Co-founder of Disability Horizons, Martyn Sibley, tells us about his recent trip to Mallorca, filled with accessible adventures – and a little time relaxing in a spa too.
There are very few work-related emails I dislike receiving. I love my job! However, there’s also only a few emails that I get extremely excited about. One of those was inviting me to visit Mallorca at the end of last year.
Clara and Rafa from Handisport said: “Do you want to come for some winter sun, try out sailing, mountain trekking, blokarting and tour the capital Palma?” I was like, errr YES. Such a fantastic opportunity right?
So Kasia and I flew out on a Monday and had one of the smoothest flights ever. So good, in fact, that I tweeted EasyJet a big thank you! What a great start.
We were greeted at Palma airport by the very happy and helpful driver Hugo from Autocares Adrover. He took us to our Island Mallorca hotel, where we relaxed that evening with great food and a glass of wine. The hotel room had a fantastic wetroom shower, and Handisport had rented a hoist from Mobility Care. I took my own sling, as I usually do.
After a great sleep we ate a delicious breakfast (the food was constantly delicious!) and met Hugo to head to our first destination of the trip. Day 1 of the itinerary had began.
Touring Palma
First up was exploring Palma itself with Routes for Palma. We rolled around the streets, learned about the history, and saw many interesting places. My favourite was the cathedral, which was originally surrounded by the sea. It now stands a little back from the water, but looks out to the horizon beautifully.
After 2pm we headed for a typically late Spanish lunch. It was hosted at the amazing restaurant Es Museu. I indulged in starter, mains, drinks, desert and coffee. I was so full and content on that warm Mallorcan terrace. Delicious.
That afternoon we were scheduled to go sailing. However, on this one rare occasion I decided to sit this activity out. I’d sailed many times before, so I wasn’t missing out on a new activity. I was feeling very tired, and so wanted to keep my energy up for the next two exciting days.
Hotel spa
After a warm late afternoon meander from the harbour, we explored the hotel spa. By using my shower chair on wheels that I always travel with, Kasia could push me into the sauna and steam room. Probably not a great idea with my electric wheelchair, but oh well!
I’ve never been a ‘spa guy’ – whatever that means. But I could get used to the feeling of relaxation they give you. The following night I had a back, neck and face massage. Plus the sauna and steam room again. Tough gig!
Mountain trekking
On day 2 of the itinerary Hugo was waiting with his big smile and hilarious conversation. We were to drive further this time, all the way to the mountains to go trekking!
Half an hour later I was being lifted by the Handisport team into a mean machine – essentially a mountain buggy built for rough terrain. It had big tyres, solid suspension and could go at super speeds. The best part? I was able to drive it from a joystick, like on my usual wheelchair! It was even comfortable, too.
It was a VERY new experience for me. The machine chewed up the bumpy and sloping terrain with ease. I felt like an explorer in unchartered territory. Here you can see the video we made, including the machine, and my huge smile!
Blokarting!
Following my short drive, we had more delicious food and great chats with the Handisport team. Then it was time for blokarting!? If like me you don’t know what blokarting is, let me explain from my recent experience. Imagine a sailing boat on wheels. That’s it! It’s literally a kart on wheels, propelled by the wind in the sails. It was very exhilarating too.
It wasn’t possible for me to operate the speed or the steering. However, I enjoyed learning about how the process works. The way the sails are moved to catch the wind and give velocity was so clever. All with the mountains in the background.
Educating about accessible travel
On the third and final day, we were speaking at a Mallorcan government building about accessible travel. Myself and two other bloggers (from Spain and Brazil) told our accessible travel stories and gave insights. Professionals from government, businesses and charities attended.
It was great to see passionate people trying to improve their community for everyone. Remember, accessible travel tends to be adventure travel. We’re all aiming for inclusion. Everyone should be able to go wherever and do whatever they want.
Well done and thank you to Handisport, Hugo, the Mallorcan government and all of the project partners mentioned above.
By Martyn Sibley
Check out…
- Get your travel questions answered
- Accessible London: 10 of the best places to visit
- Moving to Japan and travelling with a visual impairment
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A very informative article. The video was brilliant, loved the off road buggies. Thanks for posting.