Sustainable travel has never felt more necessary and accommodation offering farm-to-table dining is certainly a step in the right direction. These hotels are among those leading the way.
Initially a 1960s social movement in the USA, the farm-to-fork approach to dining has become increasingly popular and garnered worldwide interest. Now, more than ever, there has been a surge in sustainably-led hotels to accommodate the lifestyle habits of the environmentally-conscious traveller, and farm-to-table dining is one way of doing so. Each of these hotels sources fresh, local produce on-site and serves it directly to guests’ tables.
Moor Hall, United Kingdom
Spanning five acres of rural land this ‘restaurant with rooms’ perfectly encapsulates and utilises the bounty of the English countryside. Moor Hall Restaurant, Mark Birchall’s multiple award-winning and two Michelin-starred restaurant, serves seasonal produce in innovative dishes such as the Isle of Mull Scallop with white asparagus, grains and truffle, or the Champagne Rhubarb with woodruff, blood orange and birch sap. End with a wander around the estate’s spellbinding grounds; you’ll feel like a character out of a Jane Austen novel.
COMO Laucala Island, Fiji
The effortless beauty of the Melanesian waters and clifftops plays a leading role at COMO Laucala Island, where sustainability and serenity meet. Adorned with coconut palms, this island, resting in the Cakaudrove province of Fiji, harvests fresh fruit and vegetables from its hydroponic greenhouses and has a rich history of raising pigs, poultry, wagyu cattle and quail on its own self-sustaining farm. Perhaps the best feature is its to-die-for pan-Asian cuisine, best enjoyed alongside stunning beachside views. This is a locavore’s dream and one that brings the postcard vision of Fiji to life.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Engross yourself in the romance and magic of the Irish hillsides for your next weekend away. From emerald grounds to towers and parapets straight out of a children’s fairytale, you’ll truly feel at home at this harmonious abode which prides itself on its uniquely sustainable approach to dining. Clever polytunnels enable this castle to cultivate its own natural products including rich honey from indigenous bees atop Irish soda bread, and fragrant wild garlic foraged from the stunning distant woodlands; a dreamy delight for the taste buds.
Cuyama Buckhorn, California, USA
A truly memorable time is guaranteed at this restored mid-century haven in Cuyama Valley where ‘community, locally-inspired food, and artistry flourish’. Located around pistachio plantations, visitors are invited to delight themselves in the ultimate culinary experience featuring farm-to-fork comfort food alongside wine originating from local vineyards. Enjoy the heavenly outdoors at this Californian desert hideaway as you devour fresh salads and barbecued meats with a side of live music.
Bushmans Kloof, South Africa
A three-hour drive from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof is a cosy and rustic wilderness reserve set against a mountainous backdrop. Work up an appetite as you explore the many hiking and bouldering trails nearby, making room for an irresistible star-lit dinner. Fare comes direct from the property’s large gardens as well as from the nearby fynbos – a South African coastline shrubland rich with ingredients such as rooibos and snow bush. Expect seasonal, modern and refined cuisine with a ‘Cape’ twist. The wellness centre here is also exceptional, and makes use of nature in its setting and treatments; visit to enjoy an al fresco massage using products such as baobab tree oil and cape aloe.
Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
The Datai resort is more than special. A jungle paradise, this breathtaking rainforest retreat invites you to participate in its cooking classes with all ingredients sourced in the local region. The resort’s garden uses an impressive zero-waste organic food production process, and island fruit, veg, herbs and honey directly from the beehive are shared with guests. The boundary between the indoors and outdoors is blurred when visiting this Malaysian hideaway, this is a place for guests to seamlessly bind with nature.
Domaine des Etangs, Messignac, France
For a retreat that values sustainable living, escape to the enchanting sanctuary that is Domaine des Etangs. Located in the picturesque region of southwest France, this 13th-century château not only boasts stunning woodland vistas across 2,500 acres of meadows but also offers a unique picnic that is perfect for sustainable foodies. An impressive 88% of all picnic goodies are sourced from the estate grounds, with the rest from the surrounding region. With locally-sourced gourmet ingredients and an aesthetic charm, what more could a bon vivant want from a whimsical country getaway? From 24 – 28 May, the hotel has invited Chef Dominique Crenn to curate a culinary journey; expect garden dinners, forest suppers and even a masked ball.
Playa Viva, Mexico
As the name suggests, Playa Viva promises a lively and enriching coastal stay. This eco-resort has been designed with the sustainable traveller in mind, encouraging its guests to feel at one with the natural world. Revel in the views of the Pacific and the Sierra Madre Mountains from your own private luxe treehouse. Enlighten yourself on the tour of the on-site farm where mangos, coconuts, tomatoes, cashews, tamarind and cactus grow and thrive, as well as the organic ‘huerto’ (vegetable patch). Guests can even harvest their own salads in the pomegranate orchard or pick their own fish, octopus or coconut.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
Located on Vietnam’s culturally rich central coast, lies Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam. The Resort is home to its own herb, vegetable and fruit farm, which grows more than 43 seasonal varieties that are used in the Resort’s cooking academy (The Nam Hai Cooking Academy). Guests can tour the farm whilst learning about the art of Vietnamese cuisine, educating themselves on the organic ingredients grown within the farm and how they can be used to create tasteful masterpieces.
Villa Treville, Italy
Home-grown freshness reigns throughout Villa Treville, Positano thanks to its organic garden that is vast and wild as if from another world, with greenery everywhere you look. Extending through one hectare, the herb and vegetable farm supplies farm-to-table fresh produce in Maestro’s restaurant. Each ingredient is sourced from the farm and additional produce is sustainably sourced from local vendors. Symphonies of colour, flavour, and tradition come alive with these organic ingredients, guaranteeing a sensorial experience at this luxury cliffside estate.
Main Image: Cuyama Buckhorn
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