Quality
Why we turn more places down than we list.
The Santé Standard is the set of criteria every property must meet before it goes live. These aren't questionnaires we take on trust — they're things we verify ourselves or through people we trust.
01
Activity access
The property must have meaningful, verifiable access to the activities it claims. Not "there's a trail nearby." We mean documented, tested, quality access — with details we can confirm: bike wash stations, kit storage, specific trailheads, surf break distances, climbing grades, guiding contacts. If it's vague, it doesn't go on.
02
Honest description
The photos must reflect reality. The facilities must be what they say they are. We re-check listings periodically and act on guest feedback. If a property has changed — new management, renovation, access lost — we update or remove the listing. What you see when you book is what you get when you arrive.
03
Local knowledge
Every listed property should be able to connect you with real local expertise. A contact for a guide or instructor. Honest advice on the best weather window. The variation on the standard route that locals know about. We're not listing accommodation — we're listing bases for adventure. The owner or manager needs to understand that difference.
04
Standards of care
Clean, well-maintained, properly equipped. We use a tiered system — from bare-bones bunkhouses to boutique lodges — and within each tier, every property must meet baseline standards. A bunkhouse doesn't need marble floors. It does need a functional drying room, hot water, and an owner who answers messages.
Why we say no
The things that get a property turned down.
We receive more listings applications than we can accept. Most rejections aren't about quality — they're about fit. These are the most common reasons.
Activity access that's generic, exaggerated, or seasonal without disclosure
Photography that flatters but doesn't reflect the actual property
Properties with outstanding complaints about accuracy or cleanliness
Owners who are unresponsive or disengaged with their guests' experience
Properties that have changed significantly since listing without update
Locations where the claimed activity is technically present but practically inaccessible
Travelling 'in style' is subjective.
We have options across the board — but one thing you can count on is that every listing on Santé has been tested and passed The Standard.
Faaaancy pants.
We don't hate luxury, we love it — but not all 'top' hotels qualify for Santé.
Or one pair of pants.
A remote campsite, a high altitude refuge... we're fully behind it.
Stay types
The standard applies equally across all seven stay tiers.
A bivy site and a private villa are held to the same principles — honesty, activity access, local knowledge, and care. The expectations just wear different clothes.
See how we rank stays