Bali

ALL over the planet are incredible islands – but these ones have been declared the best in the world.

Travel + Leisure has found the very top destinations from Asia to Africa and Australia – not to mention one spot went to the UK.

The best islands were declared from reader votes of which there were hundreds of thousands.

In top spot was the Thai island of Koh Samui which got a top score of 95.64 out of 100.

The publication said: “This first-time winner in the Gulf of Thailand—with an array of elevated accommodations, luscious jungles, and roaring waterfalls—has become a leading destination for self-care.”

It was also praised for its beaches, vibrant culture and waterfalls.

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The island is south of Bangkok, known for its pretty beaches, not to mention bargain cocktails and tasty street food.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill who went last year said: “The island has luxury resorts and picture-perfect beaches

“But the real Thailand is in the busy beach bars flogging happy-hour deals, tiny restaurants with garish tablecloths, and the constant thump of Thai boxing promotions from crackling loudspeakers.“

In second place was the beautiful Maldives followed by the Galapagos Islands and Bali.

But in 13th place is the first and only UK island to make the list – Skye and the Hebrides.

The wild Scottish archipelago is known for mountainous landscapes, rugged coastlines and rare white-sand beaches.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding, who visited Eilean Shona – part of the Inner Hebrides – described it as a “real-life Neverland”.

She said: “Whilst there isn’t much to do on the island, it is the perfect retreat away from the modern world and the stresses of day to day life.

“The island has an endless amount of walks you can take, and a couple of mine included heading to the summit and to the opposite side of the island where I found Shoe Bay, with a white sand beach and crystal clear waters.

“And whilst exploring the island, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife as birds of prey often circle overhead.

“In less than 24 hours I had completely fallen in love with the island.”

Other top islands close to the UK include Malta which is dubbed one of the ‘jewels of the Mediterranean’.

Its capital, Valletta, is one of the sunniest cities in all of Europe – it gets on average 3,000 hours of sunshine each year.

The Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily which are a short flight away for Brits also got high marks.

In Greece, Milos and Crete placed in the top 25 – as did Paros, which was last year’s winner, some of which are set to be the next big Greek island holiday destinations.

One writer visited Paros last year and loved the island for its “beautiful beaches, traditional villages and a buzzing nightlife.”

She added: “One thing I loved about the island is that it has everything you want out of a holiday.

“Whether that’s a quiet spot on a sandy beach to relax, head off on a wild boat party, or eat authentic Greek food on a candlelit table.”

Here’s the full list of the ‘best islands in the world’…

Here are Travel + Leisure’s best islands in the world – and their scores out of 100…

1. Koh Samui – 95.64
2. Maldives – 95.38
3. Galapagos Islands – 94.99
4. Bali – 93.20
5. Phuket – 93.18
6. Seychelles – 92.95
7. Fiji – 92.71
8. Sri Lanka – 92.67
9. Dominica – 91.87
10. Zanzibar – 91.83
11. Golden Isles – 91.59
12. Sardinia – 91.57
13. Skye and the Hebrides – 91.17
14. Malta – 91.00
15. Grenada – 90.36
16. Madeira – 90.33
17. Azores – 90.18
18. Maui – 89.70
19. Sicily – 89.53
20. Milos – 89.50
21. Virgin Gorda – 89.43
22. Crete – 89.39
23. Vieques – 89.38
24. Paros – 89.33
25. Kauai – 89.16

MAFS Australia stars Bec Zacharia and Awhina Rutene have revealed they’re going under the knife to have their ribs “recontoured” in a procedure that’s illegal in Australia.

Bec, who became one of the most controversial stars of the latest series, said she had been flooded with hate by nasty trolls commenting on her appearance.

The reality star, who tied the knot with Danny Hewitt on the show, has previously been open about her drastic weight loss, losing over 4st.

In a new video with influencer Joshua Fox, Bec admitted she still had a lot of loose skin that she was desperate to get rid of as she flew to Bali for the procedure.

Speaking to the influencer, she said: “I’ve got a lot of loose skin, this is the most vulnerable I’m ever going to be because there are parts of me that I can’t stand looking in the mirror.

“Your body, your choice, what you feel confident with and what you feel comfortable, f***ing do it.

“So why are all these Karen’s coming at me. Let me get my ribs done.”

The TV star said: “No one wants to look like me, see this sloth over here.

“Get your teeth done, get your jaw done, get your skin done, get your nose done, trust me if I could I would.”

Joshua shared his fears, saying: “It’s not available in Australia yet because it take a long time for things to be approved there.

“I just worry it sets this new standard.”

Meanwhile, second bride Awhina, who starred on the show in 2025, said she was also planning to undergo the same procedure to achieve a more “hourglass” figure.

She said: “There was no way I was going to be removing ribs from my body where it’s protecting vital organs, I was really worried about all of that.

“But I looked into it, it’s rib contouring, where they are going to angle my rib inwards to give me that natural hourglass silhouette.

“I’m not worried that I’m a blue print for anyone else.”

Joshua captioned the post: “In a matter of hours, Bec, Awhina and the other influencers on this trip will all undergo the ‘rib recontouring’ procedure here in Bali. But why are they doing this? And do they think they’re setting a dangerous example?

“Ep 2 of the investigative pod series out now. Follow here for part 3 and our journey in the hospital.”

In May, Bec returned to social media after her ‘ban’ over a dress scandal as she’s mocked by her show rival.

The TV star endured an explosive time during her Married At First Sight stint with groom Danny amid clashes with bride Gia Fleur.

Just weeks after Bec was dumped at Final Vows her actions caused her Instagram account to be deleted from the platform entirely.

Bec claimed that her main profile was removed after she was reported by other users because she was involved in drama with an Australian designer bridal rental company reports Heart.

Now, Bec is back on Instagram and captioned a series of images: “Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names will NEVER hurt us.”

The images included a smiling Bec posing alongside MAFS bride Alissa Fay who was also blindsided at the end of the series.

Brides Gia and Bec clashed several times throughout the season after failing to hit it off just minutes into meeting during the hen party.

And after the dress scandal, Gia took to social media and mocked Bec saying: “In the light of what’s going on just now with some people losing their Instagrams and people acting at fashion week above people.

“Let’s be humble.”

Gia then modelled a $12 dollar outfit and explained that nobody knew them before the show as she appeared to then impersonate Bec.

Gia’s followers flocked to comment and one said: “Still attacking Bec.”

Another said: “Let’s be humble. Then goes on to talk about someone else… that’s also not being humble.”

A third added: “The impression at the end was funny.”

Awhina and show husband Adrian had a highly turbulent relationship.

They chose to stay together at final vows, but split just a few days later.

IT SEEMS like everyone has either been to Bali, is planning to go to Bali, or wants to go to Bali.

But what about heading to one Indonesian neighbourhood the tourists don’t make a beeline to?

The seaside village of Pererenan was recently named the third coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out.

Time Out stated: “While the tourist hordes pack into Canggu, those in the know are heading to neighbouring Pererenan.

“This place will remind you of what made Canggu famous in the first place – pristine beaches, cosy cafés, eclectic shops, and a certain laidback cool, devoid of noise and traffic.”

You won’t miss out on the classic Bali charm though, as the area is great for surfers and those who like to sunbathe.

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One top spot that’s a must-visit is Pererenan’s black-sand beach – which gets its colour due to the volcanic activity on the island.

The beach tends to be less crowded than its neighbours as well, and is known for having amazing sunsets.

When heading to the beach, make sure to lookout for the Gajah Mina Statue, which is of a mythical creature that has the head of an elephant and the body of a fish.

One recent visitor said: “This place was quite lovely. Was able to watch surfers, grab a bite to eat, catch the sunset and watch the tide rise in the evening.

“Lots of restaurants and surfing options – it was very peaceful.”

You can also walk from Pererenan Beach to Echo Beach – one of Bali’s most famous surfing spots in the busier village of Canggu – just 500 metres away.

According to Ministry of Villas, “blending in with trendy Canggu, Pererenan is becoming more popular but still maintains a more relaxed Balinese feel”.

Around the beach you will also find a few spots to grab a bite to eat.

While there aren’t as many restaurants as there are in other neighbourhoods, there is Hippie Fish Pererenan Beach which looks right over the beach.

The Mediterranean-inspired seafood restaurant serves a variety of dishes include red snapper and black cod and also has a rooftop bar where you can grab a cocktail.

There are a number of Balinese temples across the village as well including the Pura Batu Mejan (Kahyangan Jagat) temple, which sits at the edge of the beach.

One visitor commented: “Pura Batu Mejan Canggu is a beautiful temple, unique, highly respected and holds great spiritual significance.

“Visitors can feel a calm and relaxed atmosphere, while enjoying beautiful panoramas at Pererenan Beach.”

One recommended place to stay is Further Hotel which features a unique architecture across its one and two bedroom suites.

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And if you do want to head out of Pererenan then you can visit central Canggu, which is 10 minutes away and home to Bali’s most popular beach clubs and nightclubs.

Around 30 minutes away is also Tanah Lot Temple, which is one of the most famous temples in Bali, sat on a rock offshore.

Flights to Bali from the UK cost from £660 return, per person, in June.

Nestled along the picturesque UK shoreline is a stunning beach with azure waters and stretches of soft sand – but it’s left visitors a little taken aback for one reason

A beautiful UK beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters is often dubbed the ‘Bali of the UK’, but there’s more than meets the eye.

Nothing says heatwave like a day out at the beach, and the UK is brimming with stretches of golden coastline, dramatic chalk white cliffs, and azure waters that could easily be mistaken for those found in the Caribbean. That’s if you know where to look. And one stunning beach might just stand out from them all, for more reasons than one.

Nestled on the south coast of the Penwith Peninsula in Cornwall is Pedn Vounder Beach, tucked away in a secluded, tidal cove, which could arguably be one of the most beautiful UK shores. The beach is characterised by crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoilt, soft, golden sand, framed by towering cliffs in a UK oasis.

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During low tide, shallow, aquamarine pools are formed – perfect for a dip during the warmer months, although people should be aware of the currents and the steep terrain to access the beach. However, it’s well worth the walk down, as those looking for a little slice of paradise will be rewarded with picture-postcard vistas of the beach, often dubbed the ‘Bali of the UK’.

It remains untouched, with stretches of pristine sand to enjoy and the lapping of azure waters in a secluded location away from the busier seaside resorts. But those taking the rugged route down to the breathtakingly beautiful beach might be caught off guard, as it’s often been known as an unofficial naturist beach.

One traveller commented on Facebook: “Beautiful but absolutely had a shock as we weren’t aware of what type of beach it was!”

Another agreed: “My partner and I also didn’t know this was a clothing-optional beach until we got down to it and saw much more than we were expecting!”

A third added: “Same until we got there.”

On TripAdvisor, one visitor also revealed: “This is a nudist beach, and the climb down is not for the faint-hearted. However, there are clear signs warning you of both of these on the way down.”

They later added: “One of the most breathtaking beaches I have ever visited. The waters were crystal blue and the beach beautifully sandy.”

Commenting further, another traveller shared: “There are clothed and unclothed bodies. Most of the nude people are on the left end of the beach, and everyone is very respectful.”

Other explorers issued a warning to those looking to access the secluded beach due to its challenging walk down.

One shared on TripAdvisor: “This beach cove really is gorgeous, the water is crystal clear and a stunning turquoise colour, you wouldn’t believe it’s in the UK! Only about a mile from the nearest parking lot, but it definitely isn’t a trip for the faint-hearted. It is a very steep hike/climb down to get onto the beach, virtually rock climbing. Make sure you take all the essentials too, as there is nothing around once you get there.”

Another commented: “A stunning beach it is quite a climb down over the rocks so you do need to be prepared for this. The beach is definitely worth the climb, especially when the tide goes out. The best beach I have been to.”

One more shared: “Totally amazing – but mainly writing this review for some advice for others, we’ve been going for 30 years, but due to social media, lots of people are now trying. “You need to be pretty fit, mobile and able to descend down a cliff face to access – getting down with buggies or people with mobility difficulties will find it difficult.”

They added: “Also, it is a nudist beach, has been for years and years – if people have an issue with this, it’s probably not the beach for you.”

Yet for those up for the challenge, who have checked the tide and planned a route, might just be met with some of the most stunning vistas that easily rival those found in the Caribbean or Bali.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com