Back in the fall, I got an e-mail from a reader who wanted to get married at a resort, but was having trouble finding one that could accommodate the gluten-free diet. While it’s certainly true that more and more places are offering options for gluten-intolerant and food-allergic guests, it’s not always easy to find those spots. Here are some resorts that are ready and able to cater to the gluten-free. Keep in mind that it’s always important to confirm in advance, via telephone or e-mail, that a resort will be able to accommodate you; even in a celiac-friendly kitchen, ingredients may need to be specially ordered before your visit (particularly if you’re staying at a resort in a remote location).
Canyon Ranch: With locations in very different climates — Tucson (Arizona), Lenox (Massachusetts), and Miami Beach (Florida) — Canyon Ranch offers something for everyone, and that includes the gluten-intolerant. While the company does point out that none of its kitchens are completely gluten-free, they are ready and able to take care of gluten-intolerant guests.
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts: When I’ve done the “On the Road With…” interviews, one of the things I’ve noticed is that Hyatt seems to be universally respected for its food allergy awareness and its ability to cook for those on a gluten-free diet. Personally, I’ve found this to be true of Hyatt kitchens in cities across North America, as well as in Santiago, Chile. Oddly, this fact doesn’t seem to be mentioned on the company’s own website.
Sandals Resort Hotels: The company, famous for its all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, doesn’t specifically mention celiac disease on its site, though it does discuss food allergies — which we all know gluten intolerance is often lumped in with. According to Sandals’ website: “You can rest assured that we will work very closely with you and our chef can ensure that the appropriate meals are available. Please provide us with your arrival date and booking number as well as your name and the resort at which you will be vacationing so that arrangements can be made for you to speak with the chef on arrival.”
I’d love to hear about your resort experiences. Please e-mail or comment to let me know which resorts have treated you exceptionally well.
Tags: Canada, Caribbean, Chile, food allergies, Pennsylvania, Santiago, USA
I live in Italy and I’ve travelling to USA with my wife and our 11-year-old son, who is celiac. Could you kindly tell me if there is a hotel in New York and a resort or village in Antigua or St Thomas where gluten free meals are served?
I thank you for any suggestion you can send to me.
Best wishes,
Jesus
Hi, it seems that St. Joseph Institute has changed, and is no longer a resort…
We just returned from Sandals Whitehouse Jamaica. While they said they could accommodate a gluten free diet and did have a chef meet me upon arrival- they did an TERRIBLE job!!!! I got contaminated food all week. I was so sick, that I had to go to the nurses station twice. We almost called in the doctor. By the time I arrived home I had ciliac induced bronchitis. The resort gave us a three day voucher for a return trip, but honestly, I was so sick, I would be afraid to return to any Sandals resort!
Sandals in Jamaica & Royal Bahamaian did a terrible job, i was sick at both places, and I also recieved a voucher for a second trip which was the Bahamas trip. I met with a chef prepared my visit in advance and they did not understand food preparation or contamination factors.
That being said we went on a Beaches( same as Sandals but for family) vacation in Turks. I cannot brag enough about their concern, care and efforts to provide me and my children gluten free meals and snack, and even a care package for the airport trip home. They have won our hearts and trust and we will go back again!