The Golden State is awash with sun, surf, and diverse flavors that celebrate its vibrant tapestry of cultures. As more people adopt a plant-based lifestyle, California has risen to the occasion, offering an array of vegan-friendly resorts that combine luxury and ethical living in one unique package. This blog post will take you on a culinary and experiential journey through California's best vegan-friendly resorts, each offering an unforgettable stay with delectable vegan gastronomy, sustainable practices, and breathtaking beauty. From serene beachfront havens to idyllic vineyard hideaways, prepare to be tantalized and inspired as we explore the pinnacle of plant-based hospitality in the Golden State.
The Stanford Inn By The Sea - Mendocino, California
The Stanford Inn by the Sea is a renowned eco-resort in Mendocino County, California, USA. The resort is perched on a hill overlooking Mendocino Bay and the Pacific Ocean, providing stunning views to its guests.
In the heart of Mendocino County, the Stanford Inn is surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty. Guests can explore the nearby Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, enjoy the local beaches, or visit the adjacent Big River for canoeing and wildlife viewing. Additionally, the charming town of Mendocino, with its art galleries, restaurants, and boutique shops, is just a short drive away.
Vegan Food at The Stanford Inn By The Sea
One of the features that set this resort apart is its vegan restaurant, The Ravens.
The Ravens Restaurant is recognized as one of the finest plant-based restaurants in the United States. It was designed to provide guests with a unique and exquisite dining experience, showcasing the possibilities of vegan cuisine. The restaurant is committed to using locally sourced, organic ingredients as much as possible, many of which are grown on-site in the inn's certified organic gardens.
Their menu changes seasonally, featuring a variety of dishes that reflect the season's bounty. The Ravens offer entrées like their Sea Palm & Root Vegetable Strudel, made from locally harvested sea palm, carrots, and onions in a delicate phyllo pastry, or their house-made ravioli filled with vegan cashew cheese.
The restaurant also serves a variety of vegan desserts, such as chocolate ganache tart, apple pie, and a variety of fruit sorbets. They also offer a selection of local wines and craft beers, many of which are organic and sustainably produced.
The Ravens also offer cooking classes for guests interested in plant-based cuisine. These classes allow guests to learn about ingredient selection, meal preparation, and other aspects of vegan cooking.
Things to Do at The Stanford Inn By The Sea
For those looking to explore the outdoors, the resort sits atop a meadow overlooking Mendocino Bay. It provides access to some of the most stunning views on the coast. Guests can take advantage of kayaking and canoeing opportunities or relax on the beach and enjoy the sights.
The resort also offers a range of activities for guests to enjoy indoors. Take a cooking class with one of their renowned chefs or attend an art workshop with local artists. There are also yoga classes available, as well as guided meditation sessions.
For those looking for pampering, The Stanford Inn By The Sea has a spa where guests can indulge in deep-tissue massages and other treatments. Afterward, they can relax by their private pool or participate in one of the many wine tastings offered at the resort's winery.
Accommodation at The Stanford Inn By The Sea
Accommodations include various rooms and suites, ranging from cozy petite queen bedrooms to larger two-room suites perfect for families. Each room offers fireplaces, large-screen TVs, and comfortable furniture. At the same time, some accommodations also feature private balconies or patios for taking in the picturesque scenery. All rooms have modern conveniences such as air conditioning, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary toiletries.
The Executive Queen room is situated on the main and top level of the inn and offers garden and ocean views, along with a king-size bed. Enjoy curling up by the fireplace in front of the TV after a day of sightseeing or beachcombing. The Top Floor Queen room features a day bed for additional sleeping space while offering incredible ocean views from its top-level location. Meanwhile, on the main floor is a two-bedroom suite with two double beds, ideal for groups or families who want to be close to each other during their stay.
For guests seeking more luxurious accommodations, 'The Barn Suite' is situated on the inn's lower level, with expansive views over the garden landscape and pastures beyond. This two-story suite has 1000 sq ft of living space with a large TV, a plush seating area by a fireplace, and two separate bathrooms perfect for entertaining friends or larger groups. For an even more indulgent experience, there is also an Executive King Suite plus two-room suites, which provide all guests incredible ocean views from its upper-level location.
Golden Door - San Marcos, San Diego
The Golden Door Resort is located in San Marcos, a city in the North County region of San Diego County, in Southern California.
San Marcos is known for its rolling hills and beautiful lakes. It is approximately 35 miles north of downtown San Diego and about 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. This provides a nice balance between coastal breezes and sunnier, warm inland weather.
The resort is spread over 600 acres of nature, offering a tranquil environment. Beautiful landscapes surround it, including Japanese gardens, hiking trails, meadows, and mountains.
The Golden Door Resort is a luxury destination spa focusing on wellness, health, and rejuvenation.
Vegan Food at Golden Door
The Golden Door in San Marcos, California, is renowned for its dedication to health and wellness. It significantly focuses on providing nutritious, gourmet food tailored to guests' dietary needs.
The resort offers an array of delightful, plant-based meals for vegan guests. Their culinary philosophy revolves around the "farm-to-table" principle, meaning most of their produce is grown organically on their on-site bio-intensive farm. This ensures the ingredients are fresh, seasonal, and nutrient-dense.
The Golden Door's menu varies depending on the season and available produce. The chef works closely with the on-site dietitian to create meals that are not only delicious but also meet guests' dietary needs and health goals. Examples of dishes include various salads, grain bowls, vegetable stir-fries, plant-based protein dishes, and inventive vegan desserts.
The resort also offers hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations, often focusing on healthy, plant-based meals. This allows guests to take home the knowledge and skills to continue their healthy eating habits.
Although Golden Door is not exclusively vegan, they're known to go above and beyond to accommodate any dietary preference or restriction, including vegan diets.
Things to Do at Golden Door
The Golden Door in San Marcos, California, is a comprehensive wellness retreat designed to help guests relax, rejuvenate, and focus on their health and wellness goals. Here are some of the activities and amenities they offer:
Fitness and Exercise Programs: The resort offers various fitness activities, including personal training, group fitness classes, yoga, Pilates, meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and more. They have indoor and outdoor gyms, swimming pools, and extensive hiking trails for various exercise options.
Spa Treatments: The resort offers a variety of spa treatments, such as massages, facials, body treatments, and specialized holistic services like acupuncture and Reiki.
Wellness and Self-Discovery Programs: Self-discovery and wellness programs support mental and emotional well-being. These include mindfulness practices, wellness counseling, stress management, and personal growth workshops.
Culinary Experiences: The resort features an on-site bio-intensive farm where they grow their produce. They offer cooking classes and workshops where guests can learn how to prepare healthy, gourmet meals, including plant-based options.
Outdoor Activities: With its 600 acres of land, the resort is home to beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and other outdoor amenities. Activities can include gardening classes, landscape painting, archery, and more.
Relaxation and Leisure: Aside from these structured activities, guests can relax by the pool, enjoy a book from their library, or simply take in the beautiful surroundings and tranquility of the resort.
Accommodation at Golden Door
Golden Door in San Marcos, California, is well-known for its luxurious and serene accommodations that complement its focus on personal wellness and tranquility.
Guest Rooms: The resort features 40 private, single-occupancy guest rooms designed to offer a peaceful, personal sanctuary. Each guest room is a "casita," an individual Japanese-inspired guest house with a private garden deck or patio where guests can relax in solitude.
Room Amenities: Every casita features carefully chosen amenities to enhance guests' comfort and relaxation. These typically include comfortable beds with high-quality linens, a desk for personal reflection or work, a spacious bathroom, robes and slippers, and a personal climate control system.
Design and Decor: The design and decor of each room embody a blend of Asian and Californian influences. The aesthetic is minimal and soothing, with warm colors, clean lines, and natural materials to create a serene and peaceful environment.
Cleaning and Turn-down Services: Daily housekeeping ensures the casitas remain clean and comfortable throughout the stay, and nightly turn-down services usually include a personal touch like a unique inspirational quote left on the pillow.
Personalized Experience: What sets Golden Door apart is its personalization level. Before arrival, each guest is contacted to discuss their goals and preferences, from dietary needs to fitness goals and spa treatment preferences. This level of detail extends to the guest rooms where, for example, the minibar can be stocked with specific preferences in mind.
The Resort at Pelican Hill - Newport Coast, Newport Beach
The Resort at Pelican Hill is located on the Newport Coast in Southern California. Newport Coast is part of the city of Newport Beach in Orange County. The resort is situated in one of the most beautiful coastal parts of the region, offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline.
Newport Coast is an upscale community known for its stunning vistas, pristine beaches, luxury shopping, and top-rated golf courses. The area has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it a desirable destination year-round.
Pelican Hill Resort is roughly a 15-minute drive from downtown Newport Beach and about a 20-minute from John Wayne Airport (Orange County's primary airport). Other notable nearby locations include Laguna Beach to the south, Irvine to the northeast, and Huntington Beach to the north.
The resort's location offers a perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility, making it easy for guests to explore the local attractions, restaurants, and shops or enjoy the natural beauty of the California coast.
Vegan Food at The Resort at Pelican Hill
The resort has multiple restaurants and cafes, each offering unique dining experiences. While not exclusively vegan, these restaurants typically provide vegan options and can cater to vegan guests upon request.
Andrea: This restaurant specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. While not specifically vegan, they emphasize local, seasonal ingredients and can typically prepare vegan dishes upon request.
Coliseum Pool & Grill: Overlooking the circular Coliseum Pool, this casual dining restaurant offers classic American cuisine. They offer a variety of salads, sandwiches, and entrees, many of which can be made vegan or already have vegan options.
Pelican Grill: This restaurant features a modern yet rustic take on California cuisine. They focus on locally sourced ingredients and offer dishes that can be made vegan upon request.
Caffe & Market: This casual venue serves breakfast and lunch, featuring freshly made pastries, salads, sandwiches, and more. They often carry vegan-friendly options.
Things to Do at The Resort at Pelican Hill
The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast offers guests various activities and amenities. Here are some of the things you could do:
Golf: Pelican Hill Golf Club is a highlight of the resort. It features 36 holes of championship golf, designed by Tom Fazio, with stunning ocean views. They offer golf instruction for all skill levels.
Spa: The resort has a full-service spa offering a variety of treatments and therapies, many of which use local natural ingredients. They also have a salon for hair and nail services.
Dining: Pelican Hill features several options, from fine dining at Andrea to casual fare at the Coliseum Pool & Grill and the Pelican Grill.
Fitness: The resort has a state-of-the-art fitness center and offers fitness classes, personal training, yoga, and Pilates.
Swimming: Pelican Hill boasts one of the world's largest circular pools, the Coliseum Pool, which offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline. There are also several private cabanas available for guests.
Local Activities: The resort can arrange off-site activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and water sports. They can also help you explore local attractions in Newport Beach and the greater Orange County area.
Camp Pelican: This program is designed for kids aged 4-12, offering a variety of activities to keep young guests entertained and engaged.
Shopping: The resort has boutiques selling luxury goods, and the nearby Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza offer some of the best shopping in Southern California.
Cultural Activities: The resort offers painting and photography classes, scenic drives, and guided tours of local attractions.
Accommodation at The Resort at Pelican Hill
They offer a selection of Bungalow guest rooms, suites, and larger, residential-style Villas.
Bungalows and Suites: These are single-story guest rooms and suites ranging from 847 to 2,193 square feet. Each bungalow features a limestone fireplace, a private terrace, and a hand-hewn wood beam ceiling. Suites come with a separate living room and a dining area. The decor is inspired by the color palette of the California coast, incorporating warm tones and luxurious fabrics for a feeling of elegance and comfort.
Villas: These are more extensive, residential-style accommodations. Ranging from 2,193 to 3,581 square feet, the two, three, and four-bedroom villas are perfect for families or larger groups. They include a personal staff and amenities such as a full kitchen, a great room with a limestone fireplace, and a private garage.
General Amenities: All accommodations feature luxurious Italian limestone bathrooms with a deep soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower. Each room also offers modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, high-speed internet, a Bose audio system, and a Nespresso machine. Rooms come with either a king-size bed or two queen-size beds.
Views: Many rooms and villas offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, while others overlook the beautifully manicured resort grounds and golf course.
Services: The resort offers 24-hour in-room dining service, daily housekeeping, and a personal concierge service to ensure a comfortable and personalized stay.
Ojai Valley Inn - Ojai, Ventura County
The Ojai Valley Inn is located in the city of Ojai, in Ventura County. It's within the beautiful Ojai Valley, surrounded by the stunning Topatopa Mountains. The inn is approximately 14 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, contributing to its unique climate.
This makes the inn a short drive from major Californian cities such as Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, which are approximately 80 and 40 miles away.
Vegan Food at Ojai Valley Inn
The inn offers a variety of health-conscious and dietary options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. Spa Café is the perfect spot for a light meal or snack with its fresh-pressed juice bar.
For a more substantial meal, The Oak at Ojai Valley Inn serves up delicious vegan enchiladas with sweet potato, black beans, spinach, vegan mole, and lime cashew crema. Olivella also has an extensive menu of Italian-inspired cuisine that includes vegan options.
If you're looking for something more casual, Hip Vegan is the place to go. This all-vegan and all-organic café serves soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, quiches, raw food, and desserts.
Things to Do at Ojai Valley Inn
Located in the picturesque hills of Ojai, this historic resort offers a variety of activities for guests of all ages. From family crafts to mindful jewelry making, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
For those looking for a more active experience, the resort offers golfing at their championship golf course and biking and hiking trails throughout the property. A full health spa offers massages and treatments for those looking for relaxation. The resort also hosts exclusive events throughout the year, such as an open studio at the artist's cottage or class with a glass (paint a masterpiece while enjoying a glass of wine).
Accommodation at Ojai Valley Inn
The Ojai Valley Inn offers a range of luxurious accommodations. The Wallace Neff Estate Rooms honor the architect's legacy, featuring a Carrara marble bathroom and Frette Italian linens. The Ojai and Vista Luxury Rooms boast contemporary Spanish design and a private terrace. The Fireplace Shangri-La Room, Fireplace Mini Suite, and Fireplace Suite each feature an intimate fireplace and luxury bathrooms. The Fontana Suite offers expansive living space in a Spanish villa. Paseo Suites and Villas provide an intimate setting with fireplaces and high-end bathroom finishes. The Sunset Penthouse includes an outdoor fireplace and patio with sunset views. At the same time, the Moonrise Penthouse offers vaulted ceilings and views of the Topatopa mountains. The Hacienda Penthouse, located atop a hillside villa, includes sweeping valley views, multiple fireplaces, and a large soaking tub in a luxurious bathroom. Each accommodation promises a memorable stay.
Ventana Big Sur - Big Sur
Ventana Big Sur is a luxury resort located along the dramatic California coastline in Big Sur, near Monterey. The resort is on 160 acres of natural splendor and offers 59 secluded suites with expansive balconies. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding forests and on-site and nearby amenities and activities. Ventana Big Sur is an adults-only resort that provides a unique experience for guests looking to relax and explore the beauty of Big Sur.
Vegan Food at Ventana Big Sur
Ventana Big Sur offers a variety of vegan options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late-night snacks. The Sur House restaurant at Ventana Big Sur serves award-winning cuisine with plenty of vegan options. You can find something to satisfy your cravings, from veggie burgers to plant-based entrees. Plus, their in-room dining menu features a selection of vegan dishes to enjoy a delicious meal without ever leaving your room.
For an unforgettable dining experience, head to Nepenthe or Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant. Both restaurants offer vegan options that will please even the pickiest eaters. And don't forget about Big Sur Bakery and Ripplewood Resort Restaurant - they have amazing vegan dishes too!
Things to Do at Ventana Big Sur
On-site, guests can enjoy various activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, yoga classes, spa treatments, wine tastings, and more. Guests can also use the resort's private beach for swimming or sunbathing. For those looking to explore the area further, plenty of nearby attractions, including Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Accommodation at Ventana Big Sur
Ventana Big Sur resort offers luxurious accommodations on the stunning California coastline. Located near Monterey, this luxury coastal resort features 59 secluded suites with expansive balconies and 160 acres of natural splendor. The hotel also offers various room types, such as the Big Sur Villa, which features bi-level accommodations with plenty of space for relaxation.