One of this year’s hotly-tipped trends is the ‘calmcation’, and it doesn’t take a lot to work out why. Overloaded with news and wracked with uncertainty about the future, we’re all looking for a holiday where we can restore our cortisol levels and bring that soaring blood pressure back under control. It might seem clear enough how you do it: book somewhere quiet in the countryside, set your phone to silent and read a book. But what about if you’re a parent?
I’m at Denmark’s brand new Center Parcs Nordborg Resort with my husband, kids and dog to find out if the promise of a calm family holiday is too good to be true. On top of their five forest-based locations in the UK, Center Parcs also has locations across Europe: nine in the Netherlands, seven in France and six in Germany. Its first in Denmark near Sønderborg, opens this month, where it is set in landscaped nature, with an abundance of Scandi-style serenity.
It’s a bit of a secret that Denmark is wonderful in the summer – warmer than the UK but not too warm; quiet, and with beautiful sandy beaches. Rain passes quickly if it comes at all. It helps that the Danish school holidays are in July, so by the time English schools are out in August, resorts will be quiet. As southern Europe starts to feel too hot and too busy for a simple, carefree family holiday, looking to the north and the many options there is starting to feel like a good idea.
I’ve got history with family resorts; it’s a bit of a love-hate relationship. I love that they stimulate your kids and reduce the number of times they moan about being bored. I hate the way that I can’t relax because everywhere I look there are too many colours and too much noise. The issue with a family holiday is that there are so many different preference boxes to tick – and I’ll say it: it’s impossible to please everyone.
Read more: The best hotels in Copenhagen for family-friendly city breaks
We’re staying in a wooden cabin perched on a hill facing the sea. Inside, the design is nature-inspired, with pictures of seagulls on the pine-clad walls. I am delighted to find a sauna in one of the two…
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