This tropical haven just beat Bali as the best island escape

a couple walking hand in hand on the pristine white sand beach surrounded by palm trees in the Maldives

BY Rachael Thompson

Last updated . 15 January 2026

Our readers have voted the Maldives as their favourite island destination.

When we imagine the perfect island escape, the Maldives often comes to mind. With pristine white sand beaches, unbelievably crystal-clear waters, endless palm trees, and iconic overwater villas, the archipelago feels nothing short of heavenly. It’s little surprise, then, that the Maldives has been named the world’s best beach or island destination in the 2025 International Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, beating Bali, Fiji, Hawai‘i and Thailand.

a boardwalk above turquoise blue waters in Maldives

The impossibly turquoise waters of the Maldives. (Image: Getty/Liu Nian)

With pleasant year-round tropical weather, the Maldives is never a bad idea. This paradisiacal destination is somewhere scuba divers, surfers and honeymooners in particular can enjoy at any time, welcomed by friendly and hospitable Maldivian people who are deeply connected to the sea and their islands.

an aerial view of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives with luxurious cabanas in the tranquil blue ocean

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands sits on its own private island.

Comprised of 26 coral atolls and almost 1200 remote islands peppered in the Indian Ocean, the archipelagic country is known for its coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it a popular snorkelling and diving spot. Visitors can spot dolphins, reef sharks, sea turtles vibrant reef fish, manta rays and even whale sharks in the turquoise waters.

Readers also love the Maldives as a holiday destination for hammock-filled days, peaceful lagoon swims, romantic dining under starlit skies and barefoot-chic island resorts. And accommodation is paramount to a stay in the Maldives, as this is where you will spend most of your sun-filled days relaxing, pina colada in hand. Maldivian cuisine is influenced by India, Sri Lanka and Arabia, with fine dining experiences in five-star resorts highlighting fresh fish, coconut and aromatic spices. And there is no shortage of luxury stays.

Maldivian Coconut Curry dish with tuna, jasmine rice and sambal chutney served in coconut shell and banana leaves

The Maldivian Coconut Curry is a must-try. (Image: Getty/Melanie Maya)

Take the ultra-luxe The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, for instance. Sitting on its own private island within the Fari Islands archipelago, this design-led resort boasts striking architecture and a contemporary take on Maldivian design. Or perhaps the secluded beach bubble tents at Finolhu, where sleeping under the stars makes for an unforgettable romantic experience.

But while this idyllic part of the world is heaven on Earth, it is also one that is at major threat from climate change as its low-lying islands are among the most threatened by rising seas.

The paradisiacal Maldives is dotted with pristine, palm-fringed islands. (Image: Getty/Luca Micheli)

Visitors should be mindful of choosing eco-friendly resorts, supporting conservation efforts, and minimising their environmental impact, particularly while visiting.

Whether you’re visiting for a honeymoon or to enjoy surfing on the rolling waves, the Maldives is a bucket list destination that has taken the crown for offering a rare combination of natural beauty, unparalleled accommodation and relaxation.