Dog Trippin
With this year’s increase in road trips and surge in private jet travel, bringing Fido along on the family vacation has become de rigueur, and a trend that high-end hotels are taking seriously.
Luxury resorts rightfully claiming the status of hospitable to “man’s best friend” often have house dogs of their own. They offer dog-walking and -sitting; amenities such as loaner beds, bowls, and toys; and they even bake custom biscuits and have pet room-service menus. The very best go the extra mile with canine-friendly dining venues, and dog parks and beaches on property. Here, the most desirable destinations laying out the pup welcome mat.
THE ROUNDTREE
Amagansett, New York
Set on two acres hidden behind its central colonial-style home on Main Street in this quaint Hamptons village, The Roundtree is the newest luxury boutique hotel in the area, having just opened this past June. Its 15 rooms and suites, spread out among private cottages and a barn, feature crisp Frette linens, thick Matouk towels, and every possible amenity for your pup, from a plush bed and bowls to a bandana and an assortment of food-grade chew toys from Benebone. The great lawn offers a safe environment for dogs to roam free. At specific times of the day, dogs are allowed on the beach a mile down the road, and the concierge is there to drop you off with chairs, umbrellas, towels, and toys; then pick you up when you’re ready to return for s’mores around the firepit. From $395; theroundtreehotels.com
INN BY THE SEA
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Welcoming pets for more than 30 years, this inn just a few minutes outside downtown Portland recently upped its ante with new lavish Cove Suites. In separate beachfront buildings, these two-bedroom residences have ample indoor and outdoor living space, plus a fireplace, kitchen, and furnished deck. While most properties charge pet fees, here canine accommodations are complimentary, including water bowls, beach towels, cozy blankets, and signature treats at turndown. Dog-walking and -sitting is available, and an outdoor bar deck features a gourmet pet menu. The house dog is a rescue in partnership with a local shelter—a program that has led to over 150 dogs being placed with visiting guests. Nearby are trails, pet-friendly beaches, and free-range parks. From $300; innbythesea.com
CHATHAM BARS INN
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The dog-friendly rooms here are spacious, direct-access cottages overlooking the Atlantic, most with gas fireplaces and decks or patios. They are so popular that the concierge has even helped guests throw doggy birthday parties. Take your dog kayaking right from the resort’s dock and to the beach at nearby Jackknife Harbor. The resort has its own on-property 8-acre culinary farm, a private beach, tennis courts, powered and self-powered watercraft, guided fishing charters, and most uniquely, a partnership with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy offering shark buffs a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go onboard with a Conservancy expert to learn about and observe great whites in the open ocean. From $400; chathambarsinn.com
MAYFLOWER INN & SPA
Washington, Connecticut
Long the top luxury escape in the Nutmeg State, the Mayflower is now even better, having just unveiled a total redesign by renowned interior designer Celerie Kemble, who took inspiration from English and Scandinavian country houses. One thing, though, has not changed: the inn’s dog-friendly approach with size-appropriate beds, two farmhouse pottery bowls, and a mat, all from New England’s Orvis outfitters. Dogs also enjoy a full treat jar from Doggylicious in nearby New Milford. Just 90 minutes north of New York City, the resort occupies 58 rolling acres in rural Litchfield County and features a lavish spa, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, hiking, forest bathing, Nordic skiing, and more. From $750; aubergeresorts.com
MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF
South Carolina
Don’t be surprised when you make a reservation and they ask for your dog’s name and breed—that’s the kind of special recognition this resort just outside of Hilton Head offers pets. With its canine ambassador, Cauley, a Labrador-mix from the local Humane Association roaming the premises, the hotel provides deluxe pet beds, toys, and treats of house-made sweet potato chews and mint cookies. Extras include a pet room-service menu, dog-walking and -sitting, even grooming services. There are many miles of walking trails around the property, and nearby historic Old Town Bluffton has lots of stores and outdoor eateries that welcome dogs. From $345; montagehotels.com
