Enable columnist Samantha Renke reports back from a trip to Maison des Landes, the Jersey hotel designed exclusively for disabled people
PIC: © Nicky Johnston
Living with an impairment or condition shouldn’t mean living with regrets or missed opportunities. On the contrary – my condition, brittle bones, has afforded me many wonderful experiences. But one of my biggest regrets is that travel is not as easily accessible to me as my non-disabled peers.
When I’m on holiday I want to be as free as possible to do what I want, not have to rely more on those I’m with due to inaccessible infrastructures that make holidaying a headache.
That’s why I didn’t hesitate to accept an invitation from the Enable team to enjoy a trip to paradise. Nope, not the Maldives… Jersey! More specifically, accessible hotel Maison Des Landes, which is nestled on a hillside overlooking the island’s National Park.
My friend Laura and I enjoyed two nights in a premium twin room (featuring a track hoist and wet room) on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner).
After a one-hour flight from Manchester, the hotel’s accessible shuttle bus and crew were ready to greet us, taking us the scenic route via a beachfront café, which is also home to Healing Waves accessible surfing.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The beautiful landscape – with breathtaking views, clear waters and clean spaces – washed over me, and I forgot about my stresses back home.
For our first day, we’d planned a boat trip with WetWheels. Due to strong winds, my lack of sea legs, and the captain warning it would be rough, we decided to pass. Instead, we meandered round the markets (just in time for Jersey Royal potatoes), enjoyed cocktails at the quirky Le Bouche café, and stopped for tapas in Royal Square.
Prices were on a par with London, but one could potter and people watch for hours without spending a penny. As a wheelchair user I found the streets easy to navigate too. Later, we indulged in cocktails on the terrace, rounding off the evening with a pre-dinner dip in the hotel’s hydro pool, followed by a blissful night’s sleep.
SPOTLESS HOTEL
I often find that accessible spaces aren’t very aesthetically pleasing, but Maison Des Landes couldn’t be further from my initial scepticism. After a recent £3.8 million refurbishment, the hotel was spotless, modern and welcoming.
The hotel successfully accommodates people’s needs without feeling clinical. Everything has been considered, from lightweight doors and plenty of bathrooms throughout the hotel to a lowered wardrobe rail in my room, which all made my stay so much more pleasant. A return visit is definitely on the cards!
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