The Cozy Cottage at Grateful Meadows Wins First-Ever ‘Hospitality With Heart Award’ From PETA

For Immediate Release:
April 14, 2026

Contact:
Andrew Grant 202-483-7382

As travelers look ahead to summer getaways, PETA is spotlighting the nation’s most compassionate stays with its inaugural Hospitality with Heart Awards—and West Point’s own The Cozy Cottage at Grateful Meadows has made the list. Nestled beside a thriving animal sanctuary at the edge of a lush forest, the tranquil one-bedroom retreat offers a getaway where every detail reflects kindness, with everything guests enjoy—from food and toiletries to furnishings and amenities—being fully vegan and cruelty‑free, with a focus on local, organic, and sustainable sourcing.

Guests can wake up to the peaceful view of rescued donkeys grazing in the meadow, then spend their days swimming in the saltwater pool, hiking the wooded trails alongside the pigs’ pasture, taking in a complimentary guided tour of the grounds, or savoring seasonal fruits and vegetables harvested straight from the sanctuary’s garden. Founded in 2017 by Victoria Nation and Jonathan Aulich, Cozy Cottage at Grateful Meadows seamlessly blends compassion and hospitality—and with each stay directly supporting the sanctuary’s rescued residents, visitors will leave knowing their vacation made a meaningful difference.

“The Cozy Cottage at Grateful Meadows is a beautiful retreat where guests can unwind in a serene, wooded wonderland alongside the gentle presence of rescued animals,” says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. “Every winner on PETA’s list proves how easy it is to travel kindly, leave animals in peace, and make humane, healthy choices along the way.”

Other winners on PETA’s list include (in no particular order) The White Pig in Schuyler, Virginia; Deer Run on the Atlantic in Big Pine Key, Florida; Pebble Cove Farm Inn and Animal Sanctuary in Eastsound, Washington; The Gray Barn at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in High Falls, New York; Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York; and Rancho Vegano in Tucson, Arizona.

Each winner will receive a framed certificate from PETA along with bragging rights.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat, wear, or use for entertainment”—points out thatEvery Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. PETA’s free vegan starter kit can help those looking to make the switch. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.