Expedia reveals island searches globally up on average 30%
From the cultural richness of Jamaica to the sunny shores of Koh Samui, the islands on the 2025 list reflect travellers' values. Beyond the beautiful photos, they offer culture and authenticity, demonstrating how islands are adapting and redefining what it means to travel to these edges of the world.
Here are the destinations that made Expedia's global Island Hot List: Aruba (Best for Year-Round Sunshine)
Bali, Indonesia (Best for Relaxation)
Dominican Republic (Best for Adventure)
Fiji (Best for Community)
Jamaica (Best for Culture)
Koh Samui, Thailand (Best for Affordable Luxury)
Maldives (Best for Romance)
Oahu, Hawaii (Best for Surfing)
Paros, Greece (Best for Nightlife)
Sardinia, Italy (Best for Food Lovers)
Expedia data also indicates a growing interest in UAE travellers' preferred islands, with Cyprus, Phuket, Thailand, Malta, Madagascar, and Seychelles being the top picks. These islands are attracting travellers due to affordability, easy access, and seasonal appeal, offering unique experiences.
The Expedia Island Hot List is based on a comprehensive 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 traveller safety and inclusivity – as informed by travel advisories and traveller sentiment.
While the optimum time to visit varies by destination, the global report pinpoints September is on average the best time for an island getaway (outside of the Caribbean where it's hurricane season), when affordability and weather conditions align to offer the best overall experience.
'Powered by real traveller data, the Expedia Island Hot List gives travellers the inspiration they need to plan a smarter island escape,' said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations. 'Island adventurers want standout stays, affordable prices and seamless flight access. To get that, our top tips are to travel out of season when average stay prices can fluctuate by as much as 50 per cent and bundle flights and hotels together.'
'We are honoured that the pearl of the China Sea, Koh Samui, has been recognised among the top 10 Expedia Island Hot List – a testament to the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of our island. Koh Samui, with its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and warm hospitality, stands ready to welcome travellers from around the world to experience the very best of Thai island life,' said Narin Tijayang, Former Executive Director of Koh Samui Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand.
'Being named among Expedia's top 10 island destinations is a proud moment for Jamaica,' said Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. 'There is a vibe that can only be found in Jamaica and this recognition reflects the soul of our island – our music, food, people, and unforgettable rhythm of life. Travelers around the world continue to choose Jamaica not just for its beauty, but for the energy and authenticity that sets us apart.' -TradeArabia News Service
Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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These additions expand Ascott's growing resort portfolio, which includes ski retreat Oakwood Suites Chongli in China's premier winter sports hub, the all-villa Oakwood Ha Long near Vietnam's UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, Somerset Pattaya on Thailand's vibrant coast and Château Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection in France's Loire Valley. Ascott will also debut its Preference brand in the Philippines with Balai Dajao by Preference in Siargao island, the country's celebrated surfing capital. The 100-unit property featuring suites and villas is expected to operate from late 2027. With over 20 new properties in resort destinations set to open over the next three years, Ascott continues strengthening its lifestyle hospitality presence in key leisure markets worldwide. Explore Ascott's resort destinations at About The Ascott Limited The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott's presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Fox, Harris, POP!, Preference, Quest, Vertu and Yello. Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey. As a wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott generates fee-related earnings by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds. For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit Alternatively, connect with Ascott on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. About CapitaLand Investment Limited ( Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 March 2025, CLI had S$117 billion of funds under management held via stakes in seven listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres, private credit and special opportunities. CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group's development arm. In 2025, CapitaLand Group celebrates 25 years of excellence in real estate and continues to innovate and shape the industry. As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders. Issued by: The Ascott Limited Website: 168 Robinson Road, #30-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 For more information, please contact: Chia Pei Siang Head, Communications The Ascott Limited Email: Sandpiper on behalf of The Ascott Limited: Ascott@ Important Notice: This announcement and the information contained herein does not constitute and is not intended to constitute an offering of any investment product to, or solicitation of, investors in any jurisdiction where such offering or solicitation would not be permitted. [1] Boston Consulting Group: Unpacking the US$15 Trillion Opportunity in Leisure Travel. [2] Travel + Leisure: Move Over, Maldives: Vietnam's free-visa Phu Quoc Island is Having a Moment as its Voted Among Best Islands in the World. [3] Grand View Research: Resorts Market Size. [4] Oxford Economics: Leisure Travel Expected to Continue Outperforming Amid Signs of More Even Tourism Growth.
