For many people, a wellness vacation is the epitome of relaxation and a break from everyday life. If you don't want to neglect your four-legged companion, choosing the right destination and being well-prepared are all the more important. Dogs have their own needs and preferences – be it the right amenities in their hotel room, varied activities, or special wellness and activity programs. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to plan the ideal wellness vacation with your dog: from choosing the right hotel and the essential packing list to creative activity ideas for relaxing days. At the end, you'll have all the information you need to treat yourself and your dog to a thoroughly enjoyable break.
Table of contents
- Why a wellness holiday with a dog?
- Selection criteria for the perfect wellness hotel with dog
- Activities with dogs during your wellness holiday
- Packing list for a stress-free wellness holiday with your dog
- Ideas for keeping your dog busy in your hotel room
- Conclusion
Key take-aways
- The choice of hotel determines comfort and dog-friendly extras.
- Wellness programs for four-legged friends range from massages to swimming therapy.
- A well-thought-out packing list ensures punctuality and stress-free travel.
- Variety in the room and excursion destinations guarantee happy dogs.
- Exclusive wellness hotels in Europe offer luxurious services for humans and dogs.
Why a wellness holiday with a dog?
A wellness vacation together is perfectly possible even with a dog, provided your four-legged friend is properly exercised before your spa visit or lovingly cared for in between. Start the day with a long walk or a training session so your dog can sleep soundly afterwards, or play in a supervised dog area while you pamper yourself with massages and a sauna. This way, you can enjoy carefree wellness moments, and your dog can gather valuable impressions of nature.
It's an indescribable feeling to experience this slow-paced getaway together: While you relax, your dog enjoys varied excursions and loving attention at the hotel. Studies show that such shared experiences boost the well-being of both owners and pets and sustainably reduce stress. A well-structured daily routine with exercise and care phases also prevents behavioral problems such as restlessness or destructive tendencies – making a wellness vacation the perfect health care option for you and your loyal companion.
Selection criteria for the perfect wellness hotel with dog
When looking for the ideal hotel, you should consider the following points to ensure your dog has a safe and comfortable stay:
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Room size & amenities: Look for spacious rooms or suites with a separate dog area, sturdy flooring, and easy-to-clean textiles.
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Service & Inclusions: Some hotels offer food service, dog walks with guides, or rental equipment (bowls, dog bed, blanket).
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Location & surroundings: Hiking trails, parks, or dog beaches should be within easy reach. A varied landscape encourages your dog to exercise.
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Maximum number of dogs: To avoid stress from other guests, it is worth taking a look at the permitted number of dogs per room.
Exclusive wellness hotels that warmly welcome dogs:
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Mandarin Oriental, Paris
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Paris combines oriental healing with the latest techniques. Spanning over 1,200 square meters, it features several treatment and couples suites, a 14-meter-long pool, a hammam, and a state-of-the-art fitness studio. Personalized programs with massages, facial, and body therapies round out the offerings—ideal for relaxing after a dog walk in Paris's Old Town. Mandarin Oriental Mandarin Oriental -
The Milestone Hotel & Residences, London
Located in Kensington, this small boutique spa features a resistance pool, a sauna, a fully equipped gym, and a treatment room. Massages, aromatherapy, and yoga sessions are available in the comfort of your suite upon request. Guests can also arrange short-term collaborations with nearby health clubs. milestonehotel.com -
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como
The "T-Spa" in the historic Villa Emilia offers over 1,000 square meters of space, including five elegant treatment rooms, a hammam, sauna, ice fountain, and an indoor and a beautifully situated infinity pool with lake views. Exclusive rituals with Officina Santa Maria Novella and private spa suites for couples guarantee ultimate relaxation. - Grand Hotel Tremezzo Luxe Wellness Club -
Park Hyatt Vienna
The Arany Spa, located in the former vaults of a bank, boasts a gold-clad 15-meter pool, an aroma steam grotto, a sauna, a Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa, and six luxurious treatment suites. Signature treatments, such as the gold-infused body and facial, are world-renowned. Hyatt Vogue -
Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen
Spanning 300 square meters, the Nimb Wellness offers a Moroccan hammam grotto, steam bath, spacious relaxation area, and a Technogym fitness room with TRX. Numerous massages and beauty treatments can be booked directly on-site or in-room. nimb.dk
In all houses you can regenerate and recharge your batteries in style after your adventure with your dog.
Activities with dogs during your wellness holiday
During your wellness vacation, you not only want to relax yourself, but also offer your dog a variety of experiences – and the two can be wonderfully combined. Morning walks on well-marked hiking trails or along the shore of a nearby lake give your four-legged friend the exercise he needs, while you enjoy breathtaking views and fresh air. After this shared activity, you can safely move on to the spa area while your dog relaxes in a carefully designed dog corner or secure outdoor areas.
Depending on the hotel, specially equipped water stations, such as shallow dog swimming pools or gentle paw showers, offer the ideal opportunity to refresh and gently clean your dog before you indulge in your own hydrotherapy. Many hotels also offer "doga" sessions, where you can practice simple yoga exercises with your dog, strengthening both your bond and your balance.
In the afternoon, it's worth taking another trip into nature or visiting dog-friendly attractions and cafés in the area, which often offer quiet areas and fresh water bowls. In between, massages for dogs, which combine gentle exercise and stretching, can relieve tension and increase well-being—perfectly tailored to the needs of active excursions.
This creates a harmonious daily routine in which exercise, play and relaxation go hand in paw and both you and your dog can enjoy complete relaxation.
Example of a daily routine with a dog on a wellness holiday:
| Morning | Morning | Afternoon | At evening |
| Small round before breakfast | Strenuous activity (hiking, swimming, nose work) | Wellness treatment for two-legged friends and relaxation time in the hotel room for four-legged friends | Before dinner, a leisurely stroll around the hotel grounds |
Wellness and activity offers for dogs and owners
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Mandarin Oriental, Paris (France): "A Pet Palace" pampers four-legged friends with a personalized welcome package including an embroidered pillow, bowl, biscuit, and a dog menu. Thierry Marx creates a special dog menu via room service. Additional services such as dog walking and dog sitting are included.
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The Milestone Hotel & Residences, London (England): Everything necessary is coordinated in advance via the Pet Preference Form. The Pet Concierge organizes dog bathrobes, first aid kits, birthday packages, grooming, and veterinary services.
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The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como (Italy): Surprise dog kit upon arrival, dog walking and dog sitting provided by the concierge team, and access to private lakeside walks and dedicated dog routes.
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Park Hyatt Vienna (Austria): With the VID ("Very Important Dog") service, your dog receives a welcome package, walks to the Vienna State Opera, and, upon request, a professional photo shoot.
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Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen (Denmark): Located in Tivoli Gardens, this boutique hotel offers a dog bed, blanket, bowl, a gift basket, and concierge services for walking, boarding, grooming, and veterinary care.
Packing list for a stress-free wellness holiday with your dog
For a successful wellness vacation with your dog, well-thought-out amenities are essential. The following list will help you avoid forgetting anything important:
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Documents & paperwork: EU pet passport, vaccination certificate, health certificate (if required)
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Transport & Sleep: Travel bag or crate, usual dog bed, blankets
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Food & Drinks: Compatible dog food for the entire trip, foldable water bowl or drinking bottle
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Hygiene & Care: Paw protection cream, brush, dog shampoo, towel, dog waste bags
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Distraction & Activity: Favorite toys, intelligence toys, treats and chew sticks
Ideas for keeping your dog busy in your hotel room
Even if you leave the hotel room in between, your dog can be meaningfully occupied here:
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Snack hiding station: Set up a small corner with food balls and puzzles that your dog can open and work on independently while waiting for your return.
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Sniffing mat: Lay out a compact chew box or sniffing mat and hide dry food and treats in the fibers.
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Relaxation lounge with a view: Place his familiar dog bed by the window or on the balcony (if permitted) so that your dog can observe the surroundings and relax in peace.
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Interactive toys with a timer: Use programmable food dispensers or toys that release treats at intervals to ensure recurring activity.
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Relaxation playlist & aromatherapy: Activate soothing music or nature sounds and use diffuser-friendly, dog-friendly scents (e.g., lavender) to create a pleasant atmosphere.
Conclusion
A wellness vacation with your dog can be much more than just a holiday: It combines relaxation, shared activities, and precious quality time. Choosing the right hotel with suitable services, a complete packing list, and a variety of activities – both in and out of the room – are crucial. With the tips and exclusive hotel recommendations presented here, nothing stands in the way of a completely relaxing and unforgettable vacation. Treat yourself and your dog to this special break to recharge your batteries!
