Sparcstudio worked alongside Center Parcs’ own spa experts to help create and design the new ‘Forest Spa’ concept for Center Parcs. Following a £6.5 million investment and a large-scale re-development project, Aqua Sana Elveden Forest fully opened to guests in September 2023. This is the fourth Forest Spa concept to launch.
The spa, which has undergone the biggest refurbishment in Aqua Sana’s history, has completely transformed into a multi-sensory forest escape.
Split across five ‘zones’ – Nordic Forest, Hot Springs, Volcanic Forest, Forest Immersion and Treetop Nesting – the Forest Spa is designed to improve mental and physical wellbeing, taking inspiration from the sights, sounds and scents of the natural world.
The ground floor of the spa houses the majority of thermal experiences with Sole Therapy foot spa bathing at the entrance. Inspired by Ashiyu Japanese foot baths, Sole Therapy includes free-flowing water to stimulate reflex zones on the bottom of the feet, which calms the body and prepares the mind for relaxation. Surrounded by natural daylight and natural forest sounds, it’s the perfect way to begin your spa journey.
A large outdoor ‘forest bathing’ pool in the central double height space is open to the elements and has access to the Hot Springs Garden, the Japanese tranquillity garden (with hot tubs), and Nordic Garden including a snug room.
The first floor is focused on rest, mediation and sleep, amongst treetop views and vistas of the forest. Forest View is an immersive spa experience, offering guests a unique journey for meditation as they observe a scene slowly transitioning through all four seasons of the year, while surrounded by aromatic scents of the woodlands.
In addition to the transformation of the spa, Vitalé Café Bar has received a £1.2m investment to give it a complete redesign, bringing the outside in with decorative foliage large windows that allow in natural daylight while overlooking the woodland setting.
The concept behind the project was to create a forest inspired spa journey with each thermal forest zone inspired by different geological and geographical locations. For example, there is a cold Nordic Forest, Japanese Onsen inspired Hot Springs to the Volcanic Forest, all designed to encourage spa guests to enjoy a different experience each time they visit.
Neil Fairplay, Director, Sparcstudio