Sparcstudio revamp reconnects an Aqua Sana spa to its forest location
– Neil Fairplay
The Aqua Sana spa at Center Parcs Longleat Forest, UK has relaunched following a £6m ($8m, €7m) refurbishment by Sparcstudio.
The new 2,222sq m (24,000sq ft) "Forest Spa" has been reimagined with the creation of 24 spa experiences which draw inspiration from different aspects of nature and the surrounding forest landscape.
Sparcstudio co-director Neil Fairplay told Spa Business: "The special feel of Longleat spa’s distinctive forest location was something we were keen to amplify. We’ve reconnected the spa with the forest and outdoor areas, while at the same time creating an intuitive and relaxing spa journey for guests, which is planted firmly in the natural flora and fauna."
Following the restyle, the spa’s footprint has increased by 40 per cent and is spread across five themed zones – Nordic Forest, Hot Springs, Volcanic Forest, Forest Immersion and Treetop Nesting – all of which are designed to take guests on a journey through different aspects of nature using multi-sensory experiences.
Aqua Sana worked with Anapos to create the new experiences, such as the Moonlight Steamroom, an experience which recreates the feeling of being in a dark tropical forest while guests relax in citrus-scented steam.
Another addition is the Forest Cavern, a tepidarium with heated marble loungers designed to mimic a cave in a tropical forest. Infused with scents of pomegranate and myrrh, the experience room is fitted with a mini waterfall and a skylight to allow natural light to illuminate the room.
The spa has 24 treatment rooms, six individually themed relaxation rooms, two saunas, five steam rooms and five experience showers.
At its heart, the original spa pool has been retained, connecting guests from inside the spa to the outdoors. Guests can also experience other all-weather thermal experiences such as outdoor whirlpools.
Additional facilities include an ice cave, a foot bath experience and the refurbished Vitalé Café Bar.
Aqua Sana Sparcstudio Neil Fairplay Anapos Elemis Decléor Natural Spa Factory Kay PenningtonSparcstudio, Holder Mathias Architects and Sisk Group create Ireland's first forest spa at Center Parcs Longford Forest
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