No. 18 Cook Islands
This South Pacific island group’s low-key resorts make an affordable alternative to its five-star neighbors Tahiti and Bora-Bora. And there are plenty of other reasons to hang your hammock here: snorkeling, kayaking, and
motu walking (the local pastime of wading in the shallow waters between islets). Thanks to improved scores in four out of five categories, the islands made their debut on the World’s Best Awards this year.
