The best countries in the world: 2022 Readers' Choice Awards
The survey for the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise ships, travel fixers and more.
Among the many phrases to have emerged from the pandemic is “revenge travel” – not as sinister as it sounds, but merely a desire to make up for lost time and go large on bucket-list experiences. Perhaps that’s one reason New Zealand and Asian countries such as Japan did well – even though both only reopened to visitors this summer. This wanderlust, though, was tempered with a concern for safety, criteria that helped Denmark onto the list. A rare appearance by the UK was partly down to its culture, but when it comes to food, the highest-rated destinations read like the cookery section of a bookshop: Italy, Thailand, Japan, India and France. Portugal, meanwhile, the overall winner for the second year running, was appreciated for the friendliness of its people, whom you rated only second to those of Ireland.
These are the best countries in the world, according to the 2022 Readers' Choice Awards, counting down from 20-1.
Getty Images20. South Africa. Score 87.96
Nestled on the southernmost tip of the Mother Continent, the stunning ocean pools peppered along its coasts, undeniably exciting scenes in Cape Town and the Western Cape and the lively shopping streets in Johannesburg are just some of the reasons why South Africa seems to be on the top of many travellers' bucket list.
Where to stay: In Cape Town, we love Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, a pink palace with the best pool in the city. For a more rural stay, check out Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, a private lodge with hard-to-beat views of Table Mountain.
Getty Images19. Turkey. Score 87.97
With the arrival of glamourous new hangouts in Bodrum and the Orient Express resuming its legendary train journeys to Istanbul soon, it's no wonder Turkey has been getting a lot of airtime lately – the buzzing bazaars, magical hot air balloon rides, mosaic architecture and glistening riviera await.
Where to stay: The best hotels in Turkey include Alavya in Alacati, stitched together from six houses that feel like a home-from-home, as well as a clutch of grand hotels in Istanbul such as Six Senses Kocatas Mansions created from two refurbished Ottoman mansions.
Getty Images18. Israel. Score 87.98
A lush Mediterranean oasis, Israel reopened to foreign travellers earlier this year with a clutch of exciting new offers, particularly in the country's coastal city of Tel Aviv. Check out the vibrant beaches, learn about the fascinating history and tuck into the incredibly under-rated food scene.
Where to stay: We recommend The Jaffa in Tel Aviv, an astonishing hotel set in a restored 19th-century complex.
Getty Images17. Sri Lanka. Score 88.01
Often reffered to as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, the untouched wonders of Sri Lanka set the stage for incredible adventures. From thrilling surf sessions on a secret beach village to serene spa retreats deep in the jungle, there's so much to explore. Discover the best places to visit in Sri Lanka according to an expert.
Where to stay: Check into sustainable, waterfront property Cape Welligama, a clifftop hangout with astonishing views of the Indian Ocean.
Getty Images16. Sweden. Score 88.11
A Scandanavian nation bordered by Norway and Finland, Sweden is a swoon-worthy destination with twinkling lakes, picturesque fjords and an abundance of saunas. The forward-thinking capital, Stockholm, appeals to foodies and boozy-loving crowds – it houses some of the best bars on the planet.
Where to stay: In Stockholm, Ett Hem is a wonderfully individual, homespun stay. Further afield, Arctic Bath in Swedish Lapland offers vast areas of untouched wilderness.
Getty Images15. Morocco. Score 88.23
A kaleidoscopic country where old juts up against new, Morocco is one of Africa's most beautiful corners. Moorish designs and energetic hues paint the streets of Marrakech from head to toe while its fashion is as tasteful as the forward-thinking creatives keeping traditional crafts alive.
Where to stay: Some of the best hotels in Africa can even be found here, including hotels in Marrakech such as Royal Mansour, an imperial palace owned by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and L’Hotel, a 19th-century property made over by Jasper Conran.
Getty Images14. Croatia. Score 88.33
Located in the Balkans, Croatia is an ideal summer hotspot for good reason – pretty seaside spots, stunning villas and Dubrovnik's abundant offerings are just some of them. For a tropical getaway, this is our edit of the best Croatian islands to visit.
Where to stay: The best hotels in Croatia include Grand Park Hotel in Rovinj, with Michelin-star food across six restaurants and bars, and Villa Nai 3.3, which houses only eight rooms.
Getty Images13. Ireland. Score 88.53
Home to dramatic rugged coasts, cliff-hugging hiking trails, and more importantly, Guinness beer, Ireland is a hedonist's paradise. Plan to stay in one of the best hotels in Ireland on your next trip to the Emerald Isle and add these amazing things to do in Dublin to the itinerary.
Where to stay: The gorgeous Cashel Palace, reopened this year, is the most exciting stay in Ireland right now. Exemplary hotels in Dublin include The Westbury, a Dublin landmark and also a 2022 Readers' Choice Awards winner.
Getty Images12. Netherlands. Score 88.65
With its beautiful tulip fields, striking architecture and infamous cycling routes by Amsterdam canals, this is a country that never sleeps. Its impressive transformation of Rotterdam is best experienced by strolling down the art-centric streets while the unmissable food and bar scene in the capital is paired best with the shops nearby.
Where to stay:
The top hotels in Amsterdam are peppered with townhouse delights such as The Dylan, Pulitzer Amsterdam and The Hoxton Amsterdam.
Getty Images11. Spain. Score 88.76
A Catalonian culinary hotspot, some of the best tapas and paella can be found here. The Balearic islands of Ibiza and Formentera are not one to miss either along with the villas that accompany them. Discover the best things to do in Barcelona and check out the best hotels in San Sebastiàn.
Where to stay: Take over one of the most beautiful villas in Spain with the whole crew, or see our round up of the best hotels in Spain.
Getty Images10. New Zealand. Score 89.01
Situated on the south-west Pacific, New Zealand is divided by two islands with stunning glaciers, gentle rolling hillsides, captivating Māori culture and plenty of sheep – there are quite literally more sheep than there are humans. The active volcanoes make it an ideal hot spot for geothermal activity, allowing natural hot springs to form and the geographical location has allowed native flora and fauna to flourish. Discover the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand.
Where to stay: We love The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, a 6,000-acre working farm in a rolling coastal landscape.
Getty Images9. Italy. Score 89.12
Adventures through the Dolomites, stays at Florence's extravagant boutique boltholes and meals by the pool in Tuscany, Italy has no shortage of exciting activities. Explore the best places to visit in Italy.
Where to stay: Check out our edits of the best hotels in Venice and Florence's loveliest stays for inspiration – we like recent opening Ca'di Dio in Venice and Villa San Michele in Florence.
Getty Images8. UK. Score 89.12
The UK is where you'll find some of our favourite city breaks including Edinburgh, Cambridge and Aberystwyth. Come autumn, the cosy cabins and spas in Somerset and the Cotswolds call but London and Manchester are where all the bustle happens.
Where to stay: The UK is home to some of the best hotels anywhere in the world – from country idylls such as The Newt in Somerset, The Fife Arms and Heckfield Place to city slickers such as The Connaught in London.
Getty Images7. Denmark. Score 89.62
A gastronomic powerhouse, Denmark is home to some of the world's best restaurants, including multi-award-winning Noma 2.0 and current title holder, Geranium in Copenhagen. While its food scene makes it a bucket-list destination in its own right, this Scandinavian country seemed to have inherited the equivalent of a royal flush with the castles, coastlines and culture packed in its tiny size.
Where to stay: At Scandi design star Hotel Sanders in Copenhagen.
Getty Images6. Greece. Score 89.79
With over 200 inhabited Greek Islands, these starkingly white buildings with azure blue domes that blend with the sky are easily one of Santorini's most recognisable landmarks – paired with the stunning villas and romantic Caldera sunsets. Hop over to Mykonos and it's the drool-worthy Mediterrnean menus and beautiful beach clubs that attract travellers while the promise of postcard perfect beaches, considered among the best in the Aegean, are what draws globetrotters to the luminous Cycladic island of Milos.
Where to stay: The best hotels in Greece are spread across the mainland and the coveted islands – consider sugar-pink mansion Aristide in Syros, classic Perivolas in Santorini or Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens on your next visit.
Getty Images5. India. Score 90.01
Home to the world's second most populated country, India is a beautifully chaotic nation where the technicolour tuk-tuks that crowd the streets and the pungent aromatic spices that fill the space are wonderfully juxtaposed by the myriad of serene yoga retreats and secret sanctuaries hidden in the hilltops. During monsoon season, the sights seen in Goa and Kerala can be best enjoyed in these hotels while Jaipur, easily one of India's most beautiful cities, is a year-round destination with so much to offer.
Where to stay: Umaid Bhawan Palace took the top spot in the 2022 Readers' Choice Awards.
Getty Images4. Singapore. Score 90.09
Fitting for its glitzy reputation, this diamond-shaped island is one of South East Asia's most celebrated destinations. Nestled on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, the city-state has quite an impressive shelf of trophies for its small size. Not only is Singapore a shopaholic's haven, but the flagship airline is also the best in the world, along with the food served on board. To top it off, the city is one of the greenest out there with nearly half of its land allocated to parks and gardens.
Where to stay: At Raffles Singapore, the city's original grand dame, meticulously restored a few years ago.
Getty Images3. Thailand. Score 90.46
Thailand is a tropical hotspot that can truly do both. The buffet of secluded boltholes, jaw-dropping tropical islands and spas all radiate rest and rejuvenation. Meanwhile, the bustling nightlife and the fantastic street food in the capital, Bangkok, can respark joy in any jaded traveller. For adrenaline junkies, Chiang Mai is a must-visit but Phuket should also be on the radar.
Where to stay: The best hotels in Thailand range from destination hotels to under-the-radar stays. Chiva Som is the undisputed queen of the Thai wellness scene, while Six Senses Yao Noi is the perfect place to cast away.
Getty Images2. Japan. Score 91.17
Japan has had some of the strictest travel restrictions during the pandemic, having only opened its doors to foreigners halfway through 2022. Now, the Japan's hotels are ready to check into, while the streets and cafés of Kyoto are craving to be dined in. In late March to mid-April, sakura season is what draws the crowds in but come winter, it's the frosty snow-capped mountains in Niseko. Head south to the subtropical archipelago of Okinawa for a beach escape and if moving to Japan sounds appealing, choose Osaka – it was named one of the best places to live in the world for a reason.
Where to stay: We love The Tokyo Edition, a playful place to stay, as well as Ace Hotel in Kyoto. See our favourite hotels in Japan for more inspiration.
Getty Images1. Portugal. Score 91.22
It's easy to see why Portugal took first place on this list – the best hotels in Portugal are some of the most astonishing places to stay, and the glistening golden beaches sprinkled throughout the coastline are a sight for sore eyes. Lisbon's restaurant scene is also a foodies paradise and the Portuguese countryside boasts some incredible retreats.
Where to stay: The hotel scene here is ever-evolving – see our edit of Lisbon's prettiest hotels and where to stay in Porto for city-break recommendations, or discover the top family hotels in Portugal for ideas for the whole gang.