Condé Nast Traveler has unveiled the results of its 39th annual Readers' Choice Awards for 2026, a survey driven by an overwhelming response from its global audience. This year, readers cast a total of 798,867 votes to identify the planet's premier travel experiences, with island destinations securing prominent positions among the winners. The awards reflect a diverse range of preferences, from luxury resorts and cruise experiences to secluded natural habitats and vibrant party scenes.
The Maldives claimed the top spot as the world's best island. This Indian Ocean nation, comprising 26 atolls and over 1,000 islands, is celebrated for its density of villas and overwater bungalows. While some coral reefs face threats from bleaching, the destination remains a premier hub for diving, particularly at Ari Atoll where visitors can swim with rays and reef sharks. The survey also highlighted Cheval Blanc Randheli as the number one resort in the Indian Ocean, featuring 45 luxury villas situated among coconut groves or directly over the water.
Securing second place was Seychelles, an African nation renowned for its pristine white beaches that have attracted high-profile honeymooners including Prince William and Kate Middleton. The islands offer a stark contrast between celebrity-frequented areas and deserted stretches of sand so remote they served as filming locations for the movie Castaway. Travelers can reach Seychelles International Airport via regular flights from Air France, Air Seychelles, and Turkish Airlines.
Zanzibar, Tanzania, rounded out the top three, praised for its white coral sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Beyond its natural beauty, the island offers historical depth in Stone Town, a former trade center known for its meandering lanes and the 19th-century House of Wonders. The optimal time to visit is during the dry season from June to October, which coincides with peak safari conditions on the mainland.
Mauritius took fourth place, gaining renewed interest on social media platforms due to its famous underwater waterfall illusion created by sand and silt runoff. Located roughly 550 miles east of Madagascar, the island is also noted for a unique gravitational field that causes objects and people to weigh more than elsewhere. Access is facilitated through Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, which connects travelers to major cities across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Rounding out the top five global destinations are the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique, a protected conservation area nicknamed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. This group of six islands is one of the few habitats for the endangered dugong and has seen the arrival of high-end resorts like imBeyond Benguerra Island in recent years.
In the Asia category, Thailand dominated the rankings with four entries. Ko Pha Ngan secured the 10th spot globally, famous for its full-moon parties at Haad Rin peninsula that can attract up to 20,000 visitors. The Phi Phi Islands ranked eighth, offering dramatic limestone cliffs and white sands across six distinct islands accessible only by ferry from Phuket or Krabi. Phuket itself took seventh place, recommended for travelers seeking a mix of city life and quiet corners like Cape Panwa. Koh Samui placed fifth in the global list, noted for its palm-lined beaches and luxury hotels such as AVANI+ Samui Resort and Four Seasons Resort.
Other notable Asian winners include Bali, Indonesia, at sixth place globally, which balances surfing and spirituality despite challenges with overtourism. Langkawi, Malaysia, ranked fourth in Asia, offering a mix of pristine beaches, the famous Sky Bridge, and a vibrant food scene that earned The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi the title of best resort in Asia. Finally, India's Andaman Islands took ninth place globally, providing year-round sun and opportunities for snorkeling among shipwrecks or hiking through the Baratang Limestone Caves.
Sources: Condé Nast Traveler.