Instead of hosting an end-of-the-year blowout party, kick off the new year with an event that's filled with light bites, refreshing cocktails, and wellness activities.
Vegan chef and healthy living educator Leslie Durso’s plant-based offerings for the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Mexico include appetizers like an artichoke “crab” cake, soups, salads, entrees such as quinoa-stuffed poblano pepper, and desserts like coconut sorbet with pineapple flambé (pictured).
Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
The Assemblage NoMad in New York serves up Ayurvedic dishes in its ground-level café, which change based on the season to feature local ingredients at peak potency—the basic principle of an Ayurvedic diet. Items include togarashi-roasted chicken with stormy lentils, gomae spinach, yuzu cabbage slaw, and house-pickled red cipollini onions (pictured); steel-cut oatmeal with cranberry compote, spiced apples, pepitas, chia seeds, and organic maple syrup; and various elixirs. The co-working venue also offers various spaces that are available for private events, and the staff can custom design teambuilding workshops and programming including wellness and movement classes for groups.
Photo: Inna Shnayder
Go for a clean aesthetic with Taylor Creative’s Cane Collection that features a sofa ($450), chair ($225), and ottoman set made of lightweight, woven rattan with white textured upholstery. Ottomans are priced at $125 without glass and $150 with glass. All prices include up to a five-day rental period; the items are available for rent from the New York and Los Angeles locations.
Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Creative Inc.
To launch its new wellness program, Kimpton Angler's Hotel South Beach hosted its “Sensorium: A Wellness Happy Hour” event in June on its rooftop pool deck. The event featured activities including sage and palo santo cleansings, chair massages, CBD shots, cacao tastings, yoga, group reiki, and a sound bowl and gong-guided meditation. The cocktail or happy hour experience is available to book by meeting planners and groups.
Photo: Steve Boxall
Serve up some “healthy” libations with Ketel One Botanical, a vodka made with non-G.M.O. grain that contains no artificial flavors, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners. It’s only 73 calories per 1 1/2 ounces and is available in three flavors: Peach & Orange Blossom, Cucumber & Mint, and Grapefruit & Rose. Ketel One Botanical is sold at spirits retailers for $24.99.
Photo: Johnny Fogg
San Diego’s Farmer & the Seahorse, located in the Alexandria at Torrey Pines, offers health-minded options for meetings such as the “California Dreams” buffet with a roasted vegetable salad, local bass with eggplant caponata, and root vegetable hash. In addition to the restaurant and event space, planners can use the on-site gym to host fitness and wellness activities for private events.
Photo: Courtesy of Farmer & the Seahorse
Channel some sweet energy for the new year with these geode candies from model-baker Kristel van Valkenhoef of New York’s Botanic Bakery. The crystal-like confections mimic slices of agate with vibrant swirls of color and gold filigree edges. Van Valkenhoef has collaborated with designers such as Alejandra Alonso Rojas, Viktor & Rolf, and Jill Stuart, as well as brands like Dom Perignon on custom treats.
Photo: Courtesy of Botanic Bakery
In addition to party platters, vegan eatery Beyond Sushi in New York offers an interactive station that includes a full assortment of signature rolls. The restaurant works with local catering companies to provide the station at events, as well as other menu items. The sustainable, plant-based dishes include the Chic Pea roll with black rice, roasted eggplant, artichoke, and English cucumber topped with saffron chickpea pureé and parsley; and the La Fiesta roll with black rice, avocado, chayote, and pickled jalapeño topped with black bean purée and kaffir lime chips. The eatery’s 3,000-square-foot 37th Street location is also available for private event bookings, and includes bar service, food, and staffing for 75 guests.
Photo: Courtesy of Beyond Sushi
A fizzy alternative to soda, Alta Palla sparkling waters boast organic fruit flavors, contain zero calories or sugar, and come in four flavors: Wild Berry, Peach, Grapefruit, and Lemon Lime. Drink it just so or add vodka or tequila for a low-calorie cocktail option. A four-pack costs $4.99 and single 12-ounce cans, $1.29 each.
Photo: Courtesy of Alta Palla
