Koh Samui Crowned as the Best Island in the World for 2026 by Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure has unveiled its much-awaited 2026 World’s Best Awards, gathering insights from over 207,000 global readers to determine the year’s top travel destinations, hotels, airlines, and cruise lines. The results were announced on July 7, 2026, and are now accessible on travelandleisure.com. The August issue of the magazine, featuring these results, will be available on newsstands from July 17.
In a thrilling turn of events, Koh Samui, Thailand, clinched the esteemed title of Best Island in the World for the first time. Meanwhile, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico continued its reign as the Best City in the World, and Santa Fe, New Mexico topped the list of Best U.S. Cities. In the hotel category, Patina Osaka in Japan was declared the Best Hotel in the World, and Capella Hotels & Resorts emerged as the Best Hotel Brand globally.
“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,” stated Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure.
Travel + Leisure will also host its third annual World’s Best Summit in New York this July, followed by the inaugural World’s Best Summit in London in October.
Source: PR Newswire – Travel + Leisure 2026 World’s Best Awards