Long regarded as the pinnacle of luxurious island resorts, Queensland’s Lizard Island has today been named in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for 2020. It’s the first time the iconic property has been included in the prestigious, globally recognised awards, and it’s news that’s especially welcome as the island prepares to reopen on September 1 this year after a period of closure during the coronavirus pandemic. 

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Image: Lizard Island Restaurant, Saltwater. Source: Lizard Island

The 2020 World’s Best list is the result of an international Travel + Leisure reader survey. It is one of the world’s most esteemed hotel collections and representative of the world’s most incredible travel experiences. 

In a year when travel has involved reminiscing about favourite holidays and planning trips to wish-list destinations, it’s especially meaningful that Lizard Island is top of mind among the world’s most discerning travellers casting their votes.

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Image: Degustation dinner on the beach. Source: Lizard Island

Lizard Island achieved a score of 94.59 out of a possible 100, placing it as the best Australian resort in the Top 5 Australian and New Zealand Resorts list. 

Greg Magi, Executive Director of Parks & Resorts for Delaware North, the operator of Lizard Island, said the news of the resort’s inclusion in the World’s Best List was an absolute honour for the team at Lizard Island who always aim to deliver unforgettable experiences of the magnificent island and of course, the Great Barrier Reef.

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Image: Reef expedition off Lizard Island, featuring Cod. Source: Lizard Island

“We value this recognition particularly as it’s a reader-driven list, so it’s a real testimony to Lizard Island’s enduring appeal as people are planning their holidays once again,” Mr. Magi said. 

“What better dream destination than Lizard Island, which promises swimming in pristine warm turquoise waters, lazing on white-sanded beaches and immersing oneself underwater to explore the island’s magnificent corals and abundant array of marine life? 

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Image: Stand up paddle boarding activities at Lizard Island. Source: Lizard Island

“It’s an ideal time to take the short flight from Cairns over the stunning Great Barrier Reef, escaping to days of relaxed luxury, natural exploration, world-class food and wine and detox from digital life in a mostly internet-free zone – a great break from Zoom calls!”

The full list of Travel + Leisure’s world’s best travel experiences can be viewed here and will be published in the August issue of Travel + Leisure magazine. 

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Image: Private plunge pool at The Villa. Source: Lizard Island

Lizard Island is the northernmost island on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. With just 40 guest suites and villas offering direct access to more than 20 white-sanded beaches, an escape to Lizard Island is a luxuriously exclusive experience. Guests venture to remote snorkelling and diving spots on the inner and outer reefs where hundreds of vibrant fish and coral species thrive.

Hikes retrace Captain Cook’s footsteps and offer panoramic views of the reef while the Australian Museum Lizard Island Research Station offers a fascinating insight into the day-to-day conservation of Lizard Island’s incredible natural environment.

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