THE RESORT SERIES
How we choose
A place in the series is earned, never bought. Every property in The Resort Series meets the same criteria, set out below. They apply to every guide, and to every partnership.
Each guide shows the recognition it actually holds, so you can see at a glance where it stands.
1. Character and a clear vision
Independent in spirit, with a story of their own rather than a generic template.
For brand-managed properties: we welcome a conversation where the property has its own story and character. Brand or corporate communications teams can review image licences and voucher terms alongside you.
2. Independent recognition
For example MICHELIN Keys, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star or Four-Star, or The World’s 50 Best Hotels, shown with the year and only where the property holds them.
It gives readers an independent benchmark alongside our own judgement. We review the series when new awards are announced.
3. Chosen on merit, labelled with care
Our editors write every word. Properties check the facts; the voice and verdict stay ours. The series itself has no sponsor.
Every partnership is subject to the same criteria as every guide. If a property isn’t the right fit, we’ll say so before anything is arranged. A partnership never buys a place in the series or a verdict.
A partner guide carries the Partner content label at the top, on every card and wherever it is shared. Advertising may appear around the series, but it never affects which properties are chosen or what we say. Read our Advertising, guest and partner content disclosure.
How a guide comes together
Each guide is researched and written by our editors from the property’s own information, independent sources and a fact check with the property’s team. Every guide states plainly whether our editors have stayed. Where a partnership includes a hosted stay, the guide says so, and it is labelled Partner content from publication.
- The useful details. Who it suits, when to go, how to get there, what it costs to start, and how to book directly.
- Kept current. We revisit guides when prices, openings or awards change, and show the date of the last update.
Suggest a property
Know a hotel that belongs here? We’d love to hear about it through our contact form: choose Reader note or story idea. Suggestions are always welcome, and every place is judged on its merits.