Maldives Resorts Dominate Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2026

23 June, 2026

The Maldives has long been synonymous with overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and unparalleled luxury. But in 2026, the island nation has cemented its status as the world's premier travel destination like never before. With a stunning array of accolades from the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2026 and prestigious recognition from Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, Maldivian resorts have proven that they are not just beautiful—they are the absolute best in the world, as voted by the people who matter most: the guests.

This guide breaks down every major award won by Maldives resorts in 2026, helping you understand which properties are setting the gold standard for luxury, romance, family travel, and marine experiences.

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The Pinnacle of Travel Excellence: Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2026

The Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards are the highest accolades in the travel industry. Unlike awards decided by panels or experts, these are given by real travellers who share their experiences on the world's largest travel guidance platform. The rankings are determined by the quality and volume of verified traveler reviews collected over a 12-month period, highlighting destinations and properties that consistently deliver "above-and-beyond" experiences.

To put this in perspective: out of over 8 million listings on Tripadvisor, fewer than 1% achieve Travellers' Choice status. But the "Best of the Best" is even rarer—granted to only approximately 1,500 to 2,000 elite properties worldwide.

Maldives as a Destination

Before we dive into individual resorts, it's worth noting that the Maldives itself earned a prestigious spot in the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best awards for 2026. The island nation outperformed several major international tourism hubs, securing a higher placement than Seoul (South Korea), Abu Dhabi (UAE), and Budapest (Hungary).

In addition to its overall destination ranking, the Maldives was named the 3rd Best Honeymoon Destination globally—a testament to its continued status as a leading destination for luxury and romance.

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🏆 "Best of the Best" — The Top 1% of Hotels Worldwide

This is the highest category of the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, reserved for the elite properties that consistently captivate travellers through exceptional experiences. The following Maldivian resorts achieved this extraordinary honour in 2026:

1. Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa (The Centara Collection)

Set within the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), Machchafushi is defined by its living reef, rich marine biodiversity, and the quiet presence of its 200-year-old Banyan Tree, Ummeedhu. The resort offers an experience shaped by discovery, where overwater and beachfront living, diverse culinary journeys, and wellness come together in seamless harmony.

"Earning a place among the top percentage of listings globally is no small feat. It reflects the lasting impression made on travelers who took the time to go online and leave a glowing review."
— Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer, Tripadvisor Group

2. Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort

Located in South Ari Atoll, Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is one of the few places globally where whale sharks can be spotted throughout the year, alongside manta rays, sea turtles, and diverse coral ecosystems. The resort was ranked No. 5 in Asia and No. 21 worldwide in Tripadvisor's Best of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts category.

The resort's marine conservation programme, led by an on-site marine biologist, includes guided snorkelling experiences, educational activities, and coral conservation efforts.

"Being ranked No. 5 in Asia and No. 21 worldwide is a tremendous achievement and a direct reflection of our team's passion and dedication."
— John Allanson, GM of OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort

3. OBLU SELECT Lobigili (Adults-Only)

Guest love has placed this adults-only resort among the top 1% of hotels worldwide. Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé, OBLU SELECT Lobigili continues to earn praise for its charming nest villas, personalised service, and the unforgettable underwater dining experience at Only BLU. It is a popular escape for travellers seeking a secluded Maldivian getaway centred on romance and relaxation.

4. Canareef Resort Maldives (First-Time Winner)

In a historic milestone for the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, Canareef Resort Maldives has been awarded the "Best of the Best" for the very first time.

While Canareef previously earned the standard Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award in 2017 and consecutively from 2023 onwards, the 2026 "Best of the Best" title marks the resort's first time receiving Tripadvisor's ultimate recognition.

Unlike many Maldivian resorts that focus solely on luxury over water, Canareef offers a rare blend of barefoot elegance, vast green spaces, and a connection to local life. Its four kilometres of shoreline, a natural lagoon, and a vibrant house reef make it a favourite for both relaxation and adventure.

"Receiving Tripadvisor's Best of the Best Award for the first time is a proud milestone for Canareef. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it comes directly from our guests."
— General Manager, Canareef Resort Maldives

5. Milaidhoo Maldives

Tucked away within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo was created for those seeking a more personal and authentic Maldivian experience. With just 50 villas, surrounded by turquoise waters and flourishing coral reefs, the island offers a sense of intimacy and freedom that encourages guests to reconnect with nature.

"To be recognised among Tripadvisor's Best of the Best is an honour, but what means the most to us are the memories behind each review—the anniversaries celebrated, the friendships formed, the marine encounters discovered."
— Paul van Frank, Milaidhoo Maldives

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🏅 "Travellers' Choice Award" — The Top 10% of Hotels Worldwide

While "Best of the Best" represents the absolute pinnacle, the standard "Travellers' Choice Award" still places resorts in the top 10% of listings worldwide. The following Maldivian resorts earned this prestigious recognition in 2026:

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🌟 Beyond Tripadvisor: Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026

In addition to Tripadvisor's accolades, several Maldivian resorts were recognised in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026—among the region's most respected travel awards, voted by discerning travellers and industry experts.

Amilla Maldives

Amilla Maldives earned places in two highly competitive categories:

• Top 8 Best Resorts for Families (for three consecutive years: Top 7 in 2024, Top 2 in 2025, and Top 8 in 2026)

• Top 8 Best House Reefs in the Maldives (recognised in both 2024 and 2026)

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Amilla offers generous accommodation, personalised service, and immersive experiences for all ages.

"These awards celebrate what makes Amilla truly special: the freedom and space that families enjoy on our island, and the extraordinary natural environment that surrounds us."
— Shiman Mohamed, Resort Manager at Amilla Maldives

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

Adding to its Tripadvisor "Best of the Best" win, Machchafushi was also recognised with the "Best House Reef" award at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, reaffirming its position as one of the Maldives' most celebrated marine destinations.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Anantara Kihavah earned multiple top rankings:

• Top 3: Best Resorts in the Maldives

• Top 2: Best House Reefs

• Top 4: Most Luxurious Villas, Best Pools, Best Spas

Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Niyama Private Islands was ranked Top 3 for "The Crescent"—one of the most luxurious villas in the Maldives.

Additional Recognitions

• Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives earned triple recognition at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026

• Dusit Thani Maldives was ranked #6 for Best Resort Pools and #7 for Best Resort Spas

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Why These Awards Matter for Your Next Holiday

When you book a resort that has earned a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award or a Travel + Leisure Luxury Award, you're not just choosing a beautiful location—you're choosing a property that has been vetted by thousands of real travellers who have experienced its hospitality firsthand.

These awards reflect:

• Consistent excellence in service and facilities

• Exceptional guest experiences that people remember and recommend

• Commitment to sustainability and marine conservation

• Authentic Maldivian hospitality that goes beyond mere luxury

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The Bigger Picture: Maldives' Global Recognition

The 2026 awards follow a landmark year of international recognition. In 2025, the Maldives secured the World Travel Awards' World's Leading Destination title for the sixth consecutive year, setting a new global record.

The country and its resort portfolio also received multiple accolades from Condé Nast Traveler and prestigious MICHELIN Key recognitions, marking another milestone in the destination's luxury and experiential travel credentials.

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Plan Your Award-Winning Maldivian Escape

Whether you're seeking the ultimate romantic getaway at Milaidhoo or OBLU SELECT Lobigili, a family adventure at Amilla Maldives, an all-inclusive luxury experience at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru, or the untouched charm of Canareef Resort in Addu Atoll, these award-winning resorts represent the very best the Maldives has to offer.

The Tripadvisor community has spoken—and the message is clear: the Maldives isn't just a destination; it's the gold standard for travel excellence in 2026 and beyond.

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• Expert Maldives Hotel & Resort Reviews (2026 Edition)
• Top-Rated Maldives Resorts Recognized by 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards
• Why the Maldives is the Ultimate Luxury Getaway
• Maldives Ranked World's Most Popular Tourism Destination for 2025 by Forbes Travel Guide