First Impressions
Aqua Sana Longford Forest sits deep within the forest of Center Parcs in County Longford, an hour-and-a-45-minute drive from Dublin airport.
One on site, a long, winding road takes you beneath a canopy of soaring pines and mature broadleaf trees. The forest is a protected sanctuary, so fallow deer often roam through the undergrowth – we spotted some on our way in. The slow drive acts as a gentle decompression: by the time you arrive, the stress of daily life has already started to melt away.
Guests park in the main resort car park, with accessible parking near the central village and spa entrance. Paved paths, electric shuttles and step-free access make the whole resort easy to get around. The spa building blends timber, stone and floor-to-ceiling glass, so the forest is never out of view.
What’s on Offer?
At spa reception, Melissa checked us in efficiently, then Emma led us on a thorough tour. A sign reminds guests that it is time to switch off – a nod to the no-phone policy; Comfort Zone Tranquility diffusers set a soothing tone from the start.
The changing rooms here are spacious and immaculate, with private cubicles, full-length mirrors, GHD hairdryers and full-size Aqua Sana products. Staff ask if you need an XL, 2XL or 3XL robe – a thoughtful touch we have rarely seen elsewhere. There is a dedicated accessible changing room with its own lockers, and a cleansing station at the entrance, stocked with Comfort Zone products allowing you to remove your make-up before the thermal journey begins.
And what a journey it is. The facilities are split into Volcanic, Forest and Nordic zones, each with its own saunas, steam rooms, experience showers and relaxation spaces; the scent subtly changes as you move through. Highlights on our visit included the Forest Glade, Alpine and salt steam rooms, a Nordic sauna, an infrared sauna, a salt room, Sole Therapy, the Lava Volcano Sauna with its volcanic mists, and the Ice Cave for a bracing contrast. Rainforest showers, a forest rain walk and a waterfall shower fill the gaps between the main events. Every room is signed with its temperature, humidity, recommended use and suitability in pregnancy – very reassuring. Numbered robe hooks mean you always find your own robe.
Outside, the thermal garden is a lesson in nature-led design. The hydrotherapy pool has forest views; hot tubs steam beneath the pines and heated stone loungers circle an open fire pit. We loved the Scandinavian Snug, a super cosy outdoor hideaway.
The relaxation spaces here are just as varied and well-thought-out. In Deep Relax, waterbeds cocoon you in the dark; Sweet Slumber has heated loungers; Fireside Relax has crackling fires; and Forest Relax has panoramic views over the courtyard. The Forest Garden has loungers beneath a skylight centrepiece, while little nooks invite you to curl up with a book. With so much space, it never felt crowded on our visit.
A board lists the day’s free 25-minute Discovery, Sleep and Sound Bathing sessions, with each host’s name and times – places are first come, first served. In the Elemis Skin Discovery session, Sinchia guided us through a self-applied facial: double cleansing, toning mists, moisture essences and Rose Micro Serum. In the VOYA Sound Bath, Hannah played Tibetan singing bowls while we breathed in VOYA’s lavender and rosemary oil beneath weighted chamomile eye pillows. These sessions add real value to any spa day, with no hard sell.
Treatment Talk
We tried the Full Body Massage (50 minutes, €119).
My therapist, Vioma, met me in the Treatment Lounge - with its comfy sofas, forest hues, soft lighting, refreshments and fresh fruit - and led me to treatment room with ambient lighting and natural timber accents. The consultation focussed on my many problem areas: stiff neck, upper shoulders and lower back - all tight from driving, desk work and Body Combat classes.
Vioma then offered three oil scents on cotton buds; I chose Rosemary for its revitalising properties. Lying face down, Vioma used an Aqua Sana Rosemary Warming Body Balm to massage my back, placing a heat pillow over tight muscles as she spotted them – an intense, comforting warmth began to loosen those pesky knots.
Working up from my back, Vioma massaged my neck, arms and legs before finishing at my feet. I asked for firm pressure and she delivered, working deep into my shoulder knots whilst checking I was still comfortable. One small touch we loved: a hair cap to protect my hair before a gala dinner that evening.
Aftercare came on a dark-green card in keeping with the forest setting: my therapist’s name, the products used, tips to extend the benefits at home and a €5 product discount for the retail area. Vioma recommended leaving the oil on overnight and drinking plenty of water. I was then escorted to the relaxation room, split into a dark area and a light area overlooking the forest, with Java Republic leaf teas and pots of fresh fruit. On hand.
The result? I felt the benefits of this massage for days afterwards,, beginning with an incredible night’s sleep.
Food Facts
The Spa Café is light and airy, with a huge window onto the forest and a courtyard for alfresco dining on warmer days. You can eat comfortably in your robe; vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free diets are all catered for.
Breakfast, served by Chloe, was delicious and beautifully presented on colourful ceramic tableware. Fresh orange juice was followed by yoghurt with strawberry compote for this Spa Spy and a Lotus Biscoff and hazelnut chocolate croissant for our spa partner, alongside sourdough with avocado, poached eggs and bacon.
Lunch here consisted of a fresh chicken and bacon Caesar salad – filling but light enough for an afternoon in the heat. Our package included a drink, too, so we treated ourselves to a glass of Prosecco.
The overnight spa breaks for two include a shared €80 voucher which can be spent during your break. This can be used on spa treatments, in the spa's Forest Spa Boutique, towards an evening meal in the village restaurants, in the Vitale Café Bar within the spa or you can order food directly to your room, via their Restaurant Runner service.
We chose to dine at Hucks American Bar & Grill, a family-spot with large TV screens and a children’s play area. On the menu: burgers, steaks and ribs. We opted for a selection of sharers and a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio - soon the table was laden with chicken wings, ribs, fries, cauliflower bites and sweet potato fries, alongside a slice of New York, with two spoons.
Sweet Stay?
We extended our visit with an overnight stay and checked into apartment 619 in a modern block overlooking the forest. Minimalist in design, apartment 619 was located on the second floor and featured twin beds, a fully-equipped kitchen with dishwasher and coffee machine, as well asa desk area, a smart TV and a huge patio leading to a balcony with tables and chairs. The separate loo and shower-rooms are ideal for sharers that aren’t a couple, the latter with complimentary mini Elemis amenities.
We loved the QR code for room service, and the forest views from the balcony.
What Bubble Rating Did You Award This Spa?
We awarded Aqua Sana Forest Spa at Longford Forest a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its array of thermal rooms, forest setting, complimentary wellness masterclasses, exceptional treatments and good quality food.
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