7 minute read
Inspiration for experiences to try as a couple on your break
YOU TIME
It’s a date!
Nurture your relationship by enjoying time as a twosome. The perfect experiences await you at our villages
WORDS: Laura Shack
fter an action-packed day with family and friends, it can be wonderful to spend some quality time under the forest canopy with the special someone in your life. From relaxing spa evenings at Aqua Sana, to sparkling cocktails at one of our top-notch restaurants, or a lucky strike at the Leisure Bowl – there’s lots to choose from for your next overdue date night. A
Above: with plenty of dining options, take time out to relax with your partner after a fun-packed day. Below: head to the Leisure Bowl for friendly competition and cocktails. Facing page: relax with glass of wine
Escape to a Twilight spa session Indulge in an early evening of pure you time at Aqua Sana. This adult-only spa in the heart of the forest is the ultimate in relaxation. But there’s no need to speak to your partner in hushed tones – this is a friendly space for luxury and laughter. Breathe in the sights and sounds of wildlife while you swim in the heated outdoor pool. Cosy up by the fl ickering fi re
as you recline in your cosy robe. Or explore one of the many nature-inspired spa experiences rooms. The Twilight Taster for 2 spa session is the ideal option for couples who are looking to spend time together after a day of fun-fi lled activities. Greeted with a glass of bubbly and a complimentary robe and towel hire on arrival, you’ll have access to the spa from 4pm to 9pm. That’s plenty of time to unwind and even pamper yourself with a special treatment for the extra ‘ahhhh’ factor.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion – or just want an excuse to pop the cork on a bottle of Champagne or Prosecco – why not enjoy a glass of something sparkling or a fruity cocktail in the spa’s exclusive Vitalé Café Bar? The menu has plenty of tempting meals and light bites too, including the Vitalé Platter, which is perfect for sharing. And best of all, you can wine and dine while still wearing your robe.
BOOK IT To book a Bowling session, dinner at Rajinda Pradesh or a session at one of our Crèches, visit your village’s Booking Desk, call the booking line on 034 48 266 200, or log into your Center Parcs online account: centerparcs.co.uk/ activities To find out more about Aqua Sana spa treatments and experiences see aquasana.co.uk – these can also be booked through your Center Parcs online account.
Bowl me over Whether you’ve got your own embroidered bowling bag or you haven’t played the game since the nineties, rediscover the joy of friendly competition at our lively Leisure Bowl locations. Cheer to the clatter of pins and sing along to your favourite pop classics as you battle it out on the lanes. Winner takes it all, loser buys the drinks. And you won’t need to go far to get them – you’ll find cocktails, beers, soft drinks, bar snacks and more on the new menu in the Leisure Bowl bar.
Dinner for two, uninterrupted If you have children, it’s likely you won’t have completed a conversation with your loved one at the dinner table – or maybe at any time – in several months. And even if you don’t have little ones, it can still be hard to find time in a busy working week to really connect. So, what better way to enjoy the end of an exhilarating day on your break than over a delicious meal… just the two of you, with no interruptions?
You’ll find a variety of dining and drinking options across Center Parcs. But if you’re seeking a spiceinfused colourful creation in a contemporary setting, head over to Rajinda Pradesh. This Eastern-inspired restaurant serves freshly made dishes, from mild and creamy to rich and fiery.
The classic Rajinda Bhuna comes highly recommended, but if you’d like to savour the experience with your partner for a little longer, why not plump for an Experience Banquet? For starters, you’ll share a Poppadum Platter followed by a selection of all-time favourites, including chicken tikka, crispy onion bhaji and butternut squash samosa. You can then choose a main Rajinda curry with rice and naan bread – plus a cool pint of Cobra beer, a glass of wine, or a soft drink.
Beyond the Indian cuisine, you’ll discover a host of Far Eastern dishes. Tuck into the tender fried Korean BBQ pork ribs or Japanese-style tempura vegetables, followed by a Malaysian braised beef rendang. And for the perfect pudding, there’s a refreshing lemon sorbet made with real lemon zest. Two spoons? Let’s not take this date night too far.
Keep children safe and entertained At Center Parcs you don’t have to choose between a family break or a couple’s retreat – we offer you the best of both worlds. With our spacious lodges, you may already have friends or family staying with you, who can help tuck your children in for a night or two during your stay. But if not, don’t fear. Little ones love our Crèche, which is run daily by our professionally trained childcare staff in our Ofsted-registered Activity Den. And you’ll discover plenty of sports, crafts, cooking and nature activities to keep older children occupied too. So, you can relax together and share a little more quality you-time on your family adventure.
“A BIT OF BLISS AFTER A BUSY WEEK” Katrina Ravn sampled a slice of serenity with a spa session at Longleat Forest’s Aqua Sana with boyfriend Alex Kelly
It’s not often that my
boyfriend Alex and I indulge in a spot of self-care, but after our spa session at Longleat Forest's Aqua Sana, we can’t wait to do it again. With its Grecian pillars and forest surroundings, this certainly wasn’t the leisure centre spa experience I’ve had before. In fact, I think I undersold it when I fi rst described it to Alex. A spa newbie, he’d had his reservations. Would it be too busy or make him feel uncomfortable? Those concerns were soon soothed away after we slipped on our complimentary robes and entered the sigh-inducing loveliness that is Aqua Sana.
From the Moonlight Steam Room to an ice cave, there were 24 luxurious spa experiences for us to enjoy. In the three hours we were there, we drifted dreamily between the hot spring tubs, saunas and steam rooms, occasionally taking a dip in the heated outdoor pool which sits at the centre. e spa allowed us to chill together and have a bit of bliss after a busy week at work.
Treat your senses In the Forest Glade steam room, we were transported to the tropical rainforest, as cooling mists hydrated our skin. Alex enjoyed jumping from the sauna to this room and playing with the rainforest shower settings – with di erent sensations, scents and temperatures. In the Nordic Forest, we braved the Ice Cave, then cosiedup under blankets in the Scandinavian Snug. While in the Forest Meditation space, we gazed up at a skyscape that sweeps from dappled day to sparkly night.
Our ultimate room was the Salt Steam Room. It smelt amazing and we spent a long time reclining on the comfy chairs in this dimly lit pod.
After sharing a bottle of wine in the Vitalé Café Bar and congratulating ourselves on an afternoon well spent, we stepped back into the forest, carrying a new-found glow throughout the rest of our break.
• For more see aquasana.co.uk • Book at spa session through your Center Parcs online account
Clockwise from top left: the Outdoor Pool, plus the Lava Sauna, Forest Cavern and Nordic Sauna experience rooms leave guests in a state of relaxation
