Abi Wright, Director and Co-founder of Spabreaks.com, Europe’s largest spa booking agency. She recently spoke with Able Magazine about how a spa session can help to rejuvenate both mind and body.
Many disabled people associate health spas and the like with more clinical environments. Can you describe the atmosphere guests will experience at a Spabreaks.com venue?
We work with more than 750 venues across the world so obviously each one has its own unique character and atmosphere, but what we have aimed for with Accessible Spas is to give customers easy access to at a glance information to give greater independence with their booking choices. We also offer packages with select venues where carers can join anyone with a disability free of charge to use facilities. The end result is that we hope people feel they are getting the same experience that anyone else would have on a spa break – peace, quiet, relaxation and feel-good factor.
What are some of the treatments favoured by disabled people? I know, for example, that sometimes disabled people use massage to alleviate their aches and pains?
It’s very much up to the individual, what they like and what their disability is. There really isn’t a one size fits all model. However, I know a number of people have really liked hot stone massages and lava shell massages because of the deep tissue penetration, which really eases aches and pains and any back, neck and shoulder tension. Facials are also popular because they’re a treat for anybody!
What measures have Spabreaks.com put in place to accommodate disabled people in terms of access and facilities?
We have an Accessible Spas category in our collection for venues who have opted into the scheme, and for each of these there is ‘at a glance’ information listed that gives an overview of the accessible facilities at that spa. The idea is to make it easy to get an idea of what’s available in the easiest way possible. Also for venues that have opted in we offer packages where anyone with a carer can take the carer with them on their spa break to use facilities and help them enjoy their spa experience independently without the worry of extra costs.
Disabled people can experience issues relating to body dysmorphia and being embarrassed about their bodies. How do you help guests to relax?
This is at the core of the Spabreaks.com philosophy, and in truth applies to everybody, not just people with disabilities. We know that health and wellbeing can be as intimidating as it is relaxing, so our message is to be kind to yourself. We see the fluffy white robe as much more than an accessory – it’s somewhere you can feel safe and warm and comforted for a little while without your armour on. A spa is an environment where no one has their make-up on, everyone is simply recovering for a little while from whatever life is throwing at them, and taking time out. All the venues we work with have wonderful teams of therapists working with them, and the spa journey from facilities to treatments is designed to make you feel safe and relaxed. I think it’s important not to underestimate the power of touch – a massage, a facial, someone simply touching you in a kind, positive and gentle way is very healing on a number of levels.
