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I am disabled. Are there any spas that can accommodate me?
Emphatically, yes. Of course, which spa, and which treatment, largely depends on what kind of disability you have. However, be assured, there are spas out there who cater for people no matter what level of disability they have.
Research is key
Kelly Mullan, from Disability Now, a monthly magazine written for disabled people by disabled people, says that research is the key to a successful spa visit:
"Before you book, give the spa a call to make sure that they can accommodate your needs. Find out if there are parts of the building that will be off-limits to you. For instance, if you're a wheelchair user, are the treatments rooms big enough? If you have other mobility issues, will you be able to use the pool, Jacuzzi and other thermal/water features?"
So, find out as much as you can about the spa and the treatments beforehand and ask questions to establish what support is available. If you have problems getting in and out of pools, you'll be able to find out if you can be assisted by calling before your visit. But many spas do cater for wheelchair users and there are treatments especially for people with disabilities.
Five signs of a good-access-for-all spa
Ask whether the spa has:
* easy-access hydraulic treatment beds which can be lowered and raised
* ramps
* lifts between floors
* pool hoists
* well-trained staff and adaptable therapists.
Legally speaking
The Disability Discrimination Act covers the UK, and asks businesses to "...provide and make reasonable adjustments to make their businesses more accessible." It's unlawful to treat anyone with a disability differently. However, the problem with enforcing the DDA is that the obligation to take a service provider to court remains with the individual.
If a spa says that it has disabled access, then as a minimum it needs to have a low-level bell at the entrance for assisted entry, a disabled WC, and treatment rooms at ground-floor level. New-build spas need to comply with DDA regulations which make sure that their buildings are disability-friendly.
Top tip
Bear in mind that spas were originally places for people to "take the healing waters". A spa that focuses on water-based treatments might be a really good option for you. People with joint problems sometimes find they really appreciate massage on waterbeds.
Bailiffscourt in Climping near Arundel is one spa that uses warm, fluid-filled mattresses for all its treatments. These mattresses are not only warming and comfortable, they take the pressure off your joints and even enable full-body massages in which you don't even have to turn over.
Thermae Bath Spa offers the chance to bathe in naturally-warm, mineral-rich spa water and has good wheelchair accessibility to all areas, with lift access to the different floors. The pools have hydraulic lifts with trained attendants on hand. Toggle floats are available to provide support in the pools.
Other good spas that we've come across that have very good facilities for disabled people include:
* Ocean Spa at Bedruthan Steps Hotel in Cornwall
* Forum Spa at Celtic Manor, Newport, Wales
* Senspa at Carey's Manor, Hampshire
See also:
* I had surgery a couple of months ago. Will it prevent me having a massage?
* I have diabetes. Can I still go to a spa?
* I have a heart condition and have been told to avoid heat treatments when I go to a spa. Why?
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