Aqua Sana Spa, Centre Parcs Woburn Forest
Centre Parcs doesn't usually conjur up images of relaxation and tranquillity – more of hyped up children haring around on bikes.
Centre Parcs doesn't usually conjur up images of relaxation and tranquillity – more of hyped up children haring around on bikes. But the new Aqua Sana spa at Woburn Forest is trying to change all that.
Having said goodbye to the children for a few hours, I ventured to Auqa Sana for a World of Spa session and a two-hour treatment. The spa itself is impressive. Set over three floors and combining different zoned areas, there is plenty of room for you to escape the crowds and find your ‘inner peace'.
With saunas, ice rooms, steam room, experience showers, infinity pool, gemstone therapy, relaxation pods, foot baths and space to just ‘be' you certainly won't find it hard to fill your time here.
I wondered around the zones, trying to experience as much as I could without rushing through. My favourite was the Mineral & Gemstone Spa steam room where the glittering gems and the warm steam made my shoulders droop and a sense of calm descend.
When it was time for my treatment, I made my way to the waiting area – the only part of the spa which was a disappointment. The uncomfortable seating and clinical feel reminded me of a doctors waiting room rather than a spa, and for a place that has obviously spent so much money on making an impression, the naff herbal tea bags were a bit of a come down – it's not hard to have a few pots of fresh herbal tea for guests to enjoy before a treatment. And there were no magazines to leaf through whilst I waited. Small gripes but first impressions are so important.
The treatment itself, a Decléor Total Aromatherapy Escape was faultless. First up was a full body massage using a relaxing oil that smelt like vanilla. My therapist seemed to know exactly where to put more pressure as knots and tension were eased from my shoulders.
An hour later and I was already feeling totally relaxed but the treatment was not over yet. Next up was a facial – cleanse, tone, mask, more cleansing and then a blissful face and head massage. A truly lovely treatment I'd highly recommend.
From £115 for 1hr 55 min
