Center Parcs it’s not just water flumes

But in recent years the holiday village giants have cottoned onto the fact that some parents might need a break from the wave machine and screaming tots, and so Aqua Sana was born.

I popped along with a couple of girlfriends to a Twilight Spa session to see what this hidden gem had to offer.

Having only been to one other spa I wasn’t sure what to expect from a facility built within Center Parcs. Would it live up to my expectations?

Well I’m happy to say it did.

Driving up to the Center Parcs complex, next to Sherwood Forest, you immediately feel you’ve been welcomed into another world as the barrier lifts and you’re waved into the purpose-built village.

Finding a parking space was a bit of a challenge and I’d suggest a little bit of bay marking at the park might go along way, but any stress caused by circling the car park soon melted away as we entered Aqua Sana.

Polite staff welcomed us and pointed us in the direction of the changing rooms. Armed with £1 for the lockers we soon stripped off to our swimming costumes and donned the fluffy white robes that were provided.

Once inside the spa we had a quick look at a map to acquaint ourselves with the different things on offer.

Built on two levels the spa’s rooms are nestled around an open air pool with jacuzzi jets.

Each sauna/steam room has a different flavour with some hotter and with different designs scents and sounds.

As well as a variety of rooms there is also a foot spa area, relaxing outdoor gardens, and upstairs, one of my favourite bits, an outdoor balcony that looks out onto the tree tops.

From here you can relax on a bed under a blanket, watch the birds and chat quietly with your companions.

The Twilight Spa sessions are open from 4pm to 9pm which may sound like a lot of time but it’s amazing how quickly it goes once you really start to unwind.

A variety of treatments can also be booked for those after something extra special but a few hours exploring the spa was plenty for us.

For a weekday evening session the price is £38 per person, which is lovely for a special treat and includes a glass of bubbly to really top off the experience.