The Bark - An Art Resort (Lonavala)

The Bark – An Art Resort is one of those rare finds in Lonavala, Maharashtra: a proper boutique hotel that has made being genuinely pet-friendly part of its identity, not just a checkbox on a booking form. With 34 rooms set around a pool in the Tungarli area of Lonavala, this property is run by three women , founder Ritu, her daughter Rittika, and niece Isha , whose love for animals is woven into everything from the art on the walls to the animals that call the property home. Dogs of any size are welcome at no additional charge, and cats are equally welcome, making it an easy yes for multi-pet households planning a weekend escape from Pune or Mumbai.

The Setting

The Bark sits behind Hotel Fariyas in Tungarli, one of the greener, quieter pockets of Lonavala , away from the bustle of the main market but close enough to access the hill station's trails and viewpoints. The property's centrepiece is a large outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers, giving the resort an open, airy feel that reads well in person. For dog parents, that poolside lawn and the tropical garden setting mean your dog has room to stretch after the drive up from Pune (roughly 65 km) or Mumbai (roughly 95 km). The Bark also positions itself as a venue for destination weddings and conferences, so the grounds are maintained to a standard that reflects that , it's not a rustic farm stay, it's a well-kept boutique property with real infrastructure.

What makes The Bark distinctive is the art. The hotel showcases unique artwork and artefacts throughout its public spaces , the name is a genuine play on the dog-art connection, and Rittika, who manages the property's energy and its adopted animals, was apparently the driving force behind making this a pet-welcoming space. You'll likely see cats and dogs around the property , these are resident adopted animals, not a kennel arrangement , so guests with reactive dogs should factor that in when booking.

Pet Policy , What's Actually Confirmed

The policy here is one of the most straightforward we've come across for a hotel in Maharashtra: dogs of any size stay free, no breed restrictions mentioned, no per-night pet fee. Cats are also confirmed welcome. The property's own "Canine Concierge" service is specifically available for guests travelling with multiple pets , call or WhatsApp ahead to sort out any specific requirements before you arrive. Front desk hours are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, so plan your check-in timing accordingly if you're arriving after a long drive.

What we have not confirmed: whether pets are permitted inside guest rooms (the policy confirms pets are welcome at the property, but room-specific access was not explicitly stated in available sources). It's worth a direct call to clarify, especially if your dog is used to sleeping in your room. The WhatsApp contact on the website is the fastest way to get a straight answer before booking.

Resident Animals , Read This Before You Book

The Bark is home to adopted cats and dogs that live on the property , Rittika is described as "the main energy behind all the adopted animals around the property." If your dog is reactive to other animals, this is the single most important thing to flag when you reach out to the Canine Concierge. The sources available to us do not confirm whether the resident animals can be kept away from specific areas during your stay , this is a direct question worth asking. For dogs that are comfortable around other animals, this setup is genuinely lovely; the property has a warmth that comes from being run by people who actually live with pets.

Getting There

The Bark – An Art Resort is located at Plot No. 5 & 6, behind Hotel Fariyas, Tungarli, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410401. Lonavala is approximately 65 km from Pune and 95 km from Mumbai via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, making it a comfortable weekend drive with dogs. The Tungarli area has quieter roads compared to Lonavala's main drag, which is useful if you're arriving with anxious pets. Parking is available on the property grounds. Contact the hotel at +91 91361 76204 or message via WhatsApp for reservations and pet-specific queries.