GREEN GOURMANDS LUXE PLANT-BASED TRAVELS
JAPAN
Japan is like nowhere else on the planet. Marvel at the perfection and efficiency of every little thing, from the intricate delights of Tokyo’s depachika (legendary food halls tucked in department store basements) to the ancient shrines, temples and pavilions of Kyoto – Japan’s cultural centre. Temple lodgings are almost always vegan friendly, and some of the best plant-based meals are found here. Don’t miss Toufuya Ukai in Tokyo, set amidst a koi pond-filled garden (specify vegan); and in Kyoto, Yoshuji at the foot of Mount Kurama. Venture to the onsen town Kinosaki for the full course at Sanpou Nishimuraya. World Vegan Travel is releasing an all-inclusive tour.
RWANDA
Rwanda is an astonishing destination for anyone with a heart for adventures on the wild side. Travellers can safari out to the Big Five here, but most venture to this progressive African nation for the privilege of observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The World Heritage-listed Volcanoes National Park is home to about 600 of these near-relations of ours, and Rwanda is more easily trekked than neighbouring Uganda. Vegan dining and luxe accommodations are yours at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, or World Vegan Travel offer bespoke 10-day trips.
CROATIA
With more than 1,000 islands, cruising is the perfect way to see the best of history-rich Croatia. Balkan breezes embrace alfresco dining and the Mediterranean climate ensures produce is bountiful. While plant-based eating isn’t yet mainstream, hospitality is important in this country, and chefs are happy to cater to guests that eschew animal products. Green Earth Travel hosts a small group seven-night vegan cruise from Dubrovnik to Split and, on land, the Valamar and Maistra hotel groups do a splendid job of catering to vegan travellers.
BHUTAN
Situated along the fabled Silk Road in the lap of the Himalayas, Bhutan is a country of extraordinary biodiversity. Success is
measured not by money but by happiness, literally, according to the Gross National Happiness Index. Buddhist tradition is steeped in cultural mores and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more immersive destination. Vegans travel easily here – for a 14-day, all-inclusive tour that caters for those with a plant-based lifestyle, Vegan Travel Asia has you sorted. Six Senses Bhutan will also treat you like the VIP (Vegan Important Person) that you are.
ARUBA
Diners will be well and truly spoilt for choice in Aruba, considered the most vegan-friendly destination in the Caribbean. Rejuvenate on your tropical holiday without a single worry about filling your belly. Think oat banana pancakes at One Happy Bowl and penne alla vodka at Faro Blanco, being certain to leave room for mushroom escargot at Papillon. You may need to eat more than three meals a day to fit in all the plant-friendly options here – including the best dessert on the island: the locally made vanilla almond milk ice cream from Fishes & More.
ITALY
Is there any destination more associated with food than Italy? Wining and dining is a joyful national pastime, and plant-based travellers aren’t left out. Italy is surprisingly vegan-friendly – trattorias and restaurants are increasingly offering entire menus without any animal products, thanks to rising demand. Try the elegant restaurant Antonio Chiodi Latini in Turin, and Tuscan vegan hotel Agrivilla i pini – both are worth planning a trip around. To make life even easier, Vegan Epicure Travel and Veg Jaunts and Journeys tailor tours.