Following a €233 million investment and a large-scale development project, Center Parcs’ latest Village – Longford Forest, Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland successfully opened to guests in August 2019.
Set in 400 acres of mature forest the Longford Forest site is home to 466 lodges, 30 Lakeside Apartments, a Subtropical Swimming paradise and state of the art Aqua Sana Spa which was designed in collaboration with the Center Parcs team , by Sparcstudio and Holder Mathias Architects.
Sparcstudio worked alongside Center Parcs own spa experts to help create and design the new ‘Forest Spa’ concept for Center Parcs which is inspired by the tranquil and therapeutic properties of the forest environment.
The new Aqua Sana Spa, Longford Forest follows in the footsteps of the first Forest Spa at Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. Aqua Sana Longford Forest is housed in a purpose-built 2,500 square metre, €10 million, single storey, stand-alone building in a mature natural, peaceful woodland setting.
The unique forest spa concept is inspired by some of the most spectacular natural forest environments around the world. Sparcstudio have created four thermal zones – Nordic Forest, Hot Springs, Volcanic Forest and Treetop Nesting; each with a unique, temperate feel, aesthetic and soundscape, inspired by the cold ice climate of the Nordic regions, Volcanic geothermal landscapes and Japanese Mountain Onsens.
Guests can enjoy over 20 hot, cold, herbal and meditative experiences and a multitude of light and dark, immersive and stimulating relaxation spaces and an outdoor infinity edged thermal swimming pool and hot tubs surrounded by gardens and forest views. Guest can truly immerse themselves in the natural environment and enjoy day spa and luxury spa break packages with a relaxing overnight stay in the beautifully located Lakeside Apartments.
Aqua Sana Longford Forest really builds on the Forest Spa concept that we introduced into Sherwood Forest in 2017. We are extremely proud to have worked with our key partners, including Sparcstudio, to design and build such a high quality, unique spa experience, on time and on budget
We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Center Parcs again on such a transformational and creative project. Center Parcs have put their trust in Sparcstudio to deliver the best possible innovative and stimulating spa experience; we couldn’t be happier with the outcome!
Neil Fairplay – Director – Sparcstudio
Aqua Sana Spa .. is the largest spa in Ireland, and its facilities – a spread of distinctive saunas, steam rooms, tropical showers, relaxation areas and an outdoor pool – surpass those found in the country’s best luxury hotels. That’s not hyperbole – from Ashford Castle to Adare Manor to Ballyfin, I have stayed in them so I feel I can make the claim with authority
John O’Ceallaigh Sunday Telegraph
