The English hotel with one of the UK's poshest spas… but it's only for dogs
NESTLED in Somerset's Mendip hills, boutique hotel Charlton House is home to one of the UK's poshest spas.
But its clients aren't blushing brides and well-coiffed country folk – the spa is for DOGS, and my four-legged companion Harry was about to have the time of his life.
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The Montigo Resorts Somerset hotel in Somerset also offers much for pups' owners to enjoy – a grade II-listed mansion with grand fountains and lush lawns.
The real star of the show, though, is Kelly Davis, a former hairdresser who was crowned best dog groomer in the country and owns KD Pet Spa.
She shot to fame after winning BBC competition Pooch Perfect in 2022 – presented by Gavin & Stacey star Sheridan Smith – and now has a few celebrity clients although can't say who.
Dogs can tell 'doggy' people straightaway, and Kelly instantly won over my two-year-old black-and-white mixed breed.
Inside, her lavender-scented spa is a little different to those I've seen before. There's two small treatment tables, a huge sink area for shampooing, and a counter featuring an array of fancy pet products.
While Harry snuggled on a cushion, I answered questions about his allergies, and likes and dislikes, then it was time for his . . . blueberry facial.
The treatment involves a mask made from fresh blueberries, coconut oil and a little water, which is 'full of antioxidants '.
Kelly explains: 'It calms the skin, relieves any itchiness and brightens and whitens the coat.'
Harry probably would have eaten it, if he hadn't been so mesmerised by the motion of Kelly's fingers, gently smoothing the mixture on to his face.
The solution was left on for ten minutes, while Harry relaxed to classical music.
Take a look inside this luxurious dog hotel in New York
After it was washed off, Harry had a deshedding treatment, to remove hair from his undercoat.
The price varies, depending on the type of coat, but for 22kg Harry, who has short, straight hair, it would cost around £70.
For those not in the know, the treatment is more than just a brush. The tool used is part comb and part razor, getting all the loose hair out and leaving Harry looking a few pounds lighter.
But the key to Kelly's success is not her treatments. It is the way she bonds with pets.
She says: 'There must be trust. We deal with their teeth, bottoms, paws and all over, so it's quite intimate, which can't be done if the dog doesn't trust me. I treat them how I'd like to be treated myself.'
Elsewhere in the hotel, guests can take advantage of the human spa which features eight treatment rooms and a thermal area, as well as restaurants, including dog-friendly joints, serving Asian grub, steaks and all-day brunch.
Kelly adds: 'Owners know their dog is being well treated and they come back feeling relaxed. They can drop in and out if they want to check on their pet.'
The hotel has 28 dog-friendly rooms, too.
You'd be barking mad not to check it out.
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