When I first started selling Four Seasons around 20 years ago, the hotels felt much more focused on business travel. It was city hotels, meetings, airport transfers, polished service, and guests who were usually traveling for work. Then family travel became a much bigger part of the picture, and Four Seasons resorts started putting far more effort into kids' clubs, family activities, larger room categories, and making luxury travel easier for parents.

Now the next big shift is pets.

Over the last decade, dogs have increasingly become part of the family rather than simply household pets. More people are traveling with them, celebrating birthdays with them, and building holidays around destinations where they can come too. Luxury hotels have taken notice, and few brands have embraced the trend as enthusiastically as Four Seasons through its Pets for All Seasons program.

This is not just about allowing dogs to stay. Most luxury hotels can do that. The difference is that Four Seasons has tried to make pets feel genuinely welcome. Across the portfolio you'll find pet beds, bowls, treats, special amenities, walking recommendations, and in some cases experiences created specifically for four-legged guests.

My own dog has done rather well out of it.

At Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, he was given the custom Pets for All Seasons menu, with options including steak, chicken, and sweet potato. It was not a case of ordering plain chicken from room service. There was an actual menu designed for dogs. At Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, he had his own Four Seasons robe and paw butter, which I initially thought was a bit over the top but actually worked really, really well after long walks on the beach.

Those experiences might sound amusing, but they reflect a wider trend within luxury hospitality. Hotels have realized that if guests are willing to spend thousands of dollars on a vacation, many of them do not want to leave their dog behind in a kennel. They want the same level of care and attention extended to every member of the family.

This is also a real privilege. Being able to travel with your dog and have them welcomed at a Four Seasons is not something to take for granted. These programs only work if pet owners behave sensibly too. Keep your dog on a lead where required, respect other guests, follow the hotel's rules, and use common sense around restaurants, pools, beaches, and public spaces. The better guests are with their dogs, the easier it is for hotels to keep investing in programs like Pets for All Seasons.

Of course, not every Four Seasons property is the same. Pet policies, weight limits, fees, and amenities vary from hotel to hotel. A city property may offer something completely different from a beach resort or safari lodge. That is why it is always worth checking the details before booking rather than assuming every hotel offers the same experience.

What I particularly like about the Pets for All Seasons program is that it feels authentic. Four Seasons has always been known for anticipating guest preferences and personalizing a stay. Extending that philosophy to pets feels like a natural evolution rather than a marketing exercise.

For my dog, however, it has probably created unrealistic expectations. After enjoying steak in Tamarindo and receiving his own robe in Punta Mita, he now seems to think every hotel should provide the same level of service.

Unfortunately for him, not every hotel is Four Seasons.

Planning a Four Seasons Stay With Your Dog?

Clements Travel can confirm the pet policy, fees, restrictions, and available amenities before you book. We can also arrange your stay with Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, including daily breakfast for two, a hotel credit, upgrade priority subject to availability, and other exclusive amenities where offered by the property. We'll also make sure the hotel knows your dog is traveling with you and, where possible, help arrange a special welcome treat for your four-legged companion on arrival.

Whether you're planning a beach vacation, city break, or longer stay, we can help identify which Four Seasons hotels offer the best experience for both you and your dog.

‍