The Tribune

The Bahamas has gained four spots among the Caribbean's top 15 destinations in Travel + Leisure magazine's World's awards.

The Exuma Cays, the Abacos and Harbour Island were voted 'Best Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas'. Harbour Island was ranked sixth best island, Exuma came in at number eight, and Abaco was rated 14th.

Kamalame Cay in Andros was also voted top resort in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas for the second year in a row. One reader described Kamalame Cay as "three little words: paradise on earth."

The awards are based on readers' nominations, ranging from the best cities in the world to the best spas and cruises. Participants were able to nominate their favourite hotel, destination or airline in the survey and, to be eligible for the rankings, each entry had to rack up a minimum number of votes.

Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure, said this year's awards show that travellers are being drawn by experiences.

"Travel + Leisure's annual World's Best Awards provide a picture of what the world's most discerning travellers find most satisfying in travel right now. What's clear to me this year is how much they are drawn to experiences that aren't just enjoyable but provide something richer--cultural immersion, mental and physical well-being, a true sense of adventure," Mr Lump said.

"It's not easy to satisfy this group, but the destinations, hotels and companies that are doing it know that today's traveller cares about a lot more than creature comforts."

Dionisio D'Aguliar, minister of tourism and aviation, said the awards were a testament to the Bahamas' commitment to providing rich experiences.

"We are thrilled to receive these impressive honours; it is a wonderful tribute to these beautiful islands of the Bahamas," he said. "These awards show the Bahamas' commitment to the tourism industry, and we will continue to work to provide the highest quality of experiences for visitors.

"It is our hope that more people can discover the beauty of the islands of the Bahamas so they can have some of the same, if not better, experiences that impressed Travel + Leisure's readers."