A little bit of heaven in Sherwood Forest (Aqua Sana)

Member Name: deb1190

Product:	Aqua Sana
Date:	07/08/09 (87 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Something for everyone, great for men and women, pure relaxation!

Disadvantages: you will probably fall asleep and snore in public!

I have yet to find another place like this (except for at the other Center parcs locations). I discovered the Aqua sana many years ago whilst on a Center Parcs holiday in Sherwood Forest, and now I only go there for the Aqua Sana.

You can book pamper days (starting from *£70), Pamper breaks (starting at £165 for 1 night) or if you are short of time and just need a quick pick me up you can have an evening session between 4 and 9pm (£35).

I have been on pamper days which were lovely but I can seriously recommend the "Twighlight" sessions, they are very affordable and it's great during a busy working week just to stop and relax.

Booking:

Very easy, just go onto the website www.aquasana.co.uk or you can access it through the Center Parcs site. They have a list of treatments, descriptions of the spa, prices and the phone number with which to book. They also have a special offer section which changes monthly, so you could get a bargin spa day. Gift vouchers are also available on here.

On arrival:

If you have never been before they will set up a meeting in the restaurant area (usually with a welcome drink) to explain the facilities.

Changing rooms:

These are nicely fitted in wood and of course they play the essential relaxing plinky plonky music. Robes and towels are provided and there are Elemis products for use in the shower area. The changing rooms have a few sections, although no seperate changing cubicles.

The spa:

A large variety of different spa experiences are available. There are 2 floors, with a small outdoors pool in the middle (the second floor overlooks the pool). The pool is lovely and warm. It is great to swim in it at night, I have even been out there when it was snowing before and still been warm enough.

The jacuzzi section of the pool could be improved, it seems a little bit too deep to get the full effect of the water jets. Also watch out for the under water walls sectioning it off from the pool, I always seem to walk into them!

Downstairs there are rooms with detailed information plaques outside each one. These include several different types of steam room, a sauna, a warm room, reflexology foot spas, a zen garden and an ice fountain (great fun to see how much ice you can get down your husbands shorts!).

Upstairs is more meditation based, there is my personal favourite the tepidarium, warm stone beds shaped to support you (they always send me to sleep). Also water beds, and an outside balcony with big furry throws and blankets. There are also mediation rooms which use light or sound to relax you. They have thought of just about everything and everybody has a different favourite.

Atmosphere:

I love the fact that it is so chilled out, there are plenty of staff about if you need them , but they seem to blend in when you don't. It is also a very coupley place, there are probably about 40% men there, although they do offer women only days.

Treatments:

Can be expensive, but when compared with treatments at other spas they don't look so bad. I have had a couple of massages which were good but, I do feel that there is plenty to relax you in the spa already without adding expense. They do carry on their male friendly attitude though with treatments tailored for men included on their list (I assume they use manly smelling lotions and potions?).

Restaurant:

A nice airy restaurant with outside seating in nice weather. Simple menu, leaning mostly on the healthy side with fruit juices, salads, wraps and baked potatoes. However, they also cater for the naughty as well with some very nice homemade looking cakes. They also sell champagne (which you get a glass of free with a twighlight session) for special occaissions or treats.

This is a place I have visited and will visit time and again, everytime my husband and I go, we say we should do it more often. The only bad thing I could say is that after 10 or more years since it opened it is starting to look a tiny bit rough around the edges. It is nearly due for a bit of a face lift. But I probably only notice this as I have been so many times over the 10 year period.

* Prices taken from www.aquasana.co.uk

Summary: Highly recommended. Take a break in your busy lives to pamper yourselves!