DESTINATIONS ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL | BEACHES


top tip Majorca’s tourist


board has created an accessible travel portal after recognising a


greater need to assist disabled visitors to the island. The portal gives agents access to training modules and destination information about how beaches, and the rest of the island, are becoming more accessible for all. Log on to the portal at accesiblemallorca.com


ABOVE: All-terrain wheelchairs allow users to access beaches, such as at Siesta Key, Florida


them enjoy the sea. All information and support for those with accessibility needs can be found by beach marker 16 in Fuengirola. In Greece, beach wheelchairs are available in Elounda, Crete, while specialist SeaTrac ramps, which enable wheelchair users to get into the sea independently, have been installed on four beaches in Skiathos – at Koukounaries, Agia Paraskevi, Agia Eleni and Megali Ammos. SeaTracs can take visitors across the beach and into the water. A specially designed chair, which sits on rails, can be moved from the beach to the sea at the push of a button. Ciutat Jardi Beach near Palma, Majorca, has ramps along the beach and amphibious chairs or crutches available. The same facilities are available at Alcúdia Beach in the north of the island, while there is also a transfer crane that can be used to move wheelchair users out of their chair if needed.


ACCESSIBLE RESORTS Television presenter Sophie Morgan, who is a full-time manual wheelchair user, recently stayed at Amilla resort in the Maldives, where she says everyone went “above and beyond” to support her. This, she explains, went beyond just providing accessible facilities to really connecting with guests to ensure they were as comfortable as possible. “They train their staff in disability awareness, so the whole atmosphere felt very inclusive,” Morgan says. Amilla offers beach wheelchairs, which are fitted with wider wheels to enable smooth journeys across sand,


44 15 DECEMBER 2022


33It’s about really understanding the customer and their life. You’ll then be able to make things as easy as possible for them


and floating wheelchairs, so all guests can experience the resort’s azure waters. It also has dedicated scuba diving and snorkelling guides who have experience with working with disabled travellers, while the spa has a dedicated space for those who require ramp access.


ACCESSIBLE CRUISING


A number of cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, offer accessible shore excursions. A day at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park in Cozumel, Mexico, starts at £74, while an excursion to Resorts World Bimini in the Bahamas can be booked from £27, with upgrades available for lunch or drinks. However, for both excursions, guests need to use a folding wheelchair and might be required to travel short distances on foot or with assistance – so these trips ashore may be more suitable for some clients than others. Each cruise ship excursion, each resort and each beach will suit different travellers’ needs. “It’s about really understanding the customer and what their day-to-day life is like,” adds Rollason. “You will then be in a place to make things as easy as possible for them.”


TW BOOK IT


Ocean Holidays’ seven-night stay at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort in Orlando, followed by four nights at Hampton Inn at New Smyrna Beach, both in accessible rooms, starts at £1,679 including flights and accessible car hire. Departs November 2023. ocean-holidays.co.uk


Elegant Resorts offers a seven-night stay at Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences, with accessible transfers and accommodation, starting at £5,458, departing May 2023. elegantresorts.co.uk


A seven-night self-catering stay with Jet2holidays at Pierre & Vacances Village Club Fuerteventura Origo Mare, departing April 19, 2023, from Manchester starts at £469, including transfers and 22kg baggage allowance. jet2holidays.com


travelweekly.co.uk top tip


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