced out and spills over into our balance tanks, where it’s filtered and returned to the pool and hot tubs when the water level is low.

So how do you keep the pool clean without draining it?

At some points it will have to be drained – for example, we completely retiled it while we were closed – and so we’ll give it a good clean then, but every other day, we use Ronnie.

Ronnie?

Ronnie’s our underwater vacuum – he’s an honorary member of the team! He goes up and down the pool cleaning the tiles and has sensors so that he can go up the walls of the pool as well. You do have to keep an eye on him though – he has a tendency to stop for a break when he reaches the Jacuzzi!

What about the other members of the team? Are they all back to work now?

We’ve pretty much got the full team back now, which is great, and we’ll have everyone back in the next few weeks. Our therapists have been back for a while as they’ve been performing treatments, and my team needed to come back to do their refresher lifeguard and first aid training. There’s also some coronavirus specific refresher training for everyone. Because we work in quite a close contact environment, especially the therapists, we’ve put a lot of time into supporting people’s return to work and making sure they feel completely comfortable with all the safety measures we’ve put in place. It’s important that we recognise that everyone will feel slightly different right now – some people are excited to get back to normality and some people are still a bit nervous.

What changes can guests expect to see in the spa?

The most exciting thing is that we can open our saunas and steam rooms again – they’ve only been open for a very short period of time over the last year so it’s amazing to get back to some sort of normality and have all the experiences running again. We were testing them in the run-up to reopening and it was great to walk around and feel the heat coming from the rooms and breathe in all the different fragrances. The biggest change is probably the time limits on the heat experiences – we’re following government guidance, so we’re only able to allow people to stay in the heat experiences for 15 minutes at a time, and then we have to clean the room and leave it for 10 minutes before anyone else can use it. But the good news is, the relaxation areas and spa pools don’t have a time limit. And a lot of the feedback we’ve had is that 15 minutes is quite often enough for most people – we do have some pretty hot experiences!

What about social distancing?

We’ve put a one-way system in place, which actually helps create a natural route for guests, taking you from the slightly cooler experiences that help warm your body up, round to the really hot lava-inspired experiences. Each experience has been measured and had a seating plan created, which you’ll see on the doors to show you where to sit to maintain that distance and, for some experiences, like the waterbeds, we’ve added screens. We’ve also added more ventilation into the rooms to increase the air flow, without taking anything away from the experience. And our team are

dotted around the spa ready to direct you and answer any questions. We’re also keeping the number of people in the spa low to give everyone plenty of space.

And can guests still book treatments?

Absolutely! We’ve been offering treatments at most of our spas since 12th April, including some new treatments we’ve designed ourselves using our own products. We’ve got a great cleansing ritual to start every treatment that makes sure both the therapist and guest feel confident in the safety measures and we’ve added extra time between treatments to allow us to deep clean the rooms.

We’re obviously all looking forward to a time when all these extra measures aren’t needed anymore. Do you think any of the changes are here to stay?

There are some things that have worked really well and actually added to the guest experience, which we’ll definitely look at keeping. It’s also shown us how brilliantly creative our teams can be – for example, we started giving out robes and towels in an Aqua Sana bag with a name tag on, which meant people wouldn’t accidentally pick someone else’s robe up. And with our waterbeds, we’ve created a system where guests can add a blanket to the bed while they use it, then remove it afterwards – when we initially reopened in the summer, we couldn’t have blankets on the beds which obviously made them less inviting! This way, we can still create a cosy experience but it remains safe for everyone. The last year has definitely shown how we can all think outside the box!

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Boek nu een verblijf bij Center Parcs! 

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