What would a vegan getaway in Vermont look like if your hosts could plan a stay around your favorite things? At Balance.Farm, mountain views and plant-based meals meet a surprising tool: artificial intelligence, or AI.
In this episode of the World Vegan Travel Podcast, Brighde chats with co-founder Ari Smith. He shares how his family uses technology to help guests slow down, enjoy nature, and feel at home.
Meet the People Behind Balance.Farm
Ari’s background is in AI and computer science. He studied at MIT and later worked at Microsoft. His wife, meanwhile, brings years of experience in luxury hospitality and stays in remote places.
During the pandemic, they left their life in California for Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. There, they bought 543 acres and began building a place that matched their values.
Their goal was simple: bring together comfort, vegan food, and time outdoors. Technology would help them care for guests along the way.
A Vegan Getaway in Vermont, Close to Nature
Imagine waking up to mountain views, birdsong, and trees moving in the breeze. That is the peaceful setting Ari describes at Balance.Farm.
At the time of recording, the property offered one separate cabin while the team renovated other spaces. The cabin suits a couple, and guests can bring pets if they arrange this ahead of time.
There is also plenty to enjoy outdoors. Ari mentions hiking trails, birdwatching, apple picking, a sauna, and a fire pit. Guests can spend their days exploring or simply sit and take in the view.
For those who need to work, the property has fast internet. However, guests who want a break from screens can ask the hosts to turn off the Wi-Fi.
How AI Helps Plan Your Stay
AI-powered hospitality may sound complex. At Balance.Farm, though, the idea is easy to understand: use helpful information to plan a more personal stay.
Guests can share their food needs, interests, and social media accounts before they arrive. The AI then helps the team turn those details into meal ideas and activities.
For example, Ari describes how the system helped plan a surprise marriage proposal. It suggested food, a hike, and places to put cameras to capture the moment.
The team still did the hands-on work. People prepared the food, placed the cameras, and welcomed the guests. As a result, AI gave them a plan they could bring to life with care.
Vegan Food with a Personal Touch
Food plays a big part in this vegan getaway in Vermont. The hosts serve vegan meals, although they welcome guests who are not vegan too.
Ari explains that the team can plan dishes around guests’ requests. These might include gluten-free meals or favorite flavors. AI helps organize those details, so the chef can focus on cooking.
The chef also works as the property manager. Meanwhile, Ari and his wife love to cook, and his wife enjoys baking.
Sometimes, guests join the hosts for a meal. At other times, the family brings food to the cabin for a more private experience.
The menu can also reflect what the family is making that day. During the interview, Ari mentions berries his wife plans to turn into ice cream.
Solar Power, Warmth, and Fast Internet
Life in rural Vermont brings practical challenges, especially during cold winters. So Ari has put his technical skills to work across the property.
He describes a mix of solar power, battery storage, and a propane generator. Balance.Farm also has a grid connection, which means it is not fully off-grid.
During summer, extra solar power goes back to the grid. The resulting credits help with electricity costs when winter arrives.
Ari also helped bring fiber internet to the property. This lets guests stay connected while enjoying a quiet setting among the trees.
Small Details, Bigger Ideas
For Ari, Balance.Farm is also a place to test ideas. He wants to learn which tools make a stay easier and more enjoyable.
For instance, he has tried robot and drone deliveries with guests who are happy to take part. However, the wider goal is to build a model the team can use in other places.
Throughout the conversation, Ari returns to the human side of hospitality. When technology helps with planning, hosts have more time to get to know their guests.
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Balance.Farm — Learn more about the Vermont getaway Ari and his wife created.
- Balance.Farm on Instagram — Follow the property for photos and updates.
- Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom — Explore the region where Balance.Farm is based.
- Jay Peak Resort — Find out about skiing, snowboarding, and other mountain activities near Balance.Farm.
- Ari Smith on LinkedIn — Connect with Ari and learn more about his work in technology.
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