Aqua Sana Spa brings forest bathing to Longleat Forest
Aqua Sana Longleat Forest has unveiled its brand-new Forest Spa, bringing together 24 spa experiences to harness the proven benefits of forest bathing.
The spa, which has been completely refurbished to include all-new experiences, has drawn inspiration from different aspects of nature, including the changing seasons, rainforest showers, hot springs, ice and some of the most beautiful forests around the world.
Following the £6m investment, Aqua Sana Longleat Forest boasts a huge range of steam rooms and saunas, a heated outdoor pool, an ice cave, a selection of relaxation rooms and reflexology footbaths. The spa has also introduced two brand-new experiences which are exclusive to Aqua Sana Longleat Forest – the Forest Cavern and Moonlight Steam Room.
The unique Forest Cavern replicates the feeling of discovering a cave nestled deep within a tropical forest. Infused with pomegranate and myrrh, and with the soothing background noise of trickling water, the space is designed to create a tepidarium-style heat and is ideal for practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques. The design of the experience draws on the Wiltshire landscape, taking inspiration from the many caves found within the local area.
The Moonlight Steam Room, which is accompanied by a Moonlight Shower to continue the benefits, carries the forest theme through and replicates the sensation of finding yourself in a darkened tropical forest with a dusky glow from the light of the moon. The experience harnesses lunar power to transport guests through the colours and sensations of dawn and dusk, leaving you stimulated, refreshed and soothed.
The spa is spread across five ‘zones’ – Nordic Forest, Hot Springs, Volcanic Forest, Forest Immersion and Treetop Nesting – each celebrating different aspects of nature through a spectrum of sounds, colours and infusions.
In addition to the overhaul of the spa, Vitalé Café Bar has also received a £340,000 investment to give it a complete transformation, bringing the outside in with an abundance of foliage decorating the space and large windows giving an insight into the rich woodland setting.
To celebrate the launch of the Forest Spa, Aqua Sana Longleat Forest has introduced a new, exclusive two-hour treatment designed to continue the healing benefits of the Forest Cavern. Using all-natural ingredients to deliver an earthy experience, the Nature’s Ultimate Remedy treatment lifts, contours and refreshes the entire body. Comprising of a full body brush with a scalp massage, hot stone massage and face mask application, it uses sustainable products supplied by a family-run Bath-based business.
The treatment was designed by Group Spa Manager, Kay Pennington, who used her years of experience in the spa and beauty industry to create a luxurious and completely exclusive treatment.
Kay said: “We are thrilled to be bringing the Forest Spa to Aqua Sana Longleat Forest. Although Aqua Sana Longleat Forest has been a firm favourite for more than 20 years, the new spa experiences give it a completely new personality – we’ve effectively opened a brand-new spa! I’m so excited to begin welcoming guests, from loyal spa aficionados to complete newcomers. Aqua Sana is wonderfully unique in offering such high-quality experiences and attentive guest service, whilst also remaining a welcoming and friendly environment. We seek to create a space where people can truly relax - the perfect location for your first or your fiftieth spa experience."
The first Aqua Sana Spa opened at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest in 1987 and employed a team of five. Since then, with continued investment and development, the brand has grown to include six spas, employing more than 650 people. The new spa will bring together the most popular elements of the existing Forest Spas, while also utilising the latest innovations and technology. Aqua Sana Longleat Forest opened in 2001, initially for guests on a short break at Center Parcs - the spa now attracts 38,000 spa day visitors each year as well as 35,000 Center Parcs guests for spa sessions.
Kay added: “We see this as the next evolution of Forest Spa and part of our ongoing commitment to continually develop and ensure we’re offering the best experiences for our guests.”
Aqua Sana Longleat Forest offers a range of spa days and packages from £59pp, and spa breaks from £169pp. Guests on a Center Parcs short break can also enjoy spa sessions from £45pp for three hours.