When most people think of Bali, they picture beaches, massages, and cocktails by the pool. I pictured that too, but I also had a long list of questions. As a person with a physical disability, I wasn’t sure how much of Bali’s beauty would actually be accessible to me.
There’s not a lot of reliable, first-hand information out there about traveling to Bali with a disability, especially when it comes to accessibility at resorts. So, when I planned my recent trip, I made it part of my disability advocacy work.
I wanted to experience it for myself and share what I found to help others travel with more confidence.
Why I Chose the Andaz Hotel, Sanur
I decided to stay at the Andaz Hotel in Sanur, a beachfront resort in Bali’s quieter southeast. The hotel is part of the Hyatt group and describes itself as accessible, so I was curious to see what that really meant, not just in the design, but in the day-to-day experience of being there with limited mobility.
Sanur also appealed to me because it’s known for being more relaxed, less hilly, and generally easier to get around than areas like Ubud or Seminyak, an important factor when you use a wheelchair or mobility aid.
First Impressions
From the moment I arrived, the staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive. The check-in area was step-free, and I was offered assistance right away with luggage and orientation.
I didn’t stay in a dedicated accessible room. I stayed in a regular room on the ground floor, located directly next to one of the quieter, more private pools. While it wasn’t a fully accessible suite, it still worked quite well for me.
The shower had a bench, which made bathing easier, and the toilet was in a smaller room that I could navigate without issue.
To help me access my room from the pool area, staff set up a portable ramp over a small step, which was incredibly helpful. Their responsiveness and flexibility made a real difference.
While I managed fine in the room I had, I would still recommend booking an accessible room if you use a wheelchair or require more space and assistive features. The accessible rooms reportedly include roll-in showers, grab bars, and additional clearance around beds and furniture.
Exploring the Resort
The Andaz is spread out across a large area, with multiple pools, restaurants, gardens, and direct beach access. Some paths were smooth and easy to navigate, while others were a little more challenging due to uneven surfaces.
There were also multiple public accessible bathrooms around the property, which meant I didn’t have to return to my room every time I needed the toilet, making exploring the resort much more convenient.
I also tested out the pool area, which had a sloped entry but no pool hoist. This might be fine for some people, but not for others, depending on their mobility needs.
The Little Things Matter
One thing that stood out was how the staff treated me. I was never made to feel like a burden, and I didn’t have to explain my needs over and over again. That made a big difference because accessibility is about attitude as much as infrastructure.
While Sanur is flatter than many other parts of Bali, I found the footpaths uneven and challenging to navigate with a manual wheelchair.
For anyone planning to get around independently, I’d recommend using an electric wheelchair or relying on taxis or private transport to explore the area more comfortably and safely.
Another detail I really appreciated was the breakfast experience. Although it’s advertised as a buffet, I didn’t need to get up and serve myself. The staff took my order at the table and brought everything to me, which made it feel much more accessible and relaxing.
Each morning, I also had a coffee delivered to my room. I’d arranged for the staff to knock and enter without me needing to get up and open the door. It’s these small touches that made the trip feel so comfortable and inclusive.
Why This Trip Was Important
This trip wasn’t just about getting away; it was about asking, “Can people with disability enjoy luxury travel too?”
The answer is yes, but we still need more consistent access, more honest information, and more places that are designed with everyone in mind.
That’s why I took notes, photos, and kept a record of my experience so I can share it with others who might be wondering whether Bali is possible for them.
My Top Tips for Travelers with Disability Considering Bali
- Choose your location carefully. Sanur is a great place to start.
- Call ahead and ask detailed questions about room and facility access.
- Bring support if needed, especially for navigating uneven terrain.
- Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and give feedback where needed.
- Be open, but realistic; some parts of Bali are accessible, others are not.
Final Thoughts
The Andaz Hotel isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid option for travelers with physical disabilities who want a taste of luxury in a beautiful, more accessible part of Bali. More than anything, I came away from this trip feeling relaxed, seen, and included, and that’s what every traveler deserves.
I hope my experience helps others feel more confident in planning their own adventures because accessible travel should be expected, not just hoped for.
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Author Bio: Tully Zygier is a disability advocate, writer, and speaker based in Melbourne, Australia. She is passionate about accessibility, inclusion, and empowering people with disability to live full, connected lives — both at home and abroad. A qualified social worker, Tully currently works in marketing at a Victorian disability advocacy organisation, where she helps amplify the voices of people with lived experience.
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