Expedia has released its inaugural Island Hot List 2025, highlighting some of the top island destinations tourists across the globe are interested in. This research is based on accommodation, affordability, accessibility and tourism appeal.
You can use this list to travel smarter and better. These destinations are much more than just pretty postcards. They embrace authenticity, cultural richness and eco-tourism. This article has been prepared by keeping UAE travellers in mind.
Expedia Island Hot List 2025: Let’s take a look
1. Aruba – for sunshine
Best time to travel: September
For its consistent sunshine and arid landscapes, Aruba occupies the top position on the Expedia Island Hot List 2025. This country seamlessly blends outdoor thrill and relaxing Caribbean atmosphere – plus plenty of epic sunrises and sunsets.
2. Bali, Indonesia – for relaxation
Best time to travel: September
This Indonesian paradise is perfect for relaxation. Bali is combining its lush landscapes, rice terraces and culture to ensure the most beautiful memories for its guests. You can also expect a rise in popularity for sustainable hospitality and wellness retreats.
Emirates Dubai to Bali flights:
– Emirates EK 368 – 3:25 am (Dubai) to 4:35 pm (Denpasar) – 9 hours and 10 minutes
– Emirates EK 398 – 9:10 am (Dubai) to 10:20 pm (Denpasar) – 9 hours and 10 minutes
Etihad Abu Dhabi to Bali flights:
– Etihad EY 476 – 9:45 pm (Abu Dhabi) to 11:25 am (Denpasar) – 9 hours and 40 minutes
3. Dominican Republic – for thrill
Best time to travel: April
The Dominican Republic has a lot in tourism offerings than before. In 2025, it is going to be all about cultural connections and indulging in adrenaline-fuelled experiences, including mountain biking and exploring local markets.
Etihad is offering connecting flights from Abu Dhabi to Santo Domingo. You can board Etihad EY 3 from Abu Dhabi to JFK. This journey takes 14 hours and 5 mins. Board JetBlue B6 709 after a layover of 4 hours and 20 minutes to reach SDQ in 4 hours and 9 minutes.
4. Fiji – for community
Best time to travel: September
Fiji continues to popularise the Pacific in eco-luxury. This year, you can also find a greater focus on coral restoration, strong community-based tourism and private island escapes. Fiji represents the perfect combination of luxury and sustainability.
5. Jamaica – for culture
Best time to travel: December
Jamaica is boosting its tourism offerings in 2025, attracting tourists from across the globe to explore a fusion of rhythm, cuisine and natural beauty. Indulge in a soulful escape into one of the most beautiful island destinations on the planet.
6. Koh Samui, Thailand – for luxury but affordable
Best time to travel: March
Thailand is getting immensely popular for its coastal elegance. Come to Koh Samui this year for the best in affordable luxury. You can indulge in yoga retreats, detox programs, beachside spirituality, lush landscapes and energetic nightlife.
Emirates Dubai to Bangkok flights:
– EK 384 – 2:50 am (Dubai) to 12:30 pm (Bangkok) – 6 hours and 40 minutes
– EK 376 – 3:45 am (Dubai) to 1:25 pm (Bangkok) – 6 hours and 40 minutes
– EK 370 – 9 am (Dubai) to 6:25 pm (Bangkok) – 6 hours and 25 minutes
– EK 372 – 9:40 am (Dubai) to 7:25 pm (Bangkok) – 6 hours and 45 minutes
– EK 374 – 10:30 pm (Dubai) to 8 am (Bangkok) – 6 hours and 30 minutes
You can also find plenty of flights operated by flydubai. UAE’s national airline Etihad also operates a number of flights from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok and other places in Thailand, including connecting flights to the beautiful Koh Samui.
7. Maldives – for romance
Best time to travel: May
The Maldives is the ultimate romantic escape for people from across the globe. Those floating villas are getting more attention for their ambience and serenity. But you can also find other accommodations. This place is gradually pushing for carbon-neutral tourism.
Etihad Abu Dhabi to Maldives flights:
– EY 376 – 8:45 am (Abu Dhabi) to 2 pm (Male) – 4 hours and 15 minutes
– EY 378 – 11:55 pm (Abu Dhabi) to 5:10 am (Male) – 4 hours and 15 minutes
Emirates Dubai to Maldives flights:
– EK 656 – 2:30 am (Dubai) to 7:40 am (Male) – 4 hours and 10 minutes
– EK 658 – 4:20 am (Dubai) to 9:30 am (Male) – 4 hours and 10 minutes
– EK 652 – 9:45 am (Dubai) to 3 pm (Male) – 4 hours and 15 minutes
– EK 660 – 10:10 am (Dubai) to 3:30 pm (Male) – 4 hours and 20 minutes
8. Oahu, Hawaii – for surfing
Best time to travel: September
Not just for surfing, Oahu is getting more and more popular for its native culture, eco-tourism and off-the-beaten-path action. Don’t forget to explore the North Shore surf villages. Oahu is one of the best island destinations to explore globally.
9. Paros, Greece – for nightlife
Best time to travel: September
The beautiful Greek island of Paros in the Aegean Sea is famous for its pristine beaches and traditional villages. But you should not forget the nightlife scene here. Paros has the perfect combination of shopping, nightlife, cuisine, community and scenery.
There is a connecting flight from Dubai to Paros. Board Emirates EK 209 from Dubai (10:50 am) to Athens (3 pm). From the Greek capital, board Sky Express GQ0478 after 1 hour and 55 minutes to reach Paros at 5:35 pm. The entire journey takes 7 hours and 45 minutes.
10. Sardinia, Italy – for food
Best time to travel: September
Sardinia’s Blue Zone status has made the island destination incredibly popular among chillaxers. But its rugged coastline and hilltop villages also add a lot to Sardinia’s popularity. In 2025, culinary experiences are going to take centre stage for sure.
The Dubai-based Emirates is operating regular flights to 4 destinations in Italy, including Bologna, Venice, Milan and Rome. You can also find flights run by Etihad, flydubai and other airlines from different parts of the UAE.
Emirates Dubai to Rome flights:
EK 99 – 3:30 am (Dubai) to 7:40 am (Rome) – 6 hours and 10 minutes
EK 97 – 9:10 am (Dubai) to 2:25 pm (Rome) – 6 hours and 15 minutes
EK 95 – 3:45 pm (Dubai) to 8:05 pm (Rome) – 6 hours and 20 minutes
Etihad Abu Dhabi to Rome flights:
EY 85 – 2:10 am (Abu Dhabi) to 6:15 am (Rome) – 6 hours and 5 minutes
EY 83 – 1:50 pm (Abu Dhabi) to 6:25 pm (Rome) – 6 hours and 35 minutes
Top island destinations for UAE travellers
The aforementioned inaugural Expedia Island Hot List 2025 is for global tourists, prepared using a range of parameters including interest, affordability, accessibility, quality of hotels, climatic conditions, tourism appeal and safety.
Beyond these global hotspots, Expedia data has also highlighted a rising level of interest in islands that hold unique appeal for UAE travellers. This trend could be because of affordability, seasonal appeal and easy access. The list includes:
– Cyprus – +140%
– Phuket in Thailand – +210%
– Malta – +170%
– Madagascar – +265%
– Seychelles – +205%
Expedia’s report is highlighting a trend also seen by UAE travel agencies. In 2025, it appears more and more Emirati travellers are going to focus on authentic local experiences, sustainability and wellness, instead of packed itineraries.
People are no longer fond of chasing big cities or itineraries packed to the brim. Instead, they are seeking space, tranquillity and natural beauty. Expedia’s inaugural Island Hot List underscores this fact quite beautifully.
UAE travellers appear to be more interested in secluded islands and boutique resorts to simply disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and experience a quiet moment in a peaceful and serene surrounding. Isn’t it incredible?
Best recommendations for island travel in 2025
Island tourism is definitely on the bucket list of many travellers across the globe, including those in the UAE. The pristine islands mentioned in this article offer a range of benefits and amenities for a comfortable experience. But here are a set of more suggestions:
1. Choose an off-peak season to save more
Depending on the season, accommodation, flight and travel rates can significantly differ. It is recommended to choose an off-peak or shoulder season to skip long queues at tourist attractions and high prices on bookings.
2. Use flight alerts
Please use flight alerts for better deals. On the Expedia app, turn on Price Tracking to get notifications the moment fares start to dip. This option is also accessible on other platforms. It is the easiest process to catch a great deal and not check constantly at the same time.
3. Island hopping is a must
You can stay on one island and explore its different tourism offerings. But ferries and short flights make it possible to hop to other islands, too, helping you explore more hidden beaches, local cuisine and underrated places – just beyond the main route.
Stronger UAE passport making more places accessible for Emirati travellers
The UAE passport is one of the strongest across the globe. In 2025, the UAE maintained its position as one of the top risers, shooting up 34 places in the last 10 years from 42nd position to an incredible 8th on the Henley Passport Index.
Singapore occupies the top position on the list of strongest passports. Japan and South Korea share the second position. Currently, UAE passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to 184 destinations out of 227. Isn’t it incredible?
The UAE passport also ranks the highest in the GCC and Arab region, according to the latest data. Qatar’s passport ranks 47th. Saudi Arabia has made the biggest gain in visa-free accessibility. The UAE passport’s rising strength is going to make travelling much easier.
UAE passport holders can gain seamless access to a number of destinations on the planet. This means some of the top island destinations mentioned in this list are also much closer than earlier for UAE passport holders.
On the latest Henley Passport Index rankings, the UAE, Canada and Estonia are sharing the 8th rank. If one looks at the graph attached, the UAE passport ranked 62nd back in 2006, made a significant jump to 38th in 2016, reached 15th in 2019 and 8th in 2025.
1 AED