Having whizzed up the M1 and into the Bedfordshire countryside, we rolled into Center Parcs at Woburn Forest full of excitement at the prospect of a weekend of pampering and relaxation at the adjoining Aqua Sana Spa.
We were booked into one of six stunning spa suites for an overnight break and couldn’t wait to explore once we parked the car right outside the main hotel building - but that would have to wait for now.
Instead, my wife Sarah and I were greeted warmly by Kelly and shown into the spa lounge and immediately offered refreshments as we talked through the treatments we would experiencing later that afternoon before being given a quick tour.
Aqua Sana’s spa features six zones: Fire & Ice, Blossom, Herbal, Sensory, Mineral & Gemstone and Salt. Each of the different areas provides a new sensory experience and, such is the vastness of the place, you could easily get lost!
Having had a quick peek at what was waiting for us later, we headed for the Vitalé Café Bar while our suite was prepared and had a light lunch. We didn’t want to eat too much as we could already hear the luxurious outdoor infinity pool calling us!
On arrival we had also been handed a wristband each which cleverly acts as both a room key and can be used as a way of paying for items at certain areas of the property. We both thought this was a fantastic idea and not something we had seen before.
Our bags were waiting for us in our room when we had finished our lunch. The spa currently has six suites, as well as many more hotel rooms, and they are all finished to magnificent standard.
Spacious and stylish, the room exceeded our expectations. An oversized bathtub which opened out onto a private balcony offered lovely views out towards the lake and the Center Parcs cabins dotted amongst the trees.
We had two flat screen TVs, a beautiful fireplace and rainfall shower in our suite and it was almost a shame to head back downstairs to the spa. But Kelly’s recommendation that we tried out the pool, maintained at 31 degrees celsius, was too tempting!
It didn’t disappoint and after our first dip in the pool it was time to sample the delights of the spa before our 5pm treatments. Each room offered something different and got us in a zen-like state as we headed for our appointment.
I had never had a massage before so was a little apprehensive while waiting for Aqua Sana’s signature men’s treatment of a deep cleanse back exfoliation mask and moisturisation followed by a facial.
I needn’t have worried though as my masseuse, Bianca, put me at ease and I came away feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and refreshed in time for our dinner reservation at the Shearing House.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants at Woburn Forest but we really fancied a steak, so opted against the likes of Chinese, Indian and Italian options also on offer. The service was speedy and it was surprisingly quiet given it was a Saturday.
We woke up the next morning ready for breakfast, which had been booked at Café Rouge for 9am down at the other end of site next to the impressive subtropical paradise, which is home to Center Parcs’ showpiece swimming pool and waterslides.
With breakfast finished our check out time was looming but there was no need to say goodbye just yet. There are changing rooms on-site for guests attending on spa days so we were free to let our hair down in the spa again.
Sadly though, it really was then time to say farewell to a place that had only been home to us for a day-and-a-half. Such was the feeling of relaxation that swept over us, our stay had felt much longer.
The wonderful staff and fantastic facilities at Aqua Sana really are comparative with anything you would find at a top-end hotel at any global destination and we’d love to return soon.
Luxury Spa Breaks at Aqua Sana Spa in Woburn Forest are available from £199 per person, including breakfast, lunch and evening meal vouchers as well as access to World of Spa from your Spa Suite. For full details please visit www.aquasana.co.uk
