Koh Samui, Thailand: Travel + Leisure’s Best Island in the World
Thailand’s hidden gem, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, has been crowned the world’s top island. The esteemed Travel + Leisure magazine unveiled the results of its prestigious 2026 World’s Best Awards on July 7, 2026. For the first time in history, Koh Samui, Thailand has been honored with the title of Best Island in the World.
The annual survey, which garnered insights from over 207,000 readers, also unveiled a plethora of other top global travel honorees:
- Patina Osaka in Japan was awarded the title of Best Hotel in the World.
- Capella Hotels & Resorts was recognized as the Best Hotel Brand in the World.
- EVA Air ascended to the top, becoming the world’s highest-ranked international airline.
- San Miguel de Allende, Mexico retained its title as the Best City in the World.
On the domestic front, the awards were equally exciting:
- Santa Fe, New Mexico was named the Best City in the U.S.
- Golden Isles, Georgia claimed the title of Best Island in the U.S.
The complete list of winners is now available on travelandleisure.com and in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, hitting newsstands on July 17.
“From Koh Samui’s rise to the top of our islands list to the continued popularity of destinations like San Miguel de Allende and Yellowstone, the winners reflect travelers’ interest in destinations that feel distinctive, memorable, and deeply rooted in place,” said Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure.
Source: PR Newswire / Travel + Leisure – July 7, 2026