Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked the 35 best islands in the world outside the U.S. in the 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards survey; from far-flung stunners in Southeast Asia to volcanic outcrops in the Mediterranean. For their 33rd annual survey—yes, more than three decades—a record 600,000 registered voters weighed in. This year, they’ve been broken down by region, and Belize’s very own Ambergris Caye takes No. 4 for the Best Islands in Central America ! Besides, as you continue to travel, Condé Nast continues to listen: Here’s all the reasons why Condé Nast readers loves the 25-mile island of Ambergris Caye off Belize’s coast.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Belize is home to over 450 individual islands, known as cayes. Ambergris Caye is the most-visited destination in the country, known for a quintessential Caribbean island vibe, with humming golf carts—the main method of transportation—and great snorkeling and diving. Not to mention, it is locally known as “La Isla Bonita,” as many believe that Madonna’s 1986 song by the same name was inspired by it. Whether it actually was or not, it certainly lives up to the title. Measuring about 25 miles in length, its white sandy beaches melts into an eclectic yet vibrant island vibe; resorts line its shores, while the second largest barrier reef in the world sits off Ambergris Caye’s east coast.

Pro tip:

Check out water activities like the nighttime crocodile-watching tour offered by the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary.

Getting there:

Ambergris Caye is about a 15-minute flight from mainland Belize. Catch an hourly flight from Philip Goldson International Airport with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. However, water taxis also ferry on a daily schedule. Get there via water taxi with services like San Pedro Belize Express .

Where to stay:

The island is renowned for its wide variety of resorts and hotels, alongside lively beach bars and restaurants. There’s something for every budget.

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Belize’s Resorts Grab Top Spots In The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards

Condé Nast Traveler announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards earlier today, with Turneffe Island Resort being awarded the coveted title of Number One Central American Resort. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is elated that, quite impressively, a total of five Belizean hotels received top honors for Best Resorts in Central America:

• Turneffe Island Resort - No. 1 Central America Resort
• Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort - No. 4 Central America Resort
• Matachica Resort & Spa - No. 8 Central America Resort
• Turtle Inn - No. 9 Central America Resort
• Gaia Riverlodge - No. 14 Central America Resort

Additionally, Belize’s own Ambergris Caye was awarded No. 4 Best Island in Central America.

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards is the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. More than 715,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to determine the winners.

The BTB extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners whose hard work and exemplary customer service has garnered this tremendous honor for the respective properties and the industry as a whole. This is an incredible testament to the development of Belize’s tourism sector as well as stakeholders’ commitment to offering guests the highest level of service and personalized experiences, even in these challenging times.

For further information on the Condé Nast Traveler 2020 Readers' Choice Awards click here.