Log: Center Parc fire - try Holland
The safety of Center Parcs' trademark ' subtropical domes' is certain to come under question following the fire that swept through the giant glass structure at Elveden Forest village.
More than 3,000 people had to be evacuated from the Suffolk holiday village as the fire destroyed seven restaurants and bars, shops, indoor sports facilities and the swimming pool.
Two years ago the dome at Center Parc's De Eemhof village, about 40 miles from Amsterdam, was destroyed by a huge fire.
When the village re-opened a week ago it was noticeable that the dome has been kept separate from the restaurants and bars, presumably reducing the possible risk of a general fire.
Center Parcs will also have to review its policy of allowing people to smoke inside the domes - a curious one for a company that offers healthy breaks.
Meanwhile, the new De Eemhof might be a good option for people who have booked to stay at Elveden this summer - the other UK villages, Sherwood Forest, Longleat and the newly opened Oasis village in the Lake District are all nearly full throughout the year.
Continental alternatives include two in France, two in Belgium and five in the Netherlands.
And because competition in the Dutch market is keen prices are lower - a week in a two-person cottage in the UK Longleat village during June, for example, costs £681; a week in similar De Eemhof accommodation costs just £362. It's worth noting, however, that the Dutch Center-Parcs are much less adult sports orientated than the ones in the UK - more Dutch people are members of local sports clubs so it seems they get all the activity they need at home.
De Eemhof is much more focused on adult rest and relaxation, with a good choice of restaurants and an exhausting programme of activities designed to keep children occupied.
The rebuilt sub-tropical swimming 'paradise' is now called 'Aqua Mundo' and no expense has been spared on lavishly landscaping it with Asian plants and Balinese statues. It all looks very attractive. It also boasts an amazing 'Flow Rider' pool where surfers can body board.
The Center Parcs concept was devised by Piet Derksen, a Rotterdam sports shop owner, who opened his first holiday village in Limburg in 1968.
Derksen's notion of luxury villas with central heating and colour TVs in an accessible and glorious rural setting (curiously, he rejected the well-tried Butlin's idea of Redcoats, donkey derbys and knobbly knees contests) was a winner.
The concept, despite the fires, will not go up in smoke.
Further information from Center Parcs 08705 200 300; www.centerparcs.com
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