TAKE ME WITH YOU…
Located just an hour from London, in rural Bedfordshire, Woburn Forest is one of Center Parcs newest villages, set in 357-acres of coniferous woodland.
Arriving by car? Follow the signs for the spa hotel, park up in the car park and you’ll find the spa reception a short stroll away.
SHALL WE SPA?
Forest Spa is Aqua Sana’s biggest spa, with two whole floors of facilities in six zones: Fire & Ice Spa, Salt Spa, Herbal Spa, Blossom Spa, Sensory, Mineral Spa and Gemstone Spa. All 25 sensory experiences are inspired by nature and driven by the latest innovations from leading European spas. What’s more, there is something to suit all tastes, from the milder Blossom Heat room to gently warm and soothe the body, to the hotter-than-hot Lava Sauna that will see you fleeing for the Ice Cave. Sole Therapy offers reflexology footbaths and those looking for some serious chilling can choose from nine (yes, you read that right) different relaxation areas. The heated waterbeds got our vote.
Beyond the thermals, the outdoor hydro-pool is surrounded by tall swaying trees; bubble away on the bench or bed jets or brave the knot-busting swan necks pipes. If the sun is shining, make a beeline for the surrounding sun terrace.
For VIP feels, book one of the eight Spa Suites located on the 4th an 5th floors of the actual spa building. The décor is inspired by the forest backdrop using natural materials in woodland tones. Expect spacious private balconies with circular lounge beds and blankets to snuggle beneath, oversized bathtubs, walk-in rainforest showers and feature fireplaces.
Guests also have direct and unlimited access to the spa (open 9am to 9pm) meaning you can spend your entire stay in your fluffy white robe if you wish (and, frankly, why wouldn’t you?). You won’t have to walk miles around the vast park or risk getting lost either, simply swan out of your room and press ‘G’ in the lift (or take the spiral staircase) to reach spa heaven).
TREATMENT TALK
TREATMENT TALK
We tried Voya Calm Seas Massage (50 minutes, exclusive (and inclusive) for Spa Suite guests).
My therapist, Hannah, met me at the spa treatment lounge and led me to one of the 22 treatment rooms. After explaining the treatment - a scalp-to-toe ritual using warm, mineral-rich seaweed - Hannah left the room so I could don disposable knickers and lie face down on the bed.
The treatment began with three deep inhalations of Voya lavender and camomile oil and a foot cleanse, before moving on to a slow and gentle back massage using hot oils.
Turning onto my front, Hannah wrapped heated seaweed around my wrists and ankles – a strangely comforting experience - before gently massaging my arms and legs. She then moved onto the facial element – using Cleanse & Mend, Ritzy Spritzy Toner and Me Time Moisturiser - before commencing a blissful scalp massage using Forget Me Knot conditioner. The firm pressure made my eyes roll into the back of my head in appreciation.
Finally, Hannah removed the seaweed and rubbed any gently massaged each appendage in turn before leading me to the low-lit relaxation room.
HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?
As a die-hard fan of a firm massage, I was apprehensive about a gentler treatment but found it surprisingly soothing. The head massage was the icing on the cake and I left feeling suitable relaxed; I slept like a baby.
SPOT OF LUNCH?
Lunch in the Vitalé café is included in Spa Suite stays and you can feast in your robes; if the sun is shining, the forest-lined terrace is the place to be. To balance out our complimentary glass of Prosecco, we opted for a (saintly) Buddha Bowl - loaded with rocket, carrot, beetroot, tomato, cucumber, avocado, grilled broccoli and chilli salad, topped with grilled chicken and drizzled with a more-ish sesame, lemon and roast garlic dressing and hummus.
Cakes, pastries, afternoon tea for two, folded focaccias and wraps and sharing platters are also on the menu.
Spa Suite VIPs also get a £70 voucher to use at any of the Center Parcs restaurants for dinner. We enjoyed the Italian offerings at Almalfi - olives and garlic and mozzarella flatbread to start; delicious king prawn linguine for mains – all washed down with a large glass of Provence rosé.
GOT ALL DAY?
If you can tear yourself away from the luxurious Spa Suite, the 25 sensory experiences are a spa lovers’ playground. Don’t miss the hosted events – look for signs on the wall for timings and make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes early as they are popular. On our visit, we joined a Sauna Ritual in the Salt Sauna. Our Aufguss host, Storm, poured oil-infused water onto the heated stones to raise the temperature and fill the room with the scent of amber and peppermint, before using a towel to waft the heated air over us in theatrical fashion. As the temperature peaked, she flung handfuls of ice on our chests to cool us back down – explaining the benefits of contrast therapy in the process.
SHORT ON TIME?
Toast in the thermals; we loved the spacious green-glowing Salt Steam and the lemongrass-infused Mineral Room, designed exclusively for Woburn Forest. Cool off in the outdoor hydro pool while soaking up the forest views.
Good Spa Guide
6th June 2025
