The Area: Set in the heart of Longleat forest, you really can't complain about the scenery surrounding the chalets and leisure buildings. It's absolutly gorgeous. You feel so far away from bustling cities! I visited in mid-September when all the leaves were all still quite nice and green. Very pleasant indeed.
The Accomodation: This was nice. You can get different standards...I think some include jacuzzis and other such luxuries. The one I stayed in had all the essentials including a full kitchen, nice clean bathroom, radio, TV etc etc.
The chalets are all positioned so you don't overlook anybody else's apartment so its all very secluded. You have a balcony which must be great in the summer for BBQ's. Above all, the accomodation was very clean.
The Sports Facilities: What an amazing range of things to do! However long you, be it two days or five, you will never run out of things to do! There is a huge pool with a wave machine, an array of slides and flumes and ourdoor rapids. There is also a baby pool for the little ones. The whole set out of the pool is lovely. I think they call it the Swimming Paradise. Everywhere is decorated with lush green foilage. In the indoor sports area there is squash and badminton and all the courts are exquisite. In this building there is also tabletennie, pool, nine-ball, snooker....need I go on? I believe there is horseriding but I didn't get to experience that. There are exercise classes galore which they recommend you book. In fact, all facilities are pre-bookable so you can plan everything before you go. There is even a bowling alley which is great fun. Then there's crazy golf (a nice long, decent one set which tells the story of King Arthur, how interesting!) as well as a putting green for budding golfers! The boating lake is lovely and you can fish, sail, row, canoe, take out a pedalo...you name it! And you can get professional instruction for most things. But uh-oh...there's a downside to all the wonderful, glorious acitivites. The price. Things can prove to be quite costly. The only thing you don't have to pay for is the swimming, or so I believe. So once you've done a little bit of something, and then a little bit of something else...it can all add up! There are many more activites (there's even a cinema!), but I hope I've given you a good taste of some!
The Aqua Sana This was my favourite place to be! As well as offering all the usual beauty treatment (plus a few rather more exotic ones) you can spend a few hours using all the many steam rooms and saunas etc for £18. You get given a soft fluffy towel and robe and you feel like you're in a health farm! Then there's a choice of about 10 rooms...rooms like Swedish Sauna, turkish bath, chinese herbal room, meditation room, the ice room(sounds nasty but it's lovely) and there a lovely bubbly swimming pool too. Ahh this place is LUXURIOUS and you come out feeling so incredibly relaxed! I'd go back to Centre Parcs JUST to use the Aqua Sana! Once again, a little bit pricey but well worth it!
Getting Around: BIKES! There are no cars in Centre Parcs. Only to drop of luggage and pick it up again. Here, health is paramount and you cycle area. Or walk, its up to you. Centre Parcs is huge and VERY hilly! You have been warned! It worth taking your own bikes if you have them or you have to hire a bike which is another expense. It might sound horrible...all that bike riding if exercising is not your usual thing. But you'll probably come back feeling great! Except for a couple of sore muscles perhaps! If you have children, bikes with special kiddy thing (hard to explain) can be hired.
Resturants: There are SO many restaurants! And they're all different. There's an Italian, an American...even a pancake house. And there's a gourmet one too if you're celebrating. There's so many and you'll be spoilt for choice. But watch out for the prices. Although before you go you get given a guide of the restaurants which gives you a guideline of the prices.
The Supermarket: Don't forget you have a kitchen! There is an extensive supermarket selling everything your average Tesco/Sainsburys would. But you can take food with you which might work out cheaper. But it's nice to know the facities there!
The Shops: There are little gifty shops littered around in The Dome. All worth a look at. There's an arcade too. Wow....so much to do in this place!
Overall: A fantastic holiday that you feel GREAT after (and a little tired!). you can do as much or as little as you want. You can make it active or relaxing and there really is something for everyone. The accomodation prices aren't huge...especially if you share in a group of people...but watch out for the prices when you are actually there!
Happy Holiday's!
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Center Parcs Spa, the Aqua Sana is no longer adults only, it is now open to teenagers who are encouraged to use it. So it is very noisy and unpleasant. Speak to the Spa Operations Manager at their Head office if you have a complaint, the local staff have no influence on policy and just have to toe the line.
ray52 08.10.2001 21:18
I have never been to Center Parcs but may give it a try after this review. Thanks.
julietta 08.10.2001 21:08
Sounds lovely! I could really do with something like this over half-term! Fab op!
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Advantages: Great family holiday, perfect for kids, lovely natural setting, plenty to do Disadvantages: Lodges can be shabby, you will wear yourself out with all the activity!
fallen121 20.03.2006 (20.03.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: exceptional
Review of Center Parcs
Oct 8th, 2001
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