The Maldives has been ranked as the 11th happiest travel destination in the world in a new global study examining more than one million online reviews shared by holidaymakers across 155 destinations.
The research, conducted by Irish travel insurance specialist JustCover, awarded the Maldives a “Happy Place” score of 71.4 out of 100. The island nation narrowly missed securing a position within the global top 10 and recorded the same rounded score as Toronto, Canada, although the final rankings were determined using more precise underlying values.
The study analysed traveller reviews of tourist attractions, restaurants, resorts, scenic locations and other visitor experiences to determine how frequently holidaymakers used language associated with happiness, joy, relaxation and positive emotional experiences. Each destination was then assigned a score based on the proportion of reviews that reflected these sentiments, with the results calculated relative to the highest-ranked destination.
The Maldives’ strong performance reflects its continued appeal as one of the world’s most distinctive resort destinations. International travellers are drawn to the country’s private island resorts, white-sand beaches, clear lagoons, overwater and beachfront accommodation, tropical scenery and peaceful natural surroundings. The resort experience in the Maldives allows visitors to enjoy privacy, personalised hospitality and direct access to the ocean, making the destination particularly attractive to couples, families and travellers seeking rest and memorable leisure experiences.
Maldivian resorts offer a wide range of accommodation and recreational experiences across the country’s atolls, from luxury villas and family-oriented properties to environmentally conscious island retreats. Many resorts are surrounded by coral reefs and marine habitats, providing visitors with opportunities to experience snorkelling, diving, water sports, dolphin excursions, fishing trips, island visits and sunset cruises. The country’s warm hospitality, high service standards and unique one-island-one-resort tourism model further contribute to the positive experiences regularly shared by international guests.
The ranking also highlights the Maldives’ ability to provide visitors with a sense of separation from the pressures of everyday life. Its spacious island environments, ocean views, tranquil beaches and carefully designed resort settings have helped establish the destination as a preferred choice for honeymoons, anniversaries, family holidays and premium international travel.
Tulum in Mexico topped the global rankings with a perfect score of 100, followed by Soufrière in Saint Lucia with 95.2. Oaxaca in Mexico and Las Vegas in the United States each received a score of 88. Maui, New York City, Cappadocia, Rio de Janeiro, Chicago and Toronto completed the global top 10.
Bora Bora in French Polynesia and Positano in Italy were placed behind the Maldives, ranking 14th and 15th respectively. The Maldives’ position ahead of these internationally recognised coastal destinations further reinforces its global reputation as a leading choice for island and resort-based holidays.
According to the research, North America had a strong presence in the rankings, with the United States securing six places among the top 15 destinations. These included Las Vegas, Maui, New York City, Chicago, Austin and New Orleans. Researchers observed that the overall results included both beach destinations and major urban centres, demonstrating that travellers associate happiness with a broad variety of holiday environments and experiences.
Peter Clark, Director at JustCover, said the findings demonstrated that happiness while travelling can take many forms. He noted that holidays provide people with an opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life and spend time in places where stress is reduced and a sense of peace can be experienced.
Clark said the wide range of destinations represented in the rankings showed that some travellers find happiness through beaches and natural surroundings, while others are attracted to energetic and vibrant cities. He also emphasised the importance of travellers making appropriate preparations, including obtaining suitable travel insurance before beginning their journeys.
JustCover said more than one million reviews were examined as part of the research, covering attractions, restaurants, accommodation establishments, natural locations and other tourism experiences across 155 destinations worldwide. The reviews were assessed for expressions associated with happiness and joy, and each destination was scored in comparison with the highest-ranking location.
All information used in the study was current as of June 2026. The Maldives’ placement among the world’s leading happy destinations adds to the country’s strong international tourism profile and reflects the consistently positive experiences shared by travellers who visit its islands and resorts.
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