Center Parcs - Sherwood Forest

So back in January my family and I went on a mini vacay to Center Parcs. We went the week after my birthday and to be honest I was so ready for it- after spending the whole of my birthday in bed and not really celebrating at all - I couldn't even face eating cake and that is not like me! I felt awful as well as my sister had made me the most beautiful unicorn cake! 

My family is so busy and although we're very closeknit, it's difficult for us all to get together sometimes - especially with one of my sisters living up in Newcastle. Not everyone could make it, but with us all having been totally rushed off our feet it was so lovely to get together for the week and just chill out and enjoy family time.

We booked an executive lodge and I was seriously impressed with the the decor, it was all very modern and open plan. We also got a sauna in our lodge which was a great bonus! However we didn't really make as much use of it as we could have done which I regret now looking back.

The week was spent starting with a lovely breakfast usually of a variety of pastries, fruit or pancakes! We then headed to the local Starbucks and just caught up over Coffee & Cake. I think this was actually my favourite part of the break. I bought my self a book and just locked my self away in Starbucks for hours at a time, knowing I didn't have to be anywhere was bliss. We took mountains of alcohol with us with the intention of getting drunk but that didn't really happen, we all had a rare Disaranno and coke as a night nap and was in bed fairly early. We even went old school and played board games most evenings-  a mixture of Monopoly, the logo game etc. Of course it was all fun and games until I lost at Monopoly! We also went out for a few lovely meals but also had themed nights cooking at the lodge. We made my step dad designated chef and enjoyed mexican and italian night! I definitely indulged on my week at Center Parcs and sipped on way too many cocktails but it was all worth it and so much fun.

I even invited my best friend over for the night and we went for a lovely spa evening as a belated birthday celebration. I have been to Center Parcs spa a few times now but it was even better this time round as they had renovated the whole place. After a few hours of chilling out Sophia and I got ready and went to an American Diner for Cocktails and some naughty food! I was kinda disapointed with the food and drinks here because they sold it as something amazing but the reality of it just didn't live up to anything spectacular.

We all hired bikes for the week but due to our Lodge being so central we didn't really make that much use of them and even when we did head out on the bikes, it was always shortlived because it was just so cold, even when wrapped up you would just be desperate to get back into the warmth again.

One of the morning we headed to the Pancake House which is an absolute must if you ever go to Center Parcs. It is situated right on the lake and was such a lovely view whilst enjoying your breakfast. I obviously opted for the cookie dough pancakes!

During the time away I even managed to get a run in and smashed my personal best. I didn't get as many photos as I would like to of but sometimes its just nice to put technology down and enjoy your surroundings rather than living behind a screen. I definitely felt refreshed after this little mini break away. It wasn't something I'd normally be down for as I normally love the hustle and bustle of city breaks but I really loved this little trip!

An Evening At Center Parcs Aqua Sana Spa

Good morning guys!!

Last Friday I was lucky enough to go out for a Spa Evening with my 2 sisters and my mum. This evening was something that was well over due. My brother & his girlfriend actually bought us vouchers not last Christmas but the one before and until now we've just never got round to organising it due to either our geographical location or jobs conflicting times. One of my sisters lives in Newcastle and the other works a funny shift pattern so it has been difficult to agree on a date we could all commit too. So finally, after many back and forth conversations we managed to arrange our Spa Evening together and we had a wonderful time.

Until now I'd never actually been to a Spa before and I really didn't know what to expect. In my head I had this vision of sitting in a hot tub all evening accompanied by a glass of Proscecco and great company. However the Spa completely exceeded my expectations - aside from when we first arrived at the Spa and there appeared to be a problem with our booking which for some reason took half an hour to sort. We were however offered complimentary drinks as an apology for the delay.

Once we finally got into the Spa we were offered complimentary towels, robes and slippers which was lovely. We all removed our make up and threw our hair into a messy bun sort of fashion then made our way through to the Spa. I was overwhelmed with how many different things there were to do. It was so much better than I first anticipated. We went into the Sauna, the Indian and Jasmin infused rooms that vapourized lovely essential oils which made you sweat but made you feel cleansed and revitlized. The infused vapours really calmed me down and seemed to clear my air ways. We also went into relaxtion rooms where you just have a nap on a hammock with theraputic music in the background. There was also a room with hot stones and water beds where you could just chill out on. The Spa did have a hot tub and Pool but it was open air and far too cold for me! Possibly my favourite part about the Evening was the little gestures such as having little stalls where you could help yourself to elemis exfoliators and throwing a flannel in an ice bucket to freshen up your face and cool you down. I also loved the fact they had shower experiences - some that smelled floral and were super powerful to remind you of the rainforests and another shower setting that spritzed out water infused with Mint that makes you feel wide awake and alive.

Mid way through our evening we popped into the restaurant and grabbed ourselves a glass of Prosecco and some Red Velvet Cake & Carrot Cake to share. It was very surreal to be sat in a restaurant where everybody was wearing nothing but a bikini, robe and slippers! I wish this was acceptable in everyday situations!

Quite possible the thing I loved most about our evening was 'switching off' in every sense of the term. Switching off from the outside world, locking my phone away with no access to social media and just enjoying my time with my family. Far too often we're all so consumed by using our phones rather than living in the now. Sometimes you're so bothered about capturing the moment you end up seeing it through a lense rather than enjoying the now. I used to be very guilty of this but nowa days I only whip my phone out at certain times and make a point to keep it out of the way in social occasions. I mean sure, I'm not going to get rid of it completely because I enjoy photography and having photo's to look back on but I definitely make a conscious effort to keep it out of site for the most part of my evenings etc.

Have you ever been on a Spa Evening? What was your favourite part?