The lap of luxury

The UK’s first pet hotel and spa would look more at home in its (almost) namesake Beverley Hills or on the star-studded streets of Hollywood, but Bellslea Hills is now open for business just outside Ayr

Bellslea Hills is the brainchild of Will Aitken (22), who was inspired by our American cousins to create this plush palace for pampered pooches with the help of his partner and entire family. ‘We’ve been working on Bellslea for around two years. My Dad has helped with the IT, setting up webcams etc, and my sisters, who are 11 and 13, have been in cleaning and sprucing up. Even my Grandpa has been helping out.’

Will was brought up around animals and was desperate to find a career that would allow him to work with them. So when the idea for a luxury dog kennels emerged he headed off to study kennel and cattery management to ensure he had a good knowledge of animal husbandry on top of the lessons learned during a life lived around his furry friends.

His research led him to check out the way dog kennels across the Atlantic treated their clients and he found a world of luxury, where pets are picked up in Lamborghinis and transported to palatial accommodation while their owners head off on holiday. ‘We’re not quite picking up dogs in sports cars yet, but maybe one day,’ laughs Will.

Each of the 28 suites has underfloor heating, feature wallpaper, a 32” flat screen TV – so that dogs can watch their favourite shows – and a 360 degree webcam allowing owners to keep an eye on their beloved pets from the beach or the piste. It even comes equipped with night vision for those holidaying in a different time zone.

The hotel is situated in 44 acres of countryside allowing resident dogs to go for varied walkies. The spa houses splash pools and a spa drying box which blows warm air to dry off dogs after a wash.

For owners expecting an eye-watering bill to put up their pets a pleasant surprise is in store. Bellslea costs £29.40 per night. www.bellsleahills.co.uk