One of the world’s 25 best islands is right here in the UK – Time Out Worldwide

Koh Samui has been named the world’s best island for 2026, according to rankings released by Travel And Tour World. The global list shows a strong trend toward Asian destinations, which secured six of the top ten positions, while Time Out Worldwide identified a United Kingdom island as one of the 25 best islands globally.

Asian Destinations Lead 2026 Global Island Rankings

The 2026 rankings highlight a significant geographic concentration of top-tier destinations in Asia. Travel And Tour World reported that Koh Samui claimed the top spot, leading a list where Asian islands won six of the ten highest rankings.

This regional dominance is echoed in reporting from The Times of India and qz.com, both of which confirmed that Asia leads the global top ten for 2026. The rankings prioritize factors such as turquoise coves, cliffside villages, and snorkeling quality, according to Condé Nast Traveler.

United Kingdom Island Ranked Among World’s Best

While Asia dominates the top ten, the United Kingdom has a presence in the broader global standings. Time Out Worldwide listed a UK-based island as one of the 25 best islands in the world.

The inclusion of a British destination in the top 25 provides a contrast to the tropical dominance of the top ten, which is characterized by the high-performance rankings of destinations like Koh Samui and the Seychelles.

International Tourism Collaborations

Travel And Tour World reports that the Seychelles has teamed up with several countries, including the United States, Dominica, Tanzania, and Thailand.

According to Condé Nast Traveler, the criteria for these rankings often center on the accessibility of cliffside villages and the quality of snorkeling environments.