Do dogs spa? Yes they do, and The Times beauty writer Laura Lovett rounds up some of the most luxurious canine pamper parlours in the country, where pets can truly chill.
Select the elements opposite for some inspiration on how to pamper your pooch...
THE MUTZ NUTZ
This luxurious boutique truly fulfils expectations as a temple of canine pleasure. Its new 1,000sq ft pet grooming salon and spa is fit for a Hollywood star, kitted out with porcelain baths and non-slip illuminating glass tables for pampering your pooch in style. For a deep-down clean and überglossy mane, our favourite indulgent treatment is the "Italian bath", and to this you can add on any of the salon’s wealth of grooming treatments, from straightforward clipping to a comprehensive all-over preening. He’ll look a million dollars.
MUTZ NUTZ, 221 Westbourne Park Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 (020-7243 3333: themutznutz.com)
WAGGIN’ TAILS
The truly deluxe spa experience at Waggin’ Tails comes from a heartfelt focus on its doggie clients’ needs. Pets are given the exclusive treatment and only ever seen on a one-to-one basis – meaning no time left to his own devices and, yes, a genuine waggin’ tail. Best known for their fabulous Four Paw Pedicure and Aromatherapy Bath & Fluff Dry, the final touch to all treatments is a paw balm that protects from daily wear and tear and cracked skin at this cold time of year.
WAGGIN’ TAILS, 366 Fulham Road, London, SW10 (020-7823 3111; waggintailsonline.com)
THE DOG SPA LTD
Twenty years of breeding and caring for dogs makes the Dog Spa a great place to care for your pooch’s physical needs. With an authoritative and calm approach, their expertise in veterinary science is hugely reassuring. Hydrotherapy activities in an indoor heated pool stimulate muscles and increase mobility in the joints while also combating problems such as obesity and reduced fitness and energy. Your dog will be back to his vibrant best after a couple of sessions – and you will leave armed with useful long-term advice.
THE DOG SPA LTD, Cwmnantyrodyn, Pontllanfraith, Blackwood, Gwent (01495 221204; thedogspa.co.uk)
DOG-FRIENDLY SPAS FOR YOU
1. THE BATH PRIORY The utterly blissful Bath Priory Hotel has always stood out for its dog-friendly stance, and now has an added bonus in the shape of the splendid new Garden Spa. It offers aromatherapy and Oriental-based treatments in the most tranquil of settings.
THE BATH PRIORY HOTEL, RESTAURANT & SPA, Weston Road, Bath (01225 331922; thebathpriory.co.uk)
2. NEW PARK MANOR Unwind at the Bath House Spa, safe in the knowledge that your pet is being pandered to at the adjoining New Park Manor Hotel. Enjoy the benefits of mineral-rich mud masks and a multitude of massage therapies that nurture, calm and revitalise.
NEW PARK MANOR HOTEL & BATH HOUSE SPA, Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, New Forest (01590 623467; newparkmanorhotel.co.uk)
3. THE ST DAVID’S Overlooking Cardiff Bay, the Marine Spa at the St David’s Hotel is pure serenity. Voted as one of the Top 15 spas in the UK by Condé Nast Traveller, this isn’t just a treat for you, but one for your pet, too, as they are mollycoddled by attentive dog-loving staff.
THE ST DAVID’S HOTEL & SPA, Havannah Street, Cardiff (02920 454045; thestdavidshotel.com)
4. PENNYHILL PARK Unadulterated pampering is at hand only 45 minutes from London. Winner of 2009’s Best Hotel Spa at the European Health & Spa Awards, it has a private VIP suite for groups that makes it perfect for a girls-and-pets weekend away.
PENNYHILL PARK HOTEL, London Road, Bagshot, Surrey (01276 471774; pennyhillpark.co.uk)
5. PACIFICA DAY SPA Located in the heart of buzzing Notting Hill, this Asian-inspired luxury spa is a delight to the senses. Pacifica has every detail nailed, from the bamboo walls to the sound of running water that lulls you into a deep sense of relaxation. The Aroma Steam capsule is a personal favourite, but all the treatments are enhanced knowing your pooch is in safe hands too.
PACIFICA DAY SPA, 1 Courtnell Street, London, W2 (020-7243 1718; pacificadayspa.co.uk)
6. MIDDLETHORPE HALL Lovingly restored to its 17th-century grandeur and surrounded by private gardens, this historic building makes for the perfect rural retreat for you and your countryside-loving pet.
MIDDLETHORPE HALL & SPA, Bishopthorpe Road, York, Yorkshire (01904 641241; middlethorpe.com)
VANITY FUR
Give the gift of a fresh start to your dog this new year, with a VIP day at Vanity Fur. Not only will he love you for it, he’ll come back home smelling gorgeous. The five-star treatment starts with collection from your home, followed by a rejuvenating morning walk – on or off-lead. Mud lovers are able to get as dirty as they like, because afterwards it’s time for a conditioning spa bath and fluff dry. His deliciously decadent day continues with a nutritionally balanced lunch and an afternoon playtime or nap. And don’t miss out on the organic low-fat doggie treats on your way out.
VANITY FUR, 1 Stable Mews, Broadway, Leigh on Sea, Essex (01702 475533; vanityfur.co.uk)
THE DOG SPA
The place to unwind, and the ultimate doggie sanctuary for Cheshire’s high-maintenance pets. Pampering is on a sumptuous scale – each pooch gets undivided care and attention from qualified dog lovers who adore their job, and you can choose from a huge range of indulgences for them. The Hydro Bath Massage includes facial, paw pedi and brush-out, while the Nose to Tail massage acts as a relaxant for both hyperactive and older dogs. Your pet will be walking on air.
THE DOG SPA, 14 Fir Road, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire (0161-439 6646; dog-spa.co.uk)
