PetsPyjamas recently had the pleasure of inviting SheerLuxe’s Victoria McLintock, along with her husband Ollie and their adorable cockapoo Pablo, to enjoy a relaxing babymoon at the luxurious and super dog-friendly Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds. Victoria is Commercial Director of SheerLuxe, one of PetsPyjamas’ favourite online magazines, and she and her family love nothing better than a weekend away with Pablo. They were looking forward to a few days of pampering in tranquil surroundings. Especially since this was a pre-baby getaway before the arrival of their baby in October.
Whatley Manor is an elegant 19th-century manor house in Wiltshire offering old-world charm and modern luxury. This makes it perfect for a dog-friendly babymoon weekend away for families and their four-legged friends. Set amidst 12 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, Whatley Manor is located in the Cotswolds and has plenty of walking routes direct from the hotel. Dogs even receive their own welcome letter on arrival.
The hotel offers Michelin-starred dining as well as Grey’s brasserie where you can take your dog to dine with you. There is a fabulous spa too with a hydrotherapy pool, salt scrub showers, a wave dream sensory room, as well as a variety of beauty treatments. Despite being a 5 star hotel, this lovely property couldn’t be more welcoming to dogs. Furry friends are thoroughly pampered with their own special doggie menu, luxe dog beds, treats and toys!
During her stay, Victoria took full advantage of the relaxing atmosphere, indulging in Whatley Manor’s signature mother-to-be spa treatment. Designed specifically for expectant mothers, this luxurious treatment is perfect during the babymoon. It focuses on nurturing both the body and mind, ensuring that mum-to-be leaves feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The spa’s serene environment, coupled with expert therapists, made it the perfect way for Victoria to unwind and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
We spoke to Victoria about her stay.
How was your visit to Whatley Manor?
We had such a relaxing stay. For us, being able to bring our dog to staycations is a huge bonus, and the fact it was so well catered for dogs made it all the more enjoyable. Also, Whatley Manor itself is just beautiful. The food was great and you really feel like you can properly switch off while you’re there. 
What made it especially dog-friendly?
All the staff were so welcoming with Pablo and very attentive. They provided lots of treats, a comfy bed and toy for our room, and even a doggy room service menu – which was such a sweet touch. Our lovely waitress also brought a bed for him to chill in by the table during our dinner! Pablo had a great time and met a few other dogs staying too, which he loved.
Can you describe your room for us?
Our room was gorgeous, very spacious, bright and most importantly super comfortable. When I’m away I really love to make use of the room to unwind, and our room was perfect for just that.
What did you do whilst you were there?
Our priority for the weekend was rest and relaxation (a must being pregnant). So, we did a lot of it! We chilled out in the lounge area, had a bite to eat outside on the terrace and we explored the beautiful grounds with Pablo. He loved running around by the stream, and it was a plus that it was a separate part of the grounds so we could let him off the lead and explore!
Where did you dine and did you take Pablo with you?
We had dinner and breakfast the following morning in Grey’s Brasserie as it is dog friendly. The food was delicious, the lamb I had for dinner definitely being a highlight. I also love that the menu is based on seasonal produce and the food is grown in their own kitchen garden. Pablo especially loved breakfast as he was surprised with a wild boar sausage!
Did you enjoy your spa treatment?
I was lucky enough to try the Mother Gaia Ritual massage, suitable for pregnancy, which was absolutely divine. They make sure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout which was proven as I nodded off a few times! I left feeling so rejuvenated. It was the perfect end to a wonderful stay.
All the family had a fabulous dog-friendly welcome and stay at Whatley Manor – especially Pablo who thoroughly enjoyed his stay. Whatley, with its 5 star luxury and fabulous location, really does make for the best, chilled out dog-friendly weekend retreat for a super relaxing babymoon in style.
