Bermuda has been named top island in the Caribbean and Atlantic region by readers of the prestigious Cond? Nast Traveler Magazine.

Tourism Minister Ren?e Webb said the award was important because readers of the magazine are considered among the most discerning in the world.

The Island beat fellow finalists Nevis and the British Virgin Islands to top the poll, which will be published in the November issue of the magazine reaching 750,000 people.

Bermuda received the award at a ceremony in the Guggenheim Museum in New York on October 9, following a poll of the magazine's 30,000 readers.

Ms Webb said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised by the readers of Cond? Nast Traveler Magazine.

“They are widely considered to be among the most discerning readers, and the fact they have honoured us in this way sends a message that we here on the Island know well - that Bermuda is clearly the finest choice travellers can make when seeking the perfect vacation.

“These awards are a testimony to the outstanding hospitality of the Bermudian people and we, as a nation, should be very proud.”

The magazine's editor in chief Thomas Wallace said Bermuda should be proud for “being judged the best in the industry, raising the bar, and fuelling our wanderlust”.

Readers of Travel+Leisure magazine ranked Bermuda best island in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas last year.