Future Destinations: Top Islands to Explore in 2025

In the travel world, Expedia has unveiled its highly anticipated Island Hot List 2025, showcasing ten of the most popular islands around the globe. From rejuvenating wellness sanctuaries to cultural immersion experiences, these destinations promise an unforgettable holiday.

Koh Samui, Thailand

The tropical paradise of Koh Samui, Thailand, is a wellness sanctuary, renowned for its luxury hotels offering rejuvenating experiences. Visitors can unwind at places like Kamalaya, a wellness retreat featuring tailored therapies such as herbal remedies, massages, and detox programs. The Laughing Buddha statue at Wat Plai Laem and the Buddhist temples add a spiritual touch to this idyllic island.

Fiji

Fiji, known for its strong sense of community and cultural experiences, offers visitors a chance to engage in community-driven tourism. Cooking kokoda (a type of fish ceviche) with locals or touring traditional Fijian houses in remote villages are just a few examples. Adventure-seekers can snorkel with tiger sharks and explore coral reefs, cruise around the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, or whitewater raft in the highlands.

The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, the most popular destination in the Caribbean, boasts beautiful beaches, waterfalls, golf courses, and adventure activities like canyoning, whale watching, kitesurfing, and hiking. The Dominican Republic's allure has attracted A-listers like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez to its shores, with Eden Roc Cap Cana offering a variety of activities, including relaxing by the pool and a world-class golf course.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, one of the most recognisable and visited islands in Indonesia by tourists around the world, is a haven for sustainable travelers. Offering activities like yoga, pilates, and cultural experiences, Bali is arguably the epitome of sustainable tourism.

Aruba

Aruba, known for its year-round sunshine, white sand beaches, and cactus-studded landscapes, is a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation.

The Maldives

The Maldives is best for romance, featuring overwater villas, ocean views, intimate experiences like candlelit dinners on the beach and romantic sunset cruises, and opportunities to swim with manta rays and visit underwater restaurants surrounded by coral reefs.

Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu, Hawaii, is best for surfing, with a diverse population, opportunities for zipping through red dirt hills on electric ATVs, historical sites like Pearl Harbor and the Corsair plane wreck site, and the Bishop Museum for learning about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.

Jamaica

Jamaica offers a unique cultural immersion experience, with a focus on its music scene, hiking the Blue Mountains, bamboo rafting, and culinary experiences like Jamaican jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and aged Jamaican rums.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia, Italy, is best for food enthusiasts, with a focus on Culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli) and Cannonau wine, Blue Zone status, prehistoric Nuragic ruins, and coastal resort towns.

Paros, Greece

Paros in Greece is best for nightlife, attracting celebrities and offering seaside dining, cocktail bars, traditional hilltop villages with Cycladic architecture, and opportunities for waterskiing and sailing to hidden coves in Antiparos.

These ten islands, each with their unique charm and offerings, promise an unforgettable vacation experience. Whether you're seeking rejuvenation, adventure, romance, or cultural immersion, the Island Hot List 2025 has a destination tailored to your needs. So pack your bags and get ready for an extraordinary journey!