What It Takes to Become a Wanderlust-Approved Site

We’re often asked what makes a site “good enough” to be featured on Wanderlust.

The honest answer is — it’s not about perfection.

It’s about how a place feels when you step into it.

Here’s what we look for when reviewing sites:

1. A sense of character

We’re drawn to places that feel like they belong where they are. Not generic fields or

standard setups, but sites with personality and identity.

2. Care in how it’s run

You can tell very quickly when a site is looked after with intention. It doesn’t need to be

luxury — it just needs attention, pride, and consistency.

3. Ease for the guest

We think a lot about arrival experience. Is it clear where to go? Can someone arrive late and

still feel okay? Is it intuitive, or confusing?

4. Respect for the landscape

The best sites don’t dominate their surroundings — they sit within them. They feel like

they’ve been placed gently, not imposed.

If you’re a site owner, the best advice we can give is this:

Don’t try to be everything. Focus on being really good at what you already are.

The sites that resonate most are usually the ones that feel honest — not overbuilt, not

overcomplicated, just thoughtful.

And for guests, that’s exactly what we’re trying to make easier to find.