Having a 19-month-old son with seemingly superhuman reserves of energy, I was keen for a holiday in the UK that would cater for his every need while giving his overworked mum some precious time to relax and unwind. At Center Parcs, Longleat I found it
As soon as we entered the tranquil surroundings of Longleat Forest, we could feel the stresses and strains of London life floating from our bodies. Meanwhile, the excitement levels emanating from the back seat of the car were increasing by the second as Kieran gleefully repeated his latest new word: 'Tree!'
After settling into our comfy and spacious Woodland Lodge, we headed out on our hired bikes (Kieran, now wide-eyed with happiness, in a trailer pulled along by yours truly) to explore the complex.
We didn't get far as we soon stumbled upon the children's outdoor play area, a spaghetti junction of wooden climbing frames, cubby holes and slides set into the trees. For any Star Wars fans, think the Ewok Village and you're getting pretty close.
It was probably a combination of repeated goes on the 'big boy' slide and the fresh forest air that contributed to Kieran all but volunteering to get into bed later that evening before falling fast asleep without so much as a whimper. 'I love this place already,' I thought.
Luxury in the forest
With the sprog in bed (cots and high chairs come as standard), we were able to have a good nose round the Lodge, which came complete with welcome groceries hamper, DVD and flat-screen TV, patio with barbecue, TWO bathrooms (one with under-floor heating and surround sound stereo) and a gloriously comfortable king-size bed.
The following day, Kieran and I headed down to the 'beach' adjacent to the Watersports Lake. Here you can enjoy, among other activities, sailing, wind surfing and canoeing, but we were more than happy pottering around in the sand, splashing in the shallow water and having a go on the baby swings conveniently located overlooking the water.
Spa retreat
Meanwhile, my partner, Louise, sneaked off to the Aqua Sana spa to indulge in a Decleor facial, which included a neck, head and scalp massage.
Louise had high hopes when booking her treatments and she wasn't disappointed. The qualified therapists were extremely attentive, while the spa itself was clean, quiet and above all totally relaxing. Indeed, snuggled into a soft fleece throw on a comfy lounger, nibbling on her organic post-treatment snack, the thought of diving into an action-packed water adventure was probably the furthest thought from her mind.
But a few hours later, that's exactly what we did!
Watery wonderland
I still class myself as a new Dad but I am slowly learning some valuable lessons; one being that when you find an activity that keeps them occupied for hours on end (while giving them loads of exercise and completely wearing them out), stick to it.
And, as we entered the fantastic swimming pool complex, I knew we were onto a winner. Every age group is catered for, from toddlers who want to splash around in the heated shallow pools and sand pits, to the big kids among us who can re-live our youths being thrown around by the wave machine and hurtling down the rapids and water slides.
The whole area is patrolled by qualified life guards and there are buoyancy jackets available (for free) for toddlers. There are also cafes and snack bars located within the comfortably-heated dome and there was evidence of families who had 'set up camp' for the day.
As for Kieran, it's safe to say he had found his nirvana.
Family-friendly nosh
After working up an appetite, we headed for dinner at The Grand Cafe, a continental bar and brasserie set in the heart of the forest. Clearly well-versed in catering for families with young children, our waiter made sure Kieran's fish pie was delivered swiftly (he doesn't do patience) while the 'grown-up' food was excellent.
Later in the week we enjoyed a meal at the creme de la creme of child-friendly eateries, Huckleberry's. Here, Kieran was able to flit between high chair and soft play area while the free balloon and sticky chocolate pudding made him feel like it was Christmas all over again.
We also took advantage of the takeaway service provided by the Italian restaurant, Strada, and, had our stay been longer, would have sampled the fare on offer at both the French and Indian restaurants on site.
Despite Kieran leaving us in no doubt as to where his heart now lay - his new favourite word having changed from 'tree!' to 'splash!' - we were keen to sample as much of Center Parcs as we could and so took him to an organised 'Tumble Time' session, complete with soft play apparatus, bouncy balls, rubber rings and a farewell nursery rhyme singalong.
If I have one slight criticism it would be that the session was only half-an-hour long, and Kieran was just about warming up when it was time to pack everything away.
Louise was also able to fit in another treatment - a coconut oil wrap - while I enjoyed my first ever spa session. Unlike Lou, who would happily spend the whole day at a spa given the chance, I have never been that taken with the idea. But, I must say, I was pleasantly surprised at how refreshed I felt afterwards.
As a sporty type I wouldn't have minded a game of badminton, squash or tennis, not to mention a few frames of snooker - all of which are available in the sports centre - but Kieran's obsession with the swimming pool put paid to those ideas!
Not that I was complaining. By the end of the week it was very much a case of mission accomplished, and the conversation on the journey home was all about what we'd do on our next visit.