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.

The post A-Z guide of everything festive at Center Parcs appeared first on Under the Treetops.

from Under the Treetops http://ift.tt/2krHzZ0
Source Under the Treetops

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.

The post Your New Year’s Eve at Center Parcs appeared first on Under the Treetops.

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

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.

The post How to make your own Christmas tree decorations appeared first on Under the Treetops.

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

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.

The post Mulled Cider appeared first on Under the Treetops.

from Under the Treetops http://ift.tt/2kp7h0k
Source Under the Treetops

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. 

Your Christmas at Center Parcs, wrapped up

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 gift. From a Spa Day to our very own little reindeer, to a Cath Kidston purse and a Lego set, we really do have something for everyone.

For little ones…

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, or get creative at our Pottery Painting Studio and paint your own Nutmeg to give to that special person.

Just Kids, a store dedicated to little ones, is the ideal spot to tick off items from Santa’s list. From Lego sets and teddies to trains and Center Parcs treasures, you’ll find the perfect gift for excited children this Christmas – but only if they’ve been good, of course!

For two or more to enjoy…

Treat your loved ones to the gift of relaxation. Whether they’re seasoned spa goers or it’s a whole new world for them, there’s something at Aqua Sana for everyone. From gift vouchers for a Spa Day for Two to a Twilight Taster for Two, give them something to look forward to in the New Year.

Head to Santa’s Woodland Workshop and get your hands on a hand-painted glass bauble. A lovely decoration for someone to keep forever and hang proudly on their Christmas tree.

Know somebody who loves chocolate? Take a look in Treats for the Center Parcs Christmas chocolate box, which is perfect for placing on the table to indulge in a little Christmas treat.

Just for you…

Store Room offers a variety of Cath Kidston products, bath bombs and novelty gifts for both, so you can find the perfect gift for someone or a nice little stocking filler.

For jewellery lovers Time for Shade is home to brands like Links of London, DKNY and Henry London. The perfect gift for someone who’s a big brand lover or adores a great piece of jewellery.

Visit Spirit for brands like Jack Wolfskin and Timberland for outdoor lovers, or for fashionistas pick up the perfect accessory from Radley, Fiorelli or Joules.

It’s not too late to start your Christmas shopping at Center Parcs, book your break now.

The post Your Christmas at Center Parcs, wrapped up appeared first on Under the Treetops.

from Under the Treetops http://ift.tt/2nf9OuY
Source Under the Treetops

Black Friday: extra kortingen bij bungalowparken

Het is vandaag Black Friday en de vraag is dan doet de bungalowpark ketens er ook aan mee? 

• Doen niet mee
• Center Parcs:  maar er zijn nu wel nog de Vakantie Voordeel Dagen
• Landal: Nee, maar wel aktie 25% kerstvoordeel
• doen wel mee
• Roompot: 25 euro Black Friday Korting (extra)
• Hogenboom Vakantieparken: 50% korting op huurprijs van geselecteerde parken
• Topparken: Boek vandaag en ontvang 50% korting
• RCN vakantieparken: Extra Scherpe aanbiedingen

Aqua Sana Spa wins at the 2017 Good Spa Guide Awards

All five of our Aqua Sana Spas were nominated for an award at the 2017 Good Spa Guide ceremony, which was held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Being the home of spa guides, it was a success to even be nominated as we were up against big competition from across the UK.

Time to relax

Kay Pennington, our Group Spa Manager is “absolutely delighted that Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest has been voted as Best for Design at the Good Spa Guide 2017 Awards”.

After two years, a complete redesign and an incredible transformation, Kay says: “I’m so proud of the end result. We’ve had amazing feedback from our guests and it’s really special that they voted for us to win this award, it means a lot and is a testament to the team at Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest.”

Sherwood Forest was up against seven others in the Best for Design category including The Bulgari Spa, Thermae Bath Spa and Galgorm Resort and Spa. The award was collected by Kay, alongside Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest Manager Karen Whittaker.

Not the only one

With more than 100,000 spa-goers voting for their favourite Sherwood Forest wasn’t the only Aqua Sana Spa celebrated on the night, with the Longleat Forest, Elveden Forest, and Woburn Forest spas each being recognised in the top three of their nominated categories, which were Best Spa for Customer Service, Best Destination Spa and Best Day Spa.

Want to see what all the fuss is about? Book a short break and see Aqua Sana for yourself, or book a Spa Day or treatment now.

The post Aqua Sana Spa wins at the 2017 Good Spa Guide Awards appeared first on Under the Treetops.

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

Vakantie Voordeeldagen voor de Schoolvakanties

De Vakantie VoordeelDagen zijn weer begonnen! Dat betekent 10 dagen lang 20% Vroegboekkorting + ActiviteitenCadeau t.w.v. €30 en Voorkeursligging t.w.v. €33 voor alle schoolvakanties in 2018. Boek nu snel uw verblijf en profiteer van de eerste keuze!