A hotel in Warwickshire is celebrating the first anniversary of its accessibility initiatives that ensure all guests feel valued. Billesley Manor Hotel and Spa, located near Stratford-upon-Avon, has integrated accessibility and inclusivity into its core offerings over the past year, providing luxury experiences tailored to guests with special needs, including those with dementia, visual impairments, and cancer.
To ensure every visitor feels valued at the 71-bedroom, grade II listed venue, the Billesley team implemented three main phases of initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive hospitality. The first phase began with the introduction of specialist cancer massage training for spa therapists, developed in collaboration with Amethyst Trust in November 2023. This training, approved by the Industry Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care and the Federation of Holistic Therapies, allows guests undergoing cancer treatment to enjoy safe massages without needing a GP referral.
In January 2024, the hotel added a braille wedding guide to assist visually impaired guests, detailing room layouts, amenities, and the hotel’s historic grounds, enabling those with sight issues to navigate confidently during their wedding. Plans are in place to expand braille services to include menus and room information packs.
The third phase, launched in September, involved a comprehensive staff training program for supporting guests with dementia. This initiative, in collaboration with Midlands-based home care provider New Age Care, equips the hotel team with the necessary skills to assist guests with dementia and their caregivers, fostering a safe and compassionate atmosphere.
Laura Cherrington, Director of Sales and Marketing at Billesley Manor, expressed pride in the hotel’s achievements over the past year and commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all guests. “Our vision has always been to ensure that everyone who visits us feels valued, respected, and able to enjoy the luxury experience they deserve,” she stated. She highlighted the hotel’s dedication to setting new standards for accessibility in the hospitality sector, emphasizing that this past year is just the beginning.
