That’s why a holiday to an island features highly on many travel wish-lists, as well as those people that head back to their favourite spots again and again.
Travel website Expedia has confirmed the desire isn’t waning, in fact island getaways are more popular than ever.
The booking site has released its 2025 Island Hot List, a guide to island travel and the best island destinations based on verified data and traveler insights. The inaugural report reveals global interest for islands is up on average 30%*.
Kiwis and Aussies will be happy to see favourite destinations Fiji and Bali on the list, and the cultural richness of Jamaica and sunny shores of Koh Samui were also popular.
While the optimum time to visit varies by destination, the global report pinpoints the shoulder season of September (outside of the Caribbean where it’s peak hurricane season!) is typically the best time for an island getaway, when affordability and weather conditions align.
The Island Hot List is based on an analysis of factors including Expedia travel data, accommodation rates and quality (based on real traveller reviews), accessibility, air connectivity, weather and seasonality, tourism appeal, and traveler safety and inclusivity.
2025 Island Hot List
Aruba
Best For: Year-Round Sunshine
Best time to travel: September
Travel Interest: Up 15% year-on-year*
Hotel Recommendation: JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
Insider Tip: Desert Beauty Meets Caribbean Bliss. Aruba’s arid landscapes and consistent sunshine make it a standout for 2025. With expanded biking trails and eco-friendly stays, the island blends outdoor adventure with relaxed Caribbean vibes.
Bali, Indonesia
Best For: Relaxation
Best time to travel: September
Travel Interest: Up 15% year-on-year*
Hotel Recommendation: Potato Head Suites & Studios
Insider Tip: Reimagined for the Conscious Traveler. The lush landscapes, rice terraces and spiritual atmosphere of Bali remain iconic, but the island is transforming under new creative tourism initiatives. Destinations across the island – from tranquil inland retreats to mindful beachside escapes – are embracing zero-waste hospitality, wellness, and cultural connection.
Dominican Republic
Best For: Adventure
Best time to travel: April
Travel Interest: Up 10% year-on-year*
Hotel Recommendation: Casa de Campo Resort and Villas
Insider Tip: Caribbean Cool, Redefined. Long known for all-inclusive resorts, the Dominican Republic is evolving. Cultural connections and an emphasis on adventure travel – think waterfalls and mountain biking – make it one of the most dynamic Caribbean picks for 2025.
Fiji
Best For: Community
Best time to travel: September
Travel Interest: Up 5% year-on-year*
Hotel Recommendation: Nanuku Resort Fiji
Insider Tip: Leading the Pacific in Eco-Luxury. Fiji continues to be a benchmark in regenerative tourism. With coral restoration programs, strong community-based tourism and private island retreats, Fiji blends sustainability with unforgettable luxury.
Sardinia, Italy
Best For: Food Lovers
Best time to travel: September
Hotel Recommendation: Aethos Sardinia
Travel Interest: Up 45% year-on-year*
Insider Tip: Longevity Meets Luxury. Sardinia’s Blue Zone status draws wellness seekers, while its rugged coastline and hilltop villages continue to attract travelers from far and wide. 2025 sees a boom in agritourism and immersive experiences where you can eat, hike, and live like a local.
Jamaica
Best For: Culture
Best time to travel: December
Travel Interest: Up 15% year-on-year*
Hotel Recommendation: S Hotel Montego Bay
Insider Tip: Beyond the beaches. Jamaica is tapping into its roots in 2025, inviting travelers to explore a vibrant fusion of rhythm, flavor, and natural beauty. From reggae and rum to waterfalls and authentic cuisine, whether you’re exploring the Blue Mountains or relaxing on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica offers a soulful escape worth plenty of local charm.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Best For: Affordable Luxury
Best time to travel: March
Travel Interest: Up 55% year-on-year*
Hotel Recommendation: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
Insider Tip: Wellness Island of the East. Koh Samui is Thailand’s rising wellness capital. In 2025, the island is attracting travelers for yoga retreats, detox programs, and beachside spirituality – all while maintaining its reputation for nightlife and natural beauty.
Maldives
Best For: Romance
Best time to travel: May
Travel Interest: Up 15% year-on-year*
Hotel Recommendation: Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives
Insider Tip: Remote. Relaxed. Refined. The Maldives remains the ultimate romantic, luxury escape, but 2025 marks a shift: floating villas powered by solar, coral farming initiatives, and a growing push for carbon-neutral tourism. It’s paradise with a purpose.
Oahu, Hawaii
Best For: Surfing
Best time to travel: September
Travel Interest: Up 10% year-on-year*
Hotel Recommendation: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani
Insider Tip: A Cultural Comeback. In 2025, Oahu is redefining itself beyond Waikiki. With renewed focus on Native Hawaiian culture, eco-tourism, and off-the-beaten-path adventures – from North Shore surf villages to sacred heiau trails – Oahu offers a deeper, more responsible way to experience Hawaii.
Paros, Greece
Best For: Nightlife
Best time to travel: September
Hotel Recommendation: Andronis Minois
Travel Interest: Up 45% year-on-year*
Insider Tip: The New Greek Darling. While Santorini and Mykonos remain popular, Paros is emerging as the Cycladic gem to watch. A rising design scene, low-key luxury stays, and its charming port towns make it ideal for travelers looking for serenity with soul.
