WATCH: Paw-some luxury! Islander opens Jersey's first five-star dog hotel

Thursday 25 May 2023

An islander has realised her "dream" of opening Jersey's first luxury dog hotel – complete with 'beach cabins', the same astroturf used at Crufts, underfloor heating, and even TVs.

Penny Dawkins, who has a background in breeding champion pointers and managing kennels, is the brains behind 'Paw Seasons'.

Nestled among the leafy lanes of St. Martin, the hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities which have been purpose-built to serve as a "home from home" for furry family members.

After several recent kennel closures, and more dogs than ever in the island, Mrs Dawkins said the new business was needed to keep up with demand.

Pictured: Penny Dawkins and Stephen de la Haye, the owners of Paw Seasons.

"I've been wanting to do this for years," she said, but she only properly began considering it four years ago. "It was always my little dream, but I wasn't in a position previously to do it."

With her partner, Stephen de la Haye, she secured planning, and broke ground – the building project took 12 months.

Now, bookings are open for the 'five-star' hotel. When it opens in June, it will be licensed for 20 dogs, with ten beach huts, two of which are larger "suites".

Pictured: one of the luxury beach huts.

Each kennel has its own television, bed, window, underfloor heating, and 'back garden'. There's also a full grooming room, with the option of a brush, wash and blow-dry for a bit extra.

The indoor play area is lined with special astroturf which came from the centre arena at Crufts.

"They use it once and then sell it on," Mrs Dawkins said.

Mr De La Haye said: 'It's all about the experience for the dog. In this environment, they are going to have a positive experience."

"It's really light and airy, with bright colours. It's a happy place. The dogs almost feel like they're outside, because sometimes kennels can feel quite dark."

He added: "We're in a quiet, country location, so where they're going out for their walks, it's all green lanes and fields."

Video: A tour around the dog hotel.

And neighbours – not that there are any – need not worry about the noise.

Mrs Dawkins said: "It's all acoustically lined. We worked with Fay de Gruchy from Aura, ant put in triple-glazed windows for the noise and sound absorbers."

She added: "I love my dogs, and a lot of people love their dogs like their children, and I would want my dog to have luxury. It's a home from home, and so chilled with only ten dogs, so they don't get anxious. Owners can check their dogs in, and then leave for their own holidays. If you need to kennel your dog, you want to give the best facilities to your dog."

Pictured: the 'outdoor' play area, lined with turf from Crufts.

"It's about time for Jersey to have something like this. With several recent kennel closures, and more dogs than even in the island, more kennels are needed."

Mrs Dawkins said she was already fully booked for the first few weeks of June.

"We have made it affordable for everybody," she added, with a daily tariff of £45 for one dog and £65 for two dogs (sharing).