In the world of Disability, each life story—and each impairment—is as unique and individual as a fingerprint. Yet within our diverse intersectional community, smaller groups who share more than just a common identity exist. Take, for instance, the community of wheelchair users and, within our group, the subgroup to which I belong: the spinal cord injured. When individuals within specific subsets get the chance to connect, all small talk instantly goes out the window. You get straight to the heart of the matter, especially when you speak of parallels in both the cause and effect of your Disability.
So it was unsurprising that when I met Tim Reynolds, founder and owner of Àni Private Resorts—a collection of exclusive-use private resorts and coastal retreats spread across Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean—and a fellow paraplegic, artist, and avid traveler, all prepared interview plans were abandoned rather quickly. Instead, we ventured into the type of candid conversation only those with such common ground permit us to tread—or, should I say, roll.
I’ve wanted to meet Tim for a long time. Not merely because we have similar levels of paralysis, both caused by car crashes, but more interestingly, because l discovered that he too used art and travel to help re-find his identity after his injury. As we settled down at a cozy Manhattan restaurant in the bustling Lower East Side, we chatted about everything from disability and hotels to art and Burning Man. Plus, I got to ask him how and why he created a luxury hotel brand that places accessibility at the forefront.
A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
Sophie Morgan for Condé Nast Traveler: Earlier this year, I visited Àni Resorts in the Dominican Republic. Clearly, the space has been designed with you in mind; the step-free access and widened doorways are heavenly for wheelchair users. How involved were you in the conception and design of each space?
Tim Reynolds: I am so glad you enjoyed it. I stay very involved in the design. Frankly, it’s fun. I’m so surprised more resorts aren’t accessible. I mean, why not? You are missing out on good business. When it comes to designing the resorts, it is all about planning all the details – little things can add up to a great experience. We are constantly learning and adapting according to guest requests, ensuring we are always one step ahead. The organizer of each trip is introduced to the general manager of each resort as soon as a reservation is confirmed, which ensures that even before arrival, guests are given the confidence to know that our team understands any priorities and requirements before reaching our resorts. We always ask, “What can we do to make your stay more comfortable?” Our mantra is providing guests with what they want before they know they want it, and design plays a significant role in that commitment.
