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BECOME A 
MEMBER 

This is the first step toward becoming part of Heartlist. We invite you to apply if your experience embodies not just excellence, but also passion, purpose, and authenticity.

Every application is carefully reviewed by the Heartlist Council. Submission does not guarantee inclusion — it marks the beginning of a meaningful selection process.​ 

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Why become a Heartlist Member

Because recognition with heart creates lasting value.

 

Heartlist is not just an award — it’s a curated ecosystem for the world’s most meaningful experiences. By becoming a Heartlist Member, you join a community defined by values, not volume — and gain access to visibility, credibility, and conscious growth.

1. Official Recognition

  • Title of World’s Leading or World’s Best [Category]

  • Personalized Heartlist Certificate (digital + physical)

  • Heartlist Plaque (optional upgrade)

  • Permission to use the Heartlist Seal on all materials

2. Choose Your Own Recognition Category

 

At Heartlist, every applicant selects the category that best represents their unique identity and positioning.

 

You may apply for a general title — such as:

 

  • World’s Leading Hotel
     

​or choose one or more, more focused distinction, such as:

  • World’s Leading Eco Hotel

  • World’s Leading Family Retreat

  • World’s Leading Island Villa

  • …and many more.

 

 

Review & Refinement

  • Your chosen category is reviewed during the evaluation process. Heartlist may refine or reframe the category if it does not fully align with the experience, values, or story being presented.

 

  • The goal is to ensure that every recognition is authentic, brand-true, and meaningful — never generic or marketing-driven.
     

3. Elevated Visibility

  • Dedicated digital profile on heartlist.org

  • Appearance in curated category and location directories

  • Priority consideration for editorial features and campaigns

  • Optional listing in the Heartlist Magazine

 

4. Curation & Impact

  • Heartlist Curation Report: in-depth evaluation summary

  • Annual re-evaluation to ensure consistency and credibility

  • Inclusion in the Heartlist Impact Fund — your membership helps support meaningful causes around the world

 

5. Conscious Community

  • Invitations to private Heartlist events, talks & retreats

  • Access to peer exchange and inspiration across all sectors

  • Optional add-ons: marketing partnerships, photo & video features.

 

Not just a label

Heartlist is not a pay-to-play award or a badge for promotion.

Membership is earned — and once earned, it becomes a living asset to your brand.

Why
Application Process

The Application Process

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1

Step 1
Submit Your
Application Form

Complete and send your application to express your interest in becoming part of Heartlist.

 

This is not yet a confirmation, but the first step toward evaluation.

2

Step 2
Personal Contact &
Pre-Check

After an initial review, a member of our team will contact you.

Together, we’ll clarify the next steps — including the most suitable categories, your positioning, and any questions.
 

________

 

For example, you can apply for a general category such as World’s Leading Hotel, or for one or more, more specific distinction like World’s Leading Wellness Hotel — exactly as it best reflects your unique positioning.

3

Step 3
Fee Confirmation & Payment

Based on the selected package and any additional categories, you’ll receive a tailored offer.

Once confirmed, you proceed with payment to start the full review.

4

Step 4
Heartlist Curation

Your application is evaluated by the Heartlist Council using our 100-point Heartbeats system.

You will receive a detailed Curation Report, and if qualified, your official Heartlist recognition.

90–100

80-100 Heartbeats:
World’s Leading [Kategorie]

 

< 80 Heartbeats:

includes detailed Curation Report but no admission.

Start the Application Process

Category
Position

e.g. First Description, URL, Further Links


Apply
Pricing

Pricing. Transparent. Fair. Aligned with real value.

Unlike many awards with one-size-fits-all pricing, Heartlist uses a curated pricing matrix tailored to category, format, and scale.This ensures maximum transparency, fairness, and meaningful alignment between what’s offered — and what it’s worth.

Category Travel > Hotels & Lodges

Heartlist offers three membership tiers, tailored to the structure and value level of a property – based on two objective criteria: number of rooms and average nightly rate (gross).

Category Travel > Residences

Heartlist offers three membership tiers, tailored to the structure and value level of a property – based on one objective criteria: average nightly rate (gross).

Category Travel > Safari & Desert Experiences

Heartlist offers three membership tiers, tailored to the structure and value level of a property – based on two objective criteria: number of rooms and average nightly rate (gross).

Category Gourmet > Restaurants & Cousine

Heartlist offers three membership tiers, tailored to the structure and value level of a property – based on one objective criteria: average price per menu (gross).

Category Gourmet > Wine & Artisan Producers

Heartlist offers three membership tiers, tailored to the structure and value level of a property – based on one objective criteria: average price of product and distribution.

Category Lifestyle 

Lifestyle experiences are evaluated individually based on format, brand depth, and emotional resonance. We’ll guide you to the right membership tier after an initial assessment.

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