Italy is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in the whole world. It’s on most people’s bucket lists. Once a traveler has had a vacation to Italy invariably their mind starts thinking and dreaming about a way they can spend even more time here whether it’s to study Italian, renovate that rundown Tuscan farmhouse, or even retire.
It’s not surprising Italy is such a popular destination. Italy’s contribution of art, culture, and fascinating history to the world is reason enough to visit and want to experience it for oneself. There’s the food and the drink, which is among the most popular in the world, as well as the wide and varied natural landscapes and the unique architecture, the warm and friendly people. Italy is set up for travelers with excellent public transportation and a range of accommodations to suit all styles of travelers and budgets.
In this blog post, we are going to share with you some incredible vegan (and very vegan-friendly) luxury hotels that happen to exist in Italy. We are not just talking about a little Bed and Breakfast in a remote place far away from anywhere, we have tracked down some stunning hotels and accommodations in some of Italy’s most visited spots from the Dolomites, Aosta Valley, Tuscany, and Rome.
Vegan Hotels in Italy
La Vimea – South Tyrol
La Vimea is located in the Tyrol region of Italy close to the Austrian border. In fact, the people in this area actually speak more German as a first language rather than Italian. La Vimea is a mid-sized hotel located in Naturno which is the sunniest mountain town in Italy. This hotel is actually a 100% vegan hotel and it operates on a half-board basis. It includes an enormous buffet breakfast and a four-course dinner each day. Lunch, especially packed lunches, is available as well. La Vimea offers a health-centered experience. Much of the food is organic and uses whole grains. The facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a swimming pond. It would make a wonderful venue for retreats.
Do not for a moment think that La Vimea’s focus on health means sacrificing taste. While the chefs do not use any of the more processed vegan meats, you will find meals that have been artfully put together and vegetables focussed. The surrounding area is an outdoor lover’s paradise though you don’t have to be a hardcore adventurer to enjoy them. The hotel itself is located in the valley with excellent transport links with mountain access available via one of the many local gondolas. The area is a hiker’s dream but there is plenty for paragliders, cycling, and MTB as well. It is Italy, so there are many scenic towns, castles, and villages to explore. If you want to go on one of the most scenic car rides of your life check out the Stelvio Pass.
Note that La Vimea is not open during the winter season.
Orestes Hütte – Aosta Valley
If you have spent much time in the Alps, especially as a hiker, then you will understand when we describe this place as a vegan refuge. Unlike a Canadian mountain refuge, the ones in the Alps are staffed, offer meals, and usually have at least dorm beds and sometimes some double rooms.
Orestes Hutte is located in the Monte Rosa Massif (2600m) in the North West of Italy and is a super place to come to experience the alps during the winter and the summer. To get here you need to take a ski lift and walk (or walk all the way). All prices include breakfast and dinner. Lunches are extra and takeaway lunches are perfect for picnicking while hiking.
Agrivilla I Pini – Tuscany
Agrivilla I Pini is an agriturismo located just a five minute drive from UNESCO world heritage San Gimignano. It has a substantial olive grove, and lots of vines, and also produces enough food for 60 percent of the meals that are served in the hotel. The small hotel was converted from a 17th-century villa with a 17-person capacity. The rooms are in the traditional Tuscan style and charming but rustically decorated. Because this hotel is made from an existing building, rooms vary in size although all rooms do have views, some are more jaw-dropping than others.
Like its sister hotel La Vimea, it is completely vegan and subscribes to many of the principles of the slow food movement. Food is lovingly created by their chef and for much of the season, you can sit outside and enjoy the vegetable focussed food that depends on the season, wine from grapes grown on the premises, and the warm welcome from the owners and staff. Note that staying in the hotel includes breakfast and a four-course dinner. It is closed during the winter.
La Tana del Bianconiglio – Tuscany
La Tana del Bianconiglio is an extraordinary find. In recent years we have started to see some creative sanctuary owners who also decide to open up some accommodations on the premises of a sanctuary to make some money to look after the animals in their care. Ludovica has 3 beautiful apartments (although I would say they are more like self-contained cottages) on the grounds of their farm and sanctuary.
The setting is stunning, located on a ridge with beautiful views of the Val d’Orcia. Spend some time with the 130 animals that are living a wonderful life and talk with the young owners of this magical place.
This place is a popular spot as a wedding venue and while there is not much around, it is just 30 minutes from the medieval towns of Pienza and Montepulciano and is a good stop off if you are hiking the Via Francigena. A couple of days spent here on your Tuscan holiday will give you the peace and tranquility that come with spending a little time with rescue animals.
Vegetarian (and vegan-friendly) hotels in Italy
Paradiso Pure.Living – South Tyrol
A similar concept to the Orestes Hutte mentioned just above, this place is more luxurious with private rooms. While it is ‘only’ vegetarian, Paradiso Pure.Living does have vegan versions of everything. If you are planning on exploring Seiser Alm, then this is the place to stay while doing it. The incredible terrace and fire pit overlooking the unique landscapes and the UNESCO highland pasture makes this one of our favorite places to stay in Italy.
Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites – Tuscany
If a stylish and luxury bed and breakfast is more your thing, then you will not want to miss out on Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites in central Florence just a stone’s throw from the River Arno, parks, and just a 20-minute walk from the Duomo. As they are located outside the limited traffic zone they are a car-friendly facility with parking available.
Choose from five different suites that are all exceptionally well-appointed and really do feel like a high-end luxury hotel. Support a small business, get local recommendations from Veronica, your host, and have an unforgettable time in Firenze.
