Now in its 36th iteration, the annual Conde Nash Readers’ Choice Awards continues to capture travel experiences readers love best. From hotels and airlines to cruises, islands, and luggage. A staggering 526,518 readers told Conde Nash their favourites in their annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.
Of the best islands, Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) the superyacht agency service six of them. Two island countries in the ‘Top 5 Islands in Africa & The Indian Ocean’. And four island countries in the ‘Top 5 Islands in Asia’. Each are represented by APS superyacht services owner-agent and teams.
The following winners are listed with a brief description in part excerpted from the Conde Nash published Readers’ Choice Awards of the best islands in ‘Africa & the Indian Ocean’ & in ‘Asia.’
2 of the Top 5 Islands in Africa & The Indian Ocean
2. Maldives
A chain of 26 atolls and more than 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives is one of the most sought-after tropical destinations in the world. It’s dense with megawatt luxury villas and overwater bungalows. And the diving is unreal (though, sadly, some of the coral has been threatened by bleaching). Still, there’s a dive for all skill levels at Ari Atoll. There you can swim with rays and, deeper down, reef sharks.
4. Seychelles
Conde Nash readers aren’t the only ones who consider this African nation one of the best islands in the world. Prince William and Kate Middleton and Victoria and David Beckham spent their honeymoons on the North Island of the Seychelles. Yet some stretches of sand are so deserted that parts of the movie Castaway were filmed here. The ultimate draw, however, is the nature. The white beaches here are so beautiful that visiting them borders on a religious experience. Seychelles is one of the best spots in the Indian Ocean for snorkeling. Head to the islands of La Digue and Félicité for the best variety of sealife.
4 of the Top 5 Islands in Asia
1. Bali, Indonesia
Nowhere on the planet offers the same combination of surfing, spirituality, and sun-kissed pleasure as Bali. At the heart of Indonesia, it continues to attract tourists and both sail and motor yachts from all over the world. This is due to its rather eclectic mix of beautiful beaches, stunning forests, many picture-perfect islands. Not to mention volcanoes, Komodo Dragons and mystical aura.
2. Koh Samui, Thailand
Thailand’s second-largest island is famous for its palm-lined beaches, buzzing nightlife scene. And luxurious hotels. AVANI+ Samui Resort was voted one of the best resorts in Thailand by readers. Although the hillside villas at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (where The White Lotus #3 will soon start) are also worth checking out. In terms of beaches, be sure to visit the five-mile Chaweng Beach. It is lined with coconut trees and surrounded by a natural reef. Just note that the northern end of the beach is party central.
4. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is not exactly a hidden gem, but it’s still a warm and lovely place to vacation, whether you want a busy immersion in city life or a quiet, family-friendly experience. Since it’s the biggest island in Thailand, you’re sure to find something to fit your desired itinerary. In general, though, we’d recommend skipping the overcrowded west coast and heading to quiet corners like Cape Panwa, where you’ll find luxury accommodations and rum distilleries. Phuket Town is where you can sample colorful spices at markets, visit aging Taoist temples, and snap photos of the colorful street murals.
5. Langkawi, Malaysia
Located off the northwestern coast of Malaysia, the Langkawi archipelago has pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush mountains. This collection of 99 islands is also a foodie, with spicy peanut satay skewers and macheted coconuts sold everywhere from high-end hotels to sidewalk stands. The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi was voted the best resort in Asia by readers this year—chalk it up to a world-class spa, multiple beachfront restaurants, and a location in a 10 million-year-old rainforest.
