Updated review of Aqua Sana Woburn Forest: June 2025
- GenXinks
- Jun 26
- 18 min read
A few things have changed since my last review of Aqua Sana Woburn Forest, so I wanted to give an update.
If you're interested in a specific aspect of the Spa, please jump to one of the sections below:
Choosing your spa package has got a lot more complicated
Spa Days (5 - 7.5 hours)
Half-day Spas (4 - 4.5 hours)
Booking treatments has got a lot less flexible
Declaration of interest: I have no affiliation with Aqua Sana, nor Center Parcs and I have not been paid nor offered any inducement to write this post. The opinions and tips included herein are entirely my own, based on my own personal experience. This post is also based primarily on the Aqua Sana at Center Parcs Woburn Forest - other locations may have slightly different experiences.
*All prices and packages mentioned below apply to Aqua Sana Woburn Forest and are based on the minimum prices as stated on the Aqua Sana website and Café Vitalé menu in June 2025, unless otherwise stated. Prices on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays may vary.
Choosing your spa package has got a lot more complicated
The first thing I noticed when booking this year was that there are now a lot more options.
In my previous review, I outlined the Twilight, Classic and Simply Spas, as well as those including treatments. This year, I was somewhat perplexed by the myriad of choices, which I heard even the staff struggling to explain to visitors, so I will attempt to describe them, along with their benefits and drawbacks.
If you're looking for a quick summary, please see the comparison table at the bottom of this section.
Spa Days (5 - 7.5 hours)
Forest Spa Day (from £119 pp)
This was the option I chose this year, thinking it was the rebranded equivalent to the Classic Spa I booked last year, as it was the same price of £119. I discovered, however, that this was not quite true, as I was informed when I asked on arrival that the Forest Spa Day (the Receptionist emphasised the word Forest) no longer includes breakfast and a soft or hot drink, only lunch.
This seemed a bit of a 'swizz', as I had paid the same as last year, but was deprived of about £10 worth of goods, based on the average cost of a breakfast item and a hot beverage. That said, if there was something I wasn't too bothered about skipping, it was breakfast. I do normally have coffee and something to eat before I leave home (I can't go anywhere without my caffeine fix) so. in all honesty, all the inclusion of breakfast did was encourage me to consume additional calories and caffeine at the start of my day, which probably isn't a good idea when you're already going to be dehydrated by all the heat and probably have alcohol and a carb-heavy dish at lunchtime. It also used up a precious 30 minutes of my time in the Spa. All things considered, I wouldn't have minded paying less not to have breakfast, but paying the same for less did grate a bit.
The other change is that the Forest Spa Day now starts at 9:30, when it used to start at 9 am, so that time I saved by not having breakfast is a bit of a moot point; although, in my last review, I did recommend getting there slightly after the scheduled arrival time, in order to avoid queueing, which I also did this time, arriving at about 9:40 am and didn't have to queue at all.
Forest Awakening Spa Day (from £109 pp)
This one is £10 cheaper than the Forest Day Spa and does include breakfast, but not lunch. Breakfast has to be taken between 9-10 am and guests can access the spa from 9 am - 4:30pm, so the same 7.5 hour duration as the Forest Day Spa, but without lunch.
Looking at the Breakfast menu, there are 2 sections: one containing lighter options ranging from £4.95 - £6.95 and others from £7.95 - £11.50, but it doesn't specify what is included in this package and I suspect it is only the former. Given that most people would want something to eat in the middle of the day and lunch in the Vitalé Café would set you back at least £11.50 and that's not including a soft drink, let alone a glass of fizzy, it seems poor value vs. the Forest Day Spa.
Also see Soothing Spa Day. which includes a Scalp Massage (worth £60) for £40 extra.
Simply Spa Day (from £99 per person June - August)
The "no frills" experience, which doesn't include any food, drink or treatments, has only gone up by £5 on last year's price of £95, but I've noticed that the spa time has been reduced by an hour and instead of being 10 am - 4 pm, now finishes at 3 pm.
The package is likely aimed at those looking to spend under £100 but still have a "day" at the spa. Now it is only 5 hours in duration, however, I feel it is somewhat misleading to call it a "Spa Day", when the half-day sessions are between 4 and 4.5 hours. I therefore stand by my previous review and in fact consider it even worse value, compared with the other packages, than last year.
If you are on a budget, you're better off taking the Afternoon Tea Spa Escape (see below) from £79, which is only 30 minutes shorter, but includes afternoon tea worth £24 and is £20 cheaper!
Late Escape Spa Day (from £119 pp)
This seems almost identical to the Forest Spa Day but runs from 12:30-8 pm and includes dinner between 4-6 pm instead of lunch. There is no specific mention of a glass of Prosecco but it seems safe to assume it is included. This is a great alternative for people that live further away, or don't want an early start and / or want to avoid travelling during rush hour. I might actually consider this one next time, but would have to remember to have lunch before leaving home.
Also see Recharging Spa Day, including Mind, Body & Sole Experience (worth £99) for £70 extra.
Half-day Spas (4 - 4.5 hours)
Morning Spa Escape (from £85)
Unless you want to start your spa day with a carb-rich breakfast, I would say this is one to avoid. It is the worst value for money, at £85 for 4 hours in the spa and only includes breakfast, with no mention of a glass of Prosecco. Details of the breakfast platter are not provided but, from the photo, it looks like it includes a range of sweet pastries and a hot or soft drink. Breakfast is served between 10-10:30, leaving you to explore the spa for the remaining 4 hours, but I'm not sure I'd want to lay down or sit in a hot steam room or sauna immediately after such a heavy breakfast.
Afternoon Tea Spa Escape (from £79)
This experience costs £79 and offers use of the spa from 2 - 6:30pm, including an afternoon tea worth £24 per person. This is probably one of the best value half-day packages and would make for a lovely present, or an enjoyable afternoon activity for guests already staying at Center Parcs.
According to the menu, Afternoon Tea consists of a range of sandwiches, a savoury bun or tart and a variety of desserts, cakes and scones, with vegan and gluten free options. It also includes a hot or soft drink and Prosecco can be added for £5.50, making it a pretty good deal.
Also see Indulgent Spa Escape, including Natural Glow Express Facial (worth £55) for £40 extra.
Twilight Spa Escape (from £79)
At £79 per person, the Twilight Spa Escape (4 - 8 pm) has ostensibly increased by £10 on last year's Twilight Spa, but now includes an Antipasti Platter, in addition to the glass of Prosecco that was previously included.
Since the price of a platter on the Café Vitalé menu is £23.95, this seems like a good deal, but that's based on 2 people sharing, so I suspect the individual portion offered as part of the Twilight Spa Escape is probably half the size, so only really worth ~£12, saving you about £2 on the menu price.
In short, if you're not bothered about having something to eat, or would prefer greater freedom of choice, you're better off opting for the Sparkling Spa Escape, which is £10 cheaper. If you do want the Antipasti Platter, it's worth doing.
Sparkling Spa Escape (From £69)
Confusingly, the Sparkling Spa Escape is identical to what used to be called the Twilight Spa and is still "only" £69 per person, so hasn't actually increased in price for the same offering as last year. It includes a glass of Prosecco and access to the spa from 5 - 9 pm.
I still think this is a great option if you're on a budget or wanting to try the spa for the first time and it can be a lovely way to spend an evening, especially if you're already staying at Center Parcs.
Packages with Treatments
Soothing Spa Day (from £149)
Similar to the Forest Awakening Spa Day, this experience runs from 9 am - 4:30 pm and only includes breakfast, not lunch, but does include a 25-minute Scalp Massage, worth £60, but only costs £40 more Monday - Thursday. The scalp massage is good value, but I still think that paying £10 less to have breakfast instead of lunch is a bad deal, especially if you're there all day.
Indulgent Spa Escape (from £119)
This is the Afternoon Tea Spa Escape but with a 20-minute Natural Glow Express Facial, worth £55, despite only costing £40 more. If you want a facial, this is definitely a good one to go for, especially as the Afternoon Tea package already seems like great value. In my experience, the express facials are really good and take less time out of your day than a full 50 or 90 minute treatment. They may be carried out in the communal express treatment area, rather than in a private room but, on my last 2 visits, they said they do try to do them in a room if they can.
Recharging Spa Day (from £189)
Equivalent to the Late Escape Spa Day (12:30 - 8 pm), with a 50-minute Mind, Body & Sole Experience Treatment, worth £99, for an additional £70. This is probably the most comprehensive package and hence the most expensive, but worth it for those that like a full-body massage.
Aqua Sana Spa Packages Comparison Summary Table
The below table is ordered by duration and then time of day, with packages including a treatment shown separately. The colour coding is based on my personal perception of value for money, ranging from dark green (really good) to dark red (pretty poor).
Experience | Price* | Spa Time | Food & Drink | Treatments |
Spa Days | ||||
Forest Spa Day | £119 per person | 9:30am - 5pm (7.5 hours) | Lunch Hot / Soft Drink Glass Prosecco (worth £23 -£27 pp) | None |
Forest Awakening Spa Day | £109 pp | 9am - 4:30pm (7.5 hours) | Breakfast (worth £5-£11.50?) | None |
Simply Spa "Day" | £99 pp | 10am - 3pm (5 hours) | None | None |
Late Escape Spa Day | £119 pp | 12:30 - 8pm (7.5 hours) | Dinner (probably £23-27 pp) | None |
Half-days | ||||
Morning Spa Escape | £85 pp | 10:30 am - 2:30 pm (4 hours) | Breakfast Platter (details not provided) | None |
Afternoon Tea Spa Escape | £79 pp | 2 - 6:30pm (4.5 hours) | Afternoon Tea (worth £24 pp) | None |
Twilight Spa Escape | £79 pp | 4 - 8pm (4 hours) | Antipasti Platter Glass Prosecco (worth ~£20 pp) | None |
Sparkling Spa Escape | £69 pp | 5 - 9pm (4 hours) | Glass Prosecco (worth ~£8.50) | None |
With Treatments | ||||
Soothing Spa Day (based on Forest Awakening) | £149 pp | 9am - 4:30pm | Breakfast (worth £5-£11.50?) | Scalp Massage (25 mins, worth £60 for £40 extra - save £20) |
Indulgent Spa Escape (based on Afternoon Tea) | £119 pp | 2 - 6:30pm (4.5 hours) | Afternoon Tea (worth £24 pp) | Natural Glow Express Facial (20 mins, worth £55 for £40 extra - save £15) |
Recharging Day Spa (based on Late Escape) | £189 | 12:30 - 8pm (7.5 hours) | Dinner (probably £23-27 pp) | Mind Body & Sole Experience (50 mins worth £99 for £70 extra - save £20) |
Booking treatments has got a lot less flexible
In my previous review, I extolled the virtue of booking treatments at the end of the spa day, so it doesn't detract from your spa time and ensures any products or nail polishes applied aren't washed off or damaged by the shower, or any of the other experiences.
This year, I was bitterly disappointed to discover that the latest appointment I could book was 4 pm. I emailed customer service and was told it must be due to a lack of availability, but I couldn't book any treatments after 4 pm, so I somehow doubt they were all unavailable. I think it more likely that they have "got wise" to people booking treatments outside of their spa time and want to force people to take time out of the spa, so they can get more people in.
This seems short sighted, as there is almost certainly a high profit margin on the treatments (£65 for a manicure that would cost £30 on the High Street) and I'm sure it discourages people from booking. I was almost not going to bother until I saw a slot at 3 pm for a manicure and decided my nails were badly in need of a bit of TLC. It did however put me off booking an express facial and a pedicure, which I would otherwise have booked, had I been able to schedule them for 5 and 6 pm.
Prior to my visit, I had wondered if they'd been forced to cut back on staff hours, due to the increase in labour costs, but when I asked my Nail Technician if I was her last appointment of the day, she said she had 2 or 3 more booked in after me, so I'm pretty sure later appointments are available, they're just not offered to guests outside of their pre-booked slot, seeing as you have to book your spa day before adding any treatments.
The experience itself
Arrival
On arrival, I was told where to find a towel and robe and pointed towards the changing room. As before, I was told I had been pre-allocated a lunchtime slot of 12:30 pm, which suited me, but no mention was made of my manicure and I forgot to ask where to go. It was only when I remembered and asked the host at the desk upstairs that I was told that they're not conducted in the treatment rooms, but I would have to go back to Reception. More on that later.
When I went to change, I discovered that, not only had they done away with the post pandemic-era bags, which had been provided in 2023, but they had also returned to pocketless robes. Not wanting to carry my phone, spectacles or a book with me, I wasn't at all perturbed by this, as I think it encourages people to take their electronic devices with them into the spa and risks them being lost or inadvertently (or otherwise!) "stolen" by someone picking up the wrong robe, but it is something to be aware of if you really can't be without something you want to carry with you.
On this occasion, I had no functional issues with my chosen locker and immediately put my things away and headed upstairs, just not via the Café for breakfast!
The Forest Spa
Apart from the name, which had changed from "The World of Spa" to "The Forest Spa", all the experiences were the same as last year, with the exception of the Ice Cave, which wasn't operational on the day of my visit. Given that I normally eschew that particular room anyway, I wasn't at all bothered.
What I did notice, however, was that it was a lot busier than the same day last year and it seemed a lot noisier. This might be due to my age and becoming more sensitive (!) but I suspect it was more to do with the increase in variety of packages, with staggered start and end times, meaning they believe they have capacity accommodate more guests.
My preferred itinerary of Reflexology, Blossom Spa, Fire & Ice, Sensory Spa, Pool and the Herbal Spa just before lunch was hampered at the 2nd stop by a large group in the Blossom Spa. I therefore went directly to the Sensory Spa, which is one of my favourites anyway and I happily had it to myself for almost the full 4-season video cycle. I then went round the Salt, Mineral and Crystal steam rooms and saunas and took a Rainforest Shower Walk before heading for the pool. My plans were then thwarted once again, as the Herbal steam room was full, so I went into the Fire & Ice Experience (without the ice!) and returned to the Herbal Spa just in time for lunch.
Lunch
As before, I took the time to towel off, get a dry robe and put some SPF 50 sunscreen on my face before lunch and arrived 5 minutes early to avoid the queues I faced last year and secure a seat on the terrace. This strategy proved successful on both counts and I was seated straight away at my preferred table by the edge of the balcony, overlooking the forest below. The waiting staff even seemed surprised I wanted to sit outside, as it had been a fairly cloudy morning and they had to wipe the tables, but the sun soon broke through and I was quickly joined by a number of others, who no doubt also saw the benefit of getting some fresh air after spending the morning indoors.
The menu had changed a bit since my previous visit and I'm sure the prices had increased slightly on last year, but I was not concerned since a main dish, glass of Prosecco and a hot or soft drink were already included in my package. I chose the Tagliatelle Bolognese, which was a good sized portion and accompanied by a small side salad, with a very refreshing and light, not too creamy, dressing. I enjoyed my Prosecco while my tea brewed and sipped it after my meal, as is my preference.
A note on "unknown" allergens
While eating, I did overhear another guest enquiring about the use of garlic in the dishes and complained that the so-called allergen menu made no mention of its presence. This struck a chord with me, as my late Mother suffered from a similar intolerance and it had ironically become more difficult to find out if a dish contained garlic since the increase in awareness of allergies in the past decade, as manufacturers are only compelled to list "known allergens", which do not include garlic, onion or black pepper; despite being quite capable of triggering a reaction, especially in combination with other "non-allergens", such as tomatoes, which are very high in salicylates and can cause a problem for those with a sensitivity.
Not only this, but staff are now not prepared to risk allowing a customer to order a dish that "may contain" the ingredient to which they have admitted having even a mild allergy, for fear they may be responsible if they do have a reaction. While this is totally understandable and indeed sensible, as reactions can increase in severity over time and be hard to predict, it does make eating out even more difficult, if not impossible, for people with less common allergies than for those with more severe / common ones. The staff seemed at a loss as to what to offer the customer, who was quite rightly frustrated at having paid no small fee for their day at the spa. This is definitely something to bear in mind if you are an unlucky individual with an allergy or intolerance to something not considered a "known" allergen and I will mention it on my Google Maps review to warn others.
Relaxation
Having donned a dry robe and sunscreen before lunch, I chose to spend the afternoon focusing on relaxation, rather than returning to the "wet" steam rooms.
I started on the 1st floor balcony, where I could sit in an egg chair, supported by 2 large cushions, rather than lay down on a lounger immediately after my not unsubstantial lunch. This was very pleasant for about 15 minutes, before I got too hot and decided to have a lie down on one of the beds in the dark Salt Inhalation room. This very peaceful setting was marred slightly by noise from the immediately adjacent showers and I think some additional soundproofing or signage might be needed to remind guests that they are right next to what is intended to be a deep relaxation experience. I encountered the same issue in the Aqua Mediation room, outside which they only put a sign during the sleep seminars, not when they are in general use, which seems a shame. I then paid a visit to the very relaxing water beds, where I always regret not spending more time and it was evidently so relaxing that I even heard the guest in the bed next to me snoring!
Treatments
It was then time for my manicure, so I duly made my way back down to Reception, where I was asked if I had completed a medical questionnaire. It was supposedly included in one of the confirmation emails I received but, even looking at the emails again now, I still can't see it. I did later overhear the Receptionists bemoaning the fact that 90-95% of guests haven't completed them and that they need to be more prominent when booking a treatment, so I am evidently not alone and I suspect there may be a 'bug' in the system. I was asked if I had my phone with me, so I could scan a QR code and complete the questionnaire online but, having been instructed by the signage to leave my phone in my locker and not having any pockets in my robe anyway, I obviously didn't! They were fortunately able to give me a paper copy and I was directed to some seating at the side of the shop to complete it and wait to be called.
I found the location of the waiting area to be a bit uncomfortable, as I was still in my bath robe and the reception area and shop are quite open, so I felt somewhat exposed. I later found out that this is why they now perform all treatments except manicures in the treatment rooms, because people unsurprisingly don't like having even express facials in the busy shop / reception / office area, so I'm not sure why they still use it for manicures.
I also found it ridiculous that they didn't proactively tell me where to go for my manicure and it was only because I had experienced confusion in the past that I even thought to ask. Had I not asked, I would have almost certainly headed for the signposted treatment rooms and been none the wiser until nobody came to collect me at the appointed time; meanwhile my therapist would have been waiting for me downstairs! I will definitely be feeding this back.
Not wanting to risk damaging my newly polished nails, I stayed at the table for a further 15 minutes, waiting for them to be touch dry, before heading out to the Zen garden, where the sun was still shining. While there, a member of staff I recognised from the facial seminar I attended last year, came out and kindly offered complimentary sun cream to those sitting on the sun loungers. This was very welcome, as I hadn't topped up my sun protection since midday and the UV index was still quite high, even at 4 pm, at the height of midsummer.
At 4:45, I fancied the Raspberry & White Chocolate Cheesecake I'd seen on the menu earlier and another glass of Prosecco to round off my day, so I went back to my locker, retrieved my phone for the required contactless payment and returned to the Vitalé Café. Technically, the Forest Spa Day does end at 5 pm but, as per my previous review, I take this to be the time you have to be out of the spa experiences, not necessarily showered and out of the building and I didn't think anyone would object to me spending extra money in the café at the end of my day!
I again asked to sit outside and was told table service was in operation but nobody came to take my order for at least 10 minutes, so I went inside and ordered at the counter, where a number of staff were milling around. Disappointingly, they had sold out of the Cheesecake, but they could offer me a Mango and Passionfruit Dome on a Shortbread base, which was very refreshing and slightly reminiscent of a Solero ice cream.
After this, I made my way back downstairs and was pleased to find a number of showers free. While drying off, I did notice that all the hairdryers were in use, so I'm sure I avoided the 5 pm rush by stopping off at the café. It also meant I didn't have to wait for a hairdryer because people had started to finish and leave by the time I had dressed.
I left the spa feeling relaxed but didn't find it quite as enjoyable as last year for some of the reasons outlined above.
Summary
If I had to sum up the difference between my experience a year ago and this one, I would have to say the theme was "less for more".
The price was the same as last year, but did not include a breakfast, worth ~ £10.
The new packages only include breakfast or lunch. None of them now include both.
It seems it is no longer possible to schedule treatments after the end of your spa booking, forcing you to either lose out on time in the spa; risk diminishing or damaging the benefits of the treatment in the spa or showers afterwards; or just not book a treatment.
The spa was definitely busier and noisier than on previous visits. The staggered start times of the different offerings seem to result in more throughput, which I'm sure is the intended effect but is, in my opinion, to the detriment of all paying guests, some of whom will have paid significant money for a "VIP package", which I would no longer consider to be good value.
The treatments are definitely overpriced, compared to what you would pay outside of a spa setting, which seems ironic, given that you have already paid to be there and having a treatment now actually reduces the time you have to enjoy the spa.
Although the queuing system at lunchtime was vastly improved, probably due to the staggered packages and options to eat at different times, there is still room for improvement regarding the prominence of the medical questionnaire and directions for treatments not performed in the treatment rooms. It would be better still if all treatments were carried out in a private room and if the waiting area for manicures wasn't in a public thoroughfare.
I do however have quite a lot of sympathy for Aqua Sana's management team, who likely find themselves having to strike a very difficult balance between increasing staffing and energy costs and not increasing prices to the extent that they have fewer guests to pay for them. The cutbacks they have made are no doubt necessary and they have, in my opinion, made them in the least worst places, e.g. removing breakfast from the day spa package and increasing the number of guests they can accommodate; but they need to be careful that the spa doesn't become so busy and noisy that it loses its relaxing appeal.
I look forward to updating my review again next year.
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