We were kindly invited to Center Parcs for a long weekend recently (Fri-Monday evening) and were excited to see what kind of a break it would be, having not been before.
And wow, it certainly didn’t disappoint as we literally ‘lived our best lives’ down in the forest, in a lodge (and bed) of dreams with squirrels and geese as our friends, delicious food at our disposal, sweet sunshine (we were so lucky) and activities the whole family went wild for (hello den building, bike rides and magical walks by the lake).
Love the name Oliver gave to the den ‘Team Insolent’! Ha!
It was literally one of the most simultaneously fun and relaxing family breaks we’ve ever had.
With everything a family could ever want or need for the perfect break in one place, I felt instantly soothed and relaxed as soon as we entered the magical forest (I need to move to a forest pronto-I’m much more patient and calm around trees) and with super restaurants to choose from, an immense roster of activities on offer and a spa that has just had a 3 million make-over, we never wanted to leave. Ever.
I can now see why so many of my friends adore Center Parcs. The beauty is you can do as much or as little as you fancy and you’ll be the calmest version of yourself thanks to the forest.
A swim here, a spa trip there, a bike ride before dinner, squash indoors, fun in the many playgrounds (the restaurants all had play areas too and entertains walked the grounds)…whatever you fancy, one thing’s for sure you’ll return feeling like a brand new human being like we did.
The best part was above and beyond, all the quality time we had with one another. Peter and I even managed a few hours alone (shock horror) in the spa as the kids attended a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party where they were looked after by trained staff on site (followed by a show for us with the kids in leading roles, and a chance to scoff the cupcakes they decorated-that’s my kind of childcare) and it was a rare treat to get couple time, particularly at a spa which has never happened before. It’s always me running off for a quick spa treatment but nothing beats time with my bae (who doesn’t know what that means) chilling out and having a laugh.
Peter is never usually sold on spas but he agreed to visiting the Aqua Sana Spa after seeing the photos and it was lovely to have a swim and sauna together. My favourite hang-out had to be high up in the Treetop Sauna where you warm up amongst the branches you overlook, the birds tweeting below you.
I thought I was in a Disney movie.
I think I probably was.
With hot tubs, experience showers, every single sauna imaginable, an ice room, areas to chill out and sleep in and the longest list of treatments on offer I’ve seen anywhere in the UK as well as beauty and skincare workshops, this is one destination spa you cannot miss.
Dining in the spa at Vitalé Café Bar.
Ah-mazing!
I had a luxe mani and pedi with masks, creams and Shellac Vinylux polish on hands and toes that was described as a facial for the hands and feet. Soothing, nourishing and so beautifully polished, the toes are still pristine and the nails lasted for weeks.
I made a vlog of our special time there so check it out.
There are so many special memories I’ve already mentioned and want to list below for posterity.
It was also lovely bumping into to fab YouTuber friends Christian and Amalie of How To Be Dad and Toddler Fun Learning and my lovely hairdresser and friend Nina…
Some more highlights below:
1.The kids playing on the beach until sunset.
2. Taking The Book of Imagination, Center Parcs left in the room for us, which encouraged imaginative play and arts and crafts in to the forest. We rode there and played for hours!
The boys made stick and cone men from items they found on the forest floor and stickers from the book!
3. The best roast chicken and sweet potato fries from the Sports Cafe are the best I’ve ever eaten. The food as outstanding everywhere we ate!
It was our first time at Bella Italia too and it was bellissimo!
Bella Italia even gave Xander sorbet as he can’t have dairy. Nothing was too much trouble!
4. Swimming together and jumping the waves in the pool.
5. Feeling so comfortable in happy in our surrounding with wildlife as our friends. Our lodge which could fit 6 overlooked gardens and a pond and was both stylish and practical. The perfect base for us all.
5. Magical evening walk
I took the kids on a late walk near our lodge, inventing stories as we went. It was so special, I kept thinking how much we’d all treasure it!
6. The kids thanking us over and over again for an amazing holiday. So thank you Center Parcs for inviting us and making our holiday with you so special!
Have you guys been? You must if not, it’s not just for families either, we made friends with a party of single friends in the swimming pool and whilst it’s perfect for families, there’s so much to do for everyone!
Our stay was complimentary in return for this review but all words and opinions are my own and honest.
This looks great! We’ve never been either but am thinking about it now! <3 #brilliantblogposts
Rebecca recently posted…THE BEST ways to help deal with your kids on a hangover
You guys will love it x
Sounds great and loved the stories on Instagram. I will take note from them of what to pack and make sure I’m all active wear central when we visit in January. it’s a long way off but we took advantage of the early bird deal for the new year and have an immense 4 night break planned for Florence’s birthday celebrations at Elveden Forest and the price was a snip! Can’t wait to try out the pool and everything else on offer in Center Parcs, if only we were going this summer as well! 🙂 x
Yay, you guys will absolutely love it. Take ALL the active wear! Ha x
It looks lovely, I’ve never been but may have to now! #brilliantblogposts
So much fun, you guys would love it!
What great pics.We love it there and are booked in for the end of the summer term.The children are talking about it most days already. I’ve commenced dieting for the swimming costume situation a month ago but not much is shifting.Might have to stay in the spa and leave hubby with kids x #brilliantblogposts
I wanted to move into that spa! x
What a fab fun filled weekend away. I want to visit just for the spa #BrilliantBlogPosts
Chloe recently posted…Review of Tyrrell’s Poshcorn Sweet & Salty Popcorn
Amazing spa Chloe!! We had the best holiday x
Looks great. Is there plenty of space to escape the other people there when you want or need to? This would be a big thing for me, not a fan of crowds! #BrilliantBlogPosts
It wasn’t very crowded and tonnes of space, forest-it’s huge and we never felt crowded. You can order food in to your lodge and don’t have to do much in the centre. We spent a lot of time just the four of us x
What a wonderful weekend! Perfect family getaway spot! We have never been before but only heard good reviews from friends who have and you have just confirmed it’s a place to go! Beautiful photographs as always! x
Thanks Jo, such a wonderful long weekend, you guys will love it x
I love centre parcs and have been to the longleat one and it was amazing. I had the electric bike and it was just the best thing ever! The spa at yours look really worth going to, beautiful! Wonderful pictures too.
Mainy
#brillblogposts
Mainy recently posted…Vegan Chocolate Cake – Recipe and Giveaway
OOh want to visit Longleat too, we loved it so much and can’t wait to return x
Wow! What a great place to go! Your shots are amazing and your boys, adorable! Looks so fun. Thanks for sharing. #brillblogpost
Thanks lovely, Peter took most of these. We had such a fun time x
Amazing! All those pictures look stunning. Never been into one but after reading your post I sure want to go this summer and not come back home. ha ha.
Ha, literally didn’t want to leave!
Ooh we love Centerparcs, I’ve never been to this one before though! Gorgeous photos, it’s made me want to go back now! #brilliantblogpost
five little doves recently posted…For Meggy, on your fourth birthday
You guys would love it there xx
You look so happy and relaxed in these photos, ma Belle. I’ve never been to Center Parks, but I’ve only ever heard positive things about the forest holidays. I had no idea they had spas, and the photos you took of the recently refurbished one had my jaw dropping. There’s nothing like a good spa day. I love the fact you were given a ‘book of imagination’ to encourage creativity in the forest. That’s priceless!
Mel recently posted…Merci Maman Personalised Gifts (& a Giveaway)
The imagination book and spa were fabulous. We were so utterly relaxed and happy, loved it x
Centre parts are fab! We go most years to the one in Holland and have built really lovely memories as a family. Lovely post and pictures! #brillblogposts
Husband told me they are in Europe, we would love to visit the one in Holland!
There sounds like tons of things to do for kids, I love the setting it is beautiful X #brilliantblogposts
mummy here and there recently posted…Autistic adulting sucks!
So much do in a stunning setting x
Great post!
I have always wanted to visit center parcs but have never gotten around to it. Think I may have to pay them a visit.
You would love it!
Pictures look amazing! I have never been, but it’s totally different to what I imagined it to be! Will definitely keep it in mind for future.
We loved it x
Me and my family are looking into holidays for September. My Daughter is only 2 and a half though. Do you think she would enjoy it here?. You totally sold the Spa part for me haha 😉
Oh definitely, soft plays in every restaurant, lots to do and there were tons of toddlers and babies there x
Beautiful pictures darling and you look like you had an amazing time. Only been once on a hen do – but enjoyed it! Wjo wouldn’t want the spa 🙂 Big love
Cx
Spa is incredible, wish I was back there today! We adored everything about CP x
We love centre parcs! There really is so much to do there and, like you say, you can do as much or as little as you want. Our kids loved the bike trailer so much that we’ve bought our own now – cycling is such a lovely way to travel, and it’s fab that there are no cars at centre parcs so it’s safe for everyone to cycle around. #brillblogposts
Lucy At Home recently posted…CBeebies Peter Rabbit Buns: A Step-By-Step Guide
Oh wow, how fab! Brilliant place isn’t it!
I used to work at Center Parcs when I was a teenager and so we’d spend weekends and days off there with our family & friends – it is such a brilliant safe place + the choice of activities, so much fun to be had! Looks like you had an amazing time #BrilliantBlogPosts
So wonderful, there was so much to do and see. We had a brilliant time x
Amazing place, so friendly and so much to do and see. Bet you loved working there x
I still haven’t made it to a Centre Parks Yet. It looks fab, it’s definitely on my todo list! Great pictures ☺ #Brilliantblogposts
You guys would love it!
There is something about Center Parcs that relaxes you. I loved our trip last week to Woburn Forest and plan to go back. We didn’t try the spa, but after seeing your pictures it’s a must for next time #brillblogposts
So true, being immersed in the forest felt so incredibly relaxing x
This looks absolutely dreamy!! I am googling them right now and checking! I had no idea they had so much on offer. I truly thought it was just a few cabins and a couple of park walks peppered with some kid friendly trails. How wrong was I??? That spa looks state of the art. I HAVE to figure out a way of getting there this summer still. Fingers crossed for the weather! #brilliantblogposts
It is brilliant Joana, you guys would LOVE it there x
Super duper jealous! Looks amazing. I’ve always wanted to go to Center Parcs, but somehow it’s never quite happened…moving it much further up the Must Visit list now!! That spa in particular…oh yes please!!! (And obviously all the family fun too, that looks good too…but the spa…) 😉 Eb x
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie recently posted…One Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Rice and Beans
You guys would have the best time. Spa is amazing x
I’ve never been but this looks so so tempting! We’ve actually had the new Woburn Forest CenterParcs built right on my doorstep so I guess I have no excuse to not using the Spa at the very least!
Rebecca Smith recently posted…Rana’s Artisan Bread: New Italian Mix Review & Giveaway
Be rude not to!! 🙂
I have never been but always fancied it, it looks fab – especially the spa!!!
First time for us and we loved it. Spa is fab x
Gorgeous photos! I’ve never actually been to Center Parcs, but I have always wanted to! I would never want to leave, it looks like the perfect place to escape the real world for a while xx
So hard leaving Sarah x
We are actually thinking about Centre Parcs for a Christmas, to bring our two families together. Nice to know and see the kids enjoyed it. #BrillBlogPosts
Mama Grace recently posted…Medela Nipple Shield
It is so wonderful and everyone was telling us about all the special events and fireworks they do at Christmas. We loved it x
Vicki I hear so many good things about Center Parcs – my niece and her family always go and her boys love it too!! Must think about looking into it one year…! So glad you had a great time, photos are gorgeous as always
Thanks for hosting the linky 🙂
Catherine x
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb recently posted…13 Unmissable Reads – The Best of the Blogosphere (May 2017)
Thanks darling, you guys would love it. I felt so incredibly relaxed. Fab break xx
You obviously had a really magical family time together, surrounded by nature – I love trees too, they are so calming! I’d love to take the kids to Centre Parcs. We went before children for my mum’s 60th as my brothers’ both had young kids and it was fun exploring and using all the facilities on our own. That spa looks divine – take me there now! So glad you created such special family memories and your photos are beautiful as always x
Susie/So Happy In Town recently posted…It’s Quiz Time For All Mr S.H.I.T.s Out There
Oooh, I love Centre Parcs. I have been to Woburn on a couple of occasions and it has been brilliant both times. Last time Cygnet did a balance bike lesson, a football lesson, theatre entertainment and we spent hours in the swimming pool. I took my parents with me and was lucky enough to have Grandpa to look after Cygnet for a couple of hours whilst Grandma and I spent half a day in the spa. Heaven. Pen x
Pen recently posted…Is there a hierarchy of single mothers?
We love Center Parcs and this has made me super excited for our visit planned later in the year!!!
Katie recently posted…Lets Flip Out Giveaway!
There’s SO MUCH to do there – my girls wouldn’t want to come home, and neither would I, judging by the look of that spa! xx
Jacqui Paterson (@JaxFortyNorth) recently posted…A WEEKEND IN CHAMPAGNE // the magic behind the bubbles