From the white sands of Seychelles to the serene beaches of Cyprus, island getaways have become the preferred choice for UAE residents this summer. According to the inaugural Expedia 2025 Island Hot List, global interest in island destinations has jumped by 30 per cent, with a surge from UAE-based travellers opting for nature-driven escapes over bustling city breaks.

Expedia's data highlights a sharp increase in accommodation searches from UAE travellers to island destinations such as Madagascar (+265 per cent), Phuket (+210 per cent), Seychelles (+205 per cent), Malta (+170 per cent), and Cyprus (+140 per cent). According to the survey, these destinations are gaining popularity due to affordability, easier visa access, and a growing preference for slower, restorative holidays.

Globally, the Expedia Hot List named the top 10 islands to visit in 2025:

• Aruba - Best for year-round sunshine

• Bali - Best for relaxation

• Dominican Republic - Best for adventure

• Fiji - Best for community

• Jamaica - Best for culture

• Koh Samui - Best for affordable luxury

• Maldives - Best for romance

• Oahu, Hawaii - Best for surfing

• Paros, Greece - Best for nightlife

• Sardinia, Italy - Best for food lovers

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According to the survey, September is the best month to visit most of these islands, offering better weather and more affordable rates .“Our analysis shows that hotel prices in destinations like Paros and Sardinia can drop by up to 35 per cent compared to August, making off-season travel more appealing,” stated the survey.

Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism said that more UAE residents are prioritising peace and wellness in their travel choices.

“People are no longer chasing jam-packed itineraries or big cities. Instead, they are looking for space, quiet, and natural beauty. Just relaxing at an island resort - that's become the new travel luxury,” said Subair.“We have seen increase in bookings for secluded islands and boutique resorts where guests can simply disconnect. It's not about ticking off tourist spots anymore. Now it's about meaningful downtime and spending time with their loved ones.”

Expedia's report aligns with what UAE travel agencies are observing - a shift in mindset, with travellers focusing more on emotional wellness, sustainability, and authentic local experiences.

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