TAKE ME WITH YOU…
Aqua Sana Forest Spa Sherwood Forest is well signposted from Center Parcs’ main entrance and has its own car park. Manicured trees lead to a smart white building with glass doors that slide
open to reveal a large spa reception with a check-in-desk, a seating area, a small shop and a mani-pedi area beyond. We received a warm welcome and were talked through our stay, and handed a wrist band for the lockers. Another spa host handed us a robe and towel before showing us through to the changing rooms.
SHALL WE SPA?
The changing rooms contain two banks of wooden lookers and a vanity bar with hairdryers and chairs. The showers and loos are at the far end; the former well stocked with Elemis shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.
Set over two floors - both inside and out - you could easily lose an entire day in Aqua Sana Forest Spa. It invites guests on a journey through six zones and 25 experience rooms, each inspired by a different part of the world, and each with its own smell and sensation.
We began our journey in Sole Therapy soaking our feet in the warm, bubbling foot spa before consulting the wall map - yes, it’s that big. We then worked our way clockwise around the ground floor before exploring the upper level.
Step inside the Aqua Sana's Nordic Forest zone, offering a taste of Scandinavia. Its oversized sauna, clad in wood shipped from Norway, looks out onto the forest and sets the tone. This zone also features an ice cave, a rainforest walk and an Alpine steam room infused with a rose essence. We loved the Scandinavian snug: a fabric-clad retreat with a teal-coloured round sofa, blankets and flickering fire pit.
Move round to the salt steam room where backlit bamboo canes create a blue-lit display. From there, we stepped into one of two outdoor raised hot tubs, each seating around five. The Waterfall Showers, with their invigorating orange scent, were a welcome mid-circuit pick-me-up.
The Volcanic Forest zone turned up the heat with a volcanic steam room and sauna, both set a few degrees warmer than usual and finished in black slate. Relax in pod chairs in front of a fire-effect feature afterwards.
To complete the lower level, we took a dip in the open-air heated courtyard pool -big enough for laps or simply floating beneath the sky.
Upstairs there’s plenty of spaces to unwind, from pods and loungers to tepidarium beds and waterbeds, other zones include Treetop Nestling, a forest-themed relaxation area, and Forest Immersion, a quiet meditation sanctuary.
Take the wooden stairs from here and enter The Treetop Sauna, a large wooden cabin perched high in the trees, offering breathtaking views of the forest below through floor-to-ceiling windows. Cool down afterwards on the Forest Terrace or make a beeline for the Forest Glade - one of our favourites.
TREATMENT TALK
We tried the Forest Spa Face and body (50 minutes, £99).
My therapist, Ellie, met me in the circular treatment waiting area and led me through the corridors to a softly-lit room decorated in neutral tones. She talked me through the treatment - a back, neck and shoulder massage followed by a facial – before leaving so that I could get comfortable on the treatment bed, lying face down.
Ellie began with a spritz in the air before uncovered my back so that she could drizzle warm oil down my spine, smoothing it over my back and arms. Using firmer strokes, she then worked into my back and shoulders, focusing on the mid-section which had become tight after a long drive. Her technique eased away the tension.
For the facial, Ellie cleansed my face and neck in preparation for a Natural Glow facial polish - a welcome antidote to the effects of city living.
A marine mask followed; whilst this got to work, Ellie treated me to a firm and deeply relaxing head massage with frangipani oil, sending me into a dreamlike state.
To finish Ellie gently removed the residue mask with warm mitts, closed my pores with apricot toner and - in a layered sequence of serum, eye cream, moisturiser and SPF - prepared my skin for a sunshine-filled day ahead.
Aqua Sana Forest Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments from Elemis, Comfort Zone, and Voya, including a variety of massages, facials, scrubs, wraps and beauty treatments. There’s dedicated treatments for men, mums-to-be and those living with and beyond cancer.
HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?
My body felt noticeably looser and more balanced, while my face felt soft, refreshed, and visibly glowing.
SPOT OF LUNCH?
You can dine en robe in the light and modern Vitalé Café Bar located in the heart of the spa building. On a sunny day, sit outside and listen to birdsong.
We chose the Mediterranean sharing Vitalé Platter which included balsamic onions, Serrano ham, martini olives, sundried tomatoes, grilled artichokes, mozzarella and pesto, red pepper tapenade and garlic flatbread. Light, fresh, and full of flavour, it was the perfect food for a spa day. Our overnight package included an arrival drink; we chose a glass of fizz to enjoy with lunch.
Overnight guests receive a £70 voucher to use at any of the Center Parcs restaurants. We chose to dine at Huck’s Bar and Grill: fillet steaks, please.
GOT ALL DAY?
Overnight guests have unlimited access to the facilities from 9am to 9pm on both arrival and departure days, so, you can fill your day to suit your pace. Book a treatment, take a lap of the thermal experiences, grab a bite to eat, get horizontal on one of the many beds... and then repeat at leisure.
SHORT ON TIME?
Customise your spa day and do as much, or as little, as you like. Resist the temptation to head straight for the piece de resistance Treetop Sauna. Instead, gradually build up your body temperature so that you can enjoy it for longer.
Good Spa Guide
8th July 2025
