Beaches Resorts: Leading the Way in Autism-Friendly Family Holidays
Published on 09 August 2024
Beaches Resorts has always been dedicated to providing an unforgettable holiday experience for every family. In a groundbreaking effort to ensure inclusivity, Beaches Resorts has implemented a comprehensive suite of adjustments tailored for families with children on the autistic spectrum. Their longstanding collaboration with Sesame Street and recent partnership with the National Autistic Society have set a new standard in the hospitality industry.
Specialised On-Site Training
At each of Beaches' three luxurious resorts, the dedication continues with all kids camp and watersports staff undergoing rigorous training on autism sensitivity and awareness. This extensive training covers essential topics such as communication strategies, sensory impacts, motor skills, social skills, environment awareness, emotional regulation, early childhood identification, and autistic perspectives.
Personalised Support Services
Beaches Resorts goes above and beyond with the introduction of Beaches Buddies. These one-on-one companions assist families in navigating activities as diverse as snorkelling and sandcastle building. Though Beaches Buddies come with an additional charge, the benefits of their personalised care are immeasurable. Furthermore, a complimentary expert culinary concierge is available at each resort to create custom menus that accommodate allergy and dietary restrictions. Families can meet with the culinary concierge upon arrival to discuss their individual needs, ensuring a stress-free dining experience.
Sesame Street Partnership
Through a longstanding partnership with Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts has introduced Julia, a beloved four-year-old Sesame Street character with autism spectrum disorder. Julia participates in the Amazing Art with Julia programme, an open-ended art activity that allows children to explore, experiment, and create with a variety of materials, fostering creativity and self-expression.
Pre-Arrival Planning and Sensory Guides
To further assist families, Beaches Resorts offers a pre-arrival questionnaire. This allows the Special Services Team to recommend personalised experiences and suggest specific room locations designed to limit sensory stimuli. Additionally, together with the IBCCES, Beaches Resorts has created resort-wide sensory guides. These downloadable guides rate various areas of the resort, including pools, activity centres, and water parks, on a one-to-ten scale of sensory stimulation.
Join them for the Annual Beaches Autism All-Inclusive Week
Beaches Resorts is proud to announce its second Annual Beaches Autism All-Inclusive Week at Beaches Negril from 22nd to 29th September 2024. This event brings together a community of guests with similar needs for unique programming, tableside chats with experts, and much more. To attend, book a holiday to Beaches Negril over the event dates and RSVP online.
For more information and to RSVP for the Annual Beaches Autism All-Inclusive Week, visit Beaches Resorts Autism Week.
To speak with one of Beaches Resorts’ autism-friendly Special Services Representatives who can provide personal assistance in ensuring how to best accommodate you and your family during your stay, please call – 0844 257 0397 or email Partner@sandals.co.uk. Please quote – NAS24.