Dog-Friendly Spa Resorts in the US (Updated for 2026)

The idea of a true spa weekend — a weekend of massages, mineral pools, fine dining, and luxurious room service — is more appealing than ever. The idea of leaving your dog behind for that weekend is, for many pet owners, less so. The good news: a growing category of premium US resorts has recognized that their highest-spending guests are often dog owners who will pay a premium for properties that genuinely welcome their pets rather than merely tolerating them. These are not just pet-friendly hotels with a dog bowl at the front desk — these are resort experiences where your dog is part of the plan, with in-room pet amenities, dog-sitting services, grooming options, and grounds designed for dog exercise alongside the spa programming designed for their humans. This guide covers the best dog-friendly spa resorts in the United States for 2026, with honest detail on what to expect and how to book.

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What Makes a Spa Resort Genuinely Dog-Friendly?

Before reviewing specific properties, it is worth distinguishing between hotels that call themselves “pet-friendly” and spa resorts that are genuinely excellent for dog-owning travelers. The markers of a genuinely dog-welcoming luxury resort:

• No breed weight limits or discriminatory breed restrictions (or clearly stated policies that are reasonable)
• In-room pet amenities — welcome kit, dedicated dog bed, food and water bowls, cleanup bags
• Pet concierge services — recommendations for local dog walkers, groomers, veterinarians
• Outdoor space appropriate for dogs — grounds to walk, paths, or proximity to trails
• Spa programming that allows dogs in relaxation areas (not all do, but the best make this possible)
• Dog-sitting or boarding referrals for spa treatments where dogs cannot accompany you
• Pet fee transparency — clearly stated before booking, not discovered at check-in

Properties on this list meet most or all of these criteria.

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1. Kona Kai Resort & Spa (San Diego, California)

Price Range: $350-$650/night | Pet Fee: $75/stay (unlimited pets) | Weight Limit: None

Kona Kai is one of the most legitimately dog-welcoming luxury properties in the United States. Located on Shelter Island in San Diego Bay, the resort’s waterfront position gives it a relaxed, maritime character that feels natural with dogs. The property welcomes dogs of all sizes with no weight restrictions — an unusual policy for a 4-star resort — and the pet fee of $75/stay (not per night) is among the most reasonable in the luxury tier.

The resort provides each dog-accompanying room with a welcome kit including a dog bed, food and water bowls, dog treats, poop bags, and local pet-care recommendations. The grounds include a waterfront walking path where guests regularly walk their dogs along the bay, and the property is within short walking distance of Shelter Island’s dog-friendly waterfront park areas.

The spa at Kona Kai is a full-service facility offering massage, facial, and body treatments. Dogs are not permitted in the spa itself, but the resort maintains a list of trusted local dog sitters and day boarding facilities for guests who need coverage during spa sessions. The resort’s bayfront restaurant (Vessel) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor patio seating where dogs are welcome.

Pro Tip: Book Shelter Island Bayview rooms for direct access to the waterfront walking path. Request the specific pet amenity kit at booking to ensure it is in the room on arrival.

Best for: San Diego beach lovers, couples who want city + water + spa, all-size dog owners

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2. L’Auberge de Sedona (Sedona, Arizona)

Price Range: $500-$900/night | Pet Fee: $150/stay | Weight Limit: 50 lbs per pet, 2 pets max

L’Auberge de Sedona is considered by many to be the most romantic resort in Arizona — a creek-side luxury property set among Sedona’s famous red rock formations, with a spa that is regularly ranked among the top resort spas in the Southwest. It is also seriously dog-friendly, with a dedicated pet program that reflects genuine commitment rather than reluctant accommodation.

Dogs receive a welcome amenity bag with a locally made dog treat, collapsible water bowl, and a trail map of nearby dog-friendly trails rated by difficulty. The resort’s position along Oak Creek provides immediate access to a beautiful dog-friendly stretch of the creek where dogs can wade and explore. The surrounding Coconino National Forest offers dozens of dog-friendly trail options — the Boynton Canyon Trail and Munds Wagon Trail are both excellent choices within 15 minutes of the property.

The Spa at L’Auberge is a full-service facility specializing in treatments inspired by Sedona’s Native American heritage and mineral-rich environment. Dogs are accommodated in your cottage or casita during spa treatments, with the option to arrange in-room dog sitting through the concierge. The cottage room configurations — separate sleeping and living areas with private patios — are particularly well-suited for dog owners who want their dog comfortable while also having quiet space for themselves.

L’Auberge’s restaurant (Etch Kitchen + Bar) serves sophisticated Southwestern cuisine with a creek-view patio that welcomes leashed dogs during breakfast and dinner service. The outdoor fire pit gathering areas are similarly dog-welcoming in the evenings.

Best for: Couples seeking luxury + outdoor adventure, yoga retreat seekers, small-medium dog owners

Vet Tip: Sedona’s desert environment means high temperatures June-September (frequently exceeding 100°F). Plan outdoor dog activities for early morning (before 8am) or after sunset during summer visits.

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3. Topnotch Resort (Stowe, Vermont)

Price Range: $300-$700/night | Pet Fee: $50/night | Weight Limit: None

Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont, earns its place on this list as the Northeast’s finest dog-friendly luxury resort — a 120-room property set on 120 acres at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The resort’s scale and land area means dogs have genuine outdoor space to explore, and the surrounding Stowe area is extraordinarily dog-friendly across seasons.

The resort’s pet program includes an in-room welcome kit with premium dog bed, food and water bowls, and locally sourced Vermont dog treats. The grounds include a dedicated dog exercise area, and the resort’s concierge maintains relationships with local dog trainers and groomers. The access road connects directly to Stowe Recreation Path — a 5.3-mile paved trail through meadows and forest alongside the West Branch River that is one of the most beautiful dog-walking environments in New England.

Topnotch’s spa is a 23,000-square-foot facility with indoor pool, tennis, fitness center, and a full menu of massage and wellness treatments. Dogs are accommodated in rooms during spa use, and in-room pet sitting can be arranged through the concierge for extended treatments. The resort’s proximity to Stowe Mountain means winter trips offer ski access (no dogs on ski terrain, but excellent village and trail walking) and summer trips open Stowe’s extraordinary hiking network.

The resort’s signature restaurant (Norma’s) has covered terrace seating that accommodates leashed dogs during appropriate weather, and the resort’s more casual Roost cafe-bar is dog-welcoming in its outdoor seating area.

Best for: Four-season destination, outdoor adventure + luxury balance, skiers and hikers with dogs

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4. Salish Lodge & Spa (Snoqualmie, Washington)

Price Range: $350-$650/night | Pet Fee: $75/stay | Weight Limit: 80 lbs

Perched at the top of Snoqualmie Falls — one of Washington State’s most iconic natural landmarks — Salish Lodge is a PNW institution that has been welcoming guests since 1988. The lodge’s position 100 feet above the falls and 30 minutes from Seattle makes it an extraordinarily accessible luxury escape for Puget Sound residents and a compelling destination for visitors to the Pacific Northwest.

Dogs receive a welcome package including a Salish-branded dog bandana, local treats, a trail map of the surrounding Salish Lodge Trail and surrounding Mount Si State Forest access, and cleanup supplies. The lodge’s grounds connect directly to the Snoqualmie River Trail, and the proximity to the Cascade Range means hundreds of miles of dog-appropriate hiking terrain within easy drive. The falls themselves are visible (and audible) from the lodge grounds — an extraordinary sensory experience that dogs find as captivating as their humans do.

The Salish Spa is a Northwest-focused wellness facility offering massages, hydrotherapy, and body treatments in a setting that echoes the lodge’s timber-and-stone design aesthetic. Dogs are accommodated in rooms during spa treatments, with the lodge’s concierge able to arrange dog-sitting through their trusted local network. The lodge’s famous Sunday brunch (one of Washington’s most celebrated dining traditions) serves in an indoor dining room where dogs cannot accompany; however, the adjacent outdoor terrace is dog-welcoming for breakfast and lunch service in appropriate weather.

Best for: Pacific Northwest enthusiasts, couples near Seattle, waterfall and forest lovers

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5. The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa (Manchester Village, Vermont)

Price Range: $300-$600/night | Pet Fee: $50/night | Weight Limit: 50 lbs

The Equinox is one of the most historically significant resort properties in New England — dating to 1769 and hosting guests including multiple US Presidents over its history. The 1,300-acre property in Vermont’s Battenkill Valley includes four-star accommodations, a Donald Ross-designed golf course, a full spa, and grounds that are well-suited for dog owners who want genuine outdoor space.

The resort’s dog program includes a welcome kit with local treats and pet supplies, and the extensive property grounds provide walking terrain directly from the hotel. The surrounding Hildene meadows and the Green Mountain National Forest provide excellent dog hiking, with the Equinox Mountain Trail accessible from the village for a steep but rewarding summit hike with dogs on leash.

The Avanyu Spa offers a full range of treatments in a facility that reflects the Vermont character of the property — emphasis on local botanicals, natural stone treatment rooms, and an overall sense of place. The spa team can recommend local dog-sitting options for guests during treatment sessions. The resort’s main restaurant, Chop House, has a covered terrace with dog access for casual dining.

Best for: Golf enthusiasts, history lovers, New England fall foliage season

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6. The Lodge at Blue Sky (Wanship, Utah)

Price Range: $800-$1,500/night | Pet Fee: None | Weight Limit: None

The Lodge at Blue Sky represents the upper end of the dog-friendly spa resort category — an Auberge Resorts property near Park City, Utah, that bills itself as a working ranch resort and genuinely lives up to that description. Dogs are not merely tolerated here; they are part of the property’s identity. The resort maintains its own animal sanctuary, offers equestrian programming, and has established outdoor dog facilities that most luxury hotels do not approach.

The property’s 3,500 acres provide unlimited terrain for dog exploration, with guided dog hikes available through the resort’s outdoor adventure team. The no pet fee, no weight limit policy reflects the property’s genuine commitment to pet-inclusive luxury travel. In-room amenities for dogs are extensive, and the resort’s approach to pet wellness includes recommendations for a local equine and companion animal veterinarian who makes house calls to the property.

The spa programming at Blue Sky is among the most creative in the luxury segment, incorporating the landscape — including outdoor treatments with natural mountain views — into the wellness philosophy. The outdoor treatment spaces are uniquely dog-accessible in ways that enclosed spa facilities cannot be.

Note: The price point at Blue Sky is significantly higher than the other properties on this list. For travelers who can reach this tier, it offers a level of pet-inclusive luxury that is genuinely unmatched in the US market.

Best for: Ultra-luxury seekers, outdoor adventure couples, Park City ski trips

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How to Book a Dog-Friendly Spa Resort Without Surprises

Research Before You Call

Do not rely solely on a resort’s website pet policy, which is often outdated or vague. Before booking:

• Call the hotel directly and speak with reservations staff about your specific dog (size, breed, count)
• Ask explicitly about pet fees (per night vs. per stay), refundable deposits, and room location policy for pet guests
• Ask whether your dog can accompany you to outdoor dining, pool areas, or any resort amenity areas
• Confirm the pet fee is stated on your booking confirmation

Room Selection

Request ground-floor rooms whenever possible for faster outdoor access. Ask about rooms nearest to the dog walking area or resort trail access. For boutique resorts with multiple accommodation types (cottages vs. main lodge rooms), cottages typically provide better privacy and outdoor space for dog owners.

Spa Booking Strategy

If spa treatments are central to your stay, address the dog situation before arrival:

• Ask the resort’s pet concierge about trusted in-room pet sitting — many resorts have established relationships with reliable sitters
• Book pet sitting at the same time you book spa appointments rather than trying to arrange it upon arrival
• Consider scheduling spa time during the hottest part of the day when outdoor dog activity is less appropriate anyway — this minimizes the dog’s downtime indoors

Pet Amenity Requests

Many resorts provide pet amenity kits only upon request. At the time of booking, request:

• In-room dog bed (specify approximate size)
• Food and water bowls
• Poop bags and cleanup supplies
• Local trail map or pet-friendly activity guide

Having these requests noted on your reservation prevents arriving to a room with none of the above.

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Comparison Table: 6 Top Dog-Friendly Spa Resorts

Resort	Location	Nightly Rate	Pet Fee	Weight Limit	Spa	Trail Access
Kona Kai	San Diego, CA	$350-$650	$75/stay	None	Full-service	Waterfront path
L’Auberge de Sedona	Sedona, AZ	$500-$900	$150/stay	50 lbs	Full-service	National Forest
Topnotch	Stowe, VT	$300-$700	$50/night	None	23,000 sq ft	Stowe Rec Path
Salish Lodge	Snoqualmie, WA	$350-$650	$75/stay	80 lbs	Full-service	Snoqualmie Trail
The Equinox	Vermont	$300-$600	$50/night	50 lbs	Avanyu Spa	Green Mountains
Lodge at Blue Sky	Utah	$800-$1,500	None	None	Ranch spa	3,500 acres

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Final Thoughts

Dog-friendly spa resorts represent a genuine advancement in the hospitality industry’s recognition that pet owners are premium travelers who will reward genuine welcome with loyalty and premium spending. The properties profiled here are not accepting your dog reluctantly — they have built programs and infrastructure that treat your dog as part of the guest experience. Whether you are planning a romantic anniversary trip, a solo wellness retreat, or a reward for a year of hard work, these resorts prove that luxury travel and dog ownership are not incompatible. They are, in fact, a perfect pairing.

For a broader range of dog-friendly accommodation options at different price points, our hotel pet policies compared guide covers hundreds of properties across the full pricing spectrum.

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