Sanibel Island and Hyatt Regency Coconut Point earn honors in Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards

LEE COUNTY, Florida – Sanibel Island and Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa are among the best in the U.S., according to readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Sanibel Island ranked No. 7 among the Best Islands in the U.S., while Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa was named No. 10 among the Top 15 Resorts in Florida in the magazine’s recent Readers’ Choice Awards.

Nearly 800,000 readers across the U.S. rated their travel experiences around the world as part of the annual awards, one of the travel industry’s longest-running readers’ choice programs. Sanibel moved up eight spots in this year’s rankings and was the top island in Florida.

“We’re proud to see Sanibel Island continue to hold such a special place in the hearts of visitors, and we’re equally excited to see the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa recognized among Florida’s top resorts,” said Pamela Johnson, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “These honors showcase memorable experiences visitors find throughout Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods.”

Considered one of the most beautifully preserved beach destinations in the world, Sanibel is known as the “Seashell Capital of the World” for the abundance of shells that wash ashore. The island offers natural beaches, 25 miles of paved trails and abundant opportunities to experience wildlife and the outdoors. Highlights include the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, historic Sanibel Lighthouse and popular shelling spots such as Bowman’s Beach.
 

Located in Bonita Springs, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa offers a tropical resort experience with pools, waterslides, a lazy river, dining, spa services and access to a secluded beach on Big Hickory Island. In 2025, the resort completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of its meeting and event spaces, following enhancements to its guest rooms, lobby, water park and restaurants. This fall, the resort also debuted a renovated two-story, 19,000-square-foot spa, replacing its former Stillwater Spa & Salon.

The 2026 Readers' Choice Awards are available on Condé Nast Traveler's website at cntraveler.com/rca and will be celebrated in the November issue.

-VCB-

Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods includes Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Matlacha, Boca Grande & Outer Islands, North Fort Myers, Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres. For more information, go to visitfortmyers.com.

For Condé Nast Traveler awards press inquiries, please contact: awards@condenasttraveler.com