It’s been a long haul, but Center Parcs’ fifth UK village is almost complete. On the eve of the opening of Woburn Forest, we take a look at what to expect

It’s taken longer than anticipated, and has involved quite a few wrangles with the planning department, but Center Parcs’ fifth site in Bedfordshire is now just weeks away from opening. At the time of going to press, the company hadn’t announced an official opening date for Center Parcs Woburn Forest, but the site’s trial weekend is scheduled for the end of May, so opening looks likely to follow in June, barring any hiccups.

The park has a 17,000sq m lake at its heart, and features 625 lodges, a 75 bedroom hotel, an outdoor activity centre, an Aqua Sana spa and the largest of Center Parcs’ Subtropical Swimming Paradises. The swimming complex will be clam-shaped, and will feature three new water rides – Tornado, Twister and Typhoon, which are unique to Woburn Forest.

Center Parcs recently unveiled its plans for Woburn’s 22 treatment room Aqua Sana spa, which was designed and developed by Sparcstudio and Schletterer Wellness & Spa Design.

The facility is made up of six smaller spas, all inspired by nature. Each has its own theme: Fire and Ice, Mineral and Gemstone, Blossom, Herbal, Sensory and Salt, and has a variety of multi-sensory experience rooms. There will also be an outdoor infinity pool looking out over the forest.

“This is going to be the biggest, most innovative spa we’ve ever created; a concept that has evolved from the success of our existing Aqua Sanas,” says Center Parcs development director Don Camilleri. “We’ve looked at the latest innovations from spas from all over Europe and combined this with our passion for nature to create a unique concept for our new spa.”

There are still several major announcements to be made, but soon the wait will be over and we’ll be able to judge the new village for ourselves.