Tropical Vacation Ideas for Fido

Posted by Billy Francis

The winter chill isn’t everybody’s cup of cocoa. When the temperature drops, short-haired dog breeds everywhere flee to warmer destinations with one aim in mind: replacing the snow, sleds and skis with sun, sand and sea. These eight pet-friendly tropical destinations offer you and Fido the chance to escape to the sun this season.

St. Croix

Photo by iStock/Matt Claiborne

Fortunately for Fido, the U.S. Virgin Islands don’t have any quarantine requirements. This is one of many reasons why you and your pup should vacation in St. Croix this winter. Take your canine to Cane Bay Beach and Sunset Beach, an idyllic stretch of sand that welcomes dogs off leash from October through March. When hunger strikes, head to the Lost Dog Pub and Pizza in Frederiksted for a slice and a pint. After dinner, put your paws up at The Buccaneer, where sweeping views of the ocean and rows of palm trees act as a constant reminder that, thankfully, you’re a long way from home!

The Buccaneer allows small dogs for an additional fee of $10 per pet, per night with prior approval.

Cabo San Lucas

“This sure beats spending ‘Dogmanay’ in Scotland, right guys?” Photo by Facebook.com/LasVentanas

Cabo San Lucas attracts visitors year-round for the Pacific views, laid-back vibes and winter temperatures above 80°F. Take your pup on a walk along the beach on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula during low tide and discover the iconic Land's End Arch. Let Fido splash around in the shadow of one of Cabo’s most treasured natural landmarks.

After his day on the beach, let your best friend be pampered at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort. The resort’s dedicated team of dog butlers lavish pups with first-class service, including morning and evening walks, soothing massages and private “Doga” classes. Furry guests also receive a portable Pet Cabana that will keep them shielded in shady comfort as they lounge on the resort’s pristine beaches.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort allows two dogs up to 40 lbs for an additional fee of $60 per pet, per stay.

The Florida Keys

“All I want for Christmas is a haircut.” Photo by @ashley_hobart

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys provide snowbirds from the northern states with a welcome respite from the rasping cold of winter. Tour the stunning turquoise waters and get a diver’s view of the sea life beneath the waves on a Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat. Dogs on the tour are greeted with a water bowl and plenty of pets. Then spend the night at the Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, where Fido will receive his very own engraved dog tag and a personal invitation to attend the daily yappy hour, featuring a special pet menu just for him.

Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo accepts two dogs up to 100 lbs for an additional fee of $75 per stay of five nights. Stays over five nights will be charged a $150 deep cleaning fee every fifth night.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

“My bandana is nearly as tropical as San Juan.” Photo by @belledogspr

Puerto Rico’s capital city presents chilly dogs with plenty of opportunities to warm their paws. Despite the name, Hobie Cat Beach is an ideal starting point for any dog’s San Juan vacation. In the morning, wander the stretch of sand freely together and paddle in the water. In the afternoon, walk the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and bring Fido to run and play in the expansive green space outside El Morro, one of the island’s historic fortresses. Spend your evenings at the Verdanza Hotel where the pet-friendly rooms come stocked with pet beds, water bowls, a toy and a welcome treat. The hotel even has its own Paws Park, an outdoor dog park with an agility course.

Verdanza Hotel accepts one pet of any size for an additional fee of $75, plus a refundable $250 pet deposit.

Hawaii

Happy in Honolulu. Photo by Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club

Escape the dreary weather at home with a dog-friendly getaway in the Hawaiian Islands. In Honolulu, Fido can learn how to stand up paddleboard at SUPDog Hawaii. The company offers lessons so you can SUP with your pup in the warm Pacific waters. Next, visit Kahala Beach with your dog for an expansive white sand beach where you can swim and walk with views of Diamond Head. Then, unwind with your surfer “Dood” at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, a trendy hotel in the heart of Honolulu. Pups of all sizes are invited to enjoy a relaxing stay in a bright and airy room with its very own private lanai. Dogs are free to join their owners throughout the hotel’s common areas, including by the pool and in the lounge area. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Surfjack’s canine concierge, Jack, during your stay.

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club welcomes two dogs of any size for no additional fee.

Thailand

“Make yourself comfortable. I think that sofa doubles as a bed.” Photo by Ketawa Hotel

In recent years, Chiang Mai has developed into the backpacker’s mecca of Thailand. Experience tuk-tuk rides and street markets with Fido and be sure to snap his picture in front of the historic temples. Local dog owners recommend a walk around Huay Tung Tao Lake during your visit. There are a number of pet-friendly trails surrounding the water, along with an array of sculptures against a backdrop of rolling hills.

Ketawa Pet Friendly Hotel is the perfect place to spend the night with your pooch while you’re visiting this laid-back city. As the name suggests, the hotel welcomes four-legged guests with open arms and even has a cafe that sells treats, wet and dry food, toys and bowls. Let your canine tourist dive into the pet pool, meet the eight house dogs and book a bathing service. If you want to embark on any activities in the city that aren’t as open to dogs, leave your pup in the safe hands of the hotel staff.

Ketawa Pet Friendly Hotel allows dogs of any size for an additional fee of $9 per night.

The Bahamas

BringFido giving back in the Bahamas. Photo by Lauren/BringFido

The Bahamas is known for year-round tropical weather and stunning Caribbean vistas, and its capital city of Nassau is a tourism hub for two- and four-legged visitors. Take a walk with Fido to Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island, a beautiful place to lie back under the shade of a palm tree and listen to the waves lap the shore. Canine companions can run and play off leash as long as they are under voice command. When the sun sets, retire to The Colony Club Inn & Suites, a popular and budget-friendly hotel in the heart of Nassau.

The Colony Club Inn & Suites welcomes dogs of any size for no additional fee.

Dominican Republic

“I asked for poached eggs.” Photo by Facebook.com/Tinkerbellethedog

Book a flight to the Dominican Republic this winter and enjoy a lazy vacation with your small dog in one of Eden Roc at Cap Cana’s private suites with your own private pool. Pets receive a plush dog bed and bowls to make their stay as relaxing as possible, too. Ride around the resort in your private golf cart together, sunbathe on the beach and experience classy service throughout, including day beds and shady umbrellas for dogs to snooze under in comfort. Eden Roc’s Bone Apetit menu for dogs will make sure Fido is well-fed, too!

Eden Roc at Cap Cana accepts dogs up to 30 lbs for an additional fee of $50 per pet, per night.

Would you bring Fido to one of these tropical getaways? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash.