Running a vegan retreat - Jan, The Beet Retreat

In 2012, after a 33 year career with Victoria Police, mostly in the mounted branch, Jan went vegan and faced what she describes as an “existential crisis”.  What she did next changed the trajectory of her entire life!

Jan's vegan journey started after she saw the Four Corners expose on Live Export, "A Bloody Business". She signed up to the Animals Australia newsletter and soon after learned the truth about bobby calves, which at the time, seemed almost unbelievable.

Jan always loved horses and had begun her working career in the industry after leaving school.  Once she went vegan and saw the use of animals by humans differently, she was at a loss as to how to provide for herself going forward.

As she struggled to find her purpose, her natural affinity for travellers and travelling resulted in her “accidentally” creating a fully fledged vegan business - The Beet Retreat. 

The Beet Retreat, now Australia’s longest running all-vegan B&B, started on Jan's original 20 acre property in the Yarra Valley, VIC. In 2019 she moved it to 3 tranquil acres in Noosa, QLD.

Specialising in private, personalised 3 and 7 day retreats, Jan also offers cooking classes, simple bed and breakfast stays, meals, guided hikes, healing and active time in nature.

At age 45, Jan started adventure racing and then at 51, ultra-running. She was drawn to the mental and physical challenges associated with endurance sports and the types of people attracted to these adventures in wild, beautiful and remote locations. 

Jan, now 61, is making a return to ultra-marathon running next month with a gruelling 160km race on the Grampians Peak Trail in Victoria.  She is hoping to raise $1160 for Happily Heifer After.

In this episode, Jan shares her sustainability plans for The Beet Retreat and the secrets behind her unique blend of vegan vitality and gentle advocacy.

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https://thebeetretreat.com.au/