One of the travel industry’s most respected and longest-running reader-voted honors has handed a new accolade to the twin-island Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Condé Nast Traveler officially unveiled the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards this week, ranking the destination as the No. 7 best island across the Caribbean and Atlantic region.
Unlike many industry awards that rely on expert or critic judging alone, the Readers’ Choice Awards draw directly on the unfiltered experiences of everyday travelers. For this year’s edition, more than 757,000 readers from across the United States submitted responses to a comprehensive survey, rating their travel experiences at destinations around the globe. The survey was designed to identify not just popular tourist spots, but the locations that leave such a lasting impression visitors are eager to return year after year. With a decades-long legacy as the most prestigious reader-endorsed honor in travel, the award remains the gold standard for recognizing excellence across the global tourism sector. A full roster of 2026 winners is available on Condé Nast Traveler’s website, with all honorees also featured in the publication’s November print issue.
For Antigua and Barbuda, the top 10 ranking underscores the destination’s wide-ranging, enduring appeal that goes far beyond its well-known coastal offerings. The nation’s tourism sector draws visitors for a diverse mix of attractions, from its world-famous shorelines and centuries-old sailing heritage to its layered history, lively local culture, innovative culinary scene, and one-of-a-kind twin-island experience.
Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, shared his excitement over the international recognition. “We are delighted to see Antigua and Barbuda recognized as the #7 Island in the Caribbean & The Atlantic in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards,” James said. “This recognition is a testament to the experiences that continue to draw travellers to our shores and to the people across our tourism industry who work tirelessly to make every visit memorable. While our 365 beaches remain an iconic part of our appeal, Antigua and Barbuda offers so much more to discover, and we are proud to see that depth and diversity recognized on the world stage.”
Each of the two islands that make up the nation offers a distinct experience that caters to different traveler preferences. Antigua pairs its iconic white-sand beaches with world-class sailing regattas, a growing farm-to-table culinary scene, well-preserved colonial historic sites including the UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard, and a packed annual calendar of cultural and sporting events. Neighboring Barbuda, by contrast, offers a quiet, unspoiled escape defined by its iconic pink-sand beaches, untouched coastal wetlands, and vast stretches of undeveloped natural landscape. Together, the twin islands give visitors the chance to craft a trip that balances adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, and deep connection to Caribbean heritage, inviting travelers to look beyond the typical beach vacation and experience the unique character of the nation.