Tim Kroeger Editorial Standards

Last updated:

We help travelers choose stays that actually restore them.

Our reviews are based on first-hand experience, edited in-house with final say held by our editorial team, and written to answer one central question: Did you leave feeling better than when you arrived?

Methodology: How we review wellness hotels

The Restorative Index

Every luxury wellness hotel reviewed on this site is evaluated through the Restorative Index, a structured 100-point scoring framework created by Tim Kroeger across 15+ years and 5,000+ hotel nights in 112+ countries. The framework measures how a stay actually performs across six weighted pillars, not how it looks in photos.

What we evaluate (and why)

Each pillar carries a specific point weight reflecting its impact on genuine restoration:

  • Sleep Architecture (30 points) — Blackout effectiveness, acoustic isolation, thermal regulation, mattress and pillow quality. Weighted highest because sleep is the single most measurable driver of recovery.
  • Environmental Calm (20 points) — Lighting transitions, spatial flow, crowd density, and ambient soundscape. Measures whether the property’s design actively calms the nervous system or adds cognitive load.
  • Nutritional Impact (15 points) — Ingredient quality, steady-energy sourcing, and recovery-focused dining options. Not a restaurant review. An assessment of whether the food supports or undermines restoration.
  • Bioregulation & Spa (15 points) — Thermal circuits, skilled bodywork, and genuine recovery depth beyond aesthetic indulgence. Evaluates whether the spa delivers measurable physiological benefit.
  • Movement (10 points) — Gym standards, functional equipment, and training accessibility. Assessed from the perspective of someone who trains seriously, not decorative wellness.
  • Frictionless Operations (10 points) — Check-in flow, communication quality, and the absence of friction that drains the energy the spa is trying to replenish. Every unnecessary decision is a cost to restoration.

The full methodology, including score interpretation and frequently asked questions, is published at The Restorative Index.

A note on spa reviews and contributor content

The Restorative Index applies exclusively to luxury wellness hotel reviews authored by Tim Kroeger. Standalone spa reviews (thermal baths, hammams, float tanks, urban wellness centers) published by our contributor team are evaluated on treatment quality, atmosphere, and nervous system impact, but do not receive a Restorative Index score. Contributor content does not publish Restorative Index scored reviews. This preserves the framework’s integrity as a single-author, first-hand evaluation system.

See the framework in action

Our highest-scoring property to date is Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, Vietnam, which earned a Restorative Index score of 9.5/10. The review includes a full pillar-by-pillar breakdown showing how each of the six pillars was evaluated, what specific observations informed each score, and how the final rating was calculated. It is the clearest example of how the Restorative Index works in practice.

Browse all tested and scored wellness hotel reviews.

How we conduct reviews

  1. Booking — We prefer to book and pay like any guest. If hosted or discounted, we disclose clearly (see Independence & Disclosure below).
  2. Room type & dates — Each review lists the room/villa type and Last stayed: Month YYYY.
  3. On-site checklist. We record:
    • Night noise observations, blackout test, water pressure and temperature.
    • Wi-Fi performance (observed up/down), bedside outlets and USB.
    • Gym equipment inventory and spa/sauna functionality.
    • Breakfast quality (made-to-order vs buffet, coffee standard).
    • Lighting transitions between daytime and evening modes.
    • Ambient noise levels at check-in, in-room, and in common areas.
  4. Photography — We prioritize our own images. PR imagery, if used, is labeled.
  5. Verification — Names, opening year, room count, and amenity hours are verified with staff or official sources before publication.
  6. Scoring — Each pillar is scored independently against the Restorative Index criteria. The final score is a weighted total out of 100, converted to a /10 display score. Scores are not negotiable with properties.
  7. Editing — Every review is edited for clarity, evidence, and conflicts before publication.

Updates & re-verification

  • We aim to re-verify flagship reviews every 12 months or after major changes (renovation, management change).
  • Substantive updates add a dated Update note at the end of the article.
  • If a re-visit results in a materially different experience, the Restorative Index score may be revised with full explanation.

Editorial independence & disclosure

Our independence

  • We accept no editorial control from hotels, PRs, or partners.
  • Coverage is not guaranteed for hosted stays. Negative or mixed reviews are possible and have been published.
  • Restorative Index scores are determined solely by Tim Kroeger based on the evaluation criteria. Properties do not see or approve scores before publication.

What we disclose (and where)

  • Hosted or discounted stays — A plain-English line appears at the bottom of the article (for example: “Disclaimer: I was a guest at [property]. My opinions, as always, are solely my own.”).
  • Affiliate links — Where present, we include an above-the-fold notice (“This article includes affiliate links. See the footer and Affiliate Disclaimer for full details.”). All such links use rel=”sponsored nofollow” and open in a new tab. Partner placements are discreet and clearly labeled Sponsored.
  • Sponsored content — Clearly labeled as Sponsored at the top and in the byline. Sponsored pieces follow our editorial standards but do not receive Restorative Index scores.

Invitations & press trips

  • We may attend if the itinerary enables independent evaluation. Participation does not guarantee coverage.

Advertising & partnerships

  • Display ads or sponsorships never influence review outcomes or Restorative Index scores.
  • We partner only with brands relevant to guest experience. All partner links are labeled and do not affect verdicts.

Press, partnership enquiries, and editorial questions: tim@tim-kroeger.com

Corrections policy

We value accuracy. If we make a mistake, we fix it and tell you.

What we correct

  • Factual errors (names, prices at time of stay, amenity details, distances, opening year).
  • Attribution issues (photo credits, quotes).
  • Broken or misleading links.
  • Scoring errors (arithmetic mistakes in pillar scores or weighted totals).

What we update

  • Time-sensitive details (renovations, policy changes) that don’t alter our verdict are treated as Updates rather than Corrections.

How to request a correction

Email tim@tim-kroeger.com with:

  1. The URL of the article.
  2. The exact passage you believe is incorrect.
  3. The correction you propose.
  4. Any source (official page, receipt, email) that supports the change.

Our process & timeline

  • Acknowledge within 2 business days.
  • Review and verify within 7 business days (complex items may take longer; we’ll keep you posted).
  • Publish the fix and add a note at the end of the article:
    • Correction (DATE): We fixed a factual error.
    • Update (DATE): We added non-material information (e.g., spa hours).
    • Editor’s Note (DATE): A larger change affecting interpretation.

Takedowns & removals

We generally do not remove reviews. In rare cases (legal or privacy concerns), we may temporarily unpublish while investigating.

Corrections and legal: tim@tim-kroeger.com