Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest

Part of Center Parcs Sherwood Forest, Aqua Sana is well signposted from the main entrance and has a dedicated car park for spa guests. Manicured trees lead to a smart white building. Glass doors slide open to reveal a large spa reception with a check-in-desk, a small shop and a seating area. Staff gave us a warm welcome, talked us through our day, and handed us a wristband for the lockers. A spa host gave us a robe and towel and showed us through to the changing rooms.

The changing rooms contain two banks of wooden lockers and a vanity bar with hairdryers and stools. The showers and loos are at the far end; the former well stocked with Aqua Sana's own shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.

Set over two floors -- and straddling both inside and out -- the Forest Spa aims to take you on a journey to different parts of the world via six zones and 25 experience rooms/areas. Each room is a feast for the senses and has its own unique sights, smells and sensations to enjoy. You could easily lose an entire morning in this spa.

If time is tight, go straight to the pièce de resistance: the Treetop Escape. Head up three flights of wooden stairs to The Treetop Sauna, a large wooden cabin perched high in the trees, offering breath-taking views of the forest below through floor-to-ceiling windows. Cool down afterwards on the Forest Terrace balcony to the sound of birdsong and rustling trees.

Not great with heights? Stay at ground level and bubble away in one of two raised hot tubs, each seating around five, or swim in the outdoor heated pool which is large enough for laps.

Inside, Aqua Sana's Nordic Forest zone offers a taste of Scandinavia. Its oversized sauna with forest views is handsomely clad in wood shipped over from Norway. This zone also has an ice cave, a rainforest walk experience, and a eucalyptus scented steam room with lighting that mimics the northern lights. We loved the Scandinavian snug: a fabric-clad retreat with a teal-coloured round sofa, blankets and flickering fire-pit.

The volcanic steam room and volcanic sauna in The Volcanic Forest are each set a few degrees above the norm and decorated in stylish black slate. Relax in pod chairs in front of a fire-effect feature afterwards with its uplifting aromatic scent.

Other "zones" include the Hot Springs (salt steam room and waterfall showers), Treetop Nestling (forest-themed relaxation) and Forest Immersion (rooms designed for meditation).

There are many places to relax at Aqua Sana: from hanging pods and loungers to warm tepidarium beds and waterbeds. Simply decide how relaxed you want to be and settle in.

We had the Elemis Superfood Facial (55 minutes, £79).

My therapist, Jessica, met me in the relaxation room and escorted me to a softly-lit room with a bed in the middle. We discussed my skin concerns and my skincare routine, and she talked me through the facial which uses the new Elemis Superfood range.

I Iay on the bed face up. Jessica asked me take a few deep breaths and examined my rather angry-looking, congested skin. The treatment began with a double cleanse using the light and refreshing Superfood Facial Wash. She removed this with warm flannels and a cooling toner. Next, Jessica applied the Superfood Oil and began an utterly blissful face, neck and décolletage massage that sent me off into a dreamy state.

Jessica removed the facial oil using hot cloths and a toner, then applied a thick and tingly exfoliator. This felt wonderful on my congested skin, as did the refreshingly cool amino-acid mask. As this set, Jessica gave me another utterly blissful head massage.

The mask peeled off in one and Jessica applied the Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra Gel eye masks and a herbal lavender repair mask to soothe my redness. As this set, Jessica massaged and stretched my arms and hands. The treatment ended with a further facial massage and the application of a cooling eye cream and a light moisturiser.

Jessica took me through to the post-treatment conservatory and made me a cup of peppermint tea. I was pleased to find that my skin looked calmer and my complexion was clearer. My face felt balanced and fresh; quite the opposite of its former state. This facial would be a fantastic treatment for those in their 20s and 30s. The subtle wholesome and earthy scent of the products complemented the forest spa setting nicely.

Aqua Sana offers a range of dedicated Decléor and Elemis treatments, as well as a variety of massages, facials, scrubs, wraps and beauty treatments. There's a dedicated treatment menu for men, mums-to-be and those living with and beyond cancer.

The light and modern Vitalé café sits in the middle of the spa building and offers views of the grounds through floor-to-ceiling windows. You can eat alfresco, in robes, and listen to birdsong on a sunny day.

A deli counter displays a selection of salads, paninis and cakes; we chose the stuffed mushrooms with a salad and a latte. This was light, fresh and delicious: the perfect kind of food for a spa day.

The café also serves breakfasts, a selection of juices, and some hot dishes such as pasta. It also caters for intolerances. It was nice to see several guests enjoying glasses of Prosecco and cocktails.

We loved

The Treetop Sauna: The views are simply stunning. If you have time, resist heading straight up there; build your body temperature up first to enjoy it for longer.

The huge variety of unique experiences on offer: You can customise your own spa day and do as much or as little as you like

The service and staff: From the warmest of welcomes to being offered chocolate strawberries in the relaxation lounge, we felt the team genuinely cared about our spa experience.

We didn't love

The Forest Spa is a popular spa that can get quite busy; you may have to wait a while to use some of the experiences.

Couples and small groups: Although Aqua Sana actively promotes quieter areas, several spots are perfect for catching up with friends or partners.

Solo spa-goers: We used the spa on our own and enjoyed it immensely; ditch the family and claw back some much-needed "me" time.

Anyone who is stressed out: The forest setting makes for a great escape from reality.

We gave Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest a Good Spa Guide bubble rating of 5 Bubbles. This great-value spa has so much to offer, from unique thermal experiences, to delicious food, proactive customer service and professional treatments. The Forest Spa is a great place to escape from reality and do as little or as much as you like. 

Scarlet Spy visited in June 2018 and awarded it 5 Bubbles.