Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
192 Syndicate Rd, Tallebudgera, Gold Coast, Queensland 4228 Australia
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About
#1 of 1 spa in Tallebudgera
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
In a world of busy, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat stands apart as the destination to help you rest and revive and inspires you to live a healthier life. Whether you stay for a spa weekend over two nights or the popular detox program over seven days, you will connect with supportive professionals who will teach you resilience in the modern world.Australia's award winning lifestyle retreat is surrounded by ocean and valley views in the Gold Coast hinterland, with exceptional facilities including the stunning Spa Sanctuary, one of the largest spas in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy delicious organic cuisine, an extensive range of activities and stylish accommodation including luxury villas. Gwinganna.....for the rest of your life.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Spa
Adults only
Sauna
Infinity pool
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Restaurant
Shuttle bus service
Body wrap
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot bath
Foot massage
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Massage chair
Pedicure
Steam room
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Hair dryer
Seating area
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Room types
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Business
Location
192 Syndicate Rd, Tallebudgera, Gold Coast, Queensland 4228 Australia
Getting there
185 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
4.7
852 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is celebrated by many for its value, offering a satisfying experience that justifies the cost. The attentive service, particularly the exceptional spa treatments, receives high praise from guests. With a vast array of amenities like organic food options and a plethora of activities, visitors feel well catered to.
The Orchard suites and Moondarie Villa are particularly admired for their spaciousness and cleanliness. While some suggest a refresh for the rooms, the overall harmonious atmosphere and dreamlike location with stunning views ensure a rejuvenating stay.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Serene
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Satisfying
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
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Detailed Reviews
An exceptional location which enables rest, reflection and the ability to dive deep to help you cleanse your mind, soul and body. I liked the fact we could choose what we did each day and provided me long term strategies and approaches to live well. Meghan the program manager was absolutely exceptional. The pools were phenomenal, and staff are very caring and empathetic. Thank you Gwinganna
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Overall, it was a nice experience. The staff were very helpful and obliging at all times. I understand there may be staffing issues, However, the common areas need refurbishing. Especially in the “Hanger”. Those chairs we sll sat in definitely need replacing or recovering. I also think the Yoga mats and equipment used need sanitizing after each session. The showers in the wellness center need to be cleaner! I came home quite ill, as I picked up some virus whilst I was there and I believe it was due to lack of hygiene.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
We had a wonderful stay at the Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat. Our deluxe Orchard suite with its wrap-around verandah and outdoor bath tub was even tempting in the middle of winter. Kangaroos and wallabies bounced around and the native bird life helped us rise early in the morning for Qigong on the grassy knoll looking out over the valley to Burleigh Beach and Surfers Paradise. We escaped our cold winter climate in the Blue Mountains for a warmer seven day retreat at Gwinganna and it so completely gave us the mental and physical boost we needed.
My wife and I both found the facilities in Gwinganna’s large, natural environment earthy and even a bit rustic on the outside and exquisitely furnished and decorated on the inside. We took full advantage of everything, everyday including the well equipped gym, the steam room and their warm outdoor infinity edge lap pool, which often had a small group of submerging ducks on the warmer, sunnier days. Many thanks to everyone, staff and fellow guests included. We’ll be back!!
My wife and I both found the facilities in Gwinganna’s large, natural environment earthy and even a bit rustic on the outside and exquisitely furnished and decorated on the inside. We took full advantage of everything, everyday including the well equipped gym, the steam room and their warm outdoor infinity edge lap pool, which often had a small group of submerging ducks on the warmer, sunnier days. Many thanks to everyone, staff and fellow guests included. We’ll be back!!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I think Gwinganna needs to be more upfront on its website regarding the nature of the retreat. This retreat was not for me. And if I'd known how the retreat was going to be run I wouldn't have gone. I think Gwinganna purposely don't disclose this information so that you end up at the retreat and have no choice. Gwinganna's main priority is purely economic.
Otherwise, I found Gwinganna to be incredibly unhelpful when it came to communication prior to arriving. Trying to get straight answers was near too impossible. And then clarifying how retreat credits could be used, was simply complicated. I feel the only reason Gwinganna does this is to force you into spending more money. They may preach about getting back to yourself and detoxing all the negative elements. But the best way to do this is by spending even more money with them. At every step, the priority seemed to be on adding extra treatments, sessions, reviews, and whatever could be added that incurred an extra cost.
Name badges and placed seatings are not for everyone. But it didn't feel like there was an option not to do this.
Pillows were hideous and they only had minimal options to address this. For the amount of money that they charge a level of quality is expected in this regard. It certainly wasn't met.
I wouldn't recommend this place. Unless you want to detox or get healthy. It felt like a very expensive school camp. Not a relaxing getaway.
Otherwise, I found Gwinganna to be incredibly unhelpful when it came to communication prior to arriving. Trying to get straight answers was near too impossible. And then clarifying how retreat credits could be used, was simply complicated. I feel the only reason Gwinganna does this is to force you into spending more money. They may preach about getting back to yourself and detoxing all the negative elements. But the best way to do this is by spending even more money with them. At every step, the priority seemed to be on adding extra treatments, sessions, reviews, and whatever could be added that incurred an extra cost.
Name badges and placed seatings are not for everyone. But it didn't feel like there was an option not to do this.
Pillows were hideous and they only had minimal options to address this. For the amount of money that they charge a level of quality is expected in this regard. It certainly wasn't met.
I wouldn't recommend this place. Unless you want to detox or get healthy. It felt like a very expensive school camp. Not a relaxing getaway.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gwinganna Manager, Other at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Responded Jul 17, 2023
Dear EmmaH Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear that Gwinganna did not align with your expectations. We endeavour to create an environment where all guests feel comfortable, relaxed and can fully immerse themselves in their desired experience. We strive to ensure that our guests have access to clear and comprehensive information throughout the booking and pre-arrival process. The wellness consultation that was completed on arrival is an integral part of us understanding our guests’ needs, preferences and goals. As a result of this consultation we were able to discuss and mutually agree on how to make your stay at Gwinganna more comfortable. Our programs are carefully designed to promote and enhance overall wellbeing and agree with your advice that Gwinganna is a place for guests “to detox or to get healthy”. Wishing you wellness.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have just completed a 2 day Wellness weekend & rarely do I write reviews however I feel I need to do this as I have come home utterly disappointed. For the price you pay, expectations were high as I had been to the retreat quite a number of years ago where I absolutely raved about it but this time sadly I was let down & not the same experience based on the following:
• Cleanliness – on 1st night going to bed there was blood on the pillow so put that pillow to the side where I did inform staff the next morning however housekeeping when cleaning the room put the same pillow back on the bed; lipstick on tea cup
• Activities – would be advantageous that when one informs guests of the activities for the day & describing the “challenging walk” that it is mentioned that it will be muddy & wet hence not to wear white sneakers!
• Spa – I think why I have left feeling flat rather than restored is ideally would have been beneficial for someone on arrival or even prior to arrival to ask me what my goals were for the 2 day experience so Spa & Wellness treatments could have been suggested to assist in meeting my goals as there is so many different treatments on offer
• Check In process – very rushed with little direction given hence as a solo female guest would have liked further guidance & direction
Whilst I was there I tried focusing on the positives which was the food, steam room & 2 staff members that were amazing Aimee & Duncan, thank you to both as without yourselves I am not sure if there would have been many positives
• Cleanliness – on 1st night going to bed there was blood on the pillow so put that pillow to the side where I did inform staff the next morning however housekeeping when cleaning the room put the same pillow back on the bed; lipstick on tea cup
• Activities – would be advantageous that when one informs guests of the activities for the day & describing the “challenging walk” that it is mentioned that it will be muddy & wet hence not to wear white sneakers!
• Spa – I think why I have left feeling flat rather than restored is ideally would have been beneficial for someone on arrival or even prior to arrival to ask me what my goals were for the 2 day experience so Spa & Wellness treatments could have been suggested to assist in meeting my goals as there is so many different treatments on offer
• Check In process – very rushed with little direction given hence as a solo female guest would have liked further guidance & direction
Whilst I was there I tried focusing on the positives which was the food, steam room & 2 staff members that were amazing Aimee & Duncan, thank you to both as without yourselves I am not sure if there would have been many positives
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great place and amazing staff food and activities ... They seem to have let certain accommodation rooms standards go.. we stayed at Billabong suites which is usually great / amazing and was old, tired and full of cobwebs, weeds and dust. Not what you want when spending $6500
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gwinganna Manager, Other at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Responded May 24, 2023
Dear 671sean, Thank you for providing this feedback. It is pleasing to hear that you enjoyed your recent retreat experience at Gwinganna. Our team are working to ensure that the guest room is of a premium standard. We look forward to welcoming you again to our beautiful retreat.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
As much as I love Gwinganna - this being my second stay, the number of guests is excessive - they now accommodate up to 70 people at one time - this make meal time very very noisy so not the peace you may be seeking although the food is fantastic. I also feel some of the rooms are very overpriced. There is a tendency to encourage spa treatments which are also overpriced but great treatments never the less. Compared to my experience 18 months ago the standard has dropped and I feel this is due to the being unable to service the number of guests. There was only one poor program manager (who was amazing) trying to deal with a lot of people with many individual issues or concerns. I have to say I was pretty disappointed with the yoga retreat this time around. It would not necessarily stop me from visiting again but I would certainly be more selective since this is NOT a cheap health retreat.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had the pleasure to attend the first 4 night conscious living retreat at Gwinganna lifestyle retreat. I stayed in the Lychee house, complete with private deck looking out into the beautiful hinterland landscape with a deep soaking bathtub, from the first moments on arriving, I felt instantly relaxed. My days started with meeting the sunrise on the hill practising meditative Qi Gong followed by a morning walks through the lush bushland surrounds. Daily activities and treatments were abundant including group sessions with Manish Mallas, the modern monk, Art therapy, sound bath sessions, yoga and an incredible range of specialised treatments at the spa . Each day you are nourished with delicious nutrient dense meals and have spare time to explore the many walking trails, take a swim in the pool, enjoy the steam room or just enjoying being in nature watching the wallabies graze and play in their natural habitat. The highlight of my trip was a one on one with Modern Mindfulness session with Manish and connecting with some incredible women. This insightful retreat blends ancient wisdom with modern living, and encourages you to rediscover how to live joyfully.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I've been to Gwinganna twice, the first visit I would say was wonderful, hence I went back with my Dad for a second visit in which my experience wasn't great as they didn't handle my allergies at all well.
In Feb 2020 I booked my third retreat which was due to be August 2020. My Dad was in remission from a blood cancer and was keen to go back to Gwinganna for another visit together.
Unfortunately our trip was cancelled only a week before we were due to go due to Covid related border closures. This is beyond Gwinganna's control and I get that. We rebooked for January 2021, but again with border closures our retreat booking was cancelled 14 days prior to our trip. We rebooked again for 31st Oct 2021, with the exact same retreat in the exact same rooms going up in price $400pp for a 5 night retreat !!!!! All of a sudden in August, I receive an email saying that they have cancelled our booking and put our funds back into credit as they couldn't see the borders opening in over 2 months time.
Whilst all of this had been happening, my Dad's cancer has come back. He is no longer in remission and is back on treatment, therefore I spoke to Gwinganna and they kindly agreed to refund our credit. The part that annoys me, is that when they told me they would refund our credits, they didn't advise they were going to charge us an Admin fee. They have had our sizeable deposit for 18 months, and the fully paid amount for 13 months, earning interest off over $6000, and they charge us an admin fee for refunding the money.
I understand that Covid has hit the travel industry hard, as it has for all of us. I also believe from others I know, that there are still retreats running for Queenslanders that are able to still travel, therefore it's not as if they have no business coming through.
I really think it's poor that they have put their fees up so much, but also when they advised of the decision to refund that they neglected to mention the admin fee they would be holding back.
To be honest, I don't think for the price they now charge, that it's worth the money. I also don't think the way they have handled the cancellations has been done at all well.
I begrudge them holding back the 'admin fee' when they have been able to earn off our funds for such a long period of time, especially when they weren't up front about the fact they were going to charge it.
I'm very sorry to say that I won't be going back. There are plenty of other establishments that are doing the best they can under the circumstances as well, and are actually fully refunding with no admin fee. I'd rather give my money to these businesses and support them for doing the right thing by their guest/potential guests.
In Feb 2020 I booked my third retreat which was due to be August 2020. My Dad was in remission from a blood cancer and was keen to go back to Gwinganna for another visit together.
Unfortunately our trip was cancelled only a week before we were due to go due to Covid related border closures. This is beyond Gwinganna's control and I get that. We rebooked for January 2021, but again with border closures our retreat booking was cancelled 14 days prior to our trip. We rebooked again for 31st Oct 2021, with the exact same retreat in the exact same rooms going up in price $400pp for a 5 night retreat !!!!! All of a sudden in August, I receive an email saying that they have cancelled our booking and put our funds back into credit as they couldn't see the borders opening in over 2 months time.
Whilst all of this had been happening, my Dad's cancer has come back. He is no longer in remission and is back on treatment, therefore I spoke to Gwinganna and they kindly agreed to refund our credit. The part that annoys me, is that when they told me they would refund our credits, they didn't advise they were going to charge us an Admin fee. They have had our sizeable deposit for 18 months, and the fully paid amount for 13 months, earning interest off over $6000, and they charge us an admin fee for refunding the money.
I understand that Covid has hit the travel industry hard, as it has for all of us. I also believe from others I know, that there are still retreats running for Queenslanders that are able to still travel, therefore it's not as if they have no business coming through.
I really think it's poor that they have put their fees up so much, but also when they advised of the decision to refund that they neglected to mention the admin fee they would be holding back.
To be honest, I don't think for the price they now charge, that it's worth the money. I also don't think the way they have handled the cancellations has been done at all well.
I begrudge them holding back the 'admin fee' when they have been able to earn off our funds for such a long period of time, especially when they weren't up front about the fact they were going to charge it.
I'm very sorry to say that I won't be going back. There are plenty of other establishments that are doing the best they can under the circumstances as well, and are actually fully refunding with no admin fee. I'd rather give my money to these businesses and support them for doing the right thing by their guest/potential guests.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gwinganna Manager, Other at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Responded Sep 9, 2021
Dear k8bes, Thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience and we are also disappointed you were unable to return to us as planned. We were saddened to hear of your father’s health issues and wish him the very best with his treatment and recovery. Our team are always focused on each of our guest’s experiences and we apologise for any miscommunication around the administration fee. It has certainly been a challenge working through the many changes required over the past 18 months. This fee is to help us continue to offer our flexible cancellation policy and not intended as a ‘hidden’ cost. If you would like to speak with us offline we’d be happy to see if we can help in any way. Like so many, the ongoing travel restrictions have been very difficult. Our aim is to always deliver the same level of outstanding service and offerings at our retreat, even when we are often only at a third of our capacity such as in recent months. We unfortunately had to apply a rate rise to help ensure the business viability in the current climate and like other small retreats and operators, are unable to refund all payments. We remain committed to providing outstanding wellness experiences and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back again one day. Wishing you wellness.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gwinganna is a place that you take what you need from it - the location is a dream and the activities and sessions provide an all day programme if you want, nothing to everything. 7 days gave time to really settle into the detox for the body, for the mind and for the spirit.
Annual event in my calendar for a reset. THANKS
Annual event in my calendar for a reset. THANKS
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes. The reception is pretty good. It depends on where in the resort you are but there is a designated spot where the reception is excellent. I could get great reception also in my room but I heard from others that they had to go looking for it. Hope this helps.
Hi
The talks and discussions held at Gwinganna are about the body and the effect of our coping mechanisms.
I learnt about myself and how I operate holistically. It gave me awareness and advice I wish I had known about myself 20 to 30 years ago.
I like you have worked high senior roles and done multiple leadership and transformation programs.
But growth and strength start at home in my temple (pardon the pun). And having no knowledge of biology or eastern knowledge, this has made a substantial change in my life, reduced stress, and had me operating more effectively and calmer.
Don't know if this has helped but it gets down to what have you got to lose. Do a 4 or 5 day course and open yourself up to learning about yourself and meeting some great people.
I also run my own company, solo. Wifi is a real issue. The first visit I stayed in the more expensive Moonarie Villas and the wifi was no problem. The return visit was in less exxy Orchard Suites and the phone AND Wifi was non-existent. I ended up (with others) sneaking into the seminar room and working quietly for 20min a day. Try asking them for a room that has cellular reception. One guest had four bars but only in her bathroom/toilet.
If the sun is out you should be fine but if it is overcast and/raining or windy you will need long pants and jumpers.
"The website gives you plenty of info on the rooms. The most expensive ones have e.g. magnificent views to the Gold Coast."Read full review
"Come with an open mind and a willingness to just be guided into better health and wellbeing. "Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
gwinganna lifestyle retreat hotel tallebudgera
LOCATION
AustraliaQueenslandGold CoastTallebudgera
NUMBER OF ROOMS
58
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Currumbin Rock Pools (2.7 km), Cougal Cascades (6.9 km), and Schuster Park (7.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a view of the mountains, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include Potager - A Kitchen Garden, Teavine House, and Heritage Hideaway.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness centre, and a sauna during their stay.
Does Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat have airport transportation?
Yes, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Is Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.