Over the years, pet services have become more sophisticated, with everything from bespoke diets to dog spa treatments now available. That’s spilling over into tourism, with pet owners more willing to fork out cash they would’ve spent on kennelling to vacation at pet-friendly spots instead.
We take a look at three of the top pet-friendly getaway spots in SA.
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Radisson RED Hotel, Cape Town
After a weekend break in a trendy city spot? Picture eating top-notch craft food, enjoying rooftop drinks with sweeping views, and relaxing in a super-slick apartment suite. With your furry best friend by your side!
Situated at the stylish V&A Waterfront, the Radisson RED and its cute mascot, Baxter the Boston terrier, welcome all city-slicker ‘paw-rents’. While you enjoy modernised service (an app allows you to do everything from opening your room’s door, to requesting extra pillows and ordering food from their OUIbar + KTCHN), your pet’s needs are catered to as well. Your dog will find a snazzy bandana, pet bed, toy, and food and water bowls in your room, plus some treats – RED’s chef, Morné Botha, often makes biscuits specially for the occasion. Cats are equally welcome.
Cost? From R3 800pn in a two-sleeper standard room. Valid till 30 April 2019.
Lake Naverone, Southern Drakensberg
Set 30km from Underberg, this utterly enchanting lakeside estate isn’t only breathtaking… it’s dog-friendly, too.
For dogs (and families!) that love to swim, Lake Naverone beckons…
Pet owners and their pooches are welcomed with open arms for a stay in Hamerkop Cottage. The delightful, self-catering accommodation sleeps up to six adults and two kids in three en-suite bedrooms. Its enclosed garden means you can relax on the covered patio to enjoy a braai, without worrying about where your dogs have run off to. Your stay also includes the use of a rowing boat, so head down to the massive lake and let your furry friends enjoy the cool, undulating waters while you row.
Cost? From R640ppspn in Hamerkop Cottage out of high season; plus the refundable doggie damages deposit
of R550. Valid till 28 February 2019.
Petersfield Farm, Citrusdal
If your pooch has an adventurous spirit and relishes wide, open spaces, then a getaway to this 2 000-hectare working citrus and rooibos tea farm is just the ticket. Unlike many pet-friendly spots, there’s no restriction on the size of dog allowed to holiday here. All breeds are welcome, and that extends to cats, too!
Each of Petersfield’s four cottages are set in scenic surrounds over a kilometre apart, offering space and privacy for your brood and inquisitive pets to spread out. Some cottage properties aren’t fenced, so pets will need to be well behaved if you’re to enjoy your break, too! As for adventure, there’s swimming in the farm dam, or walking the fynbos-decked trails.
Cost? From R1 400pn for six sharing the self-catering Die Veepos cottage, set in its own hidden valley; no doggie damages deposit needed. Valid till 31 January 2020.
Compiled by Features Writer, Savanna Douglas
