A Vegan Home Away from Home in Trinidad and Tobago: Inside Jan’s Garden Sanctuary
/For vegan travelers, finding truly aligned accommodations can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why discovering a fully vegan vacation rental like Jan’s Garden Sanctuary in Trinidad and Tobago is such a rare and restorative experience.
We spoke with the owner (who prefers to remain anonymous until communicating with her guests) to learn what inspired her to create this one-of-a-kind retreat, how she’s infusing local flavor and vegan values into every detail, and what other rental hosts can do to make their spaces more welcoming to vegan guests.
Creating a Space That Feels Like Home
The homestay is a tribute to her late mother and a celebration of plant-based living.
“I named the vacation home Jan’s Garden Sanctuary after my mother who loved gardening, spent hours carefully tending to her garden and always surrounded us with beautiful plants and flowers,” the owner shared.
As a seasoned vegan traveler herself, she’s intimately familiar with the frustrations that come from staying in places that don’t align with her lifestyle.
“Having travelled with my own dining and cooking utensils as well as small appliances to avoid cross-contamination, I’m quite familiar with the inconvenience of having to travel 'prepared.' I’ve also stayed in places where I avoided sitting on furniture made of leather,” she explained.
“I wanted to create an environment where people don’t have to think about these things and all they need to be concerned with is enjoying a relaxing and fun-filled vacation.”
Plant-Based Hospitality in Every Detail
Every element of the sanctuary reflects her values of health, compassion, and care, from the furnishings to the ambiance.
“The health of our body, mind and spirit, as well as the health of our planet lie at the foundation of my vegan lifestyle,” she said. “Also very important to me is having a space that is inviting, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.”
Guests can expect:
Vegan mattresses and pillows
Organic, plant-based sheets and towels
Non-toxic, cruelty-free cleaning products
A fully vegan kitchen and cookware
Thoughtful, colorful decor that honors local nature and culture
The space is filled with vibrant energy, with artwork featuring local flora and fauna to a lush backyard sanctuary complete with palm trees, cacti, and a hand-painted mural of birds of paradise and ocean waves.
“As you can imagine, this creates quite a peaceful, relaxed, and enchanting environment.”
A Deeply Local Experience
While the space itself is a haven, the surrounding neighborhood offers easy access to nature, history, culture, and delicious vegan food. The owner encourages guests to explore local favorites, including:
The Sweet Beet – “My favorite… completely vegan with smoothies, raw juices, açai bowls, nut butters, and decadent baked goods.”
New Earth Organics TT – A wellness hub with local produce and a plant-based café.
Starlite Pharmacy – A surprising gem offering plant-based meals and pastries.
Peppercorns and Aioli Marketplace – Great for vegan snacks, drinks, and ready-made meals.
Queen’s Park Savannah – A short walk away, this cultural heart of Port of Spain offers weekend farmers markets, iconic architecture, and community events.
Lady Chancellor Hiking Trail – For fitness-lovers wanting to take in the view.
Queen’s Hall and NAPA – Top spots for local performing arts and concerts.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Vegan Hosts
Bringing a fully vegan rental concept to life hasn’t been without its challenges, especially in a country where awareness of vegan hospitality is still growing. But the response has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from vegan travelers.
“My hope is that guests will feel at home, relaxed and delighted by the physical space, their senses will be piqued, and they will appreciate the beauty and attention to detail… I hope they’ll be able to feel the love that has been a part of this home for generations.”
Her advice for other aspiring vegan hosts?
“Think about the things that you are passionate about as a vegan, what appeals to your senses, what you value in an enjoyable vacation, and make those things available to your guests. As much as possible, incorporate the natural resources and beauty of your local environment, and don’t let anyone or anything discourage you from your vision.”
Tips for Rental Owners Who Want to Host Vegan Guests
If you're a host or B&B owner inspired by this story and wondering how to welcome vegan guests, here are a few ideas to start with:
Ditch the leather and wool – Opt for cruelty-free furniture and bedding.
Stock a vegan-friendly kitchen – Ensure cookware and appliances are not shared with animal products, or be transparent about the cleaning process you use to disinfect cookware and appliances between guests.
Use plant-based cleaning products – Choose non-toxic, animal-safe brands.
Offer a local vegan guide – Share your favorite plant-based eateries, shops, and markets.
Celebrate your environment – Highlight local culture, nature, and art through your space.
Make it easy – Remove the mental burden for guests who often have to vet everything.
By following these practices, you can create a space where vegan guests feel seen, respected, and celebrated.
To book a stay at Jan’s Garden Sanctuary, check out their listing on VeggieHotels.
Explore our Vegan Hospitality services:
Vegan Hospitality & Tourism Certification for Hotels
Vegan Consultant Training & Certification Program for vegan entrepreneurs
High Impact Hospitality Consulting Services for restaurants, hotels, event venues, and hospitality groups around the globe
About Trinidad & Tobago: Trinidad & Tobago offers a rich blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant local life. From the world-famous Carnival in Port of Spain to the serene beaches and rainforests of Tobago, the twin-island nation attracts travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, from lush mangroves and coral reefs to mountain trails and botanical gardens. With its lively food scene, historic landmarks, and warm hospitality, Trinidad & Tobago provides an unforgettable Caribbean experience that’s increasingly welcoming to conscious, eco-minded travelers. Learn More on T&T’s Tourism Website.