Villa Soleil is Handicapped Accessible

Villa Soleil is a handicapped accessible vacation rental house and we have had several guests from mildly handicapped (legally blind) to severely handicapped (quadriplegic in wheelchair).

Melissa, part-owner and main contact, is an amputee herself; she is a valuable resource in the accessibility of any activities or availability of services on the island.

All the rooms of the main floor, as well as the pool area, are on the same level, therefore there are no stairs to negotiate. The doorways are between 28 and 36 inches wide, allowing access for most wheelchairs. In addition, the master bath has a removable showerhead for bathing, a stool to sit on, and grab bars. If requested, we can install our ramp for the front door.

We recently had a couple stay with us for their honeymoon who were kind enough to share both their photos and their evaluation of Villa Soleil with us. You can see by the photos that St. Croix is a handicapped friendly island vacation destination. Island tours, beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving are all accessible.

Watch our own St. Croix diving video. The scooter device Melissa is using is specially designed to aid physically handicapped divers.
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"Wow, I don’t know if words can describe the natural beauty and tranquility we experienced at Villa Soleil and St Croix!  My wife Karen and I arrived at night and in the morning were awestruck by the views. What a spot to sip our coffee and relax.  Our honeymoon was off to a great start, and we quickly dismissed thoughts of snowy New England.  We splashed in the pool, bird watched, played with lizards and tree frogs, and danced around the house-yes Cruzan Rum was flowing!  Some days, we never left the villa.  Why bother?  We had everything we needed-sunshine, the pool, the view, music, food, rum-you get it!

As a wheelchair user, it took me many hours of web surfing to find a Caribbean vacation spot that combined superb wheelchair accessibility with pure paradise.  Villa Soleil did not disappoint.  The main entrance is ramped, and the master bathroom is equipped with a hand-held shower and grab bars.  All rooms on the main floor are accessible-only a small threshold to negotiate when entering the dining area.  The pool/deck area may be accessed via either hallway door or through the sliding glass doors.  Once outside, apply sun block and enjoy!

Christiansted was a quick and easy drive from the villa.  On the way into town, you’ll pass Food Town.  Stop in for your groceries and bargain priced adult beverages!  St Croix has many accessible restaurants, shops, and activities to offer.  Make sure to call in advance and ask lots of questions, or log onto http://www.gotostcroix.com and check out the Accessible St Croix link.  Their database of accessibility is constantly growing and updated.  You might even catch a glimpse of some of our honeymoon photos!  If activities such as snorkeling, sport fishing, or off-road adventure touring seem impossible, they’re not!  The folks at Big Beard’s Adventure Tours, Fish With Carl, and Tan Tan Tours were all very accommodating.  So don’t be afraid to ask for a little assistance.

All in all, our stay at Villa Soleil and St Croix was fantastic!  We look forward to our next trip.  If you visit St Croix, tell them Ken and Karen MacDonald said hello!

If you have any further questions about the handicapped accessibility of the villa or the island Melissa is happy to talk with you. Please also let her know of any special needs when making your rental inquiry or reservation.

Accessible St. Croix Vacation Activities and Services:

Wheel Coach Services Inc - 719-9335
Transportation services for the physically challenged and the elderly, including historical and sightseeing tours, dining and shopping expeditions or general transportation needs.

Quality Medical Equipment and Services - 773 - 3030
Wheelchairs and other equipment

Tan Tan Jeep Tours - 773-7041
"Where the Tan Tan Trees Grow...we go."

Fish with Carl - 277-4042
Capt. Carl will give you as much help as needed to board the boat and sportfish. Game fish include Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Yellow-fin Tuna, Kingfish and Dolphinfish, Mahi-Mahi. Full and half day charters on his 36 foot Hatteras.

Big Beard's Adventure Tours - 773-4482 
Big Beard's crew is happy to help all travelers, regardless of physical ability, enjoy the snorkeling and underwater trails at St. Croix's famous Buck Island National Monument. Half and full day trips.  Big Beard is also an ordained minister and can perform weddings aboard ship.

Dive Experience - 800-235-9047
Michelle has certified many divers of varying ages and physical abilities.

Whim Plantation Museum - 772-0498
A restored Great House, sugar mill and other plantation structures near Frederiksted.  Guided tours Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm, Sunday 9am - 12noon.  Gift shop.  Admission $6.00 adults, $5.00 children over 12, $3.00 children 5-12, under 5 free. 

St. George Village Botanical Garden - 692-2874
A rainforest walk and a cactus garden are among the attractions.  Situated on 16 acres the Gardens include over 1000 species of native and exotic flowering trees, vines and shrubs.  Guided tours available by appointment.  Open everyday  9am - 5pm November - May, Tuesday - Saturday, 9an - 4pm June - October.  Closed on U.S. Federal holidays.  Admission fee $6.00 adults, $1.00 children under 12.