Are you feeling the itch to book that dream vacation finally? Then you’ve probably been scrolling Pinterest, saving photos of perfect beaches and vacation outfits. This all may sound like a dream, however, every vegan knows that traveling can be a bit tricky. If you’ve been plant-based for a while, you know the drill. You show up to a restaurant, ask for vegan options, and the waiter gives you a blank stare. You end up eating some sad combination of plain lettuce, French fries, and maybe bread—if you’re lucky. Nothing kills vacation vibes faster than being hungry. Especially when you’re paying luxury-level prices. To prevent this from happening, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to planning the ultimate luxury vegan vacation.
Pick a Destination That Loves Vegans Back
The first step to a stress-free vegan vacation is choosing the right place to go. You need a destination where vegan food isn’t just an afterthought—it’s part of the culture. Where you won’t have to explain the definition of “plant-based” or settle for plain rice and fruit while everyone else is living their best foodie life. Here are a few spots that should definitely be on your list:
Bali, Indonesia
If you’re looking for a tropical paradise, Bali is the place. Bali has vegan cafes on almost every corner serving smoothie bowls, vegan pancakes, and colorful Buddha bowls piled high with fresh, local produce. Plus, the luxury resorts here are something out of a movie. Think private villas, jungle views, and plant-based buffets that make you wish you could eat forever. Places like Fivelements or Soulshine Bali cater to vegan travelers and make everything feel effortless.
The Maldives
You know those dreamy overwater bungalows that look like they shouldn’t even be real? The Maldives is where you’ll find them. Luxury resorts like Amilla Maldives have fully plant-based tasting menus that rival Michelin-starred restaurants. You can sip a cocktail in your hammock, eat a five-star vegan meal under the stars, and know that your vacation is as eco-friendly as it is Instagram-worthy.
Thailand
Thailand is perfect if you want luxury with a side of adventure. Think fresh coconut milk curries, stir-fried veggies, and tropical fruit so perfect it looks fake. Places like Six Senses Yao Noi or Keemala Phuket offer vegan-friendly luxury with stunning views and cruelty-free spa treatments. Vegan food isn’t only super easy to find here, but it’s also incredibly delicious. I truly believe that everyone living a vegan lifestyle would feel right at home here. And their numerous spa centers help too!
The bottom line? Pick a destination where vegan food and luxury go hand-in-hand. It’ll make your life so much easier, and you’ll actually get to enjoy every moment of your trip.
Book a Hotel That Gets It
Let’s be real: where you stay can make or break your vacation. If you’re spending luxury prices, you want a hotel that feels luxurious. This includes plush beds, next-level service, and food that makes you feel like royalty. Luckily, there are plenty of luxury resorts and hotels that have figured out how to cater to vegan travelers without making it a thing. Here’s how to find them:
Look for Wellness Resorts: Luxury wellness resorts are usually super vegan-friendly. They’re all about organic food, sustainability, and relaxation, so vegan meals, cruelty-free spa products, and eco-conscious vibes are already part of the experience.
Check Menus Ahead of Time: Before you book, check out the hotel’s restaurant menus online. If you don’t see any vegan options listed, don’t panic—reach out and ask. Most high-end hotels have chefs who will happily create custom vegan meals if you give them a heads-up.
Read Reviews: Other vegan travelers are your best resource here. Check reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or HappyCow to see if past guests had a good experience. When you find a hotel that takes care of everything—from the food to the spa products—you’ll feel like you’re finally getting the vacation you deserve.
Plan Your Vegan Foodie Adventures
One of the best parts of traveling is the food. It’s such a huge part of any vacation, and being vegan doesn’t mean you have to miss out. In fact, it can make the experience even better, and a little bit of planning goes a long way here. So, here are some of my top tips.
Find Vegan-Friendly Restaurants
Before you even get on the plane, spend some time looking for the best vegan spots where you’re headed. There are apps and websites that make this super easy—like HappyCow. If you don’t know about it yet, think of it as Yelp’s cool vegan cousin. You just plug in your location, and it’ll give you a list of vegan cafes, bakeries, juice bars, and even high-end restaurants nearby. Plus, you can read reviews from other vegan travelers as well.
Say Yes to Vegan Tasting Menus
If you’re staying somewhere fancy—or you just want to treat yourself for a night—ask if they offer a vegan-tasting menu. You’ll usually need to let them know in advance, but it’s so worth it. We’re talking five or six courses of perfectly plated dishes that look like works of art and taste even better. Chefs put so much creativity into these menus, and you’ll get to try flavors, techniques, and combinations you never would’ve thought of.
Room Service is Self-Care
Let’s be honest: one of the most underrated joys of a luxury vacation is ordering room service. There’s just something about eating breakfast in bed—in a fluffy robe, with your hair in a messy bun—that feels so indulgent. The great part is that you can be a diva here, and order stuff like vegan pancakes, avocado toast, fresh fruit, and maybe a mimosa (because you’re on vacation and why not).
How To Take It a Step Further
At the end of the day, a luxury vacation isn’t just about where you stay or what you eat—it’s about how you feel. It’s about letting yourself slow down, spoil yourself, and enjoy experiences that make you feel relaxed, inspired, and like you’re living your best life.
So, if you’re in need of some self-care, a spa day is a non-negotiable. Look for treatments that use organic oils, botanical ingredients, and products that align with your values. If you’re the kind of person who needs a little adventure to balance out all the relaxation, look for activities that are as kind to the planet as they are fun. Luxury isn’t just about the price tag. It’s about how meaningful and memorable the experience is.
Sometimes the most luxurious thing you can do is absolutely nothing at all. Spend a day lounging by the pool with a book you’ve been meaning to read, nap in your hotel room, or sip something refreshing while you watch the sunset light up the sky. Give yourself permission to relax, soak it all in, and enjoy the fact that you don’t have to be anywhere or do anything unless you want to.
