Jo Watts

Center Parcs Luxury Spa Suite Review

2011-10-12T21:32:00.005+01:00

My friend Claire and I are just back from a wonderful weekend in Center Parcs superb new luxury spa suites at Elveden. Center Parcs you have outdone yourselves they are pure and simple bliss! We haven’t stopped raving about them since we got home and have a huge smile on our faces when we think about them. We thought we’d put together a little review so people can get a feel for how beautiful they really are.

From the moment we arrived in the spa welcome suite we felt excited, special but immediately relaxed. Your spa concierge service is wonderful with all our needs taken care of prior to arrival. We had arrived early before check in time so the spa concierge stored our baggage securely so we could get on and enjoy an early start in the Aqua Sana. All our bookings like spa treatments, restaurants and special requests were pre-organised by the spa concierge, every little detail was so well thought out even entry to the spa suites is based on keyless wristbands so no keys to remember which was probably best after a few glasses of champagne! For the Aqua Sana we were provided with lockers pre-stocked with robes, slippers and towels so again no need to even remember to take a pound for the locker.

The refurbished Aqua Sana looked great with lots of lovely new loungers which we made extensive use of together with some of the spa experience rooms before taking the included lunch in Zilli’s. We found that an early lunch followed almost immediately by the included full body spa treatment and facial worked well and allowed us to get back to our spa suite to make the most of the facilities.

We headed to the suites to meet up with your lovely spa concierge for a tour of the facilities. We found the suites stunning - like the ultimate hotel room with impeccable décor and discreetly placed mod cons throughout. We were really surprised that the suites were so much more that we expected. For anyone thinking of booking they include flatscreen TV’s in the lounge, bedroom and bathroom (we liked the novelty of the bathroom TV remote control being waterproof and floats in the bath!) Blu ray media systems (blu ray movies provided) with iPod docks in the lounge and bedroom provided all we needed to enhance our mood and relax further.

The beautiful round bath tub is separate to the bathroom and accessed from the side of the bedroom via frosted glass sliding doors. It has folding glass doors to open up the space into the balcony area with discreet but breezy net curtains that can be left closed to provide privacy but we weren’t really overlooked anyway. We had so much fun in that bath and gossiped for over 3 hours whilst sipping champagne and were amazed that the water stayed hot!

On a practical side we found the kitchen area stocked with the essentials such as a fridge, Senseo coffee maker and kettle together with a full range of dinnerware and cutlery - even tea towels were provided. The lounge was luxury all the way having the most lovely unique fireplace (which is duplicated in the bedroom. The separate bathroom area has dual sinks and a rain forest type walk in shower and had ample space for us both to get ready at once, adjacent to the bathroom is a dressing area with good wardrobe space and generous sized safe. All in all it is pure, indulgent, selfish, luxurious relaxation!

After heading to the centre (bikes provided) that evening for a lovely dinner in Rajindas (£20 CP voucher for each guest provided) we headed back to enjoy our favourite fun spa suite feature. On the balcony overlooking the golf course is a beautiful round day bed complete with cushions and hood – we loved lounging on it, chatting, enjoying our quiet time and even falling asleep.

On check out day we got to enjoy a lovely breakfast in Lakeview restaurant but as we’d come to expect we could have chosen to have had it delivered to the suite. We then spent the whole day in the spa taking treatments we had booked separately just relaxing and letting the spa experience flood our senses.

By the end of the day we were so chilled we felt like we’d been at Elveden for a week, we strolled to the centre to enjoy a final meal on site before heading home extremely happy and relaxed - ready to face another chaotic week at home!

We loved them and have already booked to come again next year!

Jo Watts and Claire Potts

Treehouse Review

2011-01-31T16:21:00.001Z

The Treehouse is as good as all the hype promised!, The space, the décor, facilities and customer service are fantastic. Everything we could have wanted or needed was provided. Center Parcs and their Treehouse hosts provided so many special touches it’s hard to choose any one in particular to tell you about….the complimentary bar, the gift basket, the coffees and teas, the token gift for the children, the log fire lit when you arrive and the champagne chilled and ready to go.

So where do I start - the games room – what can I say! The AMBX lighting was just a superb finishing touch to a brilliant entertainment room including the all important bar and dishwasher, there was even a selection of soft drinks for the children. There’s plenty of room for all to play both the Wii and on the pool table at the same time. The TV quality in both the lounge and the games room was superb and the surround sound was awesome if not scary at times :o)

The lounge is divine, so very comfortable and a great room to chill together as a family and chat, watch movies and share special new memories to keep forever and ever! I loved having the log fire glowing, iPod playing and drinking bubbly with my precious family in this beautiful room.

The spiral staircase is a masterpiece, built by one man in Canada and it is every bit as special to walk on as it is to look at. The bedrooms were equally beautiful, restful and spacious with plenty of storage areas and the bathrooms with their rainforest showers with jets from every direction were a pleasure to go in….I had difficulty prising myself out of them because they were so relaxing! There are toilets in every bedroom, one in the hall way and one outside for the “spa” area.

Dining was easy and great – we really didn’t want to move out of the Treehouse and wanted to enjoy every minute so we cooked each night and all mod cons were supplied together with top quality dinnerware, barware and cutlery.

And then after all that there’s the eco factors, heating the treehouse from sources 130 metres below the ground, recycled hot tub water to flush toilets, lights that come on and off automatically….the list is endless and Center Parcs have done a great job here to help protect the environment.

We received the highest quality accommodation; facilities and customer care during our stay in the Treehouse and sincerely wish to thank Center Parcs for a very special and absolutely fantastic break. We hope we can visit again soon!

My Center Parcs Memory

2011-01-22T21:19:00.000Z

I remember approaching the park, the Center Parcs sign we see
We're are always inquistive, excited and happy as can be
The arrival lodge has staff full of smiles
While the cycle park has bikes travelled miles

We've laughed and we've ran to the centre of fun
I've lost count how many times this memory we've redone
To the original Elveden our memories now rest
Entering the centre the bakery smell was the best

When we learned of its fate, we felt bereaved
To Elveden our holiday cancelled so instead we did grieve
We had watched TV in horror, saw the terrible cost
Our hearts were saddened, an old friend was lost

When the park reopened we just had to be there
So we booked and ourselves we did prepare
With trepidation we travelled to the reinvented park
To see our new friend, a turning point it did mark

Laughing together to the centre of fun we ran
To build a new memory, as fast as we can
We marvelled and drank in the new sites galore
Martin Dalby had given us our Elveden and more

We raced to dive in to the famous water filled dome
My children safe and so free to roam
We've swam and we've splashed for so many days
Thinking back about this, my face smiles always

Late nights walking through the forest so dark
With log fires burning, the smell warms your heart
I get warm and fuzzy when these things I recall
Our kids have grown up at CP seems no time at all

These days are so precious for my family and me
Our photo album bursting for all to see
We shall always collect new memories in your park
Until our lives have ended and become dark

Center Parcs you have given us so many years of good times
From the late nights swimming, eating and fine wines
Our family salute you and all your staff too
For making our time together matter, we truly love you

Going Home for Summer

2010-08-17T23:13:00.004+01:00

Oh Center Parcs, Oh Center Parcs
How I love you Center Parcs!!!!!

To Elveden Forest we did travel
With lots of luggage and girlie babble
The car weighed down as far as it would go
No wonder it was on the go slow

The three tarts in bikinis had so much fun
They were so sad when the holiday was done
But it was a memory not to be forgotten
To be remembered fondly as they grow and blossom

Bert and I had a fabulous time
Reading books and laughing while spending our dime
It was a taste of freedom and so we did roam
To the gym, restaurants and chillin at home

To the tarts in bikinis I raise a glass
Because this holiday was so class
To Laura - adorable and so sweet
And Kayleigh with tonsils as big as her feet

And finally to my darling Hollie
Thanks for making our holiday jolly
You are so special, beautiful and brave
We are so lucky to have you as our slave....oops I meant daughter!

Fat Day Dreamer

2010-06-25T22:44:00.013+01:00

Losing fat is a funny thing
It hard and slow and so prolonging
It took many years to build up this physique
And now its a trim frame that I seek

I was sick of never looking good in clothes
But if you're fat that's the way it goes
I have looked like a marshmallow feeding on lard
And oh my god losing it was hard

It's took many months to curb my frame
My eating habits to never be the same
I have dropped 4 dress sizes and wobble no more
I now have hips, shoulders and nice bits galore

But one big downside or so my husband says
Is the reduction in size of my bust, I see his dismay
I think its great, they don't swing or flop
Look, he's lost loads of flab and at his tiny bits I don't pop

There's are chest exercises I could give a go
But I really want one for man's little bits that hang low
To enlarge this 'muscle' in the very right way
My mind has been wandering, I'm sorry I say

But the smile on my face is a right steamy beamer
I really do love being an old fart of a day dreamer
I should point out I pick on my hubby each day
And I confirm that his manhood is not small in any way ;o)

Life goes by so quickly...

2009-07-30T19:11:00.005+01:00

Holy cow its September already and I cannot believe
That my little girl is fourteen and taller than me its hard to conceive
The idea that I'm aging as my son leaves school with grades galore
And for the first time in ages his Dad is not the tallest in our clan

Of them I'm very proud and am very privileged to have them as friends
For those of you who don't know them you're missing out
As they're the best kids in the world I have no doubt
They're funny and smart and very gorgeous I gloat

I feel very contented with life at the moment
Things are going very well - bad stuff can get bent
We've been through some crap in our family of late
But lady luck now shines on us I see

I wish all my dear friends who have grief right now
The best of luck with their problems and how
You must think good things for I believe its true
That the power of good thoughts will get you all through

Finally, to my husband I say this with all my heart
Don't worry being fourty just means you're an old fart!

Three Weeks of Hell

2009-05-16T12:25:00.004+01:00

What a great idea that boring, rainy day I had
I'll change the bathroom suite - the old one is bad
I wanted to keep the cost of it nice and low
So a brain wave I thought - I'll do it myself and take it slow

It took all of three weeks to get it done
Whilst working full time and forsaking any fun
I tried very hard not to burn the house down
With a gas powered blow torch - my hubbie did frown

He sat on his arse playing Xbox and eating lots of nice stuff
While I was working my arse off soldering pipes - no bluff
My knees were in pain and had dents in the middle of them
But all my darling hubby did was moan - he was such a gem!

Despite all the upset in the house for this time
I tried my best to finish it quickly [no hubby strangling - no crime]
The new suite is fab and the family love it
I shall be proud that I did it and maybe even gloat a bit

But for those of you thinking "I could do that"
Think again and heed my advice - on your arse you could be sat
While you pay some poor sod to do all that crap
And you could be sat there on Xbox and not in a flap ;-)

Over the hill

2009-03-18T21:54:00.012Z

There it was a hill of great mass
I was hoping the walk would tone my ass
As I began to ascend my face glowed red
And all my blood rushed to my head

Daisy pretended to not notice my plight
I was gasping for breath or was it the height
Of the Wrekin which to me is ever so big
Especially as I'm as fat as a pig!

I struggled and wobbled to the top of that beast
It must have been the the McDonalds for lunch we did feast
Hollie showed concern she thought I would die
For ever on top of that hill I would lie

But I made it up and over that hill
And after swallowed a pain relieving pill
My legs did hurt and made me sway
But I felt much better the very next day

The memories of David hitting that dog
Makes my mind hurt and begin to fog
I made all of this up of course - I don't want a fight
I'm sure Daisy is keen I put right this wrong right

So I will oblige and correct you all
David was pratting around and not nasty at all
He's just a big kid who hangs off trees
And has crunchy, nobbly and painful knees

I look forward to walking again with my friends
Hopefully this time I will not get the bends
My lovely daughter is also our new walking pal
What can I say she a hell of a gal!

Induction

2009-03-08T23:01:00.002Z

This week I suffered an induction course
The temptation to yawn an overpowering force
Though I struggled at times I enjoyed my time
Learning skills a new and new friends are mine

There was John a fish as mad as can be
And James both big softies that I could see
Through their playful behaviour and boyish fun
I knew they had good hearts - pardon the pun

I now know good things like CPR
So if you're in trouble I will not be far
For your sake though I hope its not your heart
That requires me to pump it and let me restart

I also know icky infection control
Those bugs are everywhere like a toilet bowl
I am paranoid now that my toothbrush is full
Of pee and shit when the toilet handle I pull

And then there was the woman who came out
And for policy writing at me she did shout
I was actually impressed at how brave
She was to do what she did and her life she did save

I really did like my induction course time
I listened to get those new skills of mine
So now it is back to my new spangled job
To earn all those pennies and a few hundred bob

Another Saturday Night in....

2009-02-21T23:27:00.009Z

The hardest part of having sprogs
Is having no privacy - the little sods!
When you're feeling fruity and need the deed done
They're always awake and stop your fun

Now I'm not complaining they're my lovely kids
But sometimes you just have to get rid
Of the little angels to someone dear
So you can have your hubby near

When they're small and get very tired
To bed they go while you are wired
But when they get to the years of teenager
You might as well go celibate I'd wager

So you snatch what moments that you can
Together alone as fast as your man
Can manage to do it before they come back
And you must get out of the marital sack

And pretend the house you've been busy cleaning
Your red face from fast work is quite rightly beaming
Cooking their dinner with a smile on your mouth
They'll never guess what went on down south ;-)

Panic at the office....

2009-02-12T18:37:00.009Z

How excited was I on Monday morn
To start my new job - my best suit I'd worn
I buzzed on the bell at my new work door
A big massive grin on my face I wore

They were all so friendly and happy they be
Oh my word my inner self is free!
I sat at my desk and logged on to the PC
And chuckled away - I is happy is me

Then the deep hidden panic began to rise
Oh God all the stuff I'd have to revise
The structure, the policies and organisation
Oh thank god I had Daisy to conversation

She calmed my nerves and said you've paid your dues
You know that this is the first day blues
You do your job well and it's just the reaction
To moving - this is your new life transaction

She was right you know - the next day was fine
And after that a jar of whiskey was mine
At the teams away day - the new girl won out
To a roar of staff "it's a fix" they shout!

So in conclusion I've made the very right move
Today was fantastic and this I can prove
I'm here on my blog bragging about
The new place I work as I love it no doubt! :-)

Welcome to the free world...

2009-02-06T18:56:00.008Z

Yesterday I left my job of 23 years
Today I intend to sink a few beers
To celebrate the great escape
From the establishment who forced my fate

My ex-colleagues are talented folk
Very highly of them I have always spoke
The world is changing and not in a good way
And I wanted more than just the pay

I love my work and do it well
But the last three years have been close to hell
The many tasks I had to achieve
Seemed impossible to believe

I wish my ex-colleagues the very best
Because their patience must pass the test
In the years to come they must do more with less
And for little reward and lots of stress

But to you all I must point out
There's more to life, I have no doubt
So take a risk and hope it will pay
Because life is short and its the only way

To ensure your enjoyment and many happy years
So come on all you stagnant peers
Stand up and let your inner self speak
And get the lives you deserve and seek

I shall very much miss you all
But you can catch me here on my blog wall
To keep up-to-date and in touch
With me Mother of Stinky Boy and Fanny Fluff

It's true we have twins!

2009-01-26T17:03:00.023Z

As I'm new to the blog thing I am feeling a need
To blog often so you'll forgive my speed
At giving you stories that are worthless and crap
As I ramble and tell you my book of blog scrap

Bert and I had a great night out
With Daisy Turnip, her man and Bailey boy scout
We discovered that they were our long lost twins
Separated at birth - cause we all like blue gins

The men are nicely acquainted with the finer things in life
Like good food, fine wine, whisky chasers and a very fine wife
Us women are scatty and have minds full of stuff
But love their men dearly or is this a bluff?

We know how each feels without having to say
What strange things we do cause its just our way
We know what each means when we say to each other
That we quietly understand the strains our lives cover

Working each day with our desks such a clutter
Our brains are no better and often we mutter
But its nice to have someone that already knows
What I meant to be say cause she know how it goes

Daisy Turnip - my hat off to you I must take
For interrupting my life for a much needed break

Is it a magpie or a stupid cat.....

2009-01-25T20:26:00.009Z

Minnie Moo....

My cute little moggie is like a magpie
And it's costing me I say with a sigh
She likes to take shiny things in her sight
Especially when we're asleep at night

She steals my daughter's bracelets & brings them downstairs
A look of triumph is seen in her stare
She rolls on the floor in pure pleasure and delight
Whilst eyeing us up for the upcoming fight

It doesn't matter if she loses her prize
Because she knows where to get more that fit her size
I fear she's confused and a magpie at heart
But then she plays fetch like a dog - very smart

She's claims as her own my new hall rug
And lies and rubs on it looking smug
My ear plugs are maimed as shes plays her games
In my life I know there'll never be another cat the same

This is quite funny and endearing you say
I assure it's not and I'll make that cat pay
My best jewellery is mine and I'm not that soft
To Minnie Moo I say 'keeps your paws off'!.