2025 Readers' Choice Awards: Best hidden gem

Winner: Sri Lanka

Why you love it…

There’s no evidence that the plants in Sri Lanka slow down their chlorophyll production in the cool of the night. That bright pigment found in the jungle and tea plantations remains comic-book green, scented both floral and fecund. The beaches, too, are a cinematic wash of blue and white, as if they’ve been adjusted in Adobe Lightroom. In addition to offering ease of access to nature and wildlife, Sri Lanka is rightfully on readers’ radars as our No. 1 hidden gem.

The Sri Lankan elephant is one of the many wildlife draws. (Image: Getty Images/ Hadynyah)

Hot tip…

Is Sri Lanka the new ‘Bali’ for Australian surfers? Head to Midigama or under-the-radar Hiriketiya.

Runners-up

Slovenia

All glacier-fed lakes, uncrowded peaks and pristine trails, this Central European treasure is a safe and spellbinding playground for active travellers keen to hike, bike or ski. Fun fact: around 60 per cent of the country is blanketed in forest.

Vietnam

From the lanterns hanging like Christmas baubles in the streets of Hoi An to gleaming skyscrapers in Hồ Chí Minh City and monkey-filled forests of Da Nang, it’s easy to see why Vietnam is gaining attention.

New Zealand

Cycle the wineries trail through Hawke’s Bay, stay in a riverside bothy in Canvastown, see the Glow Worm Dell in Hokitika and swim on Mt Maunganui’s Main Beach, regarded as one of the best beaches in NZ.

Maldives

While the Maldives might be best known for its over-the-top luxury overwater villas – replete with their own waterslides and butlers – you can also stay with a laid-back community on Huraa Island, a bona fide hidden gem.

For all the winners and runners-up, visit our 2025 Readers’ Choice hub.