The Maldives has been ranked among the world’s happiest destinations for travellers in a new global study analysing more than one million online reviews from holidaymakers.

The research, conducted by Irish travel insurance specialist JustCover, placed the Maldives 11th out of 155 destinations worldwide, awarding the island nation a ‘Happy Place’ score of 71.4 out of 100. The Maldives narrowly missed the global top 10, finishing level on score with Toronto, Canada, although rankings were determined using more precise underlying values.

The study examined reviews of tourist attractions, restaurants, resorts, scenic locations and other visitor experiences to identify how frequently travellers used language expressing happiness and joy. Each destination was then assigned a score based on the proportion of reviews reflecting positive emotional experiences.

Tulum in Mexico topped the global rankings with a perfect score of 100, followed by Soufrière in Saint Lucia with 95.2 and Oaxaca, Mexico, with 88. Las Vegas also scored 88, while Maui, New York City, Cappadocia, Rio de Janeiro, Chicago and Toronto completed the top 10. Bora Bora in French Polynesia and Positano in Italy followed the Maldives in 14th and 15th place respectively.

According to the study, North America dominated the rankings, with the United States claiming six of the top 15 destinations, including Las Vegas, Maui, New York City, Chicago, Austin and New Orleans. Researchers noted that the results reflected a mix of beach destinations and urban centres, suggesting that travellers find happiness in a variety of holiday experiences.

Peter Clark, Director at JustCover, said the findings demonstrated that happiness while travelling comes in many forms.

“Holidays are a time to get away from the busyness of everyday life. Most people have a place where everyday stress melts away and they feel a sense of peace. The findings show how wide the range of happy places really is and that happiness in travel comes in many different forms.”

He added that while some travellers are drawn to destinations offering beaches and nature, others find enjoyment in vibrant cities, emphasising the importance of being prepared with appropriate travel insurance before travelling.

JustCover said the research analysed more than one million reviews across 155 destinations worldwide. Reviews were assessed for expressions of happiness and joy, with destinations scored relative to the highest-ranking location. All data used in the study was current as of June 2026.

Angsana Velavaru, a private-island resort in the South Nilandhe Atoll, has announced Sound Journeys with Harriet Emily, a week-long wellness programme taking place from September 17 to 22, 2026. The retreat invites guests to explore the restorative power of sound healing through a series of immersive experiences led by internationally recognised Sound Healing Practitioner and Meditation Guide, Harriet Emily.

With over a decade of experience in the wellness industry, Harriet Emily is known for blending crystal singing bowls, flute, and her own voice to create sound journeys designed to inspire relaxation, mindfulness, and inner peace. Her sessions have drawn a devoted following among travellers seeking meaningful, transformative wellness experiences, and her residency at Angsana Velavaru marks a rare opportunity for guests to experience her practice in one of the Maldives’ most serene natural settings.

Throughout the week, guests will be invited to a curated wellness schedule set against the backdrop of the resort’s lagoon, beach, and pool deck. The programme opens with a complimentary Meet the Sound Healing Expert & Sound Bath Taster session, followed by a series of sunrise, sunset, stargazing and floating sound bath experiences, each designed to guide guests toward a deeper sense of calm and presence.

Highlights of the schedule include a Sunrise Sound Bath on the Kuredhi pool deck, a Sunset Sound Bath & Meditation on the beach, a Stargazing Sound Bath beneath the night sky, and a Floating Sound Bath Meditation combining gentle sound vibrations with the sensation of drifting on water. For those seeking a more intimate experience, private sessions are also available, including one-on-one, couples’, and a family sound baths, as well as bespoke Private Wellness Package pairing a floating sound bath with a floating breakfast.

“Sound has a unique ability to help people slow down and reconnect with themselves, especially in a setting as tranquil as Angsana Velavaru,” said Harriet Emily. “I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with guests and creating a space where they can truly let go.”

The programme reflects Angsana Velavaru’s broader commitment to holistic wellness, complementing its existing spa and dining offerings with experiences that nurture guests’ mental and emotional wellbeing alongside physical relaxation.

Programme Highlights:

• Complimentary Meet the Sound Healing Expert & Sound Bath Taster–September 17
• Sunrise Sound Bath at Kuredhi Pool–September 18 & 22
• Stargazing Sound Bath on the beach–September 18
• Sunset Sound Bath & Meditation on the beach–September 19
• Floating Sound Bath Meditation at Kuredhi Pool–September 20

To book Sound Journeys with Harriet Emily or plan to stay around the retreat, visit the resort’s website.

This festive season, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, the flagship resort within Sun Siyam’s Luxury Collection portfolio in the Maldives, has unveiled its 2026/27 festive programme, introducing a season inspired by ‘Bohemian Reverie’ that combines exceptional dining, immersive wellness experiences, family celebrations and curated island moments across one of the Maldives’ most established luxury resorts.

Curated Culinary Journeys

While the atmosphere embraces a subtle, bohemian decorations, the palate is awakened by a sublime array of culinary experiences. Highlights include lobster and seafood nights, a four-course Chef’s Kaiseki dinner, a Grand Wine Soirée, La Festa in Cucina, the Islander’s Brunch, artisanal barbecue lunches, and a Royal Roast buffet. Guests are invited to enjoy guided wine tasting sessions with a resident sommelier or select from a curated list of 66 wine labels included in the 24-Hour Premium All-Inclusive Dine Around.

Each Moment, A Celebration

Breakfast becomes a creative ritual, whether enjoyed in the lagoon with plant-based menus and detox elixirs, or served as a generous Maldivian breakfast tray by the pool. As the sun sets, the golden hours’ rituals become truly magical with boho-inspired pool parties, curated floating aperitifs with caviar and champagne, or intimate, romantic cocktails in the sunken seating of the Sunset Horizon Water Villas with Pool – all complemented by the multilingual butler service, available in every villa to personalise each experience.

The festive calendar includes traditional Christmas carols on 24 December, a visit from Santa with gift distributions for little travellers on 25 December, and, for New Year’s Eve, sophisticated gala menus at each of the resort’s restaurants, followed by a luminous countdown party featuring a DJ, dance floor, and fireworks.

Wellness and Restoration

At the spa, the team honours the healing power of nature through treatments using organic, regionally sourced ingredients, from coconut and herbal spice scrubs to Himalayan salt therapies. Ayurvedic offerings are enhanced by traditional herbal leaf poultice massages and the transcendent practice of Shirodhara, a meditative technique using a continuous flow of warm, herb-infused oil.

Magic Beneath the Surface

Snorkelling in the Maldives is an essential experience. The “Blue Light Snorkelling” allows guests to explore the underwater world under the cover of darkness, revealing a peaceful, colourful perspective of the reef. Families may also enjoy vibrant experiences such as the family scooter snorkelling or the “Golden Hour Jet Car,” with the option to have this moment captured by drone.

For the Little Travellers

Children will engage in a programme inspired by craft, nature, and culture, featuring activities such as bohemian crown making, island perfume blending, coconut painting, jungle treasure hunts, family pool parties, henna tattoos, Bodu Beru music, and traditional Maldivian storytelling.

“For this year’s festive season, we are looking beyond the spectacle to honour the soul of the celebration. The traveller’s profile has evolved; our guests no longer seek performative excess, but rather the restorative power of space, stillness, and genuine human connection. It is a heartfelt homage to our island’s landscape and the sincerity of our people, a sanctuary where every detail is curated to ensure our guests are not merely observing the season, but deeply, purposefully experiencing it,” said Pasan Wijewardana, Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing.

Discover Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s festive brochure here.