TAKE ME WITH YOU…
Aqua Sana Forest Spa Elveden Forest is set in lush, verdant forest in Thetford, Norfolk. After a relaxed drive through the fragrant tress you arrive at the spa's dedicated car park. A few steps around the corner will lead you to the standalone, nature-inspired spa.
SHALL WE SPA?
There’s a lot to enjoy at this sprawling dual-level spa; a refurbishment in 2024 has made the space even more appealing (if that were possible) with more room to relax.
We were warmly greeted in the spacious reception area, with its large desk and wall of products to tempt. To the right you’ll find a dedicated mani-pedi suite.
Here we were introduced to our spa host, Jess, who led us through to a separate reception area for Spa Suite guests – which we were – to complete consultation forms, receive a wristband to open spa doors and lockers, and sip a glass of Buck’s Fizz (a good start).
The changing rooms are spacious and squeaky clean with wooden lockers operated via wristband, spacious showers, plenty of loos and white towels to help yourself to. A door from here leads to the Forest Spa.
We began our journey at Sole Therapy, Japanese footbaths with ceramic benches and bubbling floor panels set around a central fountain.
The spa’s warmer-than-average Outdoor Spa Pool is opposite – head down a handful of steps from the inside and turn left. Bird song on a speaker and foliage hanging down from an open sky make this a lovely spot to wallow. Pummel the shoulders under one of two central swan necks before heading to the far end to sit on bubble chairs.
Back inside, and opposite the pool, is a circuit of heat rooms: Lava Volcanic Sauna (hot, dry), Volcanic Steam (warm steam in an amber glow), Volcano Mists (a refreshing shower experience), Fireside Relax (relax by crackling fires) and Waterfall Shower (select a programme to suit your mood).
Behind the pool is the new Nordic area. The huge Nordic Sauna is one of the largest this Spa Spy has seen with floor-to-ceiling windows for garden views. The soothing dry heat affords a good amount of time in here so settle in and relax.
Cool down in the Ice Cave afterwards, snapping stalactites of ice from the ceiling above to rub on your warm body. Warm up again in the huge Alpine Sauna, bathed in green, before cooling down in the Forest Rain Walk, a sequence of shower experiences.
A door form here leads outside to a Scandinavian Snug – all fur, fires and foamy sofas. Beyond here are three bubbling hot tubs, each accessed via two steps. Wall hooks allow you to de-robe before climbing in; push a button on the side for bubbles. Rattan day beds and sofas afford post-bubbling relaxation.
Back inside, head up a flight of stairs for Forest Canopy, a circuit of deep relaxation overlooking the Outdoor Spa Pool. We tried Forest Nesting (large comfortable beds with ambient lighting), Deep Relax (water beds with heavy blankets), Sweet Slumber (heated, body-contoured loungers), Forest Glade (gentle steam in a forest setting with cooling mists on a timer), Rainforest Showers (tropical rain shower), The Nest (dry heat with panoramic views), Forest View (an immersive forest experience) and Forest Meditation (gaze up at the forest sky from the comfort of a huge bed).
Lost? Refer to the comprehensive map at the entrance to the spa. Help yourself to water and crisp green apples throughout the day. Baskets on the floor contain dry robes and towels.
TREATMENT TALK
We tried a VOYA Calm Seas Massage (60 minutes, included for Spa Suite guests).
Our therapist, Jasmine, met us in the treatment lounge and led us to treatment room 19 (of 20).
Jasmine explained the steps of the treatment – full body massage; mini facial – before leaving the room so that I could pop on disposable undies and get comfortable on the treatment bed, lying face down.
The treatment began with three deep breathes followed by a drizzle of Voya’s Mindful Dreams oil over my back and shoulders. Jasmine then used long strokes to relax my body and mind.
Turning over, Jasmine massaged my legs in turn before wrapping seaweed around my feet. She repeated this on my arms before wrapping seaweed around my hands. This felt very grounding.
For the facial, Jasmine used a Voya Squeaky Clean Cleanser to rid my face of dirt followed by a Time to Shine Exfoliator and Softly Does it Moisturiser.
Jasmine then removed the seaweed from my feet and hands and gently brought me to. She ended the treatment with some advice – plenty of water – before gifting me the seaweed to take home and use in the bath.
Jasmine then took me to the relaxation room where I met my glowing spa partner; we compared notes and sipped glasses of Prosecco.
HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?
I would book this treatment time-and-time again.
SPOT OF LUNCH?
Spa Suite guests can lunch in the newly-refreshed Vitale café, with its table-top trees adorned with fairy lights and deep red leather bank seating. Included is one main course and a drink of tea, juice or Prosecco (we chose the latter).
On the menu: sharing platters, pasta dishes, wraps, salads and Buddha bowls. For our main course, we both opted for the chicken Caesar salad which was light and creamy with succulent chicken breast.
Spa Suite guests also get a £70 voucher towards dinner at any of the restaurants on site; we opted for Café Rouge and tucked into melt-in-the-mouth steaks with shoe-string fries and glasses of red wine.
GOT ALL DAY?
Book a Spa Suite and take advantage of the huge lounge, fully-equipped kitchen, round tub large enough for four and balcony with rotating double day bed. At just £199 per person per night, including breakfast, lunch, unlimited spa access, a treatment and £70 towards dinner, it’s a bargain for those after a treat.
SHORT ON TIME?
Team lunch with spa time and a treatment. We loved The Nest (pictured above).
Good Spa Guide
29th July 2025
