A major hotel in the stunning Yorkshire Dales (England) has recently been in the news for going totally plant-based, good news to the surrounding Swaledale sheep! Yorkshire’s Beck Hall is surrounded by magnificent limestone and rolling hills, and now guests can return from viewing the sheep with a clear conscience, as they unwind in one of the 20 beautiful rooms overlooking streams or a roaring fire. And tuck into a vegan buffet after a breakfast walk or a traditional full English breakfast. Lunch is a traditional roast (including plant-based locally-made Yorkshire puddings) and guests can also partake of a vegan afternoon tea with the chef’s selection of fine sandwiches served with warm homemade scones served with vegan butter, jam and cashew cream – and of course cakes! Or pop to the bar for some vegan alcohol-free beer on tap.
This is a trend that keeps on happening. London Hilton’s Bompas & Parr recently created ‘the world’s first fully vegan hotel suite’ with even the toiletries, mini-bar contents and decor being animal-free. The suite uses fruit leather to furnish the headboard, footstools and scatter cushions, all embroidered by a local artist, and even the keycards are made from Piñatex (partly made from waste from the pineapple industry).
This is not just good ethics, but makes good business sense, as then the suites are suitable for everyone, to save on losing business, or having to buy in ‘different’ products for vegan guests (and those with dairy allergies etc). Likewise, pillows in vegan suites are stuffed with organic buckwheat or millet, kapok or bamboo, rather than feathers (a common allergen) and carpets are wool-free.
Plant-based hotels are popular especially in the US, where for years, The White Pig has been delighting guests at its 19th century Virginia farmhouse, each room named after one of their adorable rescued pigs, where visitors can relax overlooking meadows and mature forest in ‘Walton’s country’. And in California, the Stanford Inn is so popular that the founders even wrote a cookbook.
There is even now an airbnb for vegans! VegVisits follows the same principles, but the owners of the properties can not just extend a friendly plant-based welcome, but kitchens are equipped for your needs. And most owners are happy to leave recommendations of local visiting spots including plant-based cafes and restaurants.
Tours By Locals employs people to show tourists around local areas. You could offer walking tours of the best eateries! People visiting your area just find your details, then make a request on what they would like to see and do. You then get in touch and everything’s arranged in advance. Tips are not expected as they are built into the price of the tour. The company does not allow tour guides to include viewing of animals used for entertainment (rides, photos, zoos, aquariums, carriage rides, sporting events, tricks etc). Each applicant has a telephone interview and background check.