Accessibility

We warmly welcome disabled guests, and are confident that everyone can benefit from our spa facilities. Our goal is to ensure all visitors have a fantastic experience with us. Below, we outline our access arrangements. All staff are fully trained in customer service, if you require assistance at any stage during your visit please ask a member of staff.

Essential companion
Pool and facility access
Emotional Support Animals and Assistance Dogs
Changing and toilets
Arrival
Fire Evacuation

Essential Companion

Nirvana operates a Carer Accompanying Scheme, which allows those guests with a disability to be accompanied by a carer at no additional cost.  This Scheme is subject to the following Terms and Conditions and eligibility will be considered by the Management Team at pre-booking stage.

  • The Scheme entitles the guest to obtain a carer’s pass for the person who is to provide assistance for them during their visit to Nirvana.
  • This pass must be purchased by the eligible guest at the same time as the guests booking.
  • Guests requiring more than one carer’s pass will be considered on a case by case basis by the Management Team.
  • The guest applying for entitlement under this Scheme will be asked for proof of the need for a carer.  The following documents will be accepted:
    1. Disability Living Allowance or Higher Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance.
    2. Personal Independence Payment or Enhanced Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment.
    3. Armed Forces Independence Payment.
    4. Certificate of Visual Impairment.
    5. Attendance Allowance.
    6. Disabled Identification Card.

If the guest does not have any of the above documents, but still requires a carer, please contact us so that we can discuss the needs further. Please note, the Blue Badge will not be accepted as proof of eligibility.

  • When using the facilities, the carer must always accompany the guest.
  • The carer must not use the facilities without the guest being present.
  • The carer is not able to access the personal treatment services at Nirvana as to do so would result in the guest being unaccompanied.
  • The carer must be able to provide appropriate assistance to the guest and the assumption will be that the person accompanying the eligible guest will be aged 16 years or over.
  • The Management Team reserve the right to judge the ability of any person to assist the eligible person during their visit to Nirvana, and to refuse the provision of a carer pass where deemed inappropriate.’

Service dogs

Emotional Support Animal and Assistance Dog Policy

  1. Introduction
    • Nirvana Spa is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all customers. The Spa recognises the vital role that Assistance Dogs and Emotional Support Animals play in providing effective support for individuals with disabilities.
    • This Policy is designed to provide general information and guidance in relation to Assistance Dogs and Emotional Support Animals at Nirvana Spa. The Policy relates to animals that have been formally accredited[1] or registered[2] to provide that assistance/support. Emotional Support Animals who are not registered will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.  Consideration can only be given to small animals that can appropriately, safely and hygienically enter the premises.
  2. Definitions
    • Assistance Dogs are trained to help people with a wide range of difficulties and are not just limited to visual impairment. Assistance Dogs carry out a variety of practical tasks for people as well as supporting their independence and confidence.
    • Assistance Dogs trained by member organisations of Assisted Dogs (UK) will have formal identification in the form of either an ID tag on the dogs collar, a harness, a jacket or a lead slip. However, this is not a legal requirement.
    • An Emotional Support Animal is an animal that provides support to individuals with a mental health condition. An Emotional Support Animal provides comfort and companionship to its owner, for which no specialist training is required.
  3. Responsibilities
    • The Assistance Dog and Emotional Support Animal will always be the responsibility of its owner at the premises. The owner must ensure that the Assistance Dog or Emotional Support Animal is always on a lead when walking in the spa premises, uses the designated area provided (grass area adjacent to the Day Spa entrance) for its toileting needs, has all its requirements in respect of feeding, toileting, watering and veterinary attention met and wears animal socks. The Assistance Dog or Emotional Support Animal must be in good health.
    • The Spa will ensure that all staff are aware of the policy and that it is adhered to. The Spa will be responsible for putting in place systems of work to manage the presence of Assistance Dogs or Emotional Support Animals to provide a safe environment.
  4. Exclusion Areas
    • The Assistance Dog will be allowed in all areas apart from those excluded on the grounds of welfare to Dog; this includes restaurant areas as the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has determined that Assistance Dogs are unlikely to present a risk to hygiene so should be allowed to access to the restaurant and any other food premises.
    • The Assistance Dog will not be allowed in the following areas:
      • Pools
      • Hydrotherapy Pool Room
      • Celestial Floatation Pool Room
      • Sauna
      • Steam room

This is to protect the welfare of the Assistance Dog.  If the temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius this may have an impact on the Assistance Dog and care should be taken to prevent the Dog getting too hot[3].

    • The entry and exclusion areas of an Emotional Support Animal will be considered on a case-by-case basis dependent on the needs and safety of the owner and animal.
  1. Toileting of Assistance Dogs and Emotional Support Animals
    • The designated area (grass area adjacent to the Day Spa entrance) is to be used and the owner must ensure that all waste is removed.
    • The owner will be responsible for ensuring bags are used to clean up after an Assistance Dog and Emotional Support Animal. Bags are not provided by Nirvana Spa.
    • In the event of an Assistance Dog or Emotional Support Animal fouling outside of the designated area, it will be the owner’s responsibility to remove the waste.
  2. Allergies
    • All customers will be made aware of the presence of the Assistance Dog or Emotional Support Animal to identify any allergy concerns.

If there is an identifiable person with an allergy to dogs or an Emotional Support Animal, the Spa will discuss this with both parties to maintain optimal safety.

7            Review

7.1          This Policy will be reviewed annually.

 

Nirvana Spa

September 2024

[1] Accreditation for Assistance Dogs and Emotional Support Animals ensures that they meet high standards of training and welfare. Organisations like ADUK and ADI provide accreditation for Assistance Dogs but this is not an exhaustive list.

[2] There is no formal accreditation process for Emotional Support Animals, like there is for Assistance Dogs.  Some private registries such as the Emotional Support Animals UK Registration Club offer registration services.  Emotional Support Animals should be prescribed by a licenced mental health professional and have a valid UK registration.

[3]https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/information-and-advice/dog-care-and-welfare/hot-weather/

Arrival

For full details and maps of how to reach us please see the directions section of our website. Alternatively, you can plan your journey by car or public transport using a number of journey planning websites.

The nearest train station (Winnersh) is 1 mile from the Spa, local Taxis are available with wheelchair access – please see contact information
below:
Loddon Cars (pre booking required) – 0118 9321 321
24/7 (pre booking required) –  0118 9799 247

The car park has 8 widened spaces (3.2metres wide with access to rear) designated for accessible parking located immediately by Members’ Reception. We also have 4 accessible parking spaces located immediately by the Day Spa entrance. The car park and outside access surfaces are all tarmac. Assistance can be offered on request

East Members Entrance 
Reception desk – The Members’ Reception desk has a lower-level counter at the far end set at 90cm. There is seating available for visitors in the Members’ Reception lounge area. The seating is 45cm high and the coffee tables are 56cm high and soft seating at 42cm high.

West Day Spa Entrance
Day Spa reception has a sloping ramped entrance from the carpark and an automatic door entry system. There is seating available for visitors in the Day Spa Reception lounge area. The seating is 44cm high, with a depth 52cm depth and the coffee tables are 44cm high.

Pool and facility access

Pool Access
Please note that the swimming and spa pools are level deck pools unless stated, at either 1.2 or 1.3 metres in depth, excluding the Nirvana Pool which has a 2.0 metre deep section in the lower one third of the pool.

Fitness Swimming

  • Swim Jets operate between 27 – 29.5 degrees Celsius; access is by 5 steps (ladder design) with a handrail on either side.

Roman Pool

  • Operates between 28 – 30 degrees Celsius; access is by 6 steps with a handrail on either side.

Nirvana Pool

  • Operates between 28 – 30 degrees Celsius; access is by 5 steps with a central handrail.

Spa Garden Pool (outdoor)

  • Operates between 28 – 33 degrees Celsius; access is by 4 steps with a central handrail.

Spa Garden Outdoor mini spas

  • Operate between 34 to 39 degrees Celsius; access is by 2 steps with a handrail either side.

Nirvana Garden Outdoor

  • Mini spas operate between 34 to 39 degrees Celsius; Wall is 75cm ground to top. Access via step 18 cm high, to sit on wall 75cm high, swing legs over 40cm depth of wall. Step into 28cm then sit down in pool.

Balneotherapy Pool

  • Operates between 34 – 36 degrees Celsius; depth is 1.3meters.access is by 6 steps with a central handrail and both sides of the steps. There is a rounded metal chair running under the water, around the perimeter of the pool.

Hydrotherapy Pool

  • Operates between 34 – 39 degrees Celsius and is therefore not suitable for certain medical conditions. If you have any concerns, please check with your medical advisor or contact the Spa prior to your visit.  Surf Pool – Access is by 6 steps with a central handrail. This pool has powerful hydrotherapy jets situated throughout the pool which can create relatively powerful currents so caution may be required when approaching the jets. The Surf Pool is 1.3 metres deep. At either side of the entrance steps and surrounding the central island there are seating ledges for those using the back massage jets. Please speak with the team in the adjoining Floatation office if you require any assistance or advice prior to using this facility.

Plunge Pools

  • Within the Hydrotherapy Pool area there is one cold water plunge pool at 12-17 degrees Celsius and another plunge pool at 20-25 degrees Celsius. Access is by 3 steps (ladder design)

Jacuzzi

  • Operates between 34 – 39 degrees Celsius. Access to the Jacuzzi is by 3 steps, 1 up and then two down, with a hand rail at either side Celestial

Floatation Pool

  • The pool operates at 34-36 degrees Celsius; access to the Celestial Pool via 2 steps with a central handrail. This pool is 1.2meters in depth.#

4 Floatation Pool Pods

  • Located in the corners of the room. Pods are 285cm wide with internal width 240cm. Wall is 500cm ground to top. Access is to sit on wall, swing legs over. Step into then lay down in pod.
    Please note use of the Celestial pool & pods is by booking only and all first-time users will require an induction.

Dead Sea Salt Therapy Pool- DSST Pool

  • This pool operates at 34-36 degrees Celsius; Access to pool via two steps onto a ramp, approx. 8 meters long. Exit of pool is via 6 steps at back left corner of room. Access door is 90cm wide. Pool is 15x10meters in size. 1.8 meters deep. Hooks and pool pod located on left side of room. Showers also located on back left of room. Narrowest distance from wall to front left corner of pool – 1m. Walk straight into showers. One way system back to towel hooks. Poolpod has a self-propelled wheelchair that can be lowered into the water. Velcro straps are released when in the water. First time users require an induction please for access into the DSST pool. All bathers are to shower after use due to the high salt content of the water. Poolpod Wheelchair is Width of wheelchair – 77cm. Seat is 48cm wide. Chair has a thigh and chest strap with Velcro on. Poolpod is operated by staff.

Steam Room & Sauna Facilities

  • Certain medical contra indications apply due to the heat in both the sauna and steam facilities. If you have any concerns, please check with your medical advisor or contact the Spa prior to your visit.

Sauna

  • There are both single sex sauna facilities (located in both the male and female changing rooms closest to the Members’ Reception) and mixed sex sauna facilities located in the Thermal Suite. The access doors are 93cm wide. The fixed seating is set on two levels 50cm and 95cm from floor level.

Steam Facilities

  • There are two mixed sex steam rooms. One is located off the wet link corridor between the Spa Restaurant and Nirvana Pool and the other in the Thermal Suite. Single sex steam rooms are situated next to the saunas in the male and female changing rooms closest to the Members’ Entrance. All the rooms are entered through doors which are 80cm wide. The seating platform is 50cm high.

Relaxation Areas:

Roman Room

  • There are over 100 reclining loungers and steamer chairs, both provide support for the whole body when reclined. The steamers chairs are 39cm high and the loungers 35cm high. Access is one level throughout, with the entrance doors a minimum of 80cm wide.

Nirvana Pool Room

  • Access to this area is by 2 steps with a central handrail or ramp. There is a double access door of 2.55 metres wide. Within this room there are over 50 reclining loungers 39cm high and steamer chairs 35cm high both providing support for the whole body when reclined.

The Nirvana Room Tepidarium

  • Access door of 80cm wide, there are 33 nonadjustable ceramic loungers heated to 35 degrees Celsius, each lounger is 46cm high at the lowest point

Wellness Suite Gym Facilities

  • The Wellness Suite is accessed by a spiral staircase or a lift. The Wellness Suite has a variety of equipment from running machines to resistance machines and free weights and a studio area for holistic classes. Please ask one of our qualified Fitness Coaches for assistance.

Outdoor Facilities

  • The outdoor spa pools and swimming pool were designed to be available for use from April to September and as such do not cope well during the winter months. We strive to keep these facilities open by popular demand but this does mean that on chillier days they might not be up to temperature. On very cold days we are unfortunately obliged to shut the Spa Garden. We have sun loungers situated on our patio, accessible from the Roman Room (access door 76cm wide) and there are two steps onto the patio. There is also ramp access from the wet corridor opposite the ladies changing rooms just off the Members’ Lounge.

Nirvana garden

  • This accessible from the Nirvana Room (access door 72cm wide) and there is a step over, 22cm, down onto the patio.

Treatment Rooms

  • The Crystal Treatment Suite has level ground floor access. All treatment rooms can accommodate wheelchairs. Treatments are tailored to individual needs – for advice about our treatments and products please speak to the Treatment Team.

The Spa Restaurant and Nirvana Cafe 

  • The Spa Restaurant is largely open plan and is on one level. All tables and chairs are movable so can be adjusted to your requirements. In the Nirvana Cafe the tables are 73cm high and the chairs 47cm. In the Spa Restaurant the tables have a central support column and are 75cm high and the chairs 43cm. The Spa Restaurant offers table service from 7.00am – 10.00pm (last food orders at 9.30pm) weekdays and from 8.00am to 9.30 at weekends (last food orders at 9.30pm). We are able to cater for vegans, vegetarians, gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and
    sugar free diets. Please see menu for further details.
  • The Nirvana Cafe is situated next to Members’ Reception and is open daily from 7.00am – 5.30pm weekdays and 8.00am – 5.30pm at weekends and is available for soft drinks and cakes

Changing and Toilets

The changing rooms 

  • All are on the ground floor and are on one level throughout.
  • There are a few individual changing cubicles, ranging in size.
  • The entrance doors range from 60cm – 71cm in width.  There are high and low lockers for use, with hooks / hanger provided.
  • Showers vary in size, the minimum width 52cm ranging up to 72cm wide.
  • All floors are slip resistant

Toilets

  • There are toilets in each of the ladies and gents changing rooms.
  • In addition, there is an accessible toilet facility situated by the Nirvana Cafe and an accessible changing / toilet facility is situated by the Swim Jets near the Members’ ReceptionSituated from the lounge at Members’ Reception is an accessible toilet facility.

Accessible toilets

  • Access to this facility is on one level and is through an 80cm wide door.
  • The toilet seat height is 43cm high with a handrail at either side of 80cm; the wash hand basin is 80cm high with a mirror situated just
    above at 83cm high.

Accessible Changing Rooms/ Washrooms:

Members accessible changing room / washroom

  • This is unisex and situated off the wet link  corridor from the Spa Restaurant to Swim Jets, this has level access from the Members’ Reception and has a 90cm access door.
  • This facility includes a toilet with seat height of 47cm with double height handrails 55cm & 75cm on either side (the right side is removable).
  • The shower room has a fold-up seat at 50cm and handles to assist at 67cm and 1 metre with the shower controls situated at 1metre high.
  • An additional foldaway seat is situated opposite the toilet at 50cm with a shelf at 1 metre high on the right-hand side, hooks at 1.4 metres and a mirror on the door at 92cm.
  • The low-level basin is 70cm high. In case of an emergency the room is equipped with an emergency pull cord to alert reception.

Day Spa accessible changing room & washroom

  • This is unisex and is located on right side of the corridor, between the Roman Pool and the Colosseum Pool.
  • This area consists of two rooms and access is via an automatic door- 90cm wide.
  • The changing room has lockers along the left wall. A change cubicle located in back left corner- access door; 78cm wide, 115cm diagonal. One bench. One handrail left wall-78cm high. Back right wall has a vanity bench 112cm long, 85cmhigh, with mirror above.
  • Access to washroom is via 80cm wide door, on both sides of the door is a handrail 90cm. This area is 218cm wide x 330cm long and comprises of; a low Sink70cm high and mirror to right of door, toilet back right.
  • Multiple handrails both static and foldable, foldable bench to left of toilet-45cm high, shower back left with bench – 45cm high. All flooring is non-slip tiles and left of door is a dry area. In case of an emergency these rooms are equipped with an emergency call buttons and a pull cord to alert reception.

Fire Evacuation

The fire evacuation procedures are designed to accommodate customers with reduced mobility or hearing. Staff members are fully trained to evacuate customers when the alarm sounds. If you would need additional support during an evacuation please tell reception on arrival