The Expedia Island Hot List 2025 is your definitive guide to the best island destinations of the year. Expedia analyzed what matters most to travelers including standout stays, affordable prices, seamless flight access, and irresistible tourism appeal.
The 2025 Island List helps you plan smarter and travel deeper. These destinations go beyond the postcard – embracing sustainability, authenticity, and cultural richness.
Find out which island is the perfect fit for your next escape.
01
Aruba - Best for year-round sunshine
Aruba’s arid landscapes and consistent sunshine make it a standout for 2025, blending outdoor adventure with relaxed Caribbean vibes and epic sunsets.
JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
02
Bali - Best for relaxation
Bali is reimagining itself for the conscious traveler. In 2025, the island blends the charm of its iconic lush landscapes and rice terraces with a new wave of zero-waste hospitality, wellness retreats, and cultural experiences—from serene inland escapes to mindful coastal stays.
Potato Head Suites & Studios
Find your island escape in Thailand
Book now and save on sun-soaked getaways, white-sand beaches, and unforgettable island adventures.
Find your island escape in Thailand
Book now and save on sun-soaked getaways, white-sand beaches, and unforgettable island adventures.
03
Dominican Republic - Best for adventure
Long known for its all-inclusive resorts, the Dominican Republic is evolving. In 2025, it’s all about cultural connections and adrenaline-fueled experiences—from waterfalls and mountain biking to vibrant local markets.
Casa de Campo Resort and Villas
04
Fiji – Best for community
Fiji continues to lead the Pacific in eco-luxury, with coral restoration programs, strong community-based tourism and private island escapes. Fiji blends sustainability with unforgettable luxury.
Nanuku Resort Fiji
05
Jamaica – Best for culture
Jamaica is tapping into its roots in 2025, inviting travelers to explore a vibrant fusion of rhythm, flavour, and natural beauty. From reggae and rum to waterfalls and jerk cuisine, it’s a soulful escape with plenty of local charm.
S Hotel Montego Bay - Luxury Boutique All Inclusive Hotel
Powered by real traveler data, the Expedia Island Hot List gives travelers the inspiration they need to plan a smarter island escape. Our top island travel tips are to travel out of season when average stay prices can fluctuate by as much as 50%** and bundle your flights and hotel together, to knock hundreds off your trip.
06
Koh Samui – Best for affordable luxury
Thailand’s rising wellness capital, Koh Samui blends yoga retreats, detox programs, and beachside spirituality with vibrant nightlife and lush landscapes.
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Chaweng
07
Maldives – Best for romance
The Maldives remains the ultimate romantic escape, but 2025 marks a shift: floating villas powered by solar, coral farming initiatives, and a growing push for carbon-neutral tourism. It’s a remote, relaxed paradise with a purpose.
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives
08
Oahu, Hawaii – Best for surfing
Oahu is redefining itself in 2025 with a renewed focus on Native Hawaiian culture, eco-tourism, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. The North Shore surf villages are a must visit.
Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani
09
Paros, Greece – Best for nightlife
Paros is the Cycladic gem to watch, with a rising design scene, low-key luxury, and charming port towns.
Andronis Minois
10
Sardinia, Italy – Best for food lovers
Sardinia’s Blue Zone status draws wellness seekers, while its rugged coastline and hilltop villages continue to attract travelers from far and wide. In 2025, agritourism and immersive culinary experiences take center stage.
Aethos Sardinia
Spotlight destinations
Score 25%+ savings with the Expedia Halfway There Sale
Members can save 25% or more on select stays during Expedia’s Halfway There Sale . Book by 21 July 2025, travel by 31 October 2025. Terms & conditions apply
Local islands to explore
Madeira, a haven for hikers and wine lovers.
Nantucket, a summer haven steeped in history.
Palm Beach, Florida’s timeless coastal escape.
St. Thomas, the Caribbean’s vibrant gateway.
** Based on the average daily rate from all Expedia points of sale for travel from 1 January 2024 – 1 December 2024. Rates are subject to accommodation selections made. Savings based on the difference in price between the cheapest and most expensive month to travel to each of the Hot List islands.