World's First Luxury Hotel Chain Eliminates Seed Oils From Their Operations
Luxury Hospitality Breaks Ground with Seed Oil-Free Kitchens
Brian De Lowe, co-founder and president of Proper Hospitality, has taken wellness to a new level by implementing seed oil-free kitchens across all flagship properties. In the burgeoning world of luxury hospitality, Proper Hotels aims to cater to the health-conscious traveler seeking a holistic wellness experience.
Known for its emphasis on nourishment, movement, recovery, rest, and connection, Proper Hotels boasts state-of-the-art wellness amenities across its 13 hotels, from San Francisco to Austin to Miami, with more on the horizon. Whether it's a Recovery Suite with cutting-edge bio-optimization technology or hot/cold plunge and red light therapy at the Austin Proper, each property is designed to encourage overall wellbeing.
The Seed Oil-Free Shift
The impetus for this change came when De Lowe realized that, despite the group's investment in wellness, they were using seed oils in their fryers. Wary of the controversy surrounding these oils, De Lowe, a longstanding seed oil skeptic, led a team transition towards seed oil-free kitchens for Proper Hotels and By Proper. As a result, Proper Hotels became the first national hotel brand to adopt this policy, setting a new standard for luxury travel.
Partnering with Zero Acre Farms, this change entails the use of Zero Acre Oil, a sugarcane oil that boasts a high smoke point and low environmental impact. The oil is fermentation-derived, requiring minimal water and land, making it a sustainable alternative.
Controversy and Alternatives
While the seed oil-free movement has gained traction, it is not without debate. Commonly cscalled "the hateful eight," the eight seed oils in question – canola, corn, grapeseed, soybean, sunflower, safflower, rice bran, and peanut oil – are often accused of being intensively processed, refined, and linked to health issues such as high omega-6 fatty acid content and inflammation.
In response, many opt for alternatives such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, algae oil, and cold-pressed options. The key is to choose oils that are minimally processed, sustainably sourced, and aligned with consumers' health goals.
For those who wish to reduce their exposure to seed oils while dining out, consider opting for grilled, roasted, or steamed dishes, or attempting to communicate with the chef to request seed oil-free substitutions. Resources such as The Seed Free Alliance and Seed Oil Scout can help in finding seed oil-free restaurants and options.
Brian De Lowe has been pioneering the luxury wellness experience from day one, founding the first Proper Hotel in 2017. With the seed oil-free kitchen initiative, De Lowe aims to uphold his commitment to wellness without compromising on vibe or cultural connection. The Proper Club, a wellness membership that grants access to exclusive facilities and programming, further cements the group's dedication to enriching its guests' experiences.
In a rapidly evolving landscape of luxury travel, De Lowe's vision for a wellness-centric, culturally immersive hotel experience garners a lively response. "It's no longer about access," he says, "it's about how you feel when you walk out the door." Get ready for a new era of hospitality that caters to our ever-expanding consciousness of health and wellness.
- Brian De Lowe, in his pursuit of catering to the health-conscious traveler, has introduced nutrition alternatives in Proper Hotels by implementing seed oil-free kitchens across all flagship properties and partnering with Zero Acre Farms for the use of sustainable, fermentation-derived sugarcane oil.
- In response to the seed oil controversy and the search for healthier options, Proper Hotels encourages guests to choose from a variety of minimally processed, sustainably sourced alternatives such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, algae oil, and cold-pressed oils, aligning with their wellness goals while dining out.
