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 Sofitel Resort and Spa, Fiji
Beachfront, Denarau Island, Fiji (+679)6751111 - (+679)6757777 Email: reservations@sofitelfiji.com.fj http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/5706/fiche_hotel.shtml
If you are looking for the ultimate tropical getaway which is warm and accessible, look no further than Sofitel Resort and Spa, Fiji. Located on Denarau Island
means no need to go by boat to
your final location. Instead it’s a 25 minute drive from Nadi International Airport to Denarau a man made island with 6 top resorts located there. Air New Zealand fly’s direct to Nadi from Auckland and all boarding and disembarkment is done via air-bridge so this is easy and pain free travel. Aisle chairs are available on the plane so just request this at check in and roll up to the aircraft door when boarding. Due to access at Nadi airport you will need to be escorted from plane around some back doors, to a lift to get to arrivals which is not exactly attractive but staff are lovely and it’s not too far before you are in the nice area again.
Using a power chair my first hurdle was the fact that there is no accessible transport so I chose to take my manual chair, having said that I saw tourists with power chairs at the hotel so I think it must be possible and I am almost positive that as long as you are ok with your chair being lifted the Fijian people would do whatever needed to get you where your going. I chose to book a van from Rosies who took our party all privately in their new high top vehicle. Once you reach the Sofitel everything is doable by chair and lift. Some passageways are a long way around but are accessible. Short cuts are available but these include stairs. The resort has a number of wheelchair accessible rooms both on ground floor and multi level locations. I stayed in an Ocean View, twin room on the 3rd floor via elevator and the view was superb. The bathroom was massive with wet area shower, toilet, hand basin and handrails in all required areas. With 3 restaurants onsite you never really needed to go anywhere, however with all other resorts in walking distance there was always a variety of options and full charge back was available from any of these locations for food, or activities. Accessible toilets are located close to restaurants and bars at the Sofitel so no need to worry, but the beauty is there is always your room as well. The Sofitel is famous for its lagoon sized pool area and again they have made efforts for access by supplying a specialised chair which can take people into the pool via a ramp, this is fantastic and with complimentary towels and staff ready to assist you can enjoy this amazing feature of the complex. The resorts Mandara Spa is famous with celebrities and is complete luxury with its multiple services and facilities, unfortunately given such it is also very expensive so save the pennies if this is something you wish to indulge in. Staff at the resort can not be faulted, they were always willing to assist and make sure your stay was enjoyable and comfortable. They also arranged all our accommodation and transportation needs prior to our arrival. The Sofitel Resort and Spa is a 5 star hotel and so this is not a cheap location and food is at resort prices, however we joined the Advantage Plus club which gave us amazing accommodation rates and 50% discount on food which made it accessible for this once in a lifetime holiday. 
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