When (vegan) luxury travel becomes a reality again
As the weeks of COVID-19 travel restrictions turned into months, we found ourselves spending more and more time thinking about our destination when travel became a reality. Our hearts are in Asia, but we also have a weakness for European cities. As lovers of luxury travel, but also passionate supporters of sustainability and humane vegan travel, the places we aspire to return all offer this wonderful blend of high-end luxury and incredible vegan food. So when luxury (vegan) travel becomes a reality, where would we go?
To escape the feelings of stress, worry and sometimes boredom, we would head straight for the extraordinary " escape from reality " that is the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa in southern Vietnam . Enter the fantastic world of a luxury hotel built on an imaginary historic university and lose yourself in a world of wonder and intrigue entirely fabulous, but entirely invented. Designed by famous and quirky Bill Bensley, this is an impressive beachfront property where unique luxury and excellent vegan cuisine become a reality.
Their signature French gourmet restaurant, Pink Pearl, is not to be missed and provides a decadent but memorable evening. Sip champagne and fine wines, eat beautifully presented vegan dishes and admire the sumptuous surroundings (in the main dining room or in one of the exquisite private dining rooms). Dishes that made ingredients such as spelled, mushrooms, parsley mousse and black truffles into edible masterpieces presented perfected adorned our table and were perfect for eating.
To escape the present and go back in time, we booked a stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris. The hotel is located in the former private residence of Napoleon Bonaparte's nephew and, as you would expect, it is as much a journey through time as a stay in a luxury hotel. The property has been beautifully restored with antique furniture, large chandeliers and impeccable marble staircases with hand-wrought iron handrails. It is not surprising to learn that the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris holds the prestigious "Palace Status", which means that you can expect "exceptional qualities embodying the standards of French excellence during your stay". And to top it all, the views of the Eiffel Tower are incomparable.
It should come as no surprise that vegan food was an epicurean dream. It started with vegan macaroons and fresh champagne in our room upon arrival and culminated with a vegan afternoon tea that was epic in size, cooking skill and delicacies. There was a tower of sweet and savory treats of freshly baked scones served with cherry jam and vegan whipped cream with lime zest and salted caramel chocolate cookies. And after eating all that was served in our vegan dream tour, we started on plates of seasonal cakes. Strawberry and cream sponges, chocolate puffed rice truffles and cherry pies with cinnamon cream and fresh cherries poached in Earl Gray tea. Whenever we need comfort, we think of that afternoon tea and dine on those sweet memories.
No dream adventure would be complete without a private island or two and what better place to seek the type of isolation we all dream of than heading south to Cambodia for a stay at Six Senses Krabey Island. After a short transfer by private boat from the mainland, check in to one of the 40 villas and get away from it all. This luxury island retreat offers huge doses of nature (trees, birds and ocean vibrations are abundant) as well as the chance to find this inner peace with a yoga class or a trip to the meditation cave . We stayed in one of the Ocean Pool Villa suites during our last visit, surrounded by giant trees but also with an ocean view to enjoy from the inside through the bay windows or outside the private infinity pool and terrace. You now know why we still dream of this place.
Taste fresh and organic products, all prepared with a healthy and lasting touch. Being vegan here is more than easy and always delicious, whether you eat traditional Cambodian cuisine like the creamy noodle soup " Num Banh Chok " or creative fusion dishes like a freshly cooked supercooked raw dish using the best local flavors.
A firm favorite whenever we dream of distant places, would be a trip to Amilla Fushi Resort and Residences in Baa Atoll in the Maldives. Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where you can stay in upscale luxury while having the chance to see manta rays, sharks, sea turtles and lots of swimming sea life among vibrant corals. Amilla Fushi is a modern, chic and beautiful resort that serves everything you would expect from a luxury Maldives experience. Think of the turquoise ocean surrounding your water villa where reef sharks, rays and schools of tropical fish swim. Think of the white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, sunsets and starry nights like you've never seen before. Think of luxury spa experiences by award-winning therapists.
But also think about some of the best vegan foods you will find. Vegan waffles or a tofu omelet for breakfast? Or maybe pancakes? Or a traditional South Indian celebration or a platter of Middle Eastern delights? And the adventure around the world continues for lunch with everything from calzones to vegan cheese, tacos, sushi and sautéed vegetables with tofu and peanut sauce. Dinner time is equally impressive with a vegan fish and chips experience being an absolute must.
As the world begins to lift travel restrictions and we begin to allow ourselves to plan to get away from it all, our fancy list quickly becomes our "must visit again soon" list. Now, just to decide which place to visit first, where would you choose?
Paul Eyers is the founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest has become a specialist in luxury vegan travel as it continues to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to increase your profile, please contact us.
