Aqua Sana Spa At Center Parcs Woburn Forest Review: Where Modernity And Nature Collide

The space: Aqua Sana Spa at the newly opened Center Parcs Woburn Forest, located an hour from London (St Pancras to Flitwick by train).

The vibe:

It’s not hard to miss Aqua Sana – it’s absolutely huge (the biggest spa in Europe in fact). But the thing that really sets it apart from the rest is the fact it’s nestled within acres of beautiful woodland in Woburn Forest.

Juxtaposing this modern, state-of-the-art spa within its gorgeous forest setting is just the perfect combination for a well-deserved getaway in the country.

The brag: Stunning views over the forest from our gorgeous Spa Suite in Aqua Sana <3

The Instagram shot:

The hits: Aqua Sana boasts six different nature-inspired spas with 25 experience rooms overall (yes, as in they’re all in the same building).

You really do need to spend the whole day there to make the full use of its facilities, although there were some highlights that you cannot afford afford to miss.

I'd suggest starting with a foot spa as soon as you arrive at Aqua Sana. You can keep your robe on to adjust to the spa’s temperature and relax your mind before venturing inside.

There are two Herbal Inhalation Baths to choose from in the Herbal Spa – one’s filled with lavender and the other is sage. I felt fully immersed sensually in the lavender room, finally feeling properly relaxed for the first time in what felt like months.

The world-first Mineral Room in the Mineral & Gemstone Spa is another must-visit – my boyfriend and I both agreed that it's something different to what we’re used to seeing in a spa. Although it did seem like something of a wacky idea to start with (the crystals and gemstones are supposed to 'emanate power to your body and soul'), we were soon very impressed. It felt like stress was literally melting away as we relaxed into the chairs, the minerals soothing our minds (and our skin).

Another room that you won't find anywhere else in the world is the Sensory Room. It takes a while to get used to as it’s not something I’ve ever experienced before but is actually very intriguing – it stimulates your senses with various scents and sounds for a totally immersive experience.

The outdoor pool is also definitely worth visiting - if not just for the panoramic views over the forest. It was lovely to dip my feet in it while breathing in the fresh forest air outside (in fact I didn't want to come back inside!)

I'd definitely suggest splashing out on one of six of the Spa Suites that are specifically designed for overnight guests of Aqua Sana.

Not only do they allow direct access to the World of Spa (9am-9pm on both your arrival and departure dates), you get a 55-minute treatment as part of a Luxury Spa Break and they all have balconies overlooking the forests which is a nice bonus.

However for those on a budget, Woburn Forest has hotel rooms and lodges too, which also allow access to the spa but without the luxuries associated with the Spa Suites.

I could have spent the entire day in the spa rooms but of course indulged in the spa treatments that were on offer. I had a full body scrub followed by moisturising head to toe and a relaxing facial. The combination of the face and body treatments felt like a real treat and I don’t think my limbs have ever felt so pampered.

The restaurants are also definitely worth mentioning (you get lunch, dinner and breakfast included as a Luxury Spa Break guest) as there’s just so much to choose from on-site.

The Vitalé Café Bar is actually in the spa itself so you’re welcome to pop along for a bite to eat in your robe and slippers (in fact, you’d look more out of place if you WEREN’T in your spa get-up) which is obviously very convenient.

If you’re into your hearty American grub (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), Huck’s in the Village Square will be right up your street with nachos, burgers, steaks and sundaes galore.

Contactless payment is another real bonus of the resort - you simply connect your credit or debit card to your spa wristband and it allows you to make payments without having to carry your purse or wallet around.

The misses: The complimentary shuttle bus from Flitwick station doesn’t run at weekends which baffles me as it's when they have the most visitors. It's not walking distance so make sure to bring some change for a taxi (just under £10 each way).

The Rain Walk features in a number of the different spa rooms but it wasn’t something I would jump in to do again. It's supposed to be like stepping into a tropical rainforest and stimulate your senses - but it's so damn cold I just wanted to run out of it!

Of course, Saturdays do get busy in the spa but there's enough room for it not to feel cramped (it's set over two floors). However, visit during the week and it will feel like you have the whole spa to yourself.

The deets and damage:

Luxury Spa Breaks currently start from £249 per person per night. For more information call 03448 266 205 or visit http://www.aquasana.co.uk/.

[Center Parcs: The Only Place Adventure And Adrenaline Can Coexist With Starbucks]

[The Hilton London Syon Park Review: Kick Back And Relax With A Lava Shells Massage]