The joy of access ...
We live in a world right now where we assume that everyone can at least get around fairly easily, this however is not the case if you are disabled. It’s actually hit and miss and often people are made to feel like someone is doing them a favour for something as simple as getting a ramp out.
Obviously some places are old and certain things may not always be possible but as a whole, the world does need to learn to adapt more and make this basic need not something that seems like it’s a huge thing. I appreciate if you have no one in your life experiencing this, you probably never think about this much. It is however great when people who aren’t affected by this advocate too, as this really helps this topic be heard and bring things to a wider pool of people and the more people talk about this the better.
I most recently had the pleasure with a fellow disabled friend to visit a newly refurbed accessible hotel “Maison De Landes” in Jersey. I know the assistant manager who actually many years ago inspired by me and access issues, focused her degree around spas and access, her paper actually got published.
What is great about this hotel of course is the number one thing being the access and its ability to meet the needs of varying disability, my friend for instance is paralysed and she could stay here easily without worrying her needs weren’t going to be met, from even the beds catering to this, and being about to access the warm hydrotherapy swimming pool amongst things (I loved the pool it was so warm). They pick you up from the airport and throughout your time there there’s options to get taken out on the accessible transport too, carers and PAs are welcome so people can bring someone with them and its not made into a big thing. What I love beyond all the obvious things being met, is the little details the quiet aesthetic to make it more beautiful and that its not clinical. Often disability and access is met with a clinical feel which I feel is something that needs to change.
They want it to be a beautiful experience!
It’s set in a beautiful and quiet part of Jersey and almost feels like a retreat feeling and a place to go and restore yourself.
Getting to experience this place was a pleasure and the warmth from the staff felt so lovely as well.
If you opt to go out and get shown around Jersey is a really beautiful place with lovely landscape, from varying options and places to visit, from an orchid house, a zoo, a vine yard,( these are just a few things to name there’s more) and there’s even an option to do accessible surfing with healing waves, something I think is amazing.
You can also hire a beach wheelchair which is so awesome and means you get the joy of getting right on one of the beautiful beaches, this was an experience I really loved.
I would recommend going out and having an afternoon tea, as its always such a beautiful thing to do and places these days cater to dietary needs. I went to “Longueville Manor Jersey”, and it was wonderful exceptional service.
The hotel can also off more bespoke services like organising a sound bath ( you pay an outside person for this ) I found this a beautiful way to relax.
There was also some fun to be had at the hotel, one of the nights we did karaoke ( obviously I appreciate this isn’t for everyone ), the point is this hotel provides you an holistic experience thats beyond access. Not to mention that great food ( breakfast and dinner is included) I’m gluten free and they were brilliant in approaching it, as a breakfast lover I loved the breakfast each day. Of course you may wish to go out on the island and explore all its food option as Jersey offers so many great places for this too.
It was a great joy and pleasure to experience and stay at this hotel, and for it all to be so easy.
It got me thinking on a bigger scale of the importance of access, of course I appreciate this place is focused on this. But as a whole this is important conversation and business’s and hospitality need to consult with disabled people when creating access not just people doing it who don’t understand.
I’m grateful to “Maison des Landes” for this beautiful experience, I can’t wait to return.
All the details are linked below, should you wish to stay here reach out to the hotel they are always happy to answer questions and be of help and support, they want to make your trip as great as possible!
Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
All my love
Hannah X
