Destinations Embracing Plant-Based Food For Earth Day And Beyond
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Studies have shown that adopting a plant-based or plant-slant diet is good for both the environment and us.
Whether you choose to eat vegan or vegetarian just once a day, once a week, or once a month or take a trip that offers vegan or vegetarian-friendly dining, know that your decisions help to improve your own health and the health of the planet.
Below are several destinations globally offering plant-based and plant-slant menus while continuing to do their part to help build a more sustainable future.
Hotel Belmar
Monteverde, Costa Rica
A carbon-neutral, ecolodge located in Costa Rica’s cloud forest, the 26-room, boutique Hotel Belmar is a family-owned and operated property with deep roots in the Monteverde community for close to 40 years. Crafting a positive hospitality model ingrained in eco-friendly practices and innovation, Hotel Belmar has pioneered programs that transform the travel experience to encourage environmental stewardship, regeneration of the ecosystem, economic benefit to local communities and cultural activities that promote diversity. Their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus pay homage to Costa Rica’s agrarian traditions, transforming the land’s gifts into balanced dishes that burst in color and healthy nutrients. The option for vegan or vegetarian is offered for most dishes on all three menus.
Ananda in the Himalayas
Rishikesh, India
Destination wellness retreat located in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains in India, Ananda in the Himalayas offers Ayurveda cuisine lessons (plant-based with use of dairy) for in-house guests twice in a week. All guests are encouraged to be part of these lessons as they build the base for lifestyle change in terms of food habits. Cooking classes also focus on the nutritional aspect of food such as using plant-based ingredients for creating a high protein menu, diabetic menus, vegan menus, menus for hypertension, active fitness and more. Ananda also organizes private culinary lessons for guests who wish to learn more of Ananda’s cooking styles.
Las Catalinas
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Just opened in the Fall of 2023, Nature’s Table is a conscious café located in Center of Joy, the wellness gathering hub in Las Catalinas. Anticipate an array of breakfast delights, wholesome salads, soups, and mouthwatering paninis featuring house-baked bread, alongside heartier lunch, or dinner options like cauliflower risotto and more prepared by Chef Darwin Gonzalez Moonge. True to its commitment to well-being, Nature’s Table caters to diverse dietary preferences, offering a remarkable selection for those inclined towards vegan or vegetarian fare or following sugar and gluten-free lifestyles. Nature’s Table is committed to catering to diverse preferences, and their desserts are thoughtfully prepared without the addition of sugars, gluten, or other additives.
Calabash Cove Resort and Spa
Marisule Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
As one of the only properties in Saint Lucia to offer a dedicated vegan menu, Calabash Cove Resort and Spa offers diverse vegetarian and vegan dishes with an international flare. With its ability to accommodate most dietary restrictions, the culinary team is constantly upgrading its vegan and vegetarian offerings with new items based on the seasons. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Windsong Restaurant offers an eclectic menu inspired by Asian cuisine using the freshest, local ingredients in every dish. Calabash Cove Resort and Spa now offers an all-vegan dinner for the first time ever. The vegan dinner menu features dishes including Yellow Split Peas Soup with sweet potato, Tempura Cauliflower Bites, Sesame Braised Eggplant, Pan Seared Tofu, Vegetable Stroganoff, Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple and more. The culinary team at Windsong Restaurant can accommodate guests’ special diet needs and personal requests.
Bettoja Hotels
Rome, Italy
Within walking distance from historic landmarks including the Colosseum, Opera House, Forum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, Bettoja Hotels offers three hotels located in the heart of Rome. In 1875 Maurizio Bettoja, passionate about wines, good food and hotels, opened a restaurant just above his wine cellar which today offers a unique setting for special candlelit dinners. Located in Hotel Massimo D’Azeglio, Ristorante Massimo D’Azeglio offers traditional cuisine from Piedmont along with international dishes. Signature favorites including courgetti flowers stuffed with buffalo mozzarella and organic ricotta with cream of Jerusalem artichoke, chickpea soup with olive oil and rosemary, risotto with tomato, cumin seeds and lemon sauce, stir fried mushrooms and potatoes with garlic, parsley, sage and marjoram, cereal salad, red rice with vegetables, basmati rice with chickpeas and rocket salad, organic pastas and more.