Dog Days Of Summer | Lifestyle Media Group

This one’s for the dogs — Florida staycations where both pets and people are treated to posh perks.

By Angela Caraway-Carlton

You know you’re at a welcoming, dog-centric resort when you see pampered pooches lounging in bougie tents by the pool. That’s the vibe at the ever-posh Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan, near Palm Beach Island. The resort resembles a private seaside manse, with rooms whimsically designed by Jonathan Adler, and pets are treated just as royally as people.

The Amenities: Vacationers will love the resort’s sprawling oceanfront setting, where it’s hard to pull yourself away from the loungers that overlook the water or the two pools, which includes an adults-only pool. (That’s where the dogs can hang in gratis elevated pet tents or strollers.) The best people-perk is Eau Spa, where guests are spoiled with dainty cupcakes, flowing bubbly, and rich amenities like a spa garden with hanging chairs that dangle over a pool. Another plus? The resort has never charged a resort fee. 

The Food: Pick your pleasure with numerous on-property restaurants serving everything from steak to seafood and Italian, but the crown jewel is the brand-new outpost of the world-famous Nobu—yes, that Nobu. Dogs aren’t left out: no begging is required for the new in-room Canine Cuisine menu that’s made with wholesome ingredients.

Pet Perks: Dogs up to 50 lbs. are allowed, and instead of a pet fee, there’s a QR code in rooms to make an optional donation to the Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Expect complimentary amenities like a pet bed, food and water bowls, a dog bandana, waste bags, and homemade treats. 

Picture your dog’s ears blowing in the breeze from the open window as you make the scenic drive to the Florida Keys. You’re headed for The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, a dog-friendly, tropical hotel that holds court in the Historic Seaport District and offers easy access to boating excursions like sunset sails, fishing and sandbar tours yet is just a few blocks away from Duval Street.

The Amenities: It’s often hard to find peace and quiet in party-hearty Key West, but The Marker caters to both rejuvenation and lively entertainment. With three saltwater pools, guests are often regaled with live music at the main pools, or they can retreat to the Serenity Pool for solace in the sun. The hotel offers complimentary bikes, and if you’re looking for a dog-friendly water adventure, outfitter Lazy Dog welcomes pups on paddleboards, kayaks and pontoon boats.  

The Food: This is the Keys, so your main mission is to sip cocktails by the hotel pool and have breakfast or lunch at on-property Starboard. The restaurant serves fish sandwiches, a Cuban sandwich, and brick-oven pizzas.

Pet Perks: There is a $75 pet fee (plus tax) per pet, per night, with a weight limit of 55 lbs. Pets are treated to a water bowl, disposal bags, and a welcome bag with toys and treats. Expect daily luxuries like puppy turndown service and, upon request, the resort can set up walks along Smathers Beach, a spa session at a local pet spa, or a personalized pet portrait session with a local artist.

 Naples is considered a natural haven, and the charming new The Perry Hotel Naples takes advantage of its dreamy spot along the Cocohatchee River for the ultimate peaceful getaway. With 160 rooms, pet parents can choose from rooms with direct poolside access or a premium king room with a balcony that peeks out over the serene river views. Rooms are comfortable, but not too fussy that you’ll feel badly for letting your dog hang inside.

The Amenities: Spend a sun-kissed day hopping between two pools: the adults-only rooftop oasis or the spacious ground-level pool that hugs the river and offers plenty of shady spots to chill. (If your pup is on their best behavior, the staff might look the other way if they’re secured on a lounger.) The hotel’s complimentary water shuttle whisks guests away to nearby Barefoot Beach, a prime shelling spot, for a blissful beach day. Also on property: guided kayak excursions, sunset cruises, fishing trips bookable with All Water Excursions. 

The Food: Naples is renowned for its sunsets, so snag a prime spot at rooftop bar Easy Tiger for panoramic views; then have dinner at Tigress Cantonese Chophouse by star chef Dale Talde, where shareable dishes are layered in bold flavors. From crispy chicken dumplings to a spicy-and-sweet, shaved snow pea salad to seared tuna topped with pickled gooseberries, and a variety of fried rice and noodle dishes, Tigress is raising the culinary bar in Naples. 

Pet Perks: Up to two dogs or cats are allowed per room for a fee of $150 (up to seven days), with an additional $50 for a second pet. 

Whether you want to stay and play in Delray Beach, Jupiter, Naples, Clearwater Beach, Longboat Key, Jensen Beach or the Florida Keys, standout Opal Collection hotels cater to pet parents with their beloved Opal Paws Program. Well-mannered dogs 30 lbs. or less can stay at participating resorts in these Florida destinations for a fee of $100 per night, per dog. 

Pet Perks: Canine guests are are gifted a custom dog mat and bowl, and goodies bags filled with dental chews and treat-os. The concierge can also point pet parents to nearby dog-friendly activities and attractions. 

Pet parents can escape to The Belgrove Resort & Spa, a new oasis in West Palm Beach that feels like a hidden secret, yet it’s ripe for relaxation or endless activities (it’s also the only resort in West Palm Beach). Upon arrival, pose your dog in front of the lobby’s Instagram-worthy photo backdrop that features a dog lounger and a “Greetings From Paradise” sign.

The Amenities: The property immediately encourages relaxation with a palm-fringed poolscape that includes several pools, an expansive spa with its own exclusive pool, dreamy green spaces dotted with hammocks, and a scenic path that edges Lake Mangonia. Activities are plentiful, including golf at the members-only Dutchman’s Pipe, pickleball and padel, and we suggest zipping off on one of their adorable surrey (four-wheeled) bikes.

The Food: At Society 48, an American Brasserie, dig into dishes crafted with local ingredients, from burrata with heirloom tomatoes to fresh seafood dishes like crispy-skin salmon, and a solid fish and chips. Score an outdoor patio seat so your dog can enjoy dinner too. Pets are treated to a special pup menu at Society 48 and through in-room dining that includes everything from scrambled hen eggs to filet mignon — and there’s even a dog beer.

Pet Perks: Up to two pets at a max of 50 pounds are allowed per room with a non-refundable fee of $150 per stay. Book the “Pamper Your Furry Friend” package, and pups are welcomed with toys and treats and a credit toward the pet menu.