- Er op uit in de voorjaarsvakantie (vanaf €279 voor 4p): Het voorjaar kan nog fris zijn, maar ook al bijna zomers. En dan is Center Parcs ideaal. Buiten geniet je van de natuur die ontluikt, met konijntjes en eekhoorntjes die nieuwsgierig komen kijken, en met pasgeboren dieren op de Kinderboerderij. En binnen in de Aqua Mundo en Market Dome is het volop zomer. Geniet met je gezin van de speciale voorjaars- en paasactiviteiten!
- Beleef een heerlijke meivakantie met 10% vroegboekkorting: e natuur is al lekker opgewarmd, tijd voor een relaxte meivakantie. Buiten spelen, met z'n allen het bos in en 's avonds een barbecue op je privéterras. Frisjes?
- Beleef meer deze zomer(vakantie) met 20% vroegboekkorting: Op zoek naar een zomerse bestemming in de lange schoolvakantie?
Center Parcs Bungalowparken: Nieuws, Acties, Aanbiedingen en kortingen
zondag 19 januari 2020
Nederland boekt vakantie massaal op zondag in januari
Recipe: Kedgeree
The warming curry flavours work well with the rice and the delicately smoked fish…and you won’t miss the meat! Swapping to a fish like haddock is a great way to pack in some omega 3, add the eggs and this dish will give you about 70% of your recommended daily intake of protein too.
If like me, you are not very confident about cooking fish this is a great way to start. The fishmonger does most of the work, then it’s just 5 minutes poaching in a pan and you have perfectly cooked flakes of white fish and not too much of a smell in the house afterwards.
Tips
- Ask the fishmonger/supermarket fish counter to bone and skin the haddock for you
- To save time you can swap to microwave Basmati rice and ‘lazy ginger’ from a jar.
- This makes about 3 generous portions so add more rice for four, or eat between two and save some for breakfast, served with brown sauce on the side!
- You can cook the eggs, rice and fish in preparation then complete the final bit when you want to eat. You can also mix up the spices in a little bowl ready to throw in.
Ingredients (serves 3-4)
300g (approx) undyed, boneless, skinless smoked haddock
200g basmati rice (or a packet or two of microwave basmati)
2-3 boiled eggs – peeled and quartered
2 bay leaves and a few peppercorns
2 tablespoons of butter
1 large finely chopped onion
1 large teaspoon of fresh chopped ginger or ‘lazy ginger’
1 red chilli, finely sliced
1 teaspoon of each of the following: cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt
A generous grind of black pepper
2 teaspoons black mustard seeds
Juice of 1 lemon
3 chopped spring onions
A handful of fresh coriander and parsley leaves – chopped
1pt jug of half milk, half water
Prep
1. Cook the eggs until almost hard-boiled. I put them in cold water and bring to the boil then simmer for 6 minutes. Plunge into cold water for 5 minutes then peel.
2. Cook the rice in boiling salted water for 10 minutes, until just tender. Drain, rinse well with cold water then let it sit to drain some more. You could also use microwave basmati, just microwave for a minute or so before you add it.
3. Check the haddock for any stray bones then put it in a shallow pan with the bay leaves and peppercorns and cover with the cold milk/water. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and leave to cool. Flake the fish into chunks and set aside. Reserve the milk.
4. Mix the cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, paprika, salt and pepper ready in a small bowl.
5. Slice the onion, chillies, spring onions and herbs.
Cooking
1. Gently heat the butter in the shallow pan then fry the onions until soft but not browned
2. Add the ginger and mustard seeds and cook gently for a few minutes
3. Add the cumin/turmeric/coriander/ paprika/salt/pepper mix and cook for two minutes
4. Add the spring onions, chilli, and lemon juice. Stir in the rice and allow to thoroughly warm through
5. Add the fish back in and most of the chopped herbs and stir through very gently
6. Add a little of the leftover milk/water to moisten the rice, nestle the quartered eggs into the pan and replace the lid, then take it off the heat and leave to rest for 5 minutes
7. Serve your kedgeree from the pan at the table with a few herby leaves and a wedge of lemon
The post Recipe: Kedgeree appeared first on Village Life.
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vrijdag 17 januari 2020
Learn about the wildlife of woodlands during colder months
What creatures inhabit the forests during winter?
At Whinfell, you can expect to spot the captivating red squirrels. Retrieving the food they’ve buried during autumn, they’re regularly seen on the ground. Our ever-growing population of stoats are also active during the winter months, often seen dashing around in the undergrowth, usually hunting. Our bird species probably change the most during winter – some leave us for warmer climates and we get new winter visitors, such as brambling, all of which make the most of our feeding stations around the site. Although you may not see them much, badgers are still around, but spend more time in their setts during spells of really cold weather.
What do these creatures get up to in the cold?
All of these creatures spend the winter trying to shelter from the worst of the weather and find food. The stoats are fantastically adapted to life in the cold, shedding their chestnut brown summer coats in favour of thicker ones. Sometimes this winter coat is pure white with a black tip to the tail, hence why they’re also known as ‘ermine’. It’s fantastic camouflage during snow, but not so great for a predator on the forest floor when there’s no snow!
What’s the best way to spot them?
Our badgers can be seen on Badger Cam on the TV in all Whinfell lodges, generally coming out to feed in the late evening if the ground isn’t too frozen. Our reds are probably easier to spot, as the bare trees make them more visible, plus they spend a lot of time on the ground retrieving food they’ve buried and stored during autumn. They also regularly visit our feeders.
How should visitors behave with the animals?
Generally, as with all our wildlife throughout the year, if you stay quiet and keep an eye out at quieter times of the day (early morning and evening), you’ll see our wildlife, especially if food is placed out. Squirrel food is probably the best to use as it contains peanuts, which the badgers also love, and also seeds and grains, which lots of birds will take. Try scattering food on the ground behind a lodge – it’s amazing how quickly they find it!
What’s so magical about seeing these animals around during the festive period?
It’s a magical time on-site with our Winter Wonderland in full flow and it’s great to see our wildlife adapting so well to the winter conditions. Our red squirrels are always wonderful to watch and a favourite with guests – their darker winter coats and impressive winter ear tufts look especially fantastic.
Learn more about the nature of our forests on a Wildlife Walk. To book, log in to your Center Parcs account.
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maandag 13 januari 2020
De Vossemeren Run: 22 maart
Op zondag 22 maart 2020 organiseert Center Parcs de Vossemeren voor de tweede keer de Vossemeren Run
Voor deze tweede editie behouden we onze Kidsrun (500m) en onze 5km en 10km recreatieve run en voegen daarbij voor het eerst ook de mogelijkheid om een route van 5km te wandelen!
De Vossemeren run zal gelopen worden voor het goede doel, iedere inschrijving draagt bij aan een donatie voor Akindo Vakantiewerking.
- 10u30 Start 5km wandelen = €5,00pp
- 12u Start Kidsrun = €5,00pp
- 13u Start 5km recreatief = €10,00pp
- 14u30 Start 10km recreatief = €10,00pp
Daarna gaan we verder met de kleinsten onder ons, voor de Orry & Friends kidsrun.
Eerst warmen we goed op samen met Orry en daarna lopen we een parcours van 500 meter.
Hierna starten de 5km en de 10km om beurten.
Het parcours is volledig uitgestippeld op het prachtige domein van het park De Vossemeren, en zal half verhard zijn. Men zal lopen op zowel asfalt- als zandwegen.
zaterdag 11 januari 2020
Nederland boekt vakantie massaal op tweede zondag van januari
- Er op uit in de voorjaarsvakantie (vanaf €279 voor 4p): Het voorjaar kan nog fris zijn, maar ook al bijna zomers. En dan is Center Parcs ideaal. Buiten geniet je van de natuur die ontluikt, met konijntjes en eekhoorntjes die nieuwsgierig komen kijken, en met pasgeboren dieren op de Kinderboerderij. En binnen in de Aqua Mundo en Market Dome is het volop zomer. Geniet met je gezin van de speciale voorjaars- en paasactiviteiten!
- Beleef een heerlijke meivakantie met 10% vroegboekkorting: e natuur is al lekker opgewarmd, tijd voor een relaxte meivakantie. Buiten spelen, met z'n allen het bos in en 's avonds een barbecue op je privéterras. Frisjes?
- Beleef meer deze zomer(vakantie) met 20% vroegboekkorting: Op zoek naar een zomerse bestemming in de lange schoolvakantie?
What will you get up to this February half term?
At Center Parcs we have indoor and outdoor activities suited for all, take a look at the top six activities we think you’ll want to try this February half term.
Quad Bike Safari
For who: 12-15 years and 16 years +
Where: Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest
What’s it all about: Start up your engines and hit the dirt track in this exhilarating activity. Grasp all the tricks to mastering your quad safely before heading out onto our specially designed track, filled with challenging terrain for you to conquer. Check out our Quad Bike Safari in action here.
Who’ll love it: Daredevils looking for an adrenaline boost
Segway Experience
For who: 12 years +
Where: All villages
What’s it all about: Put your balance skills to the test as you glide around our Segway track in this futuristic activity. Our expert instructors will help teach you how to guide your Segway safely before letting you head out on to the village to explore. Take a look at our Segway Experience in action here.
Who’ll love it: Adventurous types who want to explore the Village
Pottery Painting Studio
For who: All ages – person over 18 must be present
Where: All villages
What’s it all about: All the family can get involved in this creative session that will have you choosing and painting your very own piece of pottery. Pick from a range of pots and then get to work painting, splodging and crafting your masterpiece. Our staff will glaze your pot overnight, so remember to collect your creation the very next day.
Who’ll love it: Those looking to unleash their creativity
Scavenger Hunt
For who: All ages
Where: All villages
What’s it all about: Explore unique and wonderful areas of our villages on our whimsical scavenger hunt as you use our checklist to hunt down items. With our scavenger hunt free and suitable for all ages you can turn this into a full day of adventure and exploration.
Who’ll love it: Those looking for an adventure this half term
Ten Pin Bowling
For who: All ages
Where: All villages
What’s it all about: Fun for all the family, take to one of our Ten Pin Bowling lanes for either 45 or 60 minutes. The aim of the game is to knock down as many pins as you can in order to rack up points and win the game. Choose strikes and spares over heading for the gutter and you’ll be crowned the winner in your family.
Who’ll love it: Those looking to get competitive with family and friends
High Ropes Challenge
For who: Minimum height 1.22 metres
Where: All villages
What’s it all about: Prepare for a thrilling adventure as you climb up into the treetop canopy to complete the ultimate course of high rope activities. With guidance from our instructors, tackle obstacles in the trees including the leap of faith and climbing wall. Do you have a head for heights?
Who’ll love it: Daredevils looking for a new adventure
Start your adventure by taking a look at all the activities we have available this February half term.
The post What will you get up to this February half term? appeared first on Village Life.
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vrijdag 10 januari 2020
Vacature: 2020-2802 - Project Controller BNG (Belgium, Netherlands, Germany) bij Center Parcs
Contract type : Vast contract
Functiebeschrijving :
Ben jij momenteel op zoek naar een nieuwe uitdaging? Een rol waarbij jij als financiële business partner fungeert voor Construction en Development waarbij jij jouw (financiële) expertise deelt en jouw ervaring gebruikt om kansen en risico’s tijdig te onderkennen. Ben jij op zoek naar een rol met een grote verantwoordelijkheid in een internationale omgeving? Lees dan verder, want bij Center Parcs zijn wij op zoek naar een nieuwe collega: Project Controller BNG (Belgium, Netherlands & Germany) bij Center Parcs Wellicht heb je er al over gelezen: de renovaties van onze parken zijn in volle gang. De aankomende vier jaar zullen er nog zeker 12 parken worden gerenoveerd in België, Nederland en Duitsland voor een budget van ongeveer 600 miljoen euro. Deze vernieuwing is van vitaal belang voor onze Groep. Jij bent de schakel tussen diverse afdelingen m.b.t. deze renovatieprojecten en draagt er zorg voor dat de financiële reporten van de projectadministratie accuraat, betrouwbaar en compleet zijn. Jij houd je in deze rol bezig met de budgetten en forecasts van de projecten en zorgt voor de verdere ontwikkeling van interne controles. Een voorbeeld hiervan is de implementatie van een interface van het financiële projectoverzicht in SAP. Je hebt maandelijkse meetings met de Construction en Development teams waarin jij deze uitdaagt op aannames in de laatste projectforecast. Je bereid de maandelijks business rapportage voor en neemt deel aan meetings waarin de projectstatus wordt besproken. Daarnaast draag je actief bij aan de optimalisatie en standaardisatie van de Real Estate rapportages. Jij bent betrokken bij het bepalen van het jaarlijkse budget en businessplan voor Development plannen en controleert behaalde resultaten per kwartaal en communiceert deze aan de Group Real Estate Financial Officer. In jouw rol rapporteer je aan de Director Corporate Finance Center Parcs Europe en zal je volgens onze matrixorganisatie ook rapporteren aan de Group Real Estate Financial Officer. Daarnaast heb je dagelijks tot wekelijks contact met de Construction Director m.b.t. het budget, forecasting en reporting en zal je voor dit laatste veel contact hebben met de afdeling projectadministratie om de juiste informatie te verkrijgen.
Minimaal gevraagd opleidingsniveau : Master of vergelijkbaar
Taal / Niveau :
Nederlands : Expert - Vloeiend
Taal / Niveau :
Engels : Goede kennis - Vloeiend
from RSS-export van de vacatures - Seulement les offres à la une : Nee / Métier : Fonctions support / Pays : EUROPE-->PAYS-BAS / Contrat : CDI / Temps de travail : Temps complet
Enjoy your first break with your new arrival
If you’re thinking about having your first getaway since starting the new adventure of parenthood, then a break at Center Parcs is just what you need. While there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality time together as a family, it’s important to set aside some time to reconnect with yourself too. Why not take turns with your partner to look after the little one, while the other takes a couple of hours out for some well-deserved self-care time. Here are some of the experiences that await you…
Space to breathe
For an activity that works both body and mind, make a Yoga class your first port of call. A mixture of strengthening poses, deep, controlled breathing and peaceful meditating, led by one of our experienced teachers, will leave you in a state of pure serenity.
Time to stretch
If you find yourself feeling stressed or overwhelmed, or you simply want to chill out, our Lavender Relaxation class will do wonders. Lie back and unwind on lavender-scented cushions, while an instructor takes you through a series of controlled stretches, all of which have been carefully chosen to de-stress and relax your body, giving you the headspace you need to feel fully recharged.
Sweat it out
If you prefer something a little faster paced, head to our fully equipped gym for a solo workout to get your adrenaline pumping. Set your heartbeat racing on the cardio machines or build strength in the weights zone – whatever your pace, there’s plenty to choose from.
Try something new
With a variety of fun workouts available across Center Parcs, discovering your new favourite hobby will be a breeze. Let your hair down at Boogie Bounce, where you’ll find yourself bouncing your way to better fitness on mini trampolines to exhilarating music. Or unleash your inner Bollywood star at our Bollywood Dancing class, with an exciting routine that will give your whole body a workout, as well as keep your mind focused. If you’re nervous about trying out a new activity or you’re not sure what to choose, our friendly Center Parcs’ staff will be happy to help you decide what suits you best.
And relax…
For the ultimate in relaxation, book in a spa session at the Aqua Sana spa for three hours of pure bliss. Hidden in the peaceful haven of the forest, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool and reconnect with nature, followed by a steam and sauna, before heading to the Experience Rooms to bask in the peaceful surroundings. Why not continue the pampering with a soothing treatment? The Elemis Thousand Flower Detox Wrap is perfect for banishing toxins, leaving you feeling brand new and ready to take on anything.
To book all classes and Aqua Sana spa days and treatments, log in to your Center Parcs account.
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Aqua Sana Spa brings forest bathing to Longleat Forest
The spa, which has been completely refurbished to include all-new experiences, has drawn inspiration from different aspects of nature, including the changing seasons, rainforest showers, hot springs, ice and some of the most beautiful forests around the world.
The unique Forest Cavern replicates the feeling of discovering a cave nestled deep within a tropical forest. Infused with pomegranate and myrrh, and with the soothing background noise of trickling water, the space is designed to create a tepidarium-style heat and is ideal for practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques. The design of the experience draws on the Wiltshire landscape, taking inspiration from the many caves found within the local area.
The Moonlight Steam Room, which is accompanied by a Moonlight Shower to continue the benefits, carries the forest theme through and replicates the sensation of finding yourself in a darkened tropical forest with a dusky glow from the light of the moon. The experience harnesses lunar power to transport guests through the colours and sensations of dawn and dusk, leaving you stimulated, refreshed and soothed.
The spa is spread across five 'zones' – Nordic Forest, Hot Springs, Volcanic Forest, Forest Immersion and Treetop Nesting – each celebrating different aspects of nature through a spectrum of sounds, colours and infusions.
In addition to the overhaul of the spa, Vitalé Café Bar has also received a £340,000 investment to give it a complete transformation, bringing the outside in with an abundance of foliage decorating the space and large windows giving an insight into the rich woodland setting.
To celebrate the launch of the Forest Spa, Aqua Sana Longleat Forest has introduced a new, exclusive two-hour treatment designed to continue the healing benefits of the Forest Cavern. Using all-natural ingredients to deliver an earthy experience, the 'Nature's Ultimate Remedy' treatment lifts, contours and refreshes the entire body. Comprising of a full body brush with a scalp massage, hot stone massage and face mask application, it uses sustainable products supplied by a family-run Bath-based business.
The treatment was designed by Group Spa Manager, Kay Pennington, who used her years of experience in the spa and beauty industry to create a luxurious and completely exclusive treatment.
Kay said: "We are thrilled to be bringing the Forest Spa to Aqua Sana Longleat Forest. Although Aqua Sana Longleat Forest has been a firm favourite for more than 20 years, the new spa experiences give it a completely new personality – we've effectively opened a brand-new spa! I'm so excited to begin welcoming guests, from loyal spa aficionados to complete newcomers. Aqua Sana is wonderfully unique in offering such high-quality experiences and attentive guest service, whilst also remaining a welcoming and friendly environment. We seek to create a space where people can truly relax - the perfect location for your first or your fiftieth spa experience.
The first Aqua Sana Spa opened at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest in 1987 and employed a team of five. Since then, with continued investment and development, the brand has grown to include six spas, employing more than 650 people. The new spa will bring together the most popular elements of the existing Forest Spas, while also utilising the latest innovations and technology.
Kay added: "We see this as the next evolution of Forest Spa and part of our ongoing commitment to continually develop and ensure we're offering the best experiences for our guests."
Aqua Sana Longleat Forest offers a range of spa days and packages (from £59pp) and spa breaks (from £169pp). Guests on a Center Parcs short break can also enjoy spa sessions (from £45pp for three hours).
donderdag 9 januari 2020
Center Parcs intensiveert samenwerking Koninklijke Gazelle met focus op vernieuwende vakantiebeleving
De samenwerking krijgt invulling door op zoek te gaan naar toepassingen van nieuwe mobiliteitsoplossingen om te blijven aansluiten op de toekomstige behoeften van de gast. Bovendien worden de mogelijkheden bekeken om elkaars doelgroepen kennis te laten maken met beide A-merken door middel van joint promotions.
Volgens Pascal Ferracci, CEO van Center Parcs Europe, sluit samenwerking aan op de koers van Center Parcs de nieuwe standaard te zetten in familievakanties en gasten te blijven verrassen: "Center Parcs en Koninklijke Gazelle bundelen hun krachten met het gezamenlijke doel de beleving te verrijken. Door de hoogwaardige kwaliteit, duurzame en innovatieve producten van Koninklijke Gazelle stelt Center Parcs haar gasten in staat om nog meer te genieten van een ontspannen tijd samen. Fietsen op een goede fiets midden in de natuur levert hier een waardevolle bijdrage aan."

Koninklijke Gazelle levert sinds 2014 een uitgebreide collectie fietsen. Verspreid over alle locaties, beschikt Center Parcs Europe over zo'n 15.000 huurfietsen, waaronder mountainbikes (van FOCUS, een zustermerk van Gazelle), elektrische fietsen en stadsfietsen. Vooral de vraag naar elektrische fietsen stijgt snel. Het aanbod huurfietsen van Center Parcs bestaat nu voor vier procent uit elektrische fietsen. Naar verwachting zal dit in de komende jaren verder stijgen.
"We zijn erg blij dat Center Parcs ook in de komende vier jaar met Koninklijke Gazelle in zee gaat en we fietsen mogen leveren voor al haar parken in Europa. Een fietstocht maakt mensen meer ontspannen en blij en dat voegt dus echt iets toe aan een verblijf op Center Parcs," zegt Huub Lamers, CEO van Koninklijke Gazelle.
