Top to tail review

February 10, 2022 - I admit I am a little high maintenance. I’m what they call a pampered pooch, a pawfectionist. So, when the chance came for me to sample the relaxing Paw Paw program at Six Senses Douro Valley, I jumped. Then I woofed. Then I wagged.

Arrival experience

I arrived a little cross. On the way we had passed a big river, and I wanted to splash about and play with the ducks. Aqua the hotel dog came over and introduced herself (she’s massive!). She gave me some breathing exercises and I soon calmed down.

Treatment room

These guys know what they are doing. The treatment started in the right way – with a treat. I could tell from the crunch that it was organic. My therapist Mariana showed me to a dedicated treatment room, away from those noisy humans. I settled on a special orthopedic bed, designed just for dogs, and very comfy it was too.

Paw massage

It was outrageous of Mariana to suggest I had dirty paws but, my woofness, once she started rubbing them with 100 percent natural healing balm from Charlie & Co, I lost all dignity. Before I knew it, I was flat on my back twitching my legs in the air. All the cracks in my pads are now gone thanks to the seven plant oils including organic shea butter, calendula, and carrot oil. The carrot was the tastiest.

Fresh and Fluff

I’m not usually keen on baths at home so Mariana had her work cut out convincing me that I wanted to be either fresher or fluffier, but the shampoo spritz and wipe down was much appreciated. I had a quick sniff when Mariana wasn’t looking just to check she used 100 percent natural ingredients, with no parabens or sulfates. The bottle was eco-friendly enough, but 100 percent plant-based (literally, what’s the point?) and not very chewy.

Jimmy Chews

Feeling refreshed, I was also ravenous, so I chose the grilled beef tenderloin, served in a jus with a side of rice from the Aqua’s Choice menu. The chef was a little stingy on the jus but otherwise, it gets a (clean and soft) paws-up from me.

All in all, a grand day out. I don’t know what they did to my human but she’s behaving much calmer now too.

Belinha the terrier visited Six Senses Spaw Douro Valley in January 2022.