For many people, a holiday isn’t truly a holiday unless the whole family goes with, and that includes their furry, four-legged members. But finding a resort that welcomes dogs can prove to be difficult. According to Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, South Africa is still playing catch-up when it comes to canine-friendly travel.
“Across Europe and North America, pet-friendly travel is the norm, with thousands of hotels and resorts offering dog beds, pet menus and even spa treatments,” says Lamont. “However, whilst options in South Africa might currently be limited, we’re proud to be changing that.” And Qwantani, a scenic First Group resort nestled on the banks of the Sterkfontein Dam in the Free State, is leading the pack. Long known for welcoming dogs, the hotel is now taking things to a whole new level with dedicated amenities designed especially for canine guests – almost rivalling those on offer to their human families.
From the moment guests arrive, their pooches are treated like VIPs. The resort’s new Welcome Pack ensures furry friends feel right at home with a selection of thoughtful goodies. Included in the pack are:
A small treat and biscuit for each dog
Four doggy poop bags for easy waste management
A copy of the Bon-A-Pet-Treat menu
A “Furry Frequent Diner Passport”
A chew toy
A microfibre cloth for muddy paws
“It’s the kind of attention to detail that makes our guests, who travel with their beloved dogs, feel valued,” says Lamont. “We believe that everyone deserves a warm and welcoming experience, and that includes our furry guests. Because we understand that they aren’t just pets. They’re family.”
For added convenience, other services on offer include pet sitting, daily dog walking and even curated adventure trails so that pooches can safely explore their natural surroundings. Then, there’s the gourmet Bon-A-Pet-Treat menu that features everything from dog-friendly meals to chewy snacks.
With panoramic views, large outdoor spaces, and a commitment to exceptional hospitality for both humans and their canine companions, Qwantani is setting a new benchmark for dog-friendly travel in South Africa. And the good news? Lamont says that they are now looking at making the popular La Montagne resort in Ballito just as welcoming for man’s best friend – so watch this space.
“As canine-friendly hospitality starts to take off locally and the demand for hotels and resorts to offer suitable facilities increases, we want to create an experience where dog owners are able to make lasting, magical memories on holiday with their four-legged family members,” he concludes. “Our goal is for our guests, both canine and their owners, to not just feel tolerated, but truly welcome and celebrated, while inspiring others in the industry to follow suit.”
For more information about Qwantani or any other First Group resorts, please visit https://www.firstgroup-sa.co.za.