Best Dog-Friendly Holiday Resorts for Vacation Ownership and Timeshare

If you are like most dog lovers, your dog is part of the family and leaving it behind when you travel can be very traumatic. Fortunately many holiday resorts these days have realised that for many of us, a holiday is simply not the same without our fluffiest members along for the fun too. With spacious accommodation, dog-friendly beaches and parks and even theme parks not off limits, we bring your our guide to some of the best dog-friendly timeshare and holiday vacation resorts at home, in Europe and the US.

Points to note – certain resorts and indeed countries do not allow a minority of breeds (ie Pit Bulls) so check the pet-policy carefully or call the resort if you are unsure.

Praised as being a ‘Dog-friendly Paradise’ in the press, Karma Group’s St Martin’s Hotel on the Isles of Scilly certainly live up to his headline. This unspoilt island on the Scillies archipelago has a lively community of farmers, artisans food producers and artists and dogs are welcomed pretty much everywhere. The white sand beaches are dog-friendly all year round and are some of the best in the UK with spectacular cliff top walks, rare birds and views over the turquoise waters.

Since taking the hotel over, Karma Resorts has added its trade-mark Asian touch, and is open seasonally from 17th April until 27th October. Awarded Dog-Friendly Business of the year for three years running by Cornish Tourism Awards its Cloudesley Shovel restaurant was awarded 2 coveted AA Rosettes this year where chefs use the local fishermans catch and forage from the island.

Wig wags have their own special Kanine Menu which offers such treats as ‘Souffles Super Smoothie’ (Yoghurt, mashed banana and peanut butter) and ‘Posh Dog’s Crunch’ (Dry kibble made from natural ingredient) The hotel also offers dog beds and blankets and even a dog-sitting service so you can enjoy a spa treatment or snorkelling trip while your pooch is pampered.

Visit Karma Group for more information here

10 miles from the world famous golf course of St Andrews and just a mile from the golden beaches of Elie, this family holiday resort is located in the East Neuk of Fife. Offering both a hotel and self-catering accommodation it provides options for couples, family groups and large parties with historic cottages through to Castle suites. Estate guests can take advantage of the plentiful leisure facilities including tennis course, gym and heated indoor swimming pool. Horse riding and aromatherapy treatments are also available on the estate and during school holidays kids clubs are run to entertain the younger ones. Kilconquhar is also a golfers paradise with over 40 courses in the area.

Our four-legged pals meanwhile have literally acres of land to explore (120!) with allegedly lots of rabbits to chase… Reception will recommend dog walks (note, there are areas in the grounds that dogs must be kept on the lead) and there is a forest on the site for them to roam in. The beaches of Elie are also doggy-friendly and though the bar/bistro on site is not, there are plenty of nearby pubs that are, including the Station Buffet Bar on the high street in Elie that welcomes dogs with cuddles as long as “owners are kept on a lead”!

For more information visit Kilconquhar Castle here

If you long for cypresses and olive groves set within picturesque hills then the luxurious resort of Coridal Pelagone is for you. Surrounding by imposing pine trees, the hotel offers numerous leisure activities from bicyle rides over the Tuscan hills to ayrvedic massage in the wellness centre.

Although the resort is set inland, if the beach is your destination then the hotel has its own private designated area with sunbeds and parasols 18km from the resort. With sloping pine forests stretching down to well-maintained sandy beaches, the coastline of The Maremma is chic and less flashy than its neighbour Forte Dei Marmi. The Italians do ‘beach’ like no others and the seaside is a vibrant place for people watching.  While you should check with the hotel as to their policy on dogs for their own stretch of beach, Tuscany is renowned for having many dog-friendly beaches for you and your four-legged companion to explore.

Dogs of any size are welcomed at  Cordial Toscana for a fee of approximately 12 euro per night.

For more information visit Cordial Toscana here

With no less than six outdoor swimming pools, the most luxurious spa in the Algarve, golf courses galore and all encircled in exquisite landscaped gardens dotted with cascading waterfalls, this magnificent resort may not be somewhere that springs to mind when you type in ‘Pet-friendly’, but up it comes!

The complex lies in the heart of the Algarve, near to the city of Quarteira in the hugely popular resort of Vilamoura and scores very highly in customer reviews online. Designed in a contemporary style the one and two bedroom suites all have balconies and well-equipped kitchens.

There are restrictions to note – pets are not allowed from May to September or in the indoor restaurants or bars or around the pool areas. That all being said – its unlikely you would want to take a dog to southern Portugal during the very warm season. Out of season you have all the luxury available at this stunning retreat with plenty of outdoor dining options plus the company of your furry friend. During these months there are dozens of beaches and parks for you to explore including the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park plus Faro’s Forum Algarve is also set to be come the first shopping centre in Portugal with a totally pet-friendly area located in an outdoor section of the mall.

For more information visit Hilton Grand Vacations Vilamoura here 

Providing all the comforts of a fully-furnished home with accommodations ranging from studios to spacious four-bedroom villas, the big attraction of Westgate Lakes is its fantastic location within minutes of Orlando’s world-famous theme parks and attractions. Its onsite Serenity Spa is a world class facility and the fitness centre is also state of the art. The site includes seven out door heated pools and enough kids activities to keep even the most demanding entertained. And with SeaWorld, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort literally on the door Westgate literally offers something for everyone – including your canine companion.

Most of the theme parks offer Pet Day Care and also Kennel Services that will allow you free reign in the parks while they are also shown a great time with play groups and special treats! Dogs can be booked into a local Pet Spa while you enjoy the on-site facilities at the resort and you’ll find a number of pet-friendly beaches along both of Florida’s spectacular coasts – apparently Paddle Boarding with our dog on board is growing in popularity! The beautiful Lake Eola Park is a popular location for a stroll with a pooch and many of the restaurants and bars have pet-friendly policies. If you really want to stretch your legs then Weikwa Springs has 42,000 acres of protect scenic river basis – perfect for an all day hike with Fido.

One dog (or cat) is permitted per unit up to a weight of 60 pounds and there is a cleaning fee payable of approx $170. Dogs are allowed within the plaza at Westgate Entertainment District.

For more information visit Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa here 

Located on the popular island of Kos, Aeolos Beach Hotel is a modern, upmarket hotel offering astonishing views of the neighbouring islands of Kalymnos, Plati and Pserimos. Surrounded by luscious green lawns leading to a long, sandy beach the hotel is perfect for a relaxing holiday with your obedient pup. Soak up the traditional Greek architecture as you gaze over at the stunning Mediterranean landscape from the open air dining area. The hotels offers a number of room categories including newly constructed bungalow rooms (check hotel policy on pets in these).

Kos Provides a great base for island hopping and dogs are accepted on Greek ferries in pre-booked pet cabins or kennels. Pets are allowed on most decks outside for free but must be accompanied at all times. If you make it to the mainland, Athens is overall a pet-friendly city with many cafes and restaurants accepting well-behaved dogs. Kos meanwhile has much to offer with stunning sunsets, fishing ports, castles and all the ancient and archaeological sites you come to expect from Greece.

Be aware that there are many stray dogs in Greece and Kos is no exception and it is almost impossible for anyone, let along dog-lovers to be immune to their plight. Most are allegedly very social but if your dog is of a nervous disposition then take caution.

For more information visit Aeolos Beach Hotel here