When it comes to hotels, there’s a vast gulf between pets being merely ‘allowed’ and truly ‘welcome’. Some properties might more honestly advertise themselves as pet ‘tolerant’: “you can bring your mutt, but we’ll make you sign a shouty list of Ts & Cs and we’d rather not see hide nor hair of them”. Others, by contrast, pull out all the stops, greeting the pooch with more enthusiasm than the human and laying on a welcome pack of goodies. Two of Mallorca’s luxury addresses – Kimpton Aysla and Aethos - most certainly fall into the latter camp, and, what’s more, the treatment is (literally) five star.
When Kimpton Aysla Mallorca opened back in 2022, it was the first resort hotel under the Kimpton brand in Europe. A reimagining of the old Santa Ponsa Country Club - closed since 2015 - the launch was a long time in the making (thank you, COVID-19) but more than worth the wait. Now a renowned leisure and wellness destination, it boasts 79 suites, the main Saba Restaurant and Zayt Pool Club, a multifunctional events space, a two-storey wellness area with generous indoor pool and gym, a full array of Spa facilities (including a pink salt cave), and seven treatment rooms using the CODAGE Paris brand. A lush Mediterranean garden with two oversized pools sits at its heart. Oh, and Golf Santa Ponsa plus the new Mallorca Country Club - venue of the Mallorca Championships ATP 250 - are just over the road.
So, what about the pet policy? The Kimpton motto is: “If they fit in the elevator, they’re welcome” - and it most definitely applies here. This boutique resort is not only dog friendly, but also cat, rabbit, bird, and whatever-domesticated-animal-you-fancy friendly (although a line is understandably drawn at the wild ones). Once across the threshold, pets are treated like VIPs, with privileges to ensure they enjoy their holiday as much as their humans. Expect hand-crafted ceramic bowls, colourful beds that match the Kimpton style guide, squeaky/tuggy/chewy toys, yummy treaties, and even tailor-made meals (for an extra charge).
General Manager Alejandro Bautista Gómez explained: “Kimpton Hotels & Resorts has been pet friendly since its creation back in 1981. Founder Bill Kimpton would bring his dog, Chianti, to work to lift staff spirits. Nowadays, we’re so well known for our pet friendliness that I’d say a quarter of our guests bring dogs; they simply don’t want to holiday without them. We’ve also entertained the occasional cat, though I’m yet to see anything more exotic here at the Aysla.”
“There’s no extra charge and no restriction on size, weight or breed - aside from that all-important elevator test - and guests can host as many pets as they like in their room. Staff provide information on trusted pet sitters and nearby facilities such as dog beaches and parks, as well as a steady supply of poop bags and cat litter. There are a few ground rules - pets must be leashed in public areas, kept out of ‘wet’ spaces like pools and the Spa, and shouldn’t disturb fellow guests - but overall it’s a fairly relaxed affair. Our artisan ‘Pet in Room’ door hangers remind housekeeping to come back later - ideally armed with treats, if the humans allow.”
Across the bay, on the border between Paguera and Cala Fornells, the freshly opened Aethos Mallorca (15 June 2025) is another five-star pet pawradise. Built on the site of the former Mar i Pins hotel - derelict for years until Limestone Capital acquired it in 2020 - the property has been completely reborn. All that remains of its past is the staircase leading directly to the sea; everything else is brand new.
The hotel now offers 61 luxurious rooms and suites (all but one with sea views), the Onda Restaurant, Ikat Pool Club, a rooftop bar, co-working space, a wellness area with Spa and Technogym equipment, and an outdoor infinity pool that hovers dramatically over the Mediterranean. The aesthetic is ‘soft minimalist luxury’, thanks to mother–daughter architect-design duo Ballesteros Drusetta, who have reflected Mallorca’s natural beauty in every hue (olive green, almond blossom pink, earthy terracotta) and every material (local stone, handcrafted oak, reclaimed tiles).
Here too, pets are treated to a hero’s welcome - provided they’re of the dog or cat variety. The rules are a tad stricter than Kimpton’s: one pet per room, weighing no more than 10kg, with a surcharge of €25 per night. Like at Aysla, they’re barred from the Spa and wellness facilities, but otherwise free to make themselves at home.
Community Manager Aranya Dhall shared: “We all get so excited when a dog struts into reception and can’t resist leaning in for a cuddle. Every pet receives an Aethos-branded goodie bag with a toy and poop bags. Aside from guest rooms, we’re happy to see pets in the restaurants, rooftop bar and co-working space - and that also applies to non-resident visitors. One of our big plus points is the Aethos Club – a ‘community of conscious explorers’. Membership unlocks access to all Aethos Hotels - currently in Portugal, Italy, France and Spain, with London opening soon - and they’re all pet friendly. So, if you’re in Milan and need to polish a presentation, just wander into the co-work with your laptop and pooch under your arm, and get typing. The Aethos mobile app also connects likeminded members across locations - you’re sure to find a pawfect match. Membership rates start from €650 a year.”
So, whether your four-legged companion is a pampered Pomeranian, a scruffy rescue, or a feline with a fondness for hotel-grade bed linens, Mallorca is a true five-star destination for pets as well as people. With properties like Kimpton Aysla and Aethos Mallorca rolling out the red carpet, you might just find your dog never wants to check out.