Catering For Travellers with Disabilities

The overriding motivation behind going somewhere for a holiday is to relax for a while and have a hassle-free time.  For people with disabilities, going on holiday can and often does involve a whole new set of "hassles" - especially since many holiday establishments are not disabled-savvy.  Disabled persons also want a hassle-free time while holidaying - it's as straightforward as that!

disability

2min read

Published 13 April 2023


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The overriding motivation behind going somewhere for a holiday is to relax for a while and have a hassle-free time.  For people with disabilities, going on holiday can and often does involve a whole new set of "hassles" - especially since many holiday establishments are not disabled-savvy.  Disabled persons also want a hassle-free time while holidaying - it's as straightforward as that!


And, if possible, in an environment that is even more hassle-free than they are used to currently!  Simply putting in a ramp for wheelchairs is all well and good but we at Flight Centre know that there is way more to providing comfort and luxury for disabled guests than that!  

Just as able-bodied people have to face certain challenges when moving out of their "comfort zones" when travelling anywhere on vacation, for example, those with disabilities face even greater challenges. They certainly do not want to be faced with a whole new set of challenges when they arrive at their destination!  This is where we at Flight Centre come in. 

We are aware of the problems and are entirely sympathetic towards disabled people choosing holiday destinations.  We understand that making the correct choice is key!  We know how complicated it can become for disabled people because most hotels and resorts are simply not geared up for guests with certain special requirements.

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disability

The biggest problems as we see it are stairs and ease of moving through the guest room, its bathroom facilities, and around the property. Providing gently sloping ramps with adequate handrails is a given for wheelchair-bound, blind, deaf people and stroke survivors (the latter two often have balance difficulties of some sort), while some guests take a lot of strain simply just walking anywhere.

There are thankfully some properties that do indeed make more than adequate provision for disabled guests, especially those who rely on their wheelchairs to get around. The term "fully disabled adapted" however means more than assisted mobility, it means that bedroom windows can be easily opened from a seated position, lights can be turned on and off from a wheelchair, the room has low beds and other furniture, and most importantly, a bathroom fitted out so that it's super-user-friendly for disabled people.

We are therefore so pleased that we have found some great hotels and resorts that we can highlight both locally and further afield, that are very disabled-friendly, and it is our pleasure to introduce you to them, giving you some small insight into what is available. 

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disability
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LOCAL

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa (Cape Town)

Just a stone's throw away from central Cape Town is the wonderful Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa.  The reception area/lobby is spacious.  There is step-free access to the room and bathroom which has a seat in the roll-in shower. 

The furniture is specially designed to aid wheelchair-bound guests, with the bed set lower than usual; and the furniture can be moved around to suit the guest's needs. Light switches are set low.   Also important is that the doorways to both the room and the bathroom are extra wide to accommodate the additional width wheelchairs require.

It is therefore recommended that guests with mobility, hearing or visual impairments who are considering a stay at this hotel engage directly with its reservations team to discuss their special requirements and thereby make the stay as comfortable and luxurious as possible.

The Oyster Box (Umhlanga Rocks)

This landmark hotel in Umhlanga Rocks is well-known for its high standards, direct beach access and range of amenities. Furthermore, guests with restricted mobility can be assured of stair/step-free access to its easily accessible lobby, guestrooms, swimming pool, spa, exercise facilities and event spaces.  

The design of the hotel has restricted some structural changes but that said, it is indeed most welcoming to disabled guests. Its staff is committed to assisting all guests with specific needs.  It is therefore recommended that guests with mobility, hearing or visual impairments who are considering a stay at this hotel engage directly with its reservations team to discuss their special requirements and thereby make the visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

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NOT SO LOCAL

Flight Centre believes that the jewel of the Indian Ocean, an exotic island known far and wide as “Heaven on Earth”, is an ideal holiday destination for EVERYBODY, including people with disabilities.

We are of course speaking about the magical island of Mauritius. Not only is it a mere four-hour flight from South Africa (so therefore fairly easy for a wheelchair-bound person to cope with), but it is also a visa-free destination for South African passport holders.

There are two great hotels that we would like to tell you about because not only are they welcoming to disabled guests; the properties themselves are simply stunning.



Radisson Blu Azuri Resort and Spa

This hotel boasts premium garden rooms with no steps and is fully disabled adapted, the bathroom has strategically placed handles in the bathroom, low beds in the bedroom and basically everything a disabled person could need. It is an ideal retreat for couples and a great family holiday destination.  Its white sandy beach and clear lagoon draw guests like a magnet.

Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort and Spa

The flat floor superior beachfront rooms are fully disabled adapted.  Strategically placed handles in the bathroom and low beds in the bedroom and everything a disabled person could need. 

The resort has gently sloping ramps throughout the property that guests can use to freely move to all common usage places. Just outside the door, an inviting white sandy beach and clear blue waters await.  This serene tropical getaway is an ADULTS-ONLY resort, which is a bonus if personal peace and quiet is the goal!

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radison

The above destinations represent only a few when it comes to providing facilities for disabled travellers, both locally and internationally. We understand that not every disabled person has the same needs, so discussing your particular requirements with one of our expert consultants will assist you in tracking down the ideal disabled-adapted location for you.

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