By Aneela Aziz

I went on a four-day residential holiday at Centre Parcs with a group of friends. There were many activities made available and it was a fantastic experience. Whist on my stay, we planned what we were going to do on each day, which helped me to be more organised. I planned what each day would involve us doing, including taking it in turns to cook a meal for the rest of the group. We were able to try different foods from different cultures, such as Asian, Caribbean and German food. 

My four day schedule at Centre Parc

Day 1
The first day of the holiday we explored the park to find our away around, finding out what was available for us to do during our stay. It was difficult at times to find our way around due to the park being a large forest. Everything is covered with trees, although, there were sign posts and maps to guide us around which I found useful. I was able to use a map independently, and during this holiday, I found out a little more about my own abilities. In the evening we all went for a bike ride around the forest which was fun and we got to know each other a bit more.  When it was my turn to cook, I started with Asian food, and cooked a vegetable curry and some extras with the curry. I enjoyed cooking but the experience of cooking for nine people was difficult, as I only cook for myself when at home. The success in cooking for more than just myself was pleasing, as I didn’t think I would be able to cope.   

Day 2
During the day we went to pottery making classes, which I have never done before. We picked out the pottery design we each wanted to make, and painted them.  I chose to paint a converse design, which is a type of shoe. This was fun as I used my creative side to make a pottery piece. I really enjoyed swimming as there were loads of slides and there was also an outdoor swimming pool.  In the evening, I went into the sauna, which we had outside in the garden as part of the house. Then for our meal, we had German food, including dumplings. The food was different to the food I normally eat, however, it was nice to experience various types of flavours.  

Day 3
We stayed in during the day, as it was raining, so we watched DVD’s. We ate Caribbean food, including chicken, rice and peas. In the evening we went bowling, which was enjoyable, and I came in at second place which I was proud of.

Day 4
We were given a choice to pick a treat that we would all like to do. One of the girls and I picked a spa treatment, and I chose a mud mask treatment, which involved covering the body with a special mud, in a room full of steam to help exfoliate the skin.  I really enjoyed this treatment and it was the best activity I chose to do whilst at Centre Parc, as it was completely new to me. I also did a foot fish treatment, which involves small toothless fish, called ‘Gurra Rufa’ from Turkey, cleansing and softening human skin naturally. You place your feet into a warm pool of water and allow the fish to remove all your dead unhealthy skin. The experience of this was very unusual as the fish tickled my feet. Overall, I found the spa treatments relaxing and enjoyable. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to visit Centre Parc, as I learned a lot about myself and my capabilities. Although I went during the time of my exams, the trip benefited me as I was able relax and take it easy. When I came back to take my exams, I found I was not stressed and went into the exams with a positive mood. These feelings of positivity came from my four day trip, as the holiday helped me to take a break from my busy lifestyle.