BORACAY’S WHITE BEACH CROWNED WORLD’S BEST

After a banner 2025 capped by top regional honors, Boracay’s iconic White Beach was voted the world’s best beach by readers of Condé Nast Traveler.

By Freida Dario-Santiago

Just as Boracay was celebrating its top-four ranking among Asia’s best islands, Condé Nast Traveler (CNT) released its year-end list of the World’s Best Beaches “for Sunbathing, Surfing, and Doing Absolutely Nothing,” based on votes from readers of its US edition.

The prestigious top-15 list features some of the world’s most coveted shores, including beaches in Jamaica, Mexico, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Australia, Türkiye, and the Bahamas.

Claiming the number one spot, White Beach in Boracay emerged as the only Southeast Asian beach to make the coveted list. The magazine described it as “a 2.5-mile stretch of pristine, powdery-soft white sand.”

“But while the seaside landscape and views are certainly a big draw at White Beach, so is the seaside social, dining, and nightlife scene,” CNT noted. “Boracay has long been deemed a party destination because of its lively bar, lounge, and club culture, with people dancing to live music and DJs while sipping cocktails by the beachfront. There’s a wealth of options, depending on your budget.”

CNT described the process of selecting the world’s best beaches as “Herculean,” with 757,109 votes cast in the magazine’s 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which recognize favorite hotels, airlines, and destinations worldwide.

“With the help of an eye-watering crowd of 757,109, we’ve gathered a formidable bunch of beaches ranging from family-friendly crowd-pleasers to romantically secluded boltholes, from the always-balmy Caribbean to Türkiye’s Aegean shores,” the magazine said.

This latest recognition from CNT’s well-traveled readers is a testament to Boracay’s enduring global appeal and provides a much-needed boost to the island’s business sector and tourism workers, who have weathered a particularly challenging year with resilience, professionalism and trademark Filipino warmth.

Consistent presence on the world stage

Hailed as the “Crown Jewel of Philippine Tourism,” Boracay has consistently ranked among Asia’s top islands in recent CNT Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2025, the island placed 4th among Asia’s top islands, following 3rd-place finishes in 2024 and 2023, and a No. 1 ranking in Asia in 2022.

📸 Department of Tourism

These results reflect a sustained, multi-year pattern of global recognition, reinforcing the Philippines’ standing as the Pearl of the Orient Seas at the forefront of world travel.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the honor, saying: “With its beautiful scenery, including the 2.5-mile stretch of pristine, powdery-soft white sand, Boracay remains a favorite backdrop for all kinds of occasions and keeps tourists coming back to the Philippines.”

“The Philippines is proud of this honor,” the DOT added. “Crowned by stunning sunsets, the real luxury of Boracay lies in its calming escape,” one that allows visitors to cherish every single moment.”

From rising star to global icon

Boracay first made waves on the international awards circuit in 2011, ranking 4th World’s Best Island and 2nd Top Island in Asia at the CNT Readers’ Choice Awards.

In 2012, it was named No. 1 World’s Best Island, surpassing Bali and catapulting the destination to worldwide acclaim. As Travel + Leisure writer Jennifer Miranda observed at the time: “Boracay in the Philippines may be one of the last undiscovered Asian beach getaways.” Boracay was also named the No. 1, Top 10 Island in Asia.

Why visitors keep coming back

Widely regarded as the beach capital of the Philippines’ 7,642 islands, Boracay’s allure lies in the natural beauty of its beaches, vibrant land and sea activities, and a wealth of sensory indulgences. The result is timeless: visitors fall in love, return again and again, and bring the island into every stage of their lives, from dream weddings to family holidays across generations.

Boracay’s White Beach: pure magic from sunup to sundown.

📸 Jack Jarilla 

This is what it’s all about. The “aha” moments that take your breath away: the flour-fine sand that never burns your feet, the breathtaking sunsets and moonrises, the warm, gentle waters, and the comforting certainty that the magic of the first visit never fades.

Filipino pride

For some world-famous destinations, accolades may simply add another feather to an already full cap. For Boracay, they carry a deeper meaning. Each recognition reinforces the island community’s commitment to responsible stewardship, sustainable tourism, and environmental preservation.

Congratulations to the Boracay Island community for its dedication, hard work, and heartfelt hospitality, elevating not only the island, but the Philippines and the ASEAN region on the global tourism map.

Beyond rankings and awards, Boracay’s true distinction lies in the way its sheer beauty touches the soul and the inimitable Filipino hospitality that warms the heart.

Mabuhay, and welcome to Boracay.