We recently got a look at the newly-opened and renovated The Pearl Cabana Club beach resort on St. Pete Beach, and let us be the first to say: woof! And we mean that in a good way. Located just off Upham Beach at 6901 Sunset Way, the sparkling new resort is a dog-friendly oasis, and a dream vacation or staycation alike.

With 10 modern and fully-renovated suites in the villas, a beautiful pool, its own dog park, and some of St. Pete Beach’s most beloved restaurants, cafes, shops and bars in walking distance, The Pearl Cabana Club checks every box on our list for the perfect getaway. Plus, the various suites – ranging in size from solos or couples to full families or groups – are actually affordable, and very much a steal for the value.

While being a roughly one-minute walk from the beautiful beaches (and right next door to the enchanting “Secret Garden”) is a big checkmark in the pros column for The Pearl, it’s their immaculate pool that truly takes center stage once you walk outside the door. The tropical pool area is the centerpiece of the villas, which features hammocks and cabanas for lounging in the shade; a full outdoor kitchen area for grilling up mouthwatering meals (propane is provided, and fresh fish is only a rod-and-reel away); glowing pool chairs for sunbathing; and finally, complimentary classic, striped towels for that perfect Old Florida charm.

In fact, the entire property oozes Old Florida, one of the last such resorts maintaining that classic charm in the area, while still delivering modern amenities in the process. With the entire property under new ownership, every room at The Pearl has just finished extensive renovations.

Each suite truly feels like a beach-house-meets-luxury-resort experience, with amenities such as king-sized memory foam mattresses, stocked kitchens, smart TVs, quiet air conditioning, complimentary wi-fi, and clean, retro decor that brings personality to the space. Each room is finished with contemporary flooring, modern tiles, and marble and granite finishes, giving the laid-back vibes a high-end touch.

Man’s best friend meets the beach’s best resort

Of course, a big part of what makes The Pearl Cabana Club so special is its dedication to the inclusion of the furriest members of any family. In addition to dog-friendly guest rooms, The Pearl even has an entire dog park of its own, giving pups the perfect space to run around while their human counterparts can enjoy lounging in the sun or shade. There’s nothing like a tired puppy at the end of a day of fun at the beach.

The Pearl’s home beach – which is roughly a one-minute walk from the doorsteps – is the gorgeous Upham Beach Park, which has some of the widest white sand beaches in the area. The clean and quiet beach has beautiful natural dunes, and it’s tucked away in the perfect spot where the crowds remain thin but beach bars and restaurants are only a short walk away. Also nearby is the much-ballyhooed Secret Garden, a lush oasis that is truly one of the best hidden gems in the region, surrounded by sand and water on three sides.

While you can certainly use the kitchen inside your suite to cook your meals, there are tons of great spots just a short walk away from The Pearl, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention a few of our favorites. To start your morning, we absolutely love Grove Surf + Shop Cafe for caffeine and pastries, and Frog Pond has been a local favorite for years; both are a short walk away. For nightlife or partying during the day, Jimmy B’s Beach Bar and Rick’s Reef are just a few minutes walk away. For amazing dinner and ambience, we highly recommend Sea Grapes Eatery + Wine Lounge, as well as Sola Bistro and Wine Bar, both right around the corner.

A few other nearby favorites: Agave is the less touristy (and some would say tastier) of the favored local Mexican restaurants; Nori Thai makes some of the best Thai you’ll have anywhere; and La Casa Del Pane is an insanely tasty Italian bakery and cafe that almost makes the entire trip worth it on its own (4.7 stars on Google out of 862 reviews – impressive!).

To learn more about The Pearl Cabana Club and to reserve your stay, visit pearlcabanaclub.com.