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.”
St. Joseph Institute: Located in central Pennsylvania, this fitness-oriented spa and resort boasts a completely gluten-free kitchen: “The Institute uses its own recipe for a gluten free flour that is substituted in recipes that call for flour. Guests find that our baked goods — cookies, cakes, pies — have a great taste.” Its public-relations officer got in touch to let me know about its offerings. According to her, “St. Joseph Institute has also expanded its services to include a medical spa offering a holistic approach to health and wellness. An inter-disciplinary team of medical doctors, physical therapists, bodywork specialists, counselors and nutritionists address the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social needs of guests as they search for the path that leads to optimal health and disease prevention.”
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.
