Travel Curator | The Hotels that Editors, Creators, and Celebrities Love

True luxury reveals itself only to the most discerning. For the debut of TC75 — honoring the 75 most exquisite hotels in the world — we sought out those who know the hotel world intimately. Alongside our inner circle of writers who so eloquently curate our travel stories and help shape our annual Very Best Awards and Where to Go lists, we consulted a highly regarded circle of global creatives — travel editors and writers, lifestyle influencers, fashion leaders, beauty founders, and intuitives — whose lives routinely unfold within the world’s most exceptional hotels.

Rather than relying on social popularity or algorithm-driven rankings, this list reflects a collective of firsthand experiences, editorial rigor, and what defines a true luxury experience today. These are the hotels that constantly deliver, where design feels intentional, service is anticipatory without being performative, and there’s a strong sense of place that you feel even long after you leave. Some of the properties on our list are global legends, while others are quieter discoveries (IYKYK). Our inaugural list isn’t a checklist, rather an evolving curation of what exceptional stays look like right now.

Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica

“I spent hours in the remarkable spa at Hacienda AltaGracia gazing at the mountains through the two-story glass walls as I soaked in a mineral bath after my daily complimentary mud bath. Be sure to get an underwater sound bath and massage at the most incredible treatment room ever: a natural pool set in the jungle next to a rushing river.” – Katie McElveen | @katiemcelveen