Travelers on the autism spectrum have an increasing number of hotels and resorts prioritizing accommodations and experiences to make them feel most comfortable and welcome.
Back in 2019, Beaches Resorts became the first resort company in the world to receive the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)’ Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC) designation. Additionally, in 2017, Beaches became IBCCES’ first resort company to earn a Certified Autism Center (CAC) recognition. Notably, the authority (IBCCES) trains and provides credentials around autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility.
Beaches has properties in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos, all of which have completed ACAC training. At those autism-friendly resorts, families with kids on the spectrum can rest easy, as the children’s staff has been trained on sensory awareness, motor skills, and other areas where designated oversight could be helpful. Moreover, at the Beaches Negril and Turks & Caicos locations, there are autism-friendly Kids Camps and culinary concierges who can help navigate on-site menus and dietary preferences.
Julia, the first autistic character on Sesame Street, is also available at Beaches’ Caribbean destinations for one-on-one time with young guests.
What Other Autism-Friendly Hotels And Resorts Are There Around The World?
Another group of autism-friendly accommodations is those offered by Great Wolf Resorts (the parent company of Great Wolf Lodge). Known for its indoor water parks, the resort chain partners with IBCCES to offer a sensory guide “for each slide, pool, ride, attraction, show, and activity found at Great Wolf Lodge.”
Karisma Hotels & Resorts is the parent company behind accommodations from Nickelodeon, Margaritaville, Azul Beach Resorts, and more. The hotel group offers “autism concierges” at its properties who can help travelers get the support and answers they need while on vacation. Karisma notes that its autism support is for young and old guests with autism. It adds that its resorts have “completed a number of Autism Double-Checked Courses,” and that guest-facing staff receive designated training on autism. Additionally, visitors can fill out an “autism passport,” which will communicate to staff a person on the spectrum’s essential needs, sensitivities, and information.
Last year, IBCCES gave Atlantis, The Palm, and Atlantis The Royal — both in Dubai — their CAC designations. Worth noting, Dubai became the first IBCCES Certified Autism Destination (CAD) in the Middle East earlier this year. The city even has a designated “autism center,” which provides information on local spots that are suitable for children on the spectrum.
Autism-friendly hotels and resorts can take some digging to find, depending on your destination and specific needs. However, some other options are:
- JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa (Palm Desert, California)
- The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
- Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa, Indian Wells (Indian Wells, California)
- Avista Resort (North Myrtle Beach)
- Grand Beach Resort (Traverse City, Michigan)
- Sugar Beach Resort (Traverse City, Michigan)
Resources that may be helpful for finding adequate accommodations (besides IBCCES and Autism Double-Checked) include Autism Travel and the Autism Travel Club.
