What is a BOSW Bestie?
At The Best of the Southwest, we spend our days exploring, tasting, staying, experiencing and reporting on the places and products that shape life across the Southwest. These are the places we return to, recommend without hesitation and talk about long after the visit ends.
We call them Besties.
A BOSW Bestie is our highest editorial distinction, awarded to standout restaurants, resorts, experiences, wellness destinations and places that consistently deliver something special. Just as the ESPY Awards celebrate excellence in sports and the Television Academy honors television’s best with the Emmy Awards, BOSW Besties recognize excellence across the Southwest lifestyle landscape.
What does it mean to be a Bestie?
A Bestie designation signals that a business, destination or product has met our highest standards for quality, service and overall experience. These are the places we’d confidently recommend to our closest friends, the ones that make us say, “You have to go!”
Besties stand out not just for what they offer, but for how they make people feel. Thoughtful hospitality, consistency, attention to detail and a sense of place matter just as much as great food, beautiful design or impressive amenities.
How BOSW Besties are chosen
Besties are editorially earned, not purchased.
To be considered for a Bestie-Approved designation, a place must meet the following criteria:
• Personally experienced by BOSW editors or trusted contributors
• Delivers standout service, atmosphere and value
• Reflects authenticity, creativity and care
• Aligns with BOSW’s editorial values and audience
• Not awarded through paid placement or sponsorship
Bestie categories
Besties span the full spectrum of Southwest living, including:
• Dining
• Products
• Experiences
• Wellness
• Destinations
Some categories evolve over time, but the standard never changes.
Meet the Besties
Our growing list of BOSW Besties represents the places that define excellence across the Southwest. Each Bestie has earned its designation through firsthand experience, consistent quality and an unmistakable “wow” factor.
Besties are featured throughout The Best of the Southwest and may display the BOSW Bestie badge as a mark of distinction.
A note on integrity
The Best of the Southwest was built on trust, curiosity and honest storytelling. The Bestie designation reflects that commitment. While BOSW partners with brands and destinations in many ways, Bestie status is reserved exclusively for places that earn it through merit.
Want to learn more?
Readers can discover Besties throughout our site, social channels and seasonal roundups. Businesses interested in editorial consideration are welcome to connect through our standard editorial submission process. Bestie designation, however, is never guaranteed.
