As a family, we were regular visitors to Center Parcs in Longleat. We visited at different times throughout the year and thoroughly enjoyed the break. However on our last visit, we felt that we'd outgrown what the parc had to offer. We also felt that the rooms were looking rather tired and there's wasn't enough to keep us and our son entertained.

As we were on the database, we'd regularly receive newsletters updating us on the latest news and were intrigued to learn that Center Parcs had been taken over and given a bit of a revamp. We thought we'd give it another go.

We opted to stay in one of the newly styled lodges and were more than delighted to see what changes had been made. The lodge had a definite boutique hotel style to it, thanks to Tara Bernerd, Designer of Target Living. The kitchen had all the mod cons you could ask for.



The living room had been brought up to date wonderfully with its woodland themed mural and tastefully re-vamped sofas. The bathrooms had been given an impressive update, with sleek, modern fittings but it was the bedrooms that impressed me the most - very boudoir-esque.



Our son was now too old for the kids' clubs, but there was certainly enough to keep us all entertained with the newly refurbished bowling area, woodland walks and more than enough sporting activities than we could cram into our short stay.

I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Aqua Sana Spa and I even went so far as to treat myself to a very relaxing massage complete with soothing essential oils. If their aim was to pamper and make me feel a million dollars, then they certainly succeeded.



Even though we had the family grocery pack, (which was enough food and drink to last a fortnight!), my idea of a break doesn't consist of much cooking, so we patronised just a few of the eleven fantastic eateries and bars available at the parc.

Wales doesn't always get it right as far as customer care in the tourism industry is concerned (I expect I'll be in for some flack after saying this) but we've always had excellent service when we've visited Center Parcs and this time was no exception.

Whether you choose to visit Center Parcs for a magical Christmas break (and I can thoroughly recommend this) or plan to book for sometime next year, I'd be amazed if you didn't enjoy it.

Center Parcs One Edison Rise New Ollerton, Newark Notts NG22 9DP Reservations 08448 267723 www.centerparcs.co.uk