In a remarkable achievement, the Great Barrier Reef Islands have secured the top spot in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for the second consecutive year. This stunning archipelago, including the stunning Lizard Island, a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, comprises approximately 980 islands that encircle the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the world’s largest reef.

Each year, Travel + Leisure (T+L) invites its readers to participate in the World’s Best Awards survey, sharing their travel experiences and opinions on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. For the 2024 survey, over 186,000 T+L readers cast more than 700,000 votes across over 8,700 properties worldwide.

“The islands of the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand are often listed among the most beautiful in the world, thanks to baby-powder-sand beaches, pristine water, and captivating cultures. Still, no place can beat the snorkelling at our winner, the Great Barrier Reef Islands. Keep reading to find out why it’s No. 1,” notes Travel + Leisure.

Lizard Island, Australia’s northernmost island beach resort, offers an unparalleled secluded retreat. Located directly on the Great Barrier Reef, 240 kilometres north of Cairns, this exclusive haven features 24 powdery-white beaches, over 1,000 hectares of pristine national park, and 40 elegantly understated beach luxe suites. Guests can rejuvenate at the Essentia Day Spa while enjoying stunningly clear blue ocean views from every angle.

The island’s beaches remain untouched, with only occasional footprints in the soft sand. Encircled by vibrant coral reef gardens that shimmer beneath crystal-clear turquoise waters, Lizard Island is a perfect playground for reef and water activities. Guests can experience sensational diving at the famous Cod Hole or snorkel directly from the beach to explore coral gardens teeming with brightly coloured tropical fish. The nearby Ribbon Reefs are renowned for world-class big game fishing. These must-do reef activities are expertly delivered by the resort’s professional and enthusiastic Beach Club team.

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