Accessibility FAQs
For full details about our luxury villa in the Algarve, including photos, floor plans, prices & availability, click here.
Below are answers to specific questions on accessibility:
Is the villa suitable for all types of disability
Probably not. Quinta Dos Sonhos is a normal house which has been adapted in many respects to make accessibility easier for many types of disability. However only you can say whether the villa is suitable for you, based on what you read here, on the website, & from responses we are very happy to provide to your specific questions.
Is the villa suitable for an exclusively disabled party
No. We aim to provide accessibility for a range of disabled people who have the assistance of a carer or family member(s). If you have more than one disabled person in your party please discuss with us as not all rooms may be suitable.
How many rooms have accessibility features
We have just one bathroom that is adapted for disabled use (level access shower, shower/w.c chair, grab rails etc). Whilst any guest in any bedroom can access this bathroom (shown as Shower Room on the floor plan), the 3rd bedroom is physically closest. The 3rd bedroom also has:
- twin beds, that can be moved and or raised for you;
- 3 different exit doors (one with direct access to the pool terrace) allowing the shortest wheelchair routes.
- large area of free floor space e.g. for turning, or for moving a bed hoist.
What can I assume about accessibility
We would prefer that you assume nothing. Generally however unless we state otherwise, assume a normal house with normal facilities. Be careful not to assume that we have features & facilities that you may have encountered elsewhere. If in doubt – please ask. The house, pool, pool terraces, & front courtyard gardens are all level & accessible by wheelchair. The drive from our gates down to the house (70m) & a concrete path down to the table tennis & boule areas are paved, but are significantly sloped - a wheelchair user may need extra help to get up/down the slope. Other than the areas stated here assume no further wheelchair accessibility - please ask for clarification
How do I access the pool/ how deep is the pool
The normal pool access is by steps in the corner of the shallow end. There is a firm handrail but you may need help to get in & out. Alternatively we provide a pool hoist free of charge). The hoist is operated by an assistant for entry & exit to the pool.
The water depth at the shallow end is 1m (3ft 6″) & is level across the width of the pool, & for about 2 m along its length
How do I access the jacuzzi
Wheelchair users can use the ramp to gain access to the turning deck which is designed such that the lip of the tub is level with a standard wheelchair seat. By sliding onto the lip of the tub & swinging legs over the tub can be then entered via 2 steps
Is there a level access shower
Yes – in the 3rd bathroom
Can you provide a shower chair/ a w.c chair/ a commode
Yes. The chair we have can be used or adapted for all three functions. It is provided on request free of charge.
Has the kitchen been designed or adapted for disabled use
No. The kitchen is modern & spacious but is not designed specifically for use by (say) wheelchair users to prepare meals or do the washing up.
Can you arrange wheelchair friendly car hire
Yes. They are in very limited supply & are more expensive than normal vehicles. You must book early if you want one.
Some of our guests who own adapted vehicle prefer to drive down – the drive from Santander (ferry to Plymouth) in northern Spain can be completed in a day or more comfortably in 2 (we can advise on routes etc) .
We can also arrange a wheelchair friendly transfer just from/to the airport.
Can you arrange hire of mobility aids
Yes we can arrange hire of most mobility items e.g. pushers, wheelchairs, electric scooters. Click on “Accessibility equipment hire” in the sidebar. Remember that we provide: pool hoist, shower chair/commode.
Is the casinha suitable for disabled use
Not really. Please check with us to discuss specific situation.
Do I need a car at Quinta dos Sonhos
Basically yes, & certainly yes if you are wheelchair bound. The lane linking the villa to the main road is up hill & too bumpy for a wheelchair.