Today was all about water.
Subtropical Swimming Paradise
The big attraction in Center Parcs is the “Subtropical Swimming Paradise” although that’s a bit of a misnomer as it is not really possible to swim in it. It’s one of the free, or should I say, included things to do.
There are essentially three areas – a main pool with a shallow end where lots of kids congregate and a deeper end although as previously stated this isn’t really somewhere you can do laps. There is also an outdoor area with a pool with fountains, bubble seats, and the entrance to the rapids. Finally, there is an area called Venture Bay (perilously close to Adventure Bay) aimed at toddlers where the water is only about an inch deep.
It’s the latter that I found myself spending most of my time as the grandkids spent their time splashing around.
Hot Tub
Back at the lodge, we tested out the hot tub. Not every lodge comes equipped with one but we’d upgraded our lodge for reasons that I’ve already explained and it seemed rude not to give it a go.
I don’t think that I’ve ever been in a hot tub before – the opportunity hasn’t present itself and to be honest it really is just like a very hot bath. It was lovely to be in it outside amongst the trees though.
It’s clear that Center Parcs take the health of their guests seriously as there always seems to be someone from maintenance hovering around our hot tub. I guess that having guests die of Legionnaires’ disease is not good for business.
Pedalo
I know that this is on rather than in the water but I still felt that it fitted here. For as long as I can remember our eldest Granddaughter has been wanting us to take her out in a boat and as there is a lake here now seemed like the opportune moment. I fancied one of the electric boats but they were all booked so it had to be a good-old-fashioned pedalo.
The lake here is not huge and there were quite a few others out so it was more obstacle course than slow cruise. Also once you have done a lap of the lake there’s really not much else to see or do and when your are four the novelty quickly wears off so we weren’t out that for our full 30 minutes.
The one good thing was that Helen ended up pedalling us around so I didn’t actually do any work!