1) Bali

• Named World’s Best Island for sixth consecutive time.
• Readers love the island for its people and the great value it offers.
  

2) Maui

• Rates high for activities, sites, restaurants and food.
• Ten of the top 25 hotels in Hawaii are on Maui.

3) Kauai

• Kauai and Maui flipped positions from last year when Kauai was No. 2 and Maui was No. 3 among top islands around the globe.
• Recognized for standout natural attractions.
  

4) Galapagos Islands

• Ranked No. 8 on world’s best islands list last year.
• Rated the top island in Mexico and Central and South America in this year’s survey.
• Rates especially high for natural attractions, activities and sites.
  

5) Santorini

• Best island in Europe in this year’s survey.
• Ranked No. 9 on list of world’s best islands last year.
• Rates high for restaurants and food.
  

6) Vancouver Island

• Was not on the list of top ten islands in the world in last year’s survey, but did rank No. 3 on the list of top islands in the continental U.S. and Canada last year.
• Island fared well for its activities and sites as well as food and restaurants.
• Small, intimate luxury lodges on the island are big with T+L readers: Last year, three of the top five hotels in the continental U.S. and Canada were on Vancouver Island.
  

7) Dalmatian Islands, Croatia (Hvar rated separately)

• Was not on the list of top ten islands overall last year, but was on the list of top European islands last year — ranked No. 4 among European islands in 2006.
• Readers appreciate the great value the island offers travelers.
  

8) Phuket, Thailand

• Moves up from its No. 10 ranking in last year’s survey.
• Phuket stands out for its people and the value it offers visitors.

9) Big Island, Hawaii

• Was No. 7 on the top ten islands list last year.
• Fared well for its activities and sites.

10) Great Barrier Reef Islands

• Was not on the list of top ten islands last year.
• Noted for its activities and sights — islands have fantastic diving and snorkeling.
• Islands are home to a range of resorts including many luxe private island properties.
  

World’s best hotels overall
General notes: Asian hotels have consistently received high marks in the survey, but this year, for the first time, an Indian hotel took the No. 1 spot. There are also 13 hotels that are new to the top 100 hotels overall list this year. One of them is The Milestone in London (ranked among the top five overall).


1) Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India
Ranked No. 3 last year. Exceptionally well-run Mewari palace-style hotel (hand-painted murals, fountains, verdant gardens) on 30 acres overlooking Lake Pichola. Has 87 rooms; 2 restaurants; 1 bar. Architecture so luxe that the hotel itself has become a destination. The best rooms to book are the Premier Lake Views with access to a semiprivate pool. Don’t miss taking a yoga class with the spa's in-house yogi.

2) Singita Sabi Sand/Kruger National Park, South Africa
Last year’s World’s Best Hotel winner. Quartet of chic lodges ranging in style from mod-colonial (Boulders) to ultramodern (Lebombo). Has 45 rooms; 4 restaurants; 4 bars. It's Hollywood in the bush: modern architecture, winning service, and luxe amenities. The best rooms to book are airy glass-and-timber cabins at Lebombo Camp. Don’t miss afternoon tea (with candy) on the Lebombo deck.

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