The Happiest Countries for 2021

Sunny days, playing with puppies, blasting “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys—there are some things you can consistently rely on to boost the mood. That goes for countries too, apparently. Every year, the United Nations releases its World Happiness Report quantifying quality of life with data related to social support, generosity, corruption, freedom, life expectancy, GDP levels and, for 2021, response to the pandemic. Suffice to say, if we can’t pack up and move to these happiest countries then we’ll gladly visit them, and one of their cheery hotels, to soak up the positive vibes when it’s possible.

10. Austria

Austria puts itself in the top 10 with its favorable per capita GDP and life expectancy—having a parcel of the Alps, the capital of classical music and a plethora of palaces and castles doesn’t hurt either. In fact, when contemplating Austrian happiness we picture Julie Andrews frolicking through a mountain meadow in The Sound of Music. In the same region and sitting pretty lakeside, Schloss Fuschl, A Luxury Collection Resort & SPA, gives guests a slice of that particularly idyllic country life.

9. New Zealand

While it doesn’t help anyone’s happiness to be envious, much of the rest of the world felt just that watching New Zealand handle 2020 better than most—we’re waiting on Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to be cloned. Also a contributing factor is the country’s embarrassing abundance of natural beauty, and Huka Lodge, right on Taupo’s Waikato River, has some right on its doorstep. A little over an hour’s drive away is The Lord of the Rings’ Hobbiton set and who wouldn’t feel happy there?

8. Luxembourg

You don’t have to be big to knock Canada off the list. This small European country’s little more than half-million citizens enjoy healthy salaries, great healthcare and five weeks of paid vacation. In the capital city, which is known for its clifftop old town, Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal puts the proverbial luxe in Luxembourg with mod, colorful décor to contrast the surrounding medieval structures.

7. Sweden

Holding onto seventh spot again this year, Sweden is lauded for its 16-month paid parental leave and free daycare. Providing both water views and access to all downtown Stockholm’s best culture, Hotel Diplomat is bursting with mood boosters, from the bright, airy rooms to their Retreat which features a sauna and hammam.

6. Norway

After reaching top spot in 2017, Norway has been dropping, but it’s still sitting pretty in sixth place thanks to its strong economy, welfare system and management of natural resources. In Bergen, the country’s second-largest city known as “the heart of the fjords,” Opus XVI has an inspiring musical legacy: it’s run by descendants of Norwegian-born composer Edvard Grieg. Delightfully, just like a musical composition, no two rooms here are exactly the same.

5. Netherlands

Steady as she goes is the story for the Netherlands. The country’s happiness level has remained much the same for the last 15 years. While it’s more than tulips and whimsical windmills, surely, their reliable beauty contributes. Close to the ever-inspiring Rijksmueseum in Amsterdam, the Conservatorium Hotel has lofty ceilings and glass walls—and more space has been proven to aid creativity.

4. Iceland

In Iceland, not only do residents feel they can rely on one another, they also have a whole lot of otherworldly beauty within reach to raise their spirits, including the Blue Lagoon, Diamond Beach and newly erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano—lucky them. In a building that was once a furniture factory, Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre has channeled the capital’s cheerful creative energy into its rooms.

3. Switzerland

Rising three spots this year, Switzerland keeps its people happy with a highly involved democracy. Pretty much everything is voted on here, from vacation days to human rights issues. Having the Swiss Alps to escape to certainly helps too. With access to Arosa-Lenzerheide’s 225 kilometers of ski slopes, Arosa Kulm Hotel and Alpin Spa combines the joys of ski-in, ski-out lodgings with a sweet spa setup to curb any aches and pains.

2. Denmark

Holding onto the number two spot, Denmark rates high in all the categories. Unscientific factors in its favor: it’s the birthplace of LEGO and bike friendly. In Copenhagen, stylish Hotel Sanders is close to castles, art galleries and Nyhavn—the lively and colorful canal-front entertainment district that was once home to Hans Christian Andersen.

1. Finland

Good luck taking Finland down—the fifth and final Nordic country on the list claimed top spot for the fourth year in a row. One reason is its education system, which is considered one of the best in the world. In Helsinki, well positioned across from Old Church Park, Hotel St. George is a happy blend of history—it’s in a circa 1890 building by architect Onni Tarjanne—with refreshingly modern interiors.