From Research to Booking – How to Find a Wellness Hotel/Resort/Retreat with Appropriate Accessibility Facilities
by Mia Barnes
Choosing a wellness retreat should be exciting, not frustrating. The risk is higher when accessibility is important for mobility, sensory needs, or chronic health conditions. Failing to achieve a truly accessible retreat can ruin your experience and leave you exhausted. So if you have medical or other issues, or are traveling with someone who does, read on to find the wellness hotel/resort/retreat that’s right for you.
Start with a personal accessibility checklist
Generally speaking, accessibility means removing barriers. However, each person’s specific needs are different. Accessibility requirements are individualized and specific. What is comfortable for one person may not be comfortable for another. So before you start your research, define what accessibility means to you.
So, what are your needs? Consider mobility, sensory preferences, toileting needs and the type of support you need. When you’re looking at a hotel property, compare its physical surroundings to your list. Accessibility covers the entire stay, including arrival, accommodation, daily activities, wellness spaces and meals. You can read more about accessibility here.
Look for specific details, not buzzwords
Websites often use welcoming language like “inclusion” or “accessibility,” but these terms can be vague. A truly informative website providing specific details on physical access, facilities and how events can be adapted. If a hotel/resort’s website makes no mention of accessible routes or terrain, it’s a sign that more in-depth research is needed.
Take your time to look at the accommodation photos and descriptions, and pay attention to the details. Check the width of the doorway, confirm whether the entrance is flat or steep, and review the layout of the bathroom and shower. Consider bed height, operating space and the presence of grab bars and a roll-in shower, as these factors are not optional. Here are the benefits and challenges Traveling with what WHILL (the manufacturer of power chairs and scooters) calls a “disability”.
Contact the retreat
No amount of website text can replace a direct conversation with the resort/hotel team. A team of professionals will answer your accessibility questions accurately and confidently. Prepare a short list of practical inquiries to make by phone or email. To give a few examples:
- How do guests with reduced mobility transfer from the arrival hotel to their room?
- Are all public areas fully accessible?
- Can activities be adapted without stigma or exclusion?
- Have staff been trained in accessibility awareness and emergency procedures?
See how the team responds. Respectful, clear responses are early indicators of a hotel becoming accessible.
Check location and logistics
Accessibility involves more than just physical properties. It’s also important to get there and move around your surroundings.
Research transport options from your arrival point. Is the transfer service suitable for wheelchair users? What is the terrain between the dock, garage or terminal and the hotel entrance? Remote locations can be rejuvenating, but they can also be logistically demanding, so plan accordingly.
Consider reputable wellness hotels with a good accessibility reputation
Some well-known wellness resorts have built strong reputations for holistic care and guest support, including accessibility considerations. Examples include:
- BodyHoliday in St. Lucia is known for its personalized wellness programs and attentive staff, which is especially important when accommodations or activities need to be adapted.
- Hanalei Bay Hawaii is a tranquil oceanfront resort that combines island serenity with thoughtful wellness services. Its location and reputation for guest service make it an excellent choice for travelers looking for a break and structured support.
- Miraval Austin Resort & Spa is a flagship wellness hotel offering an extensive array of programs focused on mind-body balance, personalized support and immersive experiences designed to help guests reset.
read reviews
It is more useful to read online reviews critically. Look for reviews from previous guests and compare them to the claims on the company’s website. Look for content about employee responsiveness, ease of movement, adaptability of activities and comfort of the environment. Photos uploaded by visitors often reveal details of the layout and space that professional marketing images cannot.
If accessible travel details are lacking in reviews, consider consulting a forum or group where other travelers with similar needs can share their experiences. First-hand insights are often the most trustworthy.
Confirm everything before booking
Once you have identified a resort that meets your needs, confirm all accessibility requirements in writing before booking. This includes agreed room features, entrance and bathroom details, as well as any adapted event options. Be clear about cancellation terms and what recourse is available if promised accessibility options are not available on arrival.
trust your judgment
If at any point communication feels vague, dismissive, or uncertain, take a step back. Wellness travel shouldn’t make you anxious. A wellness hotel or resort that meets your needs is more likely to provide the rejuvenating experience you’re looking for.
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About the author: Mia Barnes is the author of body + mind. Mia’s other articles include: Tips for staying healthy and comfortable on long-haul flights and What is ecotourism. Why it matters and how you can get involved.