Best Airbnb Properties Around the Globe
Renting an Airbnb is one of my favourite ways to travel. I much prefer staying in a place nestled in a neighbourhood than being a tourist in a hotel. It’s a great way to get a local’s perspective while being in a charming abode with some serious design goals!
So, I reached out to my fellow travel bloggers and asked them to share the best Airbnb properties they’ve stayed in. Together, there are four continents, eight countries and 14 Airbnb properties represented. Let’s check out their recommendations for the most unique or highly styled or dreamiest stays.
North America
La Conception, Québec, Canada
Recommended by Me
Are you looking for the perfect escape? Somewhere deep in nature – a place that is so peaceful and tranquil? Well, I’ve found it! Escape to hinterhouse, a Scandinavian designed cabin deep in the woods of the Laurentians, in the province of Québec.
The modern hinterhouse sits up high quietly behind the treetops. It features all the benefits of modern design while connecting with the simplicity of its natural surroundings. Talk about design goals. You will be in awe of the architecture and in love with the interior design. There is even a separate sauna just steps from the cabin deeper in the woods.
The popular holiday destination, Mont Tremblant, offers a plethora of four-season outdoor activities is only a short 15-minute drive away.
I can’t think of a better place, in any season, that I would rather be.
Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada
Recommended by Emma of Forever Lost in Travel
Looking for a winter cabin getaway? I’ve found the perfect place. It’s in a remote area of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, but still easily accessible from Vancouver. The plan was to go for long walks, read books, cozy up to a wood burning fireplace and grill some delicious food. But as a travel blogger, I have to say that the best thing about The Crowe’s Nest is the travel themed décor. Artwork on the walls features vintage travel posters and international advertisements, a giant globe, and a cozy reading nook filled with travel themed pillows overlooks the wooded lot. I spent most of the weekend curled up with a book while my boyfriend got to chop firewood and stoke the wood burning stove inside the cabin.
This relaxing getaway with its amazing lake views and nearby hiking trails was everything we could have ever wanted. If you ever visit Vancouver I urge you to get out of the city for a couple of days to a rustic retreat around one of the coastal areas.
Boise, Idaho, USA
Recommended by Kay of The Awkward Traveller
Idaho, USA is a state known for one thing. Potatoes. What better way to really connect with the state than staying in Idaho’s very own Potato Hotel. Just outside of Boise, the Potato Hotel is exactly what it seems to be. A giant potato. You will see it on the horizon as you approach, a large brown lump jutting out of the ground, with a small parking area and a gate around the property.
Inside, the space is bright and inviting, even without any windows. The décor is modern, with touches of luxury like a memory foam mattress and welcoming duvets. To add onto the luxury, the separate bathroom is located in a renovated silo, complete with a walk-in shower and an extra deep soaking tub, complete with an electric fireplace and a range of bath salts.
Your only neighbour at the potato is a lovable young Jersey cow named Dolly, who loves human company. Even if you aren’t staying at the potato, one of the best things to do in Boise is to go see Dolly at the farm!
When the sun goes down and the stars light up the sky, you will have uninterrupted views of the Milky Way galaxy, and all you have to do is step outside and look up. The whimsical fantasy of living in a giant potato is the draw, but the thoughtful touches, relaxing atmosphere, and exquisite décor keep you coming back for more.
Davenport, Florida, USA
Recommended by Chris of Tourists with Tots
Attention Star Wars Fans! Are you looking to be transported to a galaxy far, far away? Look no further than Twelve Parsecs. Step foot into another dimension when you arrive at this unassuming 9 bedroom, 5 bathroom Florida vacation rental property. Located within minutes of Walt Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge in Florida, this home is a Star Wars fan’s dream come true. Every bedroom is decorated with a scene or planets directly from a Star Wars movie.
The intricate details of the bedding provides the illusion of sleeping with Yoda in the swamps of Dagabah. Or floating in the Cloud City with Hans Solo, or freezing in the northern tundra on the Planet of Hoth. The décor as well as the small touches of this home is something Disney imagineers could only strive to duplicate! From pillows on the couches to the galactic chandeliers, anywhere you look is adorned with a Star Wars motive.
Make waffles in the Star Wars themed waffle makers, take a dip in the private pool, or play pool in the air-conditioned garage. There is something for everyone!
Key West, Florida, USA
Recommended by Lori of Travelinmad
South America
Mal Pais, Costa Rica
Recommended by Lauren of My Fab Fifties Life
The beautiful country of Costa Rica offers a wide variety of both experiences and accommodations from mountaintops to seaside. But if you are looking for secluded, rustically beautiful, beachfront lodgings, with the greatest sunsets of all time, here it is.
We were lucky enough to spend two weeks in the teeny village of Mal Pais on the Nicoya Peninsula on the southwest coast of Costa Rica at Casa Celeste. This comfortable villa includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and living room. Plus, it offers a spectacular patio area and a lawn reaching down to the beach. The unique beach has a collection of pools formed by volcanic flow and you can soak all day in natures hot tub.
Jungle life abounds at Casa Celeste and laying in the hammock watching the Howler monkeys overhead is a favourite pastime. Each evening, gin and tonic in hand, we marveled at the most stunning sunsets we have seen anywhere in our world travels.
Europe
Ruhpolding, Germany
Recommended by Me
Are you looking to stay in a traditional alpine chalet with majestic views of the Alps? Well, I found the perfect place. Situated in the valley of the German Alps is the picturesque village of Ruhpolding. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to this area for the amazing hiking, biking and skiing. Even for the less adventuresome travellers there is so much to see and do making this the ideal location to explore the nearby Berchtesgaden National Park, Lake Chiemsee and Salzburg in Austria.
You will receive a warm German welcome (‘Grüss Gott’) when you arrive. The family occupies the main floor of the large chalet and the upper level is split into two spacious apartments. The hosts provide complete privacy during your stay. Don’t be surprised when they leave you special treats at your doorstep. We were treated to fresh farm eggs, home made bread, and chocolates.
The interior features traditional alpine elements mixed with contemporary furnishings. The white pine wooden walls and exposed beams with sloped ceilings and skylights. Unterberg offers travellers a open living and kitchen space that leads you to a large terrace. The best part is the incredible west facing views of the valley and Chiemgau Alps. It was the perfect way to end a busy day of sightseeing by simply watching the sun slowly dip behind the Alps. Magical! The comfy queen-sized bed and lush down-feathered duvet provides for the best night’s sleep. You will wake feeling refreshed and rejuvenated – ready to take on another busy day in beautiful Bavaria.
Tinos, Greece
Recommended by Emma of Aegean Dream Bnb
Picture this: that magical clarity of the Aegean, the briny smell of the sea wafting through billowing muslin and the cooling effect of marble underfoot – this is Tinos, Aegean Dream BnB style.
Once under-the-radar, Cycladic island Tinos recently found favour with the foodie set thanks to the amazing cultural & food festival Tinos Food Paths. Add to this a resurgence in boutique winemaking with a particularly artful approach to farm-to-table dining, creative young expats are returning to the villages of their ancestors bringing their international palettes and training with them. So much more than beaches, skip the ‘hopping’ part of your Greek island holiday, chill out in Tinos and discover why it’s favoured by cosmopolitan Europeans for the summer.
Perched just above a lovely old sea port this laidback luxe beach house gives a nod to its vintage Cycladic roots, with a lovely flowing layout and chilled vibe. The calming colour palette is full of natural textures inspired by our nomadic travels and Antipodean heritage. As travellers ourselves, we were inspired to create a beach pad that felt immediately relaxing and connected the guest to amazing views surrounding the property. Unobstructed sea views to the front, mountain views to the back, we built dining spaces both inside and out to really maximize that indoor/outdoor lifestyle that really defines being on ‘vacation’.
Architecturally, we were particularly inspired by the design vernacular of the ancient Venetian dovecotes on the island and recognised elements from the Bauhaus and Japanese arts & crafts movements. From the handmade tiles in the bathroom, to the shibori fabric of the seat cushions, the hand sculpted cement beds & sofa frames – we wanted to create a zen like atmosphere inspired by those shapes.
Vintage pieces mixed with local artisan’s work honour the artistic notions of this historically ‘hand-made’ island but most importantly, dreamy beds ensure your island holiday will restore the spirit and recharge the soul before heading home, suntanned and relaxed.
Poggibonsi, Tuscany, Italy
Recommended by Riana of Teaspoon of Adventure
The most incredible Airbnb I have ever stayed in was Le Bimbette Casa Vacanze in Poggibonsi, a small town in the Tuscany region of Italy. Not only is this Airbnb stunning, but it’s perfectly located and affordable too! It’s the dream Tuscan villa!
While there, our routine consisted of leisurely mornings, heading to a nearby town for lunch and exploring in the afternoon, and then back to the property for a family dinner made of the fresh ingredients we picked up in town. Dolce vita!
But let’s get to the property! The first thing you’ll notice about this Airbnb is the incredible view. From the ginormous patio, it literally looks like you’re staring out at a painting of rolling vineyards, castles and towns. Some of those vineyards belong to the property, so you’ll also have your pick of fresh figs, lemons, grapes and herbs.
If you can tear yourself away from the view, head inside to be wowed even further. The property has three bedrooms with six beds, as well as a separate living room with a fold-out couch. The house is the perfect mix of traditional and modern. On the traditional side there is a stone floor, wooden beams, domed archways and a fireplace in the kitchen. But on the modern side, the house also has strong WiFi, air conditioning in every room, and updated bathrooms.
And the cherry on top? The hosts prepared a basket of fresh ingredients so we could make our own Italian pasta on our first night!
Ballintium, Scotland
Recommended by Jamie of Travel Addict
Asia
Canggu, Bali
Recommended by Lucile of Lucile HR
Taking a trip to Bali can be a very relaxing experience, with all the surfing and yoga opportunities the island offers. Having the right place to stay can totally make your stay an unforgettable one. This Airbnb in Canggu is a very cute traditional wooden house built in the traditional Javanese style. It is located in a family compound with an attached temple and garden and makes for a dreamy stay. Within walking distance are a few of Canggu’s best spots like Crates Café, Motion, or Deus. Or, you can rent a motorbike and then everything is a quick ride away.
This property is a good mix of tradition with modern. All the furniture is made in natural materials, but you’ll still get a very comfy bed, a small kitchen, hot water and free drinking water, which is important in Bali. It even has AC, which you will be so thankful for! When staying in this Airbnb you can’t not relax on the front porch. The view to the gardens and beyond is very enjoyable and will make for a peaceful stay.
Sudaji, Bali
Recommended by (Cover Photo courtesy of) Cazzy of Dream Big, Travel Far
If you seek a serene paradise nestled amongst the rice fields of Bali, then look no further than Sunset Sala. Located in North Bali, on the outskirts of the quaint, tourist-free village of Sudaji, Sunset Sala is an Airbnb that will leave you feeling in awe. If you’re in search of tranquility in a dreamy natural place, then this is the spot for you. Perfect for solo travelers wanting to reconnect with nature, and couples seeking a romantic getaway.
This unique property is shaped in an octagon style and contains a beautifully decorated room with a bamboo style bathroom which all opens out onto breathtaking mountain views and a valley of beautiful rice fields. Experience an epic sunset here whilst dining on authentic Balinese food as prepared by your hosts and embrace the beauty that surrounds you. This property has everything you need for a brilliant stay including, epic views, a wonderful queen size bed, towels, plug sockets, and Wi-Fi, all whilst retaining a natural paradise vibe. This Airbnb is perfectly located if you also want to explore the beautiful waterfalls of North Bali including Aling Aling, Git Git, and Sekumpul waterfall. The only regret you will have staying here is that you didn’t book to stay for longer.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Recommended by Anda of Travel for a while
One of the best Airbnbs I’ve stayed in was in Tel Aviv. The apartment is in a quiet residential area. It is within walking distance to all the top attractions in Tel Aviv. Including Rothschild Boulevard and Frischman Street – two streets that lead you directly to the sea. Our days were spent at the beach, strolling the Ha’Carmel market for lunch, walking the trendy Rothschild Boulevard, and other sites. But loved to return to this comfortable, yet stylish apartment to relax. My favourite area to relax in the evening with a glass of wine was on the terrace.
As a holidaymaker…
Travel planning is often centered around the destination we seek to explore. But, often times its the places we stay that become the real star. They offer that feeling of home, even when we are miles away. Its those amazing places that linger in our memories long after we have arrived home.
Hopefully one of these Airbnb properties have inspired your future travel plans.
26 Comments
RunawayBrit
Oh my goodness, I LOVE that potato hotel! It would be so fun to stay there. I have used Airbnb a few times and found some really lovely apartments, but it would be really great to find a themed one like the Star Wars room. What’s the best Airbnb you’ve ever stayed at?
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your comment. I’m so glad you like the themed Airbnb properties included in the post. They might be fun to try. I included a couple of my favourites, one from Canada called hinterhouse and another from Germany. I’ve stayed at so many, so it is really hard to pick a favourite.
Sue
I love an Airbnb stay & some of these look amazing! I can’t wait to get travelling again & will keep this for when I’m heading to any of these locations. Great post!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Sue for your comment and glad it inspired some future travel planning when it’s safe to do so.
Delphine Mignon
I love using Airbnb when I travel, it’s such a nice way to get quality accommodation and meet the locals. And the revenue goes directly to the locals as opposed to large hotel chains… The potato hotel in Boise, Idaho looks quirky and interesting. I love it that you have some cool, quirky places in your list.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Delphine. So glad you like the potatoe hotel, it is unique, but also has a dreamy interior.
Brooklyn
Airbnb is great for feeling more like a local when traveling. I much prefer local stays to hotel stays. Great variation of properties in this list!
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks Brooklyn for your comment and glad to hear you like the variety.
Riana Ang-Canning
I love this list so much (and thanks again for including my contribution!). Building up my big travel bucket list! The Sechelt one has my eye for sure as that’s somewhere I could actually visit during lockdown.
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks Riana for your contribution, I loved you sharing that Tuscany gem you stayed in.
Gus Feliciano
I love a good AirBnB but wow that Mitchell, Oregon location looks just amazing!
Definitely favorting that one for next time I am up North!
The.Holidaymaker
I completely agree! The Tower House looks incredible. Thanks for your comment Gus.
Emma
So many great places. I really want to visit Bali and seeing these accommodation options makes me want to go even more. But if I’m honest, I’m most intrigued by the potato hotel. So unique although it looks more like a cave
The.Holidaymaker
I know, there are so many places that I would love to stay in on this list.
Umiko
I prefer staying at Airbnbs, too, rather then seeing other tourists in the corridor or sitting with them in the breakfast room. The Potato Hotel in Boise Idaho is unique and with milky way await you outside at night, who don’t want to stay there, right? I would also like to stay at the Bridge House in Scotland. It’s different.
The.Holidaymaker
I agree, what a unique experience that would be to stay there! Thanks for your comment.
Candy
These are all such interesting places to stay. I saw Idaho and immediately thought of “Idaho Spuds!” I’ve never stayed someplace that didn’t have any windows, but if there is plenty of light inside that shouldn’t bother me at all. And a young Jersey cow as a neighbor? How fun is that!
The.Holidaymaker
How can you not think of Idaho Spuds?! It would be fun to stay there wouldn’t it?
Alice L. Ford
These are some of my favorite lists. I would so stay in that Idaho Potato and naturally have potato chips in bed. The listings in Bali look out of this world too. So many great ideas here.
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks for dropping by Alice and commenting. I’m so pleased to hear that you loved the list, and it inspired future travels.
Maggie
These are some truly amazing places!! I don’t know how I feel about that potato hotel, but I’d LOVE to stay in the bridge house in Scotland, or the German alpine chalet!
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks for stopping by Maggie. The Alpine chalet was amazing. Great location, amazing hosts and beautiful views.
Chirasree Banerjee
I am yet to stay at an Airbnb. This list gives a severe dose of wanderlust. Thanks for sharing.
The.Holidaymaker
Hopefully one day you might try it, and if you do this is a great list to start with.
Eric Gamble
Wow, so many cool Airbnbs around the globe. I love the Keyes Mtn. Tower House you found in Oregon but I think Darcee, my wife would lose her mind if we stayed in the Bridge house in Scotland! That place looks so cool like a castle! I personally want to also stay in the big potato in Idaho! How fun and cheeky is that place!
The.Holidaymaker
Glad to hear there are so many options that picque your interest.