Dog owners looking for a staycation with their four-legged friend can make tracks to Dubai's only mountain resort: JA Hatta Fort Hotel.
Located about 130 kilometres from the centre of Dubai, the four-star retreat is now officially dog-friendly and welcoming pups to spend the night with their owners at the hotel.
The news comes a few weeks after pet-loving community group Flopster announced it was partnering with the hotel to create a dog-friendly space for daytime visitors.
Set in 80 acres of grounds, JA Hatta Fort Hotel has plenty of grassy lawns where visitors and their dogs can take a walk and enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding Al Hajar mountains and the Hollywood-esque Hatta sign.
Doggy staycations at the hotel are available for pooches of any size and weight, although there may be some restrictions on how many large dogs are allowed in each room.
Pups can't go into the lobby, instead there is a separate parking area for people with dogs. A member of the hotel team will greet guests there and provide them with their room key, then complete check-in formalities with guests inside their room. Pet parents can also request dog beds and toys.
When it comes to dining, options include ordering room service and enjoying it in your chalet, or dining outside at the picnic tables set across the shaded area of the hotel's Palm Tree Garden.
There, guests can order meals from any of the hotel's restaurants. There are also plans to host picnics and barbecues where dogs and their owners can mingle and dine alfresco.
Dog-friendly hotel etiquette
Rules state that dogs must remain on a lead in most areas of the hotel, both for their own safety and that of other guests. This also makes sure that the other wildlife at the resort – ponies, deer, goats, peacocks and tortoises – stay safe.
There are plenty of places for walking dogs, and they are able to run free in the hotel's outdoor marquee area. And if you fancy a sport of adventure during your stay, the surrounding region has awesome trekking opportunities, while the nearby Hatta Kayak offers dog-friendly activities on the water.
Overnight stays at JA Hatta Fort Hotel start from Dh575, including breakfast. Pet owners will have to pay a Dh150 sanitation fee, plus an additional Dh50 per pet, per day for extra cleaning.
Day visitors are also welcome and a special Flopster menu is available for pet parents to order from. This costs Dh80 per person.
