Yes, New Zealand is as quick as a three-hour flight from Australia’s eastern seaboard – shorter than some domestic trips. But convenience alone isn’t what makes NZ the ultimate destination for a short break – it’s a place of both unfathomable natural beauty and endless iconic landmarks. From the South Island’s world-renowned ski towns and award-winning wine regions to the buzzing cities and black-sand beaches of the North Island, the Land of the Long White Cloud is as distinct as it is diverse. Māori culture is intrinsically woven into the fabric of everyday life, making each experience rich and meaningful; each interaction authentic and memorable. It’s a country that beckons you back no matter how many times you visit, each trip providing yet another reason to return again.
Hot tip…
Rotorua has its hot springs; Marlborough its vineyards; Milford Sound its fjords. But dedicate a few days to Auckland and we bet you’ll fall in love. More than just a CBD, it’s home to envelope-pushing eateries, funky underground bars and immersive cultural spaces like Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
Runners-up
Fiji
With year-round sunshine, holiday resorts galore, mood-board-worthy beaches and some of the friendliest locals on the planet, it’s impossible to leave Fiji feeling anything but relaxed and rejuvenated.
Bali
From wellness retreats to five-star stays, Bali is constantly reinventing itself to welcome the modern traveller, making it one of the most visited countries among Aussies for good reason.
Singapore
Culture vultures adore Singapore for its never-ending list of experiences and entertainment – think Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Kampong Glam and Sentosa Island – need we continue?
Vanuatu
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Vanuatu delivers in spades. The island nation remains relatively untouched, and thanks to ecotourism and sustainability initiatives, it’s likely to stay that way.
Thousands of readers have cast their votes in a worldwide survey, revealing the best islands in the world to add to your travel radar.
The best island escapes have a way of making us feel instantly lighter – whether it be the pink-hued fringing reefs, green coconuts, powdery sands between your toes or crystalline water that shifts between turquoise and aquamarine with the light. Perhaps it’s the easy-breezy atmosphere that makes your worries melt as quickly as a tropical ice block in the sun. But how does one choose which island to visit?
Travel + Leisure has released its list of the best islands in the world as part of its 2026 World’s Best Awards, shining a spotlight on 25 idylls worth adding to your travel radar. More than 661,000 votes were cast across all award categories, including the best train journeys in the world, from more than 207,000 readers, who weighed in to share their opinions. From accessible Pacific gems to volcanic Portuguese outposts and stirring Scottish isles, the top-voted islands have revealed travellers’ appetite not only for relaxation, but also for adventure and cultural discovery.
And taking out the No.1 ranking? A blissful Thai island set in an inlet of the South China Sea.
1. Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui has been named the world’s best island. (Credit: Unsplash/Max Bottinger)
Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Samui, has been named the number one island in the world for 2026, scoring an impressive 95.64 out of 100. Travellers appreciate the island’s diversity – offering everything from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to elephant sanctuaries and breathtaking Buddhist temples.
The destination has received increased attention from tourists over the past year or so, thanks to the hit HBO series The White Lotus setting its third season at the uber-luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (we can dream, right?). Whether you’re checking into this five-star resort or an affordable jungle villa, Koh Samui will no doubt cast its spell on you.
2. Maldives
The Maldives are known for their overwater villas. (Credit: Unsplash/Ishan @seefromthesky)
The atolls of the Maldives continue to hold universal allure, owing to their unbelievably glassy waters, indulgent overwater resorts and abundant marine life luring the diving crowd. And now they are even easier to access than ever, thanks to Luxury Escapes recently launching Australia’s first direct flight to the Maldives.
3. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Spot the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. (Credit: Simon Berger)
Giant tortoises. Cheeky sea lions. Marine iguanas. With its unique environment where guests can follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, unparalleled wildlife encounters and expedition spirit, it’s easy to see why this island group in the eastern Pacific Ocean tops bucket lists the world over.
4. Bali, Indonesia
A secluded riverside infinity pool hangs over the sacred Petanu River at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa.
Bali is a tried-and-true crowd-favourite among Aussie and NZ travellers not just for its convenient proximity to the east coast of Australia, but for its surf breaks, laid-back beach club lifestyle and delicious food. Plus, prices are a fraction of what they are back home.
5. Phuket, Thailand
Rich in dramatic limestone cliffs, elephant sanctuaries and a dynamic meld of cultures, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one worth planning a tropical escape to.
6. Seychelles
Etched on La Digue Island are huge granite rocks. (Credit: Getty/Diamond Dogs)
The independent island nation of Seychelles commonly conjures images of secluded beaches studded with oversized granite boulders and lined with shady palms. But it is also home to thriving vanilla plantations, multi-ethnic culture, French and British architecture, as well as island-hopping opportunities.
7. Fiji
Spend warm days soaking up the sun, playing golf or relaxing by the pool at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort.
Fiji was voted one of the best islands in the world for several reasons: it is convenient to get to (located around four hours from mainland Australia), home to wildly beautiful marine environments and boasts of the friendliest locals in the world.
8. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known for its lush landscapes. (Credit: Unsplash/gemmafjam)
Located in the Indian Ocean just off the south-eastern coast of India, Sri Lanka beckons with flavour-packed cuisine, lush jungle and relaxed surf scenes that have visitors longing to return.
9. Dominica, the Caribbean
With rainforest covering around two-thirds of the land mass, this Caribbean destination is all about getting outdoors. Swim under thundering waterfalls, hike volcanic terrain and snorkel around Scotts Head.
10. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar makes for a unique tropical escape. (Credit: Unsplash/Olga Budko)
Boasting a vibrant fusion of African, Arabic and Indian cultures, Zanzibar is a unique place to book for your next island escape. The postcard-worthy beaches harbour dolphins and sea turtles, while the landscapes are home to endangered monkeys, rhinos and antelopes.
11. Golden Isles, USA
Comprising Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and St. Simons Island, the Golden Isles lie along Georgia’s Atlantic coast. Expect sweeping salt marshes, stretches of sun-drenched beaches and landmarks revealing a fascinating southern history.
12. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is blessed with blue waters. (Credit: Unsplash/Fadi al Shami)
If you haven’t yet visited Sardinia, consider this your sign. This relatively undeveloped island, placed 200 kilometres off Italy’s mainland just south of Corsica, offers a distinctive local cuisine and mysterious Bronze Age ruins. An absolute must is joining a boat charter to the La Maddalena Archipelago – I’ve never seen water so clear and blue!
13. Skye and the Hebrides, Scotland
Not all islands come ringed with palm trees and tropical waters. In Scotland, the Isle of Skye and the Hebrides offer windswept coastlines far from civilisation, historic castles and a Lord of the Rings vibe.
14. Malta
Soak up the Baroque beauty of Valletta City. (Credit: Visit Malta)
One of the world’s best islands for both history and stunning blue water, Malta is famed for its golden limestone architecture, megalithic temples and Baroque buildings. Make sure to visit the striking Blue Lagoon.
15. Grenada, the Caribbean
Dubbed the ‘spice isle’, Grenada’s main hilly island is home to an abundance of nutmeg plantations, along with colourful Georgian buildings and diverse landscapes, from flowing waterfalls to castaway beaches.
16. Madeira, Portugal
The majestic coastal beauty of Madeira’s Porto da Cruz. (Credit: Lauren de Sousa)
This subtropical Portuguese archipelago is a speck in the North Atlantic Ocean. Praised for its stirring volcanic landscapes, fortified wine and hiking trails, Madeira is a wonderful destination for food lovers as well as nature seekers.
17. Azores, Portugal
A lush paradise in the Atlantic, the Azores comprise nine volcanic islands, with São Miguel being the most popular among tourists. Bubbling geothermal hot springs, green crater lakes, whales, and dolphins are all reasons to visit.
18. Maui, USA
Maui is Hawai’i’s second-largest island and is known for its crystal-clear snorkelling at Molokini Crater, epic sunrises, waterfalls, scenic drives and luxurious beach resorts.
It’s little wonder Sicily has become such an enviable tourist destination, voted one of the best islands in the world. Not only does it offer sparkling turquoise coves and Italy’s tallest active volcano, but it’s also home to ancient Greek ruins and charming towns dotted with restaurants dishing up twirls of silky spaghetti.
20. Milos, Greece
Find seafood-strewn villages in Milos, Greece. (Unsplash/Diego Allen)
Ah, Milos. This Aegean outpost in the Cyclades region is proving that the Greek islands will always be a slice of paradise to travellers with its moon-like landscapes, quieter atmosphere and pebbly beaches dotted with sun-baking locals.
21. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Discover vegetation-lined walking trails, nature sanctuaries, luxury yacht trips and famous seawater-flooded grottos on this dreamy Caribbean island.
22. Crete, Greece
Loutro is a charming seaside village in Crete that is surrounded by turquoise waters.
The largest and most populous island of Greece, Crete is the place to go for towering mountain gorges, world-renowned beaches, historic old towns and a distinct blend of Minoan, Greek Orthodox, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.
23. Vieques, Puerto Rico
The lesser-known Caribbean island of Vieques is where wild horses roam the countryside, wildlife refuges and bioluminescent bays where microorganisms light up the water with an otherworldly blue-green glow.
24. Paros, Greece
The lively main fishing town of Paros gives the island plenty of charm – think whitewashed houses, cobbled alleys, vine-draped tavernas and boutique shops. But don’t miss the sailing cruises and unique rock formations dotted around the island.
25. Kauaʻi, USA
Hike dramatic coastlines on Kauaʻi. (Credit: Unsplash/Jake Houglum)
Part of the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauaʻi is best known for its striking natural beauty, where godly green cliffs tumble into azure ocean and rainbows spring from misty waterfalls.
