We are excited to introduce kimkim Gems—a curated selection of cities, experiences, and accommodations designed to connect you with the heart of your chosen destination. Each Gem is chosen for its authenticity, from cultural sites rooted in tradition to intimate encounters with local communities. We're going beyond the typical travel path and setting a new standard for meaningful exploration—encouraging deeper engagement with the people and places that make every kimkim trip special.

What Is a Gem?

A kimkim Gem is a curated experience, accommodation, or location that reflects the pinnacle of what we offer travelers: authentic encounters and meaningful connections in each destination.

 

Photo courtesy of 7 Islas Hotel, Madrid
The 7 Islas Hotel in Madrid, one of our Gem Hotels in Spain (photo courtesy of 7 Islas Hotel)

Leading the Future of Personalized Travel

The future of travel is moving toward the immersive and personalized, fostering deeper relationships between you and the places you'll explore. With the Gems initiative, we're building on our position as a leader in authentic travel, offering curated experiences that transcend the mundane and illuminate overlooked destinations. From the unusual to the truly inimitable, each Gem invites you to engage with cultural identity in ways that feel enriching and exciting. 

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Authenticity Is at the Core of Gems

Authenticity lies at the heart of every kimkim Gem. A rigorous seven-step criteria ensures each Gem offers travelers something truly personalized and provides a deeper connection to the destination:

  • Discoverability: not something travelers would easily find on their own
  • Culture: deeply rooted in local traditions
  • Locality: more locals than visitors
  • Genuineness: free from staging or over-commercialization
  • Novelty: exciting and new for the distinguished traveler
  • Community: provides meaningful interactions with locals
  • Uniqueness: hard to replicate elsewhere

These principles ensure that every Gem offers more than just a sightseeing opportunity—it provides a meaningful connection to the destination.

 

A private Baciver Lakes hike in the Pyrenees mountains of Spain, one of our Diamond Gem experiences.

The Three Levels of Gems

Kimkim Gems are organized into three tiers to meet the needs of different travelers:

Diamond: rare, immersive experiences offering deep cultural engagement

Sapphire: balanced options that combine accessibility with authenticity

Ruby: approachable experiences that still offer a sense of uniqueness

This tiered approach allows you to choose the level of immersion you're most comfortable with, making it easy to incorporate authentic elements into any trip.

What This Means for You, the Traveler 

Even though every kimkim itinerary is already customized to your preferences, Gems take things one step further—getting even deeper into what resonates the most with you on a trip. These carefully selected elements are woven into your journey, offering meaningful moments that align with your travel style. With Gems, it's not just a bespoke itinerary—it's another layer of personalization, ensuring every part of your trip feels intentionally crafted, down to the smallest detail.

Montezuma Falls in Costa Rica is a kimkim Sapphire Gem location

Looking Ahead

Our long-term goal is to offer Gems in our most popular destinations. This effort also involves establishing long-term partnerships with local suppliers, expanding the availability of authentic experiences across destinations. We're committed to leading the shift toward more meaningful travel, ensuring that every journey is more than just a trip—it's a chance to connect with the heart of a destination.