I can’t find anything on the web regarding spas in the UK with wheelchair access, can you help? Jenny Paine, London, UK
Times Online spa expert, Miranda Allard responds:
I have to agree that there is very little on the web relating to spas and the disabled. In fact, it is shocking how few spa designers have given real consideration to wheelchair access.
New builds are required by law to include a certain degree of consideration and facilities for disabled people, but as many new builds are attached to older hotels they often fall short for those seeking an overnight stay.
Of course, it also depends on what you personally are looking for in a spa. I have included some suggestions where both hotel and spa offers a reasonable level of access.
Advertisement
Unfortunately, no one seems to have the perfect package with correct facilities for hotel rooms, treatment facilities and pool access. If there is a spa out there which does, please post your comments in the box below this article.
In general, it is worth calling spas to enquire about your particular needs. I would also like to advise all spas to put links onto their websites showing the disabled facilities they offer in this area. It would make life much easier for those who need support.
Titanic Spa near Huddersfield is a new build and does have excellent facilities. Created as an “eco spa” within an old textile mill, it is one of the best on offer as a day spa for those requiring wheelchair access – the hoist in the pool is a great asset. Rather than hotel accommodation they offer converted apartments within the building. Unfortunately, though they have good access, the bathrooms are not suitably equipped.
Main features at Titanic Spa are: Ramp entrance into the spa; whole spa is on one level with wide corridors, doors and treatment rooms; hydraulic treatment beds which come down to the floor; hoist in pool; shower in the dual treatment room is walk-in (although the others have lips); lift access to spa apartments
Although it’s not cheap, some of the most impressive facilities in the country can be found at The Spa at Pennyhill Park Hotel in Surrey. Space is the big plus here along with fabulous treatments and relaxation areas including water beds – not so easy to get on and off but the staff are very willing to offer an extra pairs of hands.
Advertisement
The wet areas, however, do not have any specific disabled features such as pool-access equipment, though the steps are shallow Roman-style with hand rails.
Main features at The Spa at Pennyhill Park: valet car parking; ramp access into the spa; 45,000 sq feet of spa offering plenty of personal space; access between the floors via lifts; disabled toilet facilities; shower cubicle in the ladies changing room; fully adjustable treatment beds in spacious treatment rooms; access to the fitness suite with all its floor area being on one level; two of the gym instructors have previous experience working with disabled clients; roomy and wheelchair-friendly Cafe Themis
Another contender is SenSpa at Careys Manor in the New Forest. This is a delightful location for a spa break and has Thai therapists and a stunning relaxation room. Products include Living Nature which is a chemical-free range from New Zealand.
The pools have a hoist for easy access but the down side is that there are steps into the very limited changing rooms – this is typical of my findings – a hoist is a great facility to have but day-spa guests would have to change in the disabled toilet without showering. The hotel does not offer bedrooms with walk-in showers but there are plans for 18 new 5-star bedrooms which will be designed with disabled access and ease in mind in the near future.
Main features at SenSpa, Careys Manor: good wheelchair access in hotel and spa receptions and the Zen Garden in the spa;ground-floor hotel rooms and spa treatment rooms; some hotel rooms are equipped with toilet and bath grab rails; a hoist for both swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool; two disabled toilets in the spa; treatment couches are hydraulically operated and easily lowered and raised; a basic accessibility kit which has a bath stool, bath mat with sucker pads, sucker handles, bath seat and elephant feet to raise the height of the bed; some doors in public thoroughfares open automatically
Advertisement
Thermae Bath Spa recommends that, where possible, people visit during the middle of the week when the spa is quieter. It has lifts to all floors and ‘access chairs’ to all the pools (these are seats which are lowered into the water); there is a lift to the changing rooms; there larger changing rooms specifically for disabled people which are large enough for wheelchair access and enough space for at least two people; there are showers and toilets specifically for disabled people; there is disabled access to the treatment rooms; all the internal signs are also written in tactile and Braille. The spa offers a 50 per cent discount to all disabled people and their carers.
There is no hoist or access chair in the changing room area and they request that guide dogs do not go ‘poolside’ and remain in a public area in the reception. There is limited parking in a side street within 100 yards of the entrance
A more intimate option is CCSpa at The Captains Club Hotel situated on the banks of the river Stour in Christchurch, Dorset. This strikingly contemporary building with wonderful views is spacious, friendly and very well equipped for wheelchairs.
They have a dedicated bedroom for disabled guests and, with lifts, all areas of the hotel are easily accessible. The CCSpa offers excellent treatments with couches that lower to one foot off the floor. Spa changing facilities are more than adequate. Again, the down side is the lack of assistance for entering the pools.
Miranda Allard runs SpaContacts.com which features a limited selection of spas invited by her to join
Advertisement
Have you got a question for our spa expert? Email us