William Bussear got his first taste of Mexico as a US Marine stationed in Cuernavaca. That was over 45 years ago; and not only did he fall in love with the country, but he also fell in love with Thelma del Carmen. Bill and Thelma later married; and they subsequently returned to the United States after Bill sustained a spinal cord injury in a diving accident. Their hearts however, remained in Mexico.

Then after a full career as a teacher Bill retired; and the happy couple headed back to Mexico to build their dream -- Freedom Shores, an all-inclusive wheelchair-accessible Yucatan resort. And in 2007, they welcomed their first guests.

Freedom Shores is Born
Located near the village of Isla Aguada, Freedom Shores boasts good pathway access, wide doorways and tile floors. All nine guest rooms feature roll-in showers and roll-under sinks; plus a variety of bed choices -- from twin to king. And, with a little advance notice, ceiling track lifts, hoyer lifts, commode chairs and shower chairs can also be provided. Additionally, a personal care attendant is available for just $37.50 per day.

There is good access throughout the resort, including the 300 feet of beachfront concrete pathways. A beach wheelchair is available to guests, so you can take a dip in the ocean too. And when you get hungry, just head over to the on-site restaurant which features everything from Mayan and Mexican specialties to Chicago style pizza. Or if you'd just like to relax in your room, room service is also available. Indeed, William seems to have thought of everything.

Exploring the Yucatan
Unfortunately, William has no control over one access obstacle -- the Ciudad Del Carmen International Airport, which is the closest airport to the resort. Located about 25 miles away from Freedom Shores, it lacks some of the routine access upgrades we're used to seeing under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Things like jetbridges and lifts are absent or non-operational, and wheelchair-users are routinely hand-carried on airplanes.

On the plus side, William uses the airport frequently, and he has high praise for the employees working there. "They do a wonderful job and we have not had one complaint since we opened the resort," he reports.

Still he's done the best he can to mitigate the situation, by buying a wheelchair-accessible van with a lift, to transport guests to and from the airport. The van can also be booked for tours to Campeche and the nearby Mayan archaeological sites.

Although the Mayan archaeological sites are rustic, they are doable for many folks, thanks to the portable ramp William carries in his van. Alternatively, guests can take a fishing or wildlife viewing trip out to Sea Shell Island or Bird Island in the resort's wheelchair-accessible deck boat.

Whatever your preference, William will try to make it a reality. And it's all priced at a very affordable $117 per night for one person and $160 per night for two people. That's all-inclusive; for lodging, food and a whole lot of fun!


See Related Accessible Travel Articles
For information about another accessible and affordable Mexico getaway, check out Casa Calera.

And if you'd prefer to explore another area of Mexico, then read Accessible Travel in Puerto Vallarta.