Mayu Retreats, Norfolk
Luxury and vegetarian are two words that can rarely be savored in the same sentence. That’s why Mayu is such a rarity: delicious meatless menus beautifully presented in opulent surroundings. Mayu’s philosophy is based on nutrition, increasing the intake of as many different plant ingredients as possible; expect at least 30 in a two-day stay. Husband and wife team Pamela and Kieron offer expert nutritional advice along with delicious cuisine. Her next retreat (September 3-6) is at Great Barn Farm, a luxury barn conversion with a pool, steam room, and hot tub along with daily yoga and pilates, and nature trails deep in the Norfolk countryside.
From £550 per three nights, including lodging, meals, drinks, and activities; mayuretreats.es
Our Lizzy, Worcestershire
Lizzy’s offers courses ranging from plant-based Greek and Thai dishes to tofu, vegan baking, street food and dairy-free desserts. Private classes can also be arranged, including a cooking course for children and gluten-free cooking. There are two B&B rooms, with a vegan breakfast to start the day and dinners on request.
Day courses from £90, doubles from £72 B&B; ourlizzy.com
Saorsa 1875, Perthshire
Scotland’s first vegan hotel, Saorsa sets out to prove that boutique style doesn’t need to involve animal products. The 11 rooms feature Egyptian cotton on the beds and vegan toiletries in the luxury bathrooms. Located in a grand 19th century manor house, it has a nice dose of old fashioned glamor coupled with the sustainable spirit. The food is plant-based, with a focus on local ingredients. Doubles from £160 B&B; saorsahotel.com
Avenue Cooking School, London
For those who really want to expand their vegan repertoire, Avenue offers a one- or two-week vegan cooking course, covering the basics, plus delicious cakes and dinner plates. The first week is more geared towards beginners, and the second week caters to intermediate level ones. Both weeks can be booked separately, and the course is a fun, informal affair. Accommodation can be booked directly with Avenue (£305pp for four nights).
The five-day course costs £895; laavenidacocinaescuela.com
Demuths Cooking School, Bath
The original plant-based cooking school, Demuths, offers day, half-day and evening courses, including lessons on South Indian thali, Lebanese meze and Asian street food, along with classes that focus on quick and easy meals, 30-minute dinners and Sunday brunch. For serious cooks, the Vegan Diploma is a five-day course that covers everything from knife skills to the use of ingredients like aquafaba. Combine a course with a stay at the Queensberry Hotel, which offers vegan/vegetarian tasting menus and a vegan breakfast.
Doubles from £148.50 room only; thequeensberry.es. day courses £185 / Vegan Diploma £1,050; demuths.es
The Detox Barn, Suffolk
Run by two sisters, the Detox Barn is a chic conversion surrounded by the Suffolk countryside, offering weekend getaways with yoga, guided walks, beauty treatments and plant-based meals. With a refreshing dose of good humor (the course includes a demonstration of how to make smoothies “that don’t taste like pond water”), accommodation is in the cozy barn rooms or off-site.
Two Night Gentle Detox Break £495pp, with meals, drinks and classes; gavinsisters.com
Over the rainbow, Cardigan Bay
Set in several acres of woodland and gardens near the Welsh coast, this restored Georgian mansion is ideal for those seeking a sense of escape. With ethical and environmental principles, the house uses renewable sources for heating and electricity, and many of the ingredients for the delicious vegan/vegetarian breakfasts come from the surrounding gardens. The rooms celebrate women’s history, myths and legends, with B&B stays from Thursday to Sunday.
Doubles from £100 B&B (two-night minimum); overtherainbowwales.co.uk
Stonecroft Guest House, Derbyshire
Surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Peak District National Park, Stonecroft is the passion project of chef Julia Reid, who produces sumptuous gluten-free vegan breakfasts and hearty packed lunches for those planning a day of walking the hills. Rooms have wonderful views of the Edale Valley or Kinder Scout, while on cooler days the common room is a great place to relax by the fire.
Doubles from £130 B&B; stonecroftguesthouse.com
Live Wild, Yorkshire
Foraging courses focus on edible plants and seeds that grow wild in the field, making them ideal for vegans and vegetarians. Live Wild offers four-hour foraging courses, or a longer option that includes lunch, covering all aspects of wild foraging, including the history and folklore around plants. Stay at Vegan Home, a cozy, pet-friendly B&B in the Calder Valley, a short walk along the canal from the city center (from £175; the veganhome.co.uk).
Courses from £50pp; livewild.org.uk
Ambleside, Cumbria
A classic lake house near Windermere, Ambleside Manor boasts 15 comfortable bedrooms, most with glorious views of the grounds. Ideal for a break with the kids, there are family rooms and rooms for dogs, and hearty vegan or vegetarian breakfasts. The house is within walking distance of two vegetarian restaurants, Zefirellis Y Fellinisoffering pizza, pasta and Mediterranean dishes.
Doubles from £130 B&B (two-night minimum); ambleside-manor.co.uk.
