From Posh Doggie Cabanas to Oscar de la Renta Designed Villas

By Si Si Penaloza

There’s only one thing that can make a Caribbean getaway even better – and that’s bringing your dog! Take a look at our top 5 dog-friendly resorts in the Caribbean and start planning.

Special note to readers:

As most of you will already know, all Caribbean islands have fairly strict policies for visiting with pets. Be sure to visit the website of your desired destination well before traveling to ensure your dog meets the Pet Passport & Import Regulations a for a visit. You will likely need to apply for an import permit and you’ll also need to ensure that you have the supporting health certificates and documentation from your veterinarian. Collecting these items and waiting for permits can take time — so be sure to plan ahead.

It’s also important to note that these rules often apply to both service and emotional support animals, along with companion animals. Always proceed with caution and do your research prior to booking your travel.

One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos Mexico

Your hotel junkie hound may not need a passport to travel to Mexico, but that doesn’t mean he’s beneath sitting pretty to get one. Think of the bragging rights round the dog park alone; your dog will be dining out on this one for a long time. When traveling to One&Only Palmilla, your pup is greeted with glee at airport arrivals and welcomed with refreshments. Hotel staff then take your pup’s photo for a “Dog Passport” (officiated in “Paw-lish”, naturally) and marked with a One&Only Palmilla passport stamp. Once on property, your dog will find gourmet menu offerings like organic roasted chicken, beef tenderloin, and steamed Pacific salmon. Taking canine hedonism to the next level, One&Only Palmilla offers pets a rare poolside front seat – fully serviced poolside doggie cabanas!

While a stay at this posh hideaway is pricey, it delivers on its promise of whisking you away from everyday cares. After a few nights, you begin feeling like a pampered castaway at this resort, perched on the edge of the 1100-mile long Baja Peninsula, with sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez far below. As it happens, the beach by the resort is one of the few safe swim spots in the entire region; a major draw for many guests who just can’t do without a good frolic in the surf when on a coastal holiday. Commissioned in the 1950s as a discreet hideaway by the son of the Mexican President, the site was originally accessed only by yacht or private plane. John Wayne and Lucille Ball came to stay, as did Dwight D. Eisenhower, drawn by the legendary deep water sport fishing.

Wouldn’t this be a gorgeous view to end your evening?

Each evening, kick back and watch pooch unravel in his custom-sized dog bed and relish in a comprehensive bedtime chew toy menu. One&Only Palmilla truly excels at introducing a civilized way to welcome dogs into pool culture. Even the most pet-friendly hotels typically draw the line at furry paws by the pool. At this One&Only, your pup gets the same perks as human guests, chilling under a doggie umbrella, with his own pool floats to swan the day away. At dinner, pooch will be pleased as punch to enjoy braised beef tenderloin with crispy tortillas and cilantro rice.

Tortuga Bay Resort, Dominican Republic

Tortuga Bay is the crown jewel within the larger Puntacana Resort & Club, reigning as a style icon of the Dominican Republic. Imagine thirteen over the top Oscar de la Renta designed beachfront villas, located in a private enclave within an already luxurious resort. The beloved native son infused his Dominican heritage into the design of each accommodation, creating an aesthetic coherence that is nothing short of sublime. Inspired by the nation’s indigenous culture, the spacious villas wrap you up in an unmistakable Dominican authenticity. Best of all, the five-star villas feature balconies with tranquil views of La Cana Golf Course or the impossibly blue Caribbean waters.

As a Tortuga Bay guest, you and your pet will be met by staff that have every detail handled from the moment you touch down at Punta Cana International Airport. The resort’s VIP Service whisks you through customs faster than a Superbowl commercial break and into a private car. On arrival at property, your personal concierge will check you in and see to your every whim for the rest of your stay.

The only AAA Five Diamond Awarded hotel in the Dominican Republic, this pet-friendly property sets new standards for chic surroundings and consummate personal service. Tortuga Bay is on the doorstep of the Punta Cana’s ultimate beach and golfing experience, with three miles of spectacular white sand beaches and 45 holes of championship golf. You are also assigned a golf cart for convenient zipping around throughout the resort, especially useful at high noon when a pooch’s tender paw pads can overheat on pavement.