I honestly can’t think of a better way to spend the summer days ahead than relaxing by a pool, playing with puppies in the sunshine.
Now, this may just seem like some surreal fantasy my brain has cooked up to help push me through the mires of Monday.
However, this heavenly scenario can actually be achieved on earth by those lucky enough to be travelling to Bali this summer.
The Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel, located in the beautiful village of Ubud, provides a haven for those who just can’t get enough of doggy cuddles.
The gorgeous boutique hotel and hostel – where you can stay for just £19 per night! – is as serene as it gets, with beautiful, restful gardens complete with hammocks and outdoor yoga sessions.
Tranquillity and mindfulness is clearly a core part of Puri Garden’s philosophy, offering a ‘safe and great place to meet like-minded travellers from all over the world, who are all looking to take in the beautiful peaceful culture of Bali’.
This little piece of paradise also recognises how spending time with animals can do wonders for your sense of well-being, especially when these animals are tiny, excitable puppies.
Twice a week, Puri Garden staff offer ‘puppy therapy sessions’ by the pool, giving guests the opportunity to stroke and pet their cares away with a sweet bunch of rescue puppies.
These sessions take place Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1.30 and 3.30pm, within an area which looks a little bit like a white picket baby pen.
These precious pups are taken to Puri Garden by the Bali Dogs Association rescue charity, which receives donations from the hostel.
These puppies, who may not have had the happiest starts in life, benefit hugely from the love and affection showered on them by guests.
Hostel owner Daniel Silva told UNILAD how these lovely afternoon sessions help get these puppies ready for adoption, building their lost trust in humans:
My guests are the ones making the puppies feel more at peace as many of them are very traumatised. The puppy therapy helps them to re-socialise and trust gain in humans as here in Bali lots of locals treat them very badly.
But its also a great opportunity for our guests to have a great time cuddling these little ones. Plus this activity helps to prepare the puppies for adoption
Reviews for this hostel are giving me seriously itchy feet, with some guests claiming they didn’t want to leave at the end of their stay.
One Tripadvisor user remarked ‘I’m forever grateful that I went here’, while another enthused, ‘This place is incredible. This place is perfect.’
Be right back, just checking out flight times to Bali…
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.