From Research to Booking – How to find a Wellness Hotel/Resort/Retreat with the right Accessibility
by Mia Barnes
Choosing a wellness retreat should feel exciting, not frustrating. When Accessibility matters for mobility, sensory needs or chronic health conditions, the stakes are higher. A retreat that fails to deliver on true Accessibility can disrupt your experience and leave you exhausted. So, if you are someone with medical or other issues or are traveling with someone with said issues keep reading to find a Wellness Hotel/Resort/Retreat that’s right for you.
Start with a Personal Accessibility Checklist
Generally, Accessibility means removing barriers. However, specific needs are different for everyone. Accessibility requirements are personal and specific. What feels comfortable for one person may not for another. So before even beginning to research, define what Accessibility means to you.
So, what are your needs? Consider mobility, sensory preferences, toileting needs and the type of support you require. As you look at hospitality properties, compare their physical environments to your checklist. Accessibility encompasses the entire stay, including arrival, accommodation, daily activities, wellness spaces and dining. You can read more about Accessibility here.
Look for Specific Details, Not Buzzwords
Websites often use welcoming language such as “inclusive” or “accessible,” but these terms can be vague. Truly informative sites provide tangible details about physical access, facilities and how activities are adapted. If a hotel/resort’s website doesn’t address Accessibility routes or terrain, that’s a cue to dig deeper.
Take the time to review accommodation photos and descriptions, and pay attention to the details. Check the widths of doorways, confirm flat or steep entryways, and look at the layout of bathrooms and showers. Think about bed height, maneuvering space, and the presence of grab bars and roll-in showers, as these factors aren’t optional. Here are the benefits and challenges of traveling with what WHILL (the maker of power chairs and scooters) refers to as a “disability.”
Contact the Retreat
No amount of website text can replace a direct conversation with the resort/hotel team. A professional team will respond precisely and confidently to your questions about Accessibility. Prepare a short list of practical inquiries to ask by phone or email. A few examples:
- How do guests with mobility needs move from arrival to their rooms?
- Are all common areas fully accessible?
- Can activities be adapted without stigma or exclusion?
- Are staff members trained in accessibility awareness and emergency procedures?
See how the team responds. Respectful, clear answers are an early indicator of the property’s approach to Accessibility.
Check the Location and Logistics
Accessibility isn’t only about the physical property. Getting there and moving around the surrounding environment matters, too.
Investigate transport options from your arrival point. Are transfers wheelchair-friendly? What’s the terrain between the dock, garage or terminal and the property’s entrance? Remote locations can be rejuvenating but also logistically demanding, so plan accordingly.
Consider Established Wellness Properties with Good Accessibility Reputations
Some well-known wellness retreats have built strong reputations for holistic care and guest support, including Accessibility considerations. Examples include:
- BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia is known for its personalized wellness programming and attentive staff, which can be particularly important when accommodations or activities need adjustment.
- Hotel Hanalei Bay in Hawaii is a serene oceanside resort that blends island tranquility with thoughtful wellness offerings. Its location and reputation for guest service make it a compelling choice for travelers seeking rest and structured support.
- Miraval Austin Resort & Spa is a flagship wellness property with a broad suite of programs focused on mind-body balance, personalized support and immersive experiences designed to help guests reset.
Read Reviews
Online reviews are more useful when read critically. Look for reviews from previous guests and compare them to the company’s claims on their website. Seek out mentions of staff responsiveness, ease of movement, adaptability of activities and environmental comfort. Guest-uploaded photos often reveal layout and spatial details that professional marketing images don’t.
If Accessibility travel details are scarce in reviews, consider consulting forums or groups where other travelers with similar needs share their experiences. Firsthand insight is often the most trustworthy.
Confirm Everything Before You Book
Once you’ve identified a retreat that aligns with your needs, confirm all Accessibility requirements in writing before booking. This includes agreed-upon room features, entry and bathroom specifics, and any adapted activity options. Clarify cancellation terms and what recourse exists if promised Accessibility options are unavailable upon arrival.
Trust Your Judgment
If at any point communication feels vague, dismissive or uncertain, take a step back. Wellness travel shouldn’t make you anxious. A wellness hotel or resort that supports your needs is more likely to deliver the restorative experience you seek.
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About the author: Mia Barnes is Editor-in-Chief at Body+Mind. Other articles by Mia include: Tips for staying healthy and comfortable on long-haul flights and What is Ecotourism. Why it matters and how you can participate.
