Salvation at Center Parcs
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!
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