Ready to discover the South Pacific’s hidden gems? Travel + Leisure readers annually celebrate the region’s breathtaking beauty. While every corner of this dreamy locale has its charm, certain touches elevate a visit from merely wonderful to truly wow-worthy. Think exceptional service and a rich array of activities. While major hotel brands often deliver this excellence, this year’s top pick proves that boutique resorts, going above and beyond, are stealing hearts.
Unveiling the Favorites: How We Find the Best
Every year, the World’s Best Awards survey by Travel + Leisure invites readers to share their travel experiences. With nearly 180,000 readers completing the 2025 survey, over 657,000 votes were cast across 8,700+ properties. This comprehensive feedback helps us identify the finest hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, and more.
Hotels are categorized by their location and amenities, ranging from resort and city hotels to inns and safari lodges. Readers then rate these properties on key criteria:
- Rooms/Facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents can select a rating from excellent to poor. The final scores reflect the average of these ratings, capturing the true essence of guest satisfaction.
What Made Readers Fall in Love?
When you journey all the way to the South Pacific, a top-tier experience isn’t just hoped for—it’s expected. The two Polynesian resorts that captured the hearts of Travel + Leisure readers didn’t just meet expectations; they exceeded them at every turn. These aren’t just places to stay; they’re destinations that create lasting memories.
Take the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort, for example, which earned the No. 3 spot this year. One reader raved about its all-around excellence, highlighting the rooms, food, and service. This family-friendly resort offers diverse options. Larger groups or those wanting easy access to the beach and dining can opt for beachfront villa estates. For couples seeking a romantic escape, the iconic overwater bungalows, complete with private plunge pools and views of Mount Otemanu, are a dream come true.
Beyond the luxurious accommodations, the Four Seasons Bora Bora shines with its active and cultural programming. Imagine embarking on sunset storytelling cruises, joining treasure hunt boat tours on the water, or exploring the island’s natural beauty with guided hikes. For a truly unique perspective, helicopter tours offer breathtaking aerial views. It’s a place where every moment is an adventure.
Equally captivating is The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, ranked No. 2. Here, your day could begin with snorkeling alongside Napoleon fish and other vibrant marine life in the protected Lagoonarium. As evening descends, an alfresco candlelight massage offers the perfect end to a serene day. But what truly stands out, according to one reader, is the exceptional hospitality. They shared how the feeling of luxury and attention to detail is palpable from the moment you arrive until your personal butler bids you farewell.
This reader emphasized that the impeccable service, from planning activities to the warm smiles received from every staff member, is the reason they are drawn back to The St. Regis. It’s clear that the human touch, combined with exquisite surroundings, makes all the difference.
And the Winner Is…
For the second consecutive year, the coveted No. 1 spot goes to Tokoriki Island Resort! This beachfront gem reserves its 36 standalone villas for guests aged 16 and over, cultivating a distinctly grown-up atmosphere that sets it apart from its fellow honorees. Stepping onto the property, you’re immediately enveloped in a relaxed Fijian ambiance, courtesy of lush gardens and charming thatched-roof buildings.
For ultimate relaxation, the luxury spa is an absolute must-visit. Couples can even indulge in a three-day unlimited massage package—an idyllic escape for those seeking pure bliss. But Tokoriki isn’t just about relaxation; it offers a vibrant array of activities for those seeking a more active itinerary. Guests can enjoy water sports like paddleboarding and snorkeling, or delve into Fijian culture by learning traditional basket weaving. Guided herbal medicine walks offer a unique insight into local traditions, and for a touch of friendly competition, guests can try their hand at petanque.
Dining at Tokoriki is an experience in itself. For a social and interactive meal, guests can gather around the resort’s teppanyaki table. For a more intimate and romantic setting, a private seafood tasting menu served right on the jetty is simply unbeatable. One reader perfectly summed up the experience, calling it “Hands down one of the most magical places I’ve ever stayed.” It’s easy to see why this Fijian haven continues to capture hearts and votes year after year.
The Full Roster: Top Resorts in the South Pacific
Here are the resorts that Travel + Leisure readers crowned the very best in the South Pacific, proving that remarkable beauty and exceptional service truly make a difference:
1. Tokoriki Island Resort: Tokoriki Island, Fiji
Reader Score: 96.80
This adult-only haven enchants with its tropical serenity, luxurious spa, and a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a returning champion.
2. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Reader Score: 92.36
Renowned for its superlative hospitality and opulent details, this resort offers a truly bespoke experience, from snorkeling with vibrant marine life to indulgent, personalized service.
3. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 86.40
A family-friendly paradise featuring iconic overwater bungalows, diverse activities, and excellent all-around service, ensuring a memorable stay for every guest.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria are used to rate hotels in the World’s Best Awards?
Hotels are rated on Rooms/Facilities, Location, Service, Food, and Value. Readers provide ratings from excellent to poor for each category, and the final scores are averages of these responses.
Are both large hotel brands and boutique resorts considered for the awards?
Yes, the awards recognize excellence across both major hotel brands and boutique resorts. This year’s No. 1, Tokoriki Island Resort, is a boutique property, demonstrating that smaller, specialized resorts can also deliver exceptional experiences.
What makes Tokoriki Island Resort unique?
Tokoriki Island Resort is an adult-only property (guests 16 and over), creating a more serene and grown-up atmosphere. It’s lauded for its luxurious spa, diverse activities from water sports to cultural workshops, and intimate dining experiences, all within a relaxed Fijian setting.
Do the featured resorts offer options for both couples and families?
Yes, for example, the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort is known for being family-friendly, offering options like beachfront villa estates alongside romantic overwater bungalows. Tokoriki Island Resort, however, caters specifically to guests aged 16 and over, making it ideal for couples and adult travelers.
How can I participate in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards survey?
Travel + Leisure invites readers to participate in their annual survey to share their opinions on travel experiences globally. Details on how to submit your votes are typically announced on their website each year.
Ready to Experience the Magic?
The South Pacific is calling, promising not just a vacation, but an unforgettable journey that will linger in your memories long after you’ve returned home. Whether you dream of romantic overwater bungalows, family adventures, or tranquil adult-only escapes, these award-winning resorts offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, luxurious comfort, and world-class service. Don’t just dream about paradise—make it a reality. Plan your escape to one of these exceptional South Pacific havens and discover firsthand why they’ve captured the hearts of travelers worldwide. Your ultimate escape awaits!
References
Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025 Survey
Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Tokoriki Island Resort
