Columbia Beach Resort joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network, with the aim of ensuring that guests with invisible disabilities are taken care of respectfully and discreetly, the Cypriot property has invested in training to ensure its guest experience continues to sit firmly at the forefront of its ‘Hospitality with Heart’ vision. Becoming a Sunflower Organisation reflects its mission to enrich and enliven interactions with all guests, whatever their personal needs.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower aspires to improve the everyday experiences and interactions of people living with invisible disabilities. This network was born at Gatwick Airport in 2016 when the dedicated Accessibility Team confronted the obstacle of being able to effectively support those living with invisible disabilities. Working with local and national charities, the team explored the idea of using a symbol to allow passengers to choose to indicate if they have an invisible disability and therefore need additional assistance. The sunflower was chosen as a symbol of confidence, strength, growth and positivity, and it is now used worldwide to help improve the daily challenges faced by those living with non-obvious disabilities.
Three staff members at Columbia Beach Resort are now fully trained ‘Sunflower Champions’ and are leading the way in acknowledging, helping and communicating with those guests that may require additional assistance during their stay. Many more members of the board of staff and management are currently undergoing training with all staff fully trained by the end of the year. The property also provides complimentary Sunflower products to ensure guests can choose to discreetly portray any invisible disabilities via a visual cue that negates the need for additional conversation or questioning.
Columbia Beach Resort’s Marketing Manager, Anthea Vikis, celebrates the resort’s membership for its impactful potential commenting: “We are over the moon to be able to support Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. This network’s golden rules of offering assistance, being kind, listening closely, having patience, refraining from judgment, and showing respect are already integral to our everyday life here, so becoming a Sunflower Organisation was a natural fit.
“Besides our unique location, architecture and facilities, Columbia’s staff members are celebrated by our guests more than anything else as their sincere passion always succeeds in forging meaningful interactions and long-lasting relationships. Defying the changes that have disturbed the status quo over the last year, Columbia remains steadfast in its quest to make all guests feel safe, understood, and appreciated.”
Overlooking the secluded, Blue Flag-honoured Pissouri Bay on the southern coast of Cyprus, Columbia Beach Resort is a five-star resort offering 169 luxurious suites. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Columbia Beach Resort is distinct for its Cypriot-inspired architecture, award-winning spa, two pools including an infinity pool, gourmet restaurants, and stunning location.
A seven-night stay at Columbia Beach Resort starts from just £1,294 per person. This is based on two adults sharing a Junior Suite with garden view on a bed and breakfast basis. The package also includes return economy flights with British Airways from London Heathrow when departing on 11 October 2021.
For more information on Columbia Beach Resort, go to www.columbiaresort.com.
