Around 1.3 billion people around the world live with a disability, and while not everyone is catering to this important group of travellers, there are plenty in the luxury sector who are championing their cause.
No one understands accessible travel better than Tim Reynolds, founder of ÀNI Private Resorts.
A paraplegic following a near-fatal car accident in New York in 2000, Reynolds has donated millions to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey for a new research centre on spinal cord injury, and he’s been heavily involved in the design of his resorts to ensure they cater for those living with a disability.
The world’s first private resort collection, ÀNI Private Resorts, in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Anguilla, and the Dominican Republic are all wheelchair accessible.
Each property has at least one accessible room with standalone bathtubs with wide borders, and every resort has a pool lift.
And ÀNI Private Resorts CEO, Yeshi Phuntsho says while the design ensures the resorts cater for those with accessibility needs, it has never compromised the luxury aesthetic .
“We always think how we can make each guest experience joyful, so the design of each resort has always been through our owners’ eyes.”
“Those using wheelchairs will find design elements to ensure ease of movement and comprehensive access to all facilities and areas. Any ÀNI space that isn’t fully accessible by default can be made so with modifications, such as added ramps.”
Accessible travel in the tropics
In 2022, Amilla Maldives (main image and above), a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property, became the world’s first IncluCare-certified resort.
The property has accessible resort villas on the ground floor with wide doorways and accessible showers, a wheelchair-accessible beach resort and ‘dive butler’ instructors with guided PADI open water scuba certification for those with movement disabilities.
Every single staff member on the property has undergone inclusive hospitality training “to accommodate all guests regardless of disability or impairment”.
There are also seven wheelchair-accessible beach resort restaurants and the award-winning Javvu Spa has ramps. Hearing-accessible rooms are also available, including fire alarms with lights to alert hearing-impaired guests, and in-villa phones light up when they ring.
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa General Manager, Lachlan Walker says his property is also “deeply committed to inclusivity”.
“True luxury means ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and cared for, no matter their needs. From the moment guests arrive at Nadi International Airport, our partnership with Tourist Transport Fiji allows us to offer specially equipped vehicles, ensuring comfortable and seamless transportation for all.”
He says the entire resort has been designed with accessibility in mind.
“We’ve made it easy for guests to navigate our beautiful property, whether they’re enjoying the beachfront, our swimming pools, or dining at one of our restaurants. Level pathways, accessible ramps, and lifts are strategically placed throughout the resort, and our on-demand buggy service is available for those who need a little extra help getting around.”
“One of our key features are our Garden View Accessible Rooms. These rooms are on the ground floor near the main facilities, making it easy for guests to access everything they need. We’ve made sure these rooms offer the same level of luxury and comfort as all our accommodation options, so every guest can relax and enjoy their stay.”
A five-star accessible standout in Austria
For Almanac Palais Vienna, accessibility is something that was integral to the hotel’s design.
General Manager, Frank Spielmeyer says, “Our commitment to accessible tourism goes far beyond simply removing obstacles; we have designed our hotel with accessibility at its centre. Every room is thoughtfully designed to provide a seamless and comfortable experience for all our guests. Here,
accessibility is not an afterthought – it is the foundation of our hospitality.”
Located in the heart of the Austrian capital, from arrival at the building to check-in, all areas are easily accessible thanks to the spacious spaces in the entrance area, lobby and corridors. The hotel also provides guests with wheelchairs on request, and has around-the-clock medical care from the hotel’s onsite doctor.
Australian hotels leading the way in accessible travel
The first new-build hotel to debut at Melbourne Airport in more than two decades, the Novotel & Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport opened its doors in July, and General Manger, David Alexander says it too was focused on the needs of those with a disability from the design phase.
“We understand the importance of making travel accessible for everyone and offer a number of inclusive accommodation options that include the essential features to ensure easy navigation and use for all guests”.
That includes 10 accessible guest rooms, eight vision-enabled rooms and seven speech-enabled rooms across both Novotel and ibis Styles. There are moveable handrails in wardrobes to adjust to the height of the wheelchair and an accessible lift and chair lift for the swimming pool.
There’s also an all-abilities check-in desk separate from the main desk, so those with a disability have the access they need on arrival.
Elements of Byron Bay was named a finalist in the NSW Awards for Excellence 2024 for its ‘disability inclusion and access’ award.
The luxury property has eight accessible rooms and throughout the resort are smooth pathways and ramps making it easy to navigate for those in a wheelchair.
Executive Assistant Manager, Monique Rutene says, “Our commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through our participation in specialised training sessions run by a partner of the NDIS”.
“These initiatives have equipped our team with the knowledge and skills to support our accessibility and inclusion goals effectively. We are also actively exploring ways to enhance our inclusivity by hiring people with disabilities.”
“By fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, we aim to create a supportive environment that reflects our broader mission to foster a community of inclusivity and respect. We continually strive to improve and innovate, ensuring that our resort remains a place where everyone can create unforgettable memories, regardless of their abilities.”
For more information, visit ANI Private Resorts; Amilla Maldives; InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa; Almanac Palais Vienna; Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport and Elements of Byron.
