Here are top island resorts and island destinations highly rated in 2025, with a short note on why each stands out and sources showing their 2025 recognition or coverage. I focused on widely cited industry lists (Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Readers’ Choice and other reputable travel outlets) so you can trust these are among the year’s favorites.

Top island resorts / island escapes in 2025

1. The Nautilus, Maldives — ultra‑private, small (about 26 villas) barefoot‑luxury island experience prized for privacy, personalized service and dining‑anytime ethos. (maldives.net.mv)

2. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas — famous for its underwater restaurant SEA, strong marine experiences and consistent Condé Nast/reader recognition in 2025 lists. (hoteliermaldives.com)

3. Niyama Private Islands, Maldives — twin‑island resort known for family and couples programming, innovative dining and nightlife (ranked in 2025 readers’ lists). (hoteliermaldives.com)

4. Hermitage Bay, Antigua — intimate, all‑suite resort on a private cove that received major attention in 2025 after renovations and is highlighted as a top Caribbean hideaway. (marieclaire.co.uk)

5. Cayo Espanto, Belize — a private‑island villa resort repeatedly recognized in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and other 2024–25 roundups for bespoke service and seclusion. (prnewswire.com)

6. Páros (island), Greece — Travel + Leisure named Páros the No. 1 island in its 2025 World’s Best Awards (great for combining Greek island character with boutique hotels and beaches). (If you want a resort on Páros, look at small luxury properties and boutique hotels on the island.) (traveldailynews.com)

7. Mount Desert Island, Maine (USA) — ranked Travel + Leisure’s Best U.S. Island in 2025; for island‑side resort stays in the U.S. Northeast (Bar Harbor area and nearby luxury inns/resorts). (traveldailynews.com)

8. Villa Park / Family‑forward Maldives resorts (examples highlighted in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025) — several family‑oriented Maldivian islands were singled out in 2025 awards for robust kids’ programming and sustainability. (visitmaldives.com)

9. Soneva Secret and other newly notable Maldives openings — new/renovated Maldivian properties made Condé Nast’s 2025 hot lists of best new hotels, keeping the Maldives prominent in 2025 rankings. (maldives.net.mv)

10. Top Caribbean properties (Jamaica, Antigua, etc.) — multiple Caribbean hotels and islands (including Jamaican properties and Antigua resorts) appeared on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice and related lists, showing the region’s strong 2025 standing. (caribbeannationalweekly.com)

Notes to help you choose

• If you want absolute seclusion and villa privacy, private‑island resorts in Belize and the Maldives (e.g., Cayo Espanto, The Nautilus) are among the best in 2025. (prnewswire.com)
• For marine life, diving and underwater dining, Maldivian resorts (Anantara Kihavah, Niyama, many new openings) top the lists in 2025. (hoteliermaldives.com)
• For cultural character and island‑town life with boutique hotels, Greek islands like Páros were singled out by Travel + Leisure as 2025 favorites. (traveldailynews.com)
• For family travel, look for resorts recognized in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025 for family programming (many Maldivian properties made that list). (visitmaldives.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow this to a top 5 by region (Maldives, Caribbean, Mediterranean, US, Central America).
• Give specific resort recommendations (rooms/type, price range, best time to go) for any one island/region above.
• Pull direct links to the 2025 awards pages or list articles for each resort you’re most interested in.