Travel brands around the globe are now introducing vegan-friendly offerings, from an entirely plant-based suite in London to a cruelty-free tour across Asia
Veganism is sprouting across the globe. According to the latest figures from Statista, 9% of the population in Asia Pacific identify as vegan, while China is projected to be the fastest-growing market for plant-based products. Even here in Malaysia, plant-based restaurants are sprouting across the country, and not just within KL either, but also in places like Langkawi.
Naturally, demand for vegan travel is expected to rise accordingly – and some brands are already responding. From hotels to tour packages, here’s how to travel in sustainable style the next time you’re globetrotting.
The vegan suite
Where: Hilton London Bankside, London
No animals were harmed in the making of Hilton London Bankside’s vegan suite. Everything in the 46m2 space is entirely plant-based: from the headboard and cushions fashioned from Piñatex (derived from the cellulose fibres of pineapple leaves) to the flooring made using sustainable Moso bamboo. Unsurprisingly, there’s a vegan mini-bar, and many in-room dining options are meatless too, with dishes such as cucumber salad and cauliflower steak.
The vegan hotel
Where: Soneva Fushi, the Maldives
While Soneva Fushi in the Maldives isn’t a vegan hotel per se, it has some pretty impressive green credentials. For starters, it has a dedicated plant-based restaurant – the first of its kind in the country – which serves up creative dishes like Jerusalem artichoke with spelt and truffle oil, and grilled rice cake with lemongrass and kaffir lime. In the villas, you’ll find vegan pillows and cruelty-free bathroom amenities in refillable ceramic containers.
The vegan tour operator
Where: Countries across Asia
VegVoyages specialises in vegan and cruelty-free adventure tours – meaning no animal rides or zoo visits – in countries across Asia, including Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India. Trips on offer include the 13-day, 12-night Malaysia itinerary, which begins and ends in Kuala Lumpur. Participants will get to visit ancient temples, hike through lush jungles and explore buzzing local bazaars, while sampling plenty of vegan fare influenced by Malay, Chinese, Thai and Indian cuisines.
The vegan hotel restaurant
Where: Avani+ Samui Resort, Koh Samui
Avani+ Samui Resort has introduced a new wellness-focused café, nestled within a coconut plantation and serving plant-based meals made from locally sourced produce. Guests can look forward to dishes like the hearty green spirulina bowl and beetroot sandwiches, as well as vegan protein burgers and desserts. The resort group has kept busy during lockdown introducing sustainable initiatives in its other sister hotels too. At FCC Angkor by Avani in Siem Reap, barflies can unwind at the Scribe bar with a zero-waste cocktail.
