This is our ulti-mutt guide to petcations in Asia Pacific, the cute kitty corners at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok just one pawsome example.
A FEW WALKS OF LIFE to benefit from covid-19 were our furry, feathered and scaly friends. Why? Well, pandemic-induced lockdowns, travel bans and tightly closed borders meant pets and their parents spent more time than ever before cooped up together on home turf. And so when we started to travel again, more and more owners demanded petcation hotels to keep the family together.
Thankfully, an increasing number of luxury spots welcome pets as guests, ensuring that humans and hounds can enjoy a well-deserved break together. Extra good news if yours is the type of pup who only flies private: private-jet company VistaJet recently upgraded its pet program. This means there’s no need to get in a flap about leaving your pooch, kitty, reptile or bird at home alone. Instead, indulge in a VIP petcation at any number of hotels across Asia-Pacific.
Let’s take a look at an insanely popular example: From chickens, chinchillas and prairie dogs to heaps of happy hounds and curious kitties, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok has purrfected the petcation movement. The whole Kimpton family harbors a soft spot for furry friends, with its properties worldwide being pet-friendly. However, since opening in the Thai capital only a year ago, it’s risen to become the hippest hangout among Bangkok’s creature-loving crowd.
At weekends, its ground-level CRAFT café resembles a menagerie from morning to night. Dogs lounge on the leafy outdoor terrace and cats laze on plush sofas that dot the modern indoor space. All eyeing up the menu of doggylicious treats that range from the pawsome ‘Best Friend’s Beef’ and catevating ‘Cats Love Tuna’ to an array of pet-friendly ice creams – don’t forget your doggy bag!
The hotel’s ‘Happy Pets, No Regrets’ policy is also proving popular with staycationers wanting to enjoy the pawfect Thai petcation. They even have separate floors for canines and felines. And, if it’s raining cats and dogs outside, an assortment of toys and treats for your pampurred pal form part of room service. (The current purrfect petcation package includes one night in a deluxe room for two people plus your four-legged friend, breakfast for the humans and a hand-cooked meal for your cuddly companion from US$165.)
Kimpton’s pet-friendly cattitude is also proving a huge hit with residents and long-term guests, who have access to the leafy Urban Oasis. The resort’s lush gardens are commonly dotted with dog walkers – a welcome reprieve after neighboring Lumpini Park rolled out a pet ban.
“If your pet fits through the door, then we’ll welcome them in,” says Pidichanan Petchngaovilai Macaluso, director of marketing communications. “We admit we have an animal attraction at Kimpton. Thailand is also one of the biggest lovers of pets. Who can say no to those puppy eyes, right?”
Apparently, a rapidly dwindling number of hotels, because Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok is far from alone in its awesome animal offerings. Here are 82 more pawfect petcations across Asia-Pacific.
Australia
From decadent in-room dining alongside your faithful furend to pet-and-owner pampering at an indulgent spa in the rugged Blue Mountains, Australia ticks all the boxes for the perfect petcation.
Fairmont, Blue Mountains
The Langham, Sydney
QT Hotels and Resorts, all Australian properties
Cambodia
From the lap of a luxurious private villa overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and a spiritual wellness haven in Temple Town to a snug jungle hangout on a tropical island, Cambodia has plenty to cater to the petcation crowd.
Anaya, Koh Rong
FCC Angkor by Avani, Siem Reap
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
Navutu Dreams Resort, Siem Reap
Palm Beach Bungalow Resort, Koh Rong
Samanea Beach Resort & Spa, Kep
Hong Kong
Enjoy afternoon tea for two with your happy hound overlooking Hong Kong’s concrete jungle, or perhaps a stylized photoshoot of your furry friend at The Langham? For first-pawson testimonials on how Hong Kong is elevating Asia’s petcation experience.
Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
Indonesia
Whether you and your pet want to get back to nature at an eco-friendly island hideaway, hit a beach in Bali or live the luxurious laid-back Lombok life, Indonesia’s petcation offerings are aplenty.
Boa Vida Rote, East Nusa Tenggara
Majo Private Villas, Lombok
Penida Bambu Green Villas, Bali
Radisson Golf and Convention Centre, Batam
Japan
Let Fido stretch his legs on a private green terrace in the heart of Tokyo or press paws and enjoy fresh air from a five-star mountain lodge. Nope, there’s no shortage of petcation hotels in Japan.
Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa
Laos
Lap up lush landscapes from a quaint riverside village, soak up Luang Prabang’s rich culture and relax into luxe living from a hilltop forest with your pawsome pal at some of Laos’ pet-friendly options.
Maison Houng Chanh, Luang Prabang
Malaysia
From a private house hidden under the forest canopy to heaps of heritage alongside your hound, here are a handful of pawfect petcations in Malaysia.
Noordin Mews, Penang
Temple Tree Resort, Langkawi
New Zealand
Go off-grid and sleep beneath the stars in style, take an invigorating stroll in the foothills of the Southern Alps or soak up history alongside your adventurous animal. The hotels in New Zealand are relaxed and friendly, making it a petcation paradise for outdoor lovers.
Braemar Lodge & Spa, Hamner Springs
Fino Hotel and Suites, Christchurch
Peace and Plenty Inn, Auckland
QT Hotels and Resorts, all New Zealand properties
Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
River Bothy, Mangonui
Philippines
From beaches lapped by azure waters, to an invigorating detox in the wild and a trip back in time to Old Manila days, it’ll be ruff choosing where to check-in with your furry friend in the Philippines.
Acuaverde Beach Resort, Batangas
The Cabin Resorts, Bulacan
The Farm at San Benito, Batangas
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bataan
Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort, Batangas
Singapore
From pet spas to pampering five-star retreats, Singa-paw is an animal owner’s heaven when it comes to petcation hotels.
Thailand
Fancy poolside sundowners with your pampered pet in Hua Hin? How about a blissful beach escape with your cuddly companion in Koh Samui or a night of luxury in Bangkok? With so many hotels welcoming cats and dogs, Thailand’s got your Asian petcation covered.
Aava Resort and Spa, Khanom
The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok
ANI Thailand, Koh Yao Noi
Avani+ Hua Hin Resort, Cha Am
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
Sri Panwa, Phuket
Vietnam
Adrenaline-seeking animals and their owners can enjoy watersports on the coast of Mui Ne. Alternatively, step back in time to the Indochine era or indulge in a bit of elegance from the privacy of an upscale apartment in Hanoi as part of Vietnam’s petcation offerings.
Elegant Suites Westlake, Hanoi
Full Moon Village, Mui Ne
Green Organic Villa, Phan Thiet
Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection
Oakwood Residence, Saigon
Written By
Marissa Carruthers
Marissa relocated to Cambodia from the UK in 2012 and hasn't looked back. Since then, her passion for writing and intrepid sense of adventure have taken her to all corners of the region - and she has so much more to explore!
