Curated Spaces Interview with FoundER Molly Cooper
In 2023, Molly Cooper launched the Curated Spaces podcast, offering an insider’s perspective on the world’s most inspiring boutique stays. Nearly two years on, Curated has grown into a vibrant community of over 40,000 discerning travellers, all united by a shared pursuit of destinations where design, storytelling, and a strong sense of place converge in perfect harmony.
We sat down with Molly to discuss the evolution of Curated, her approach to curation, and the power of travel to shape perspective. You can also explore two special extensions of our conversation: Molly’s Curated Edit: A Selection of Her Most Inspired Stays and Molly’s Curated Edit: Secret Restaurant Finds—featuring the stays and dining spots that truly bring her design-led philosophy to life.
You started re-igniting real world connections in 2024, how has Curated Spaces developed and grown since your launch?
It’s been a whirlwind 18 months since launching the Curated Spaces podcast, which started to help people connect with spaces on a deeper level. What began as conversations about travel and design snowballed into a community of curious travellers, and before long, I had listeners regularly reaching out for recommendations for upcoming trips.
At the same time, I saw firsthand how difficult it was for travel creators to make ends meet, despite the value they brought to the industry. On the other side, boutique spaces were growing increasingly frustrated with the status quo of traditional booking platforms, struggling to stand out and connect with the right guests.
That’s when I had the idea for a platform that would allow our community of travellers to discover and book stays through their favourite tastemakers, supporting both the creators’ driving bookings and the spaces offering something truly special.
Storytelling and authentic experiences remain at the heart of our platform. Since launching, we've grown into a space that bridges the gap between beautifully curated content and meaningful travel experiences.
We’ve expanded our network of boutique hotels and unique stays, ensuring that each one offers something beyond just aesthetics, whether it’s a rich design story, a strong connection to its surroundings, or a focus on sustainable practices.
We’ve also built a thriving community of creators who don’t just showcase spaces but bring them to life through their perspectives. The response from travellers has been incredible, there’s a real appetite for slowing down, making more intentional travel choices and discovering places that feel personal rather than algorithmically optimised.
As we grow, we're doubling down on how technology can serve real-world experiences rather than replace them. That means refining our AI-powered search to help people find spaces that match their unique travel style, launching real-world events and continuing to champion slow, experience-driven travel.
Your mantra is 'scroll less, live more' we couldn't agree more. What new developments are venues offering to aid digital detoxes? And are you seeing any new ones emerging?
The best digital detoxes aren’t just about switching off your phone; they’re about making real-world moments so compelling that screens become an afterthought. We're seeing spaces design experiences that encourage deeper connection, from structured programs like guided silent walks and fireside storytelling to subtler touches like communal tables that naturally spark conversation.
Perhaps the best-known example of a space crushing it in the digital detox space is Unplugged, the off-grid cabins where guests literally lock their phones away in a box upon arrival - something we also saw play out in Season 3 of The White Lotus. Unplugged is now also offering couple coaching packages to help guests use their phone-free time to have those important conversations with their partners and reconnect on a deeper level.
Another emerging trend is ‘behind the scenes’ experiences like Hampton Manor’s Meet the Makers’ concept where every guest gets a kind of ‘backstage pass’ to meet the artisans, chefs, and craftspeople behind their stay.
It’s about breaking down the barrier between guest and host—turning a stay into an immersive experience where you can see, feel, and understand the passion that goes into these spaces. This taps into something deeper: curiosity, playfulness, and getting in tune with your inner child by engaging with the world around you in a hands-on way.
For guests to destress it seems they're looking for and desire experiences that reflect the local heritage, customs and traditions of different regions. What notable regions and traditions have seen increasing popularity within the Curated Spaces Club members?
There’s a growing desire for travel that feels deeply rooted in place and where guests don’t just visit but truly engage with the history, landscape and traditions of a region. Some of the destinations resonating most with our community include:
Scotland – A country deeply proud of its heritage, with so many brilliant spots that celebrate both the landscape and history. There have been some brilliant new openings over recent years like Lundies House, Boath House and Ballintaggart that have managed to combine contemporary design and a fresh take on dining with the warmth of a traditional Highland welcome.
Somerset – I’ve got a soft spot for the region which is still proudly in tune with its agricultural roots. Fuelled by the arrival of The Newt and Hauser & Wirth, the region’s creative and hospitality scenes have been absolutely booming with some great spots such as Holm ****and Number One Bruton.
Beyond regions, we’re also seeing certain travel trends gain momentum including:
Train travel – Travellers are slowing down and embracing the journey itself. There’s been a surge of interest in iconic train routes like the British Belmond sleeper train, (link to feature) which is set to bring a new level of luxury to overnight rail travel. Meanwhile, the scenic train journey down to Cornwall is being rediscovered as a nostalgic yet sustainable way to explore the UK’s coastline.
Vineyards – Wine tourism has been growing in popularity for decades, but there’s something gloriously craftsman-like about wine production that makes it feel particularly relevant now. It offers a connection to the land, a deeper appreciation for terroir and an invitation to slow down and savour local produce. Vineyards like Tillingham are taking this further, offering overnight stays that allow guests to immerse themselves in the rhythms of winemaking, from tasting sessions to wandering through the vines at sunset.
The common thread? A desire for experiences that feel immersive, intentional, and connected to the land whether that’s through history, craftsmanship or the joy of taking the scenic route.
Considering the importance of interior design to amplify a guest's overall experience and enjoyment, when visiting venues yourself, what have been some of your personal highlights so far?
Design has such a profound impact on how a space makes you feel, and the best places don’t just look beautiful—they tell a story. Some that have really stood out to me:
Heckfield Place
The design here is immaculate. It perfectly balances nods to the Georgian building’s heritage with a contemporary spiri, making it feel both grand and intimate. But beyond aesthetics, what really makes Heckfield special is the intention behind every detail, nothing feels overly designed for Instagram; everything stems from the founder’s vision to create a space for people to slow down in.
Double Red Duke – I love a pub with rooms, so anywhere wood-panelled with an open fire immediately does it for me. There’s a lot of joy in this place, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The rooms are warm and playful, with bold colours and XL bathtubs that make you want to spend all evening soaking with a book and a glass of wine.
Glebe House – Even as someone who loves beige and minimalist interiors at home, the colours and patterns here just put a huge smile on your face which is no surprise given owner Olive’s background as an artist. The agriturismo inspiration behind the guesthouse brings a Dolce Vita energy to the English countryside, there’s a real sense of warmth and playfulness in every room.
Our conversation with Molly offered a compelling look into how design, storytelling, and a deep sense of place continue to shape the way we travel. But the journey doesn’t end here. Dive deeper into Molly’s world through two special curations that bring her vision to life: Molly’s Curated Edit: A Selection of Her Most Inspired Stays and Molly’s Curated Edit: Secret Restaurant Finds—featuring the places that have left a lasting impression and embody the spirit of intentional, design-led discovery.