Accessible Spas and Spa Treatments
Spas are designed to provide much-needed relaxation and respite for all. So, when it comes to catering for guests living with a disability, including impaired sight or hearing, we aim to make it as easy as possible to find the right accessible spa.
In this article, we take a closer look at accessible spas, including the facilities they offer. We also highlight some of our favourite spas and treatments for guests with specific needs.
What is an accessible spa?
An accessible spa offers facilities and treatments that accommodate everyone. This includes providing recovery retreats for anyone undergoing or has finished cancer treatment, those with a disability or mobility issue, and plus-sized guests. Accessible spa days and spa breaks for disabled guests are available at many of our spas.
At a minimum, spa hotels with disabled facilities should have a wheelchair accessible entrance, with ramps, handrails and disabled toilet and changing facilities. Beyond this, a good accessible spa will offer treatments to guests with disabilities and mobility issues, taking into account individual needs. Away from the spa, the venue should offer adapted guest rooms and accessible communal areas, including the restaurant or bar.
Features of an accessible spa
When looking for the perfect accessible spa break, here are some of the facilities that you may wish to look out for:
easy-access hydraulic treatment beds which can be lowered and raised
accessible rooms, toilets and changing facilities
rooms with emergency cords
ramps
lifts between floors
pool hoists
specially trained staff and spa therapists
Please note that spa facilities will vary depending on the venue.
A few of our favourite accessible spas
Hoar Cross Hall Spa Hotel in Staffordshire is one of our spa hotels with disabled facilities. It welcomes guests with disabilities, including sight or hearing impairments. There are wheelchair-accessible rooms and staff are on hand to provide additional assistance.
The Malvern Spa in Worcestershire is another wheelchair accessible spa with two adapted bedrooms, plus handrails and emergency pull cords in the bathroom. All of the spa facilities are on the ground floor.
Lifehouse Spa & Hotel in Essex has previously won awards for its accessibility, including treatments for cancer patients and accommodating those with dementia. It offers disabled-access bedrooms and treatments, as well as ground floor facilities.
Spa treatments for all
Just because you have a disability, sensory impairment or reduced mobility, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a relaxing and pampering spa session. Here are a few spa treatments we think you might enjoy:
a soothing or rejuvenating facial
a relaxing spa massage
Spa treatments offer numerous health and beauty benefits for everybody. However, some treatments may not be ideal for those who are currently undergoing or have just completed cancer treatment.
How to book a spa if you have accessibility requirements
Before booking, we would advise checking with us and your chosen venue to ensure the spa can accommodate your needs.
The Equality Act 2010 places a legal duty on businesses to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for people with disabilities. However, some spas are located in smaller or historic buildings that simply cannot accommodate wheelchair users. Likewise, the spa facilities might not have lift access or suitably trained therapists available.
Also, not all treatments and facilities are suitable for all guests. So, check with a doctor if you have any health issues and be sure to make the spa aware of any health conditions and accessibility needs, so they can advise accordingly. For example, thermal spa facilities are not recommended for certain groups.
It is important to do this beforehand as pre-booked treatments and packages might not be refundable if the spa cannot offer the specified services due to undisclosed accessibility or health issues.
Finally, if you’re new to spas, we would recommend reading some of our handy FAQ guides. A good place to start is, What to expect on your first ever spa visit.
To make a booking at any of the spas mentioned in this article, or for more details on accessible spa days and breaks, contact the SpaSeekers team!
