Life is suite at Aqua Sana, Center Parcs

Hard to believe, but up until a couple of weeks ago, at the age of 35, I had never experienced a professional massage. And as someone who suffers with moderate back pain and neck stiffness caused largely by my office-based job, it was very much overdue.

My wife, on the other hand, is a seasoned spa-goer and with her as my guide, I made the short trip from London to spend a weekend (one night) in one of the new luxury Spa Suites at Center Parcs in Elveden Forest.

When we were greeted by our Spa Concierge and led into our suite, it felt like we were stepping into a luxury hotel.

For an in-depth look around the suite, check out our slideshow

The beautifully-designed open-plan suite includes a spacious bedroom, kitchen/dining area, bathroom/wet room and, adjacent to the veranda overlooking the golf course, are two separate baths, complete with water-proof remote to control the flat screen TV above.

Suffice to say, we were reluctant to leave the room at all!

One thing to note: make sure you choose to go with someone you’re ‘comfortable’ with as, apart from the toilet, everything – shower included - is open plan, so modesty is at a premium.

Zilli Cafe

Having picked up our complimentary robes and slippers we strolled out to the fantastic Zilli Café for lunch. This is included in the overall cost of the weekend and we found it a perfect ‘starter’ ahead of a weekend of relaxation.

With the suites being situated immediately adjacent to the World of Spa, there is no need to arrive laden with towels and other paraphernalia and with constant access to our on-call concierge, all we needed was our universal door key and we were free to roam between room, café and spa.

First off, we headed to the World of Spa, an oasis of calm and relaxation, featuring a vast array of globally-inspired spa experiences.

A stint in the Tyrolean Sauna was followed by a refreshing dip in the heated outside pool. There was something quite decadent about swimming outside in the middle of winter – the cool, fresh air combining perfectly with the warm sensation of the water.

We also tried the Turkish Hammam and whiled away the hour or so before our booked treatments relaxing on the loungers and taking in the ultra-relaxing meditation room.

Individual treatments

I was already feeling nicely chilled out as we headed to the treatment area for our individual treatments.

After filling in a brief questionnaire about our general health, diet and particular problem areas, we were greeted by a therapist and taken off to our separate rooms (dual treatments are also available).

I opted for a massage and facial with particular attention being paid to my neck and shoulders. Being my first massage experience, I was slightly apprehensive but the therapist put me completely at ease and I must admit, I almost dropped off a couple of times.

Then onto my facial, and if anything it was even more relaxing than the massage. My therapist applied various creams tailored to my specific skin requirements and gave me a fantastic head massage before removing the creams.

After an hour of quite sublime relaxation, I was escorted back to the reception area where I waited for my wife on a luxury recliner.

Heading back to our room, we spent a while winding down (even further) and taking on plenty of fluids to re-hydrate after our treatments. Then we set off on our bikes, which come as part of the Spa Suite Package, for dinner.

A relaxing dinner

As Spa Suite guests, you get to use all the regular Center Parcs facilities and we opted for the gastro pub, Forresters’ Inn, which serves good, wholesome and filling fare. They also reserve specific sections of the restaurant for those with kids and those without and we certainly savoured the rare opportunity to sit in the ‘without’ section.

Being a fairly mild evening we spent half an hour lounging in the sofa bed situated on the Suite’s veranda before turning in for the night, by now in a state of almost total relaxation.

With half an eye on travelling back to London to be reunited with our son, we ate our breakfast, delivered to our room (you can opt to have in the café), and then decided to get some fresh air with a mini jaunt down one of the on-site bike trails.

Then, reluctantly, we checked out, albeit we were free to use the Center Parcs facilities for the rest of the day, and headed for home, relaxed, de-stressed and ready to recommend the Spa Suites to all our friends!

To celebrate the launch of their new Luxury Spa Breaks staying in our brand new Spa Suites at Aqua Sana Elveden Forest, Center Parcs are offering a discount of 20% off all Luxury Spa Break bookings for January 2012.  This offer starts on Tuesday 15th November, to book visit: aquasana.co.uk

This offer is available from 4pm Tuesday 15th November until 9am Wednesday 14th December 2011 and is for breaks in January 2012.

Prices are as follows:

• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday overnight breaks £318 per suite/£159 per person
   
• Friday overnight break £366 per suite/£183 per person Saturday overnight break £414 per suite/£207 per person

The Spa Suite Package includes:

• Overnight accommodation in a Luxury Spa Suite.
• Entry to the ‘World of Spa’ on arrival and departure days, between 9am and 9pm
• Entry to ‘World of Spa’ direct from your Spa Suite
• Luxurious 55-minute face and body treatment for both guests
• Welcome refreshments
• Lunch served in Zilli Café on the first or second day
• Continental breakfast in your Suite, Zilli Café, Foresters' Inn or Lakeview Restaurant
• A £20 evening meal voucher per person
• Complimentary cycles to explore the forest
• Complimentary Robes and Towels

For more information and to book, visit www.centerparcs.co.uk