It's easy to Parc

We went to Center Parcs wanting it all - some great family time, some relaxation and some quality time as a couple too.

An impossibly tall order? Not really.

We arrived at Center Parcs Longleat, in Wiltshire, to find a spot of building work going on.

Not the cranes and diggers, high-decibel-type building you might find upon arriving at your resort in Spain. But still, a pretty ambitious revamp of the village accommodation.

The designer, Tara Bernerd, has been charged with updating the woodland villas, and we were to stay in a newly-finished executive two bed villa.

From the outside they look like little wooden cabins, but inside they have a stylish and contemporary feel, while still retaining their woodland charm.

In the living room there is a feature wall depicting an image of picturesque woodland. And even the colours used in the decor seem to complement the woodland theme.

There's no shortage of home comforts either. Plasma screen TVs, oak flooring and contemporary fixtures and fittings made sure we had everything we needed.

There was even a floor to ceiling chalkboard on one wall so we could keep track of all our daily activities. And because each villa nestles in the trees, each morning through your patio doors you have your own wildlife show, with birds, squirrels and even the occasional deer foraging for food on the other side of the glass.

Center Parcs is an ideal break if you have a family. There are hundreds of activities you can enjoy, from a treetop, climbing adventure on harnesses,to all manner of sports, watersports and even creative classes for the kids.

During the daytime, we took full advantage of the Tropical Swimming Paradise - a dome-covered pool, with slides, whirlpools, rapids, restaurant and baby pool.

Heated, as the name suggests, to a tropical temperature, you can quite literally forget what time of year it is outside.

The dome also covers a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants, including the extremely well-stocked supermarket, which has all the necessities and luxuries you might need.

But Center Parcs is also a perfect break for adults, with or without children.

Through Guest Services we arranged an approved babysitter, who came to our villa and cared for baby while we enjoyed a lovely meal out.

But the highlight had to be our two-hour, his and hers spa session at the luxurious on site spa Aqua Sana.

After being greeted and given soft towels and robes, we spent a fabulous hour in the spa, sampling a variety of steam rooms, sauna, and relaxation rooms.

Then we shared a joint treatment - Three Steps to Heaven - in which we lay alongside each other and enjoyed a massage, a back scrub and a facial. Bliss!

While we were relaxing, baby was having a fabulous time at the village creche - the Time Out Club, which is a toy-packed adventure zone, closely supervised by trained staff.

When we arrived to pick her up, she was also pretty relaxed - flat-out in fact, after two hours of play and a yummy snack with the other children.

Talking of food, there are lots of lovely places to eat at Center Parcs, to suit all budgets.

The hectic Sports Bar incorporates a family menu with snooker tables, TV screens and a soft play area.

The very popular House of Pancakes serves up delicious sweet and savoury pancakes in a Swiss-themed chalet-style restaurant, although it's advisable to book a table here.

There is also an Indian restaurant, an Italian, and an upmarket French restaurant.

We enjoyed a lovely evening meal at the Grand Cafe, which serves a varied menu of meat, fish and vegetarian meals with a French flavour, accompanied by some great live music.

Oxford people will feel at home at Center Parcs because of its no cars, just bikes culture.

You can take your car to your accommodation when you arrive and leave - to unload and load - but for the rest of the time it is banished to the car park.

We're not a family who own bikes, but we were anxious to give it a go with baby and got ourselves a couple of mountain bikes -one with a trailer. She - and we - loved it.

There are some lovely rides through the forest and places to park up everywhere.

One word of warning though, Center Parcs Longleat is actually quite hilly, so prepare for some quite feverish uphill pedalling.

The three of us came away with lots of lovely memories from Center Parcs Longleat.

Not least the comfort of our accommodation, great food and a feeling of wellbeing after having spent a long weekend 'getting back to nature' in breathtaking woodland.

But one of our lasting reminders was of the service we received.

As a couple, good service was a always a bonus, but never top of our priorities. But with a little one and all the organisation and equipment that comes with her, we've realised that feeling looked after is a major plus, and can make all the difference between whether you have a good time, or a bad time.

From the outset, we were struck by just how family friendly Center Parcs is.

Every restaurant has free baby food - and equipment (that works!) to heat it.

The pool has free baby lifejackets and playpens. And slopes for buggies, places to park them and baby changing rooms are everywhere you look.

But most of all the staff will help any way they can.

Every request was answered with a smile.

As a result, we all had a 'wheelie' good time.