There are holiday rentals, and then there are holiday rentals so unique, they’ll make you laugh and squeal with excitement. And, while Airbnb has come to be known as the low-key, economical way to travel, it also boasts some seriously incredible, one-of-a-kind accommodations.
So, yeah, you could stay in hotel. Or, you could stay in a glass tree house in the Tuscan forest, or a real-life Scottish castle, or even a restored windmill in Santorini. Ahead, we've scoured the site to find 30 of the coolest, quirkiest, and most all-around awesome Airbnb listings. You'll want to spend a night in each and every one, just for kicks.
3 Bedroom Riad, Marrakesh, Morocco
This listing had us skyscanning flights to Morocco straight away. Who wouldn't want to kick back and relax in a bath that size, surrounded by candles and rose petals? Morocco is a great choice for a trip at any time of the year, it's always relatively warm and feels like a proper holiday without the long-haul.
£72/night.
Myrtos Cottages, Kefalonia, Greece
Kefalonia's Myrtos Beach is up there with most stunning spots in Europe, and was in fact the backdrop to the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin. This super affordable bolthole is a hop and a skip away, so you can spend all the hours dipping into the crystal waters and topping up the tan with a good book.
£24/night
Burleigh Heads, QLD, Australia
If you're after LA vibes but the relaxation of Australia's Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads is a must visit. A favourite with locals, the streets are lined with organic food shops, fresh juices, activewear brands like Patagonia and breakfast spots to die for. The immaculate white sandy beach is a stone's throw from this apartment, which is equipped with tennis courts, spa, sauna, BBQ facilities, and an indoor pool.
£100/night
Apartment with In-Out Jacuzzi, Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece
If it's social media holiday bragging you're looking for, then this Santorini pad with views for days is the one. It's half outside, half inside jacuzzi means you'll struggle to get out and explore the island because it's just. too. good. A little more expensive at £315 a night, but does have 2 bedrooms so perfect for a cosy double date hol.
£315/night.
La Salentina, Tricase, Apulia, Italy
Crystal clear sea, check. Sunshine, check. Extreme R&R, check. Find a bit of paradise in Southern Italy right at the base of the boot's 'heel' - with beaches and culture just on the doorstep. Plus sleeping 9 at only £61 per night we're halfway through booking now. Perfect for big groups on small budgets.
£61/night.
Rocksresort, Laax Murschetg, Graubünden, Switzerland
If being surrounded by snowy picture-postcard trees and powdery snow sounds like your kinda dream, this rental has it all. Skiing can be super expensive, especially in Switzerland, but in the heart of one of the best Alpine ski destinations Laax, rocksresort has apartments sleeping 4 from just £39.50 pp/pn. This includes access to a pool, perfect to loosen up those thighs after a big day on the slopes!
£158/night.
Secluded In Town Treehouse, Atlanta, Georgia
This treehouse was recently named "Airbnb's Most Wished For Listing," and it's easy to see why. The rental is comprised of three separate rooms, all connected by rope bridges. Stepping out onto the balcony, surrounded by lush greenery, you'll quickly forget you're in the middle of a big USA city. Furnished with antiques and vintage decor, the treehouse is one of the most magical places that actually exists.
£286/night
"Cocon Douillet Dans Les Arbres" Fondettes, Centre, France
The title of this French home translates roughly to "cozy nest" — and this cocoon tent among trees is probably about as close to a nest as you can get. Although you'll feel isolated, this nest isn't as remote as it seems. Paris is only an hour away! Enjoy your solitude, and then when you've had enough, escape for a baguette.
£106/night
Bonita Domes, Joshua Tree, CA, United States
Sleep under the stars (or near enough) in this space age sleeper pod in the Joshua Tree desert. The orange dome structure is as near you can get to camping outside without actually camping outside, meaning that you should be safe from the elements as well as scorpions and insects. The earthen walls are designed to keep it cool in the summer, and warm in the winter, and the community showers and BBQ will guarantee you some social time after a day's hiking and climbing at the nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Only room for two though - so choose your guest carefully.
£67/night
Aroma(n)tica Treehouse, Monferrato, Northern Italy
Is it views you're looking for? This dreamy cabin is set on stilts above the luscious Italian countryside in the picturesque region of Monferrato. The region is famed for its wines, and this rental allows access to the wine cellar carved in the late XIXth century, with the typical "infernot", barrels and an ancient press.
£142/night
Bird Island, Stann Creek Dist, Belize
Why stay anywhere else when you could stay on a coral reef? The theme of this tiny island is Robinson Crusoe, and it's true that you'd be on an adventure (kayaks for exploring nearby islands are provided), and it's self-catered too. Don't worry though, you won't have to hunt and kill your food castaway style, the nearest village is only 20 minutes away by car. Belize is a paradise, and the colourful finish on Bird Island, right down to the hammock, makes it the perfect spot to enjoy it.
£198/night
Salobreña Villa, Salobreña, Andalusia, Spain
This deco villa had us at "all floors and bathrooms marble". And then again at "two pools". And then it really closed the deal with the "spectacular view of castle, mountains and sea". The other great thing about this Andalusian palace? You can visit in the summer to top up your tan, or in the winter for skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains, just one hour's drive away.
£196/night
Trullo of 1800 in the Itria Valley, Cisternino, Brindisi, Apúlia, Italy
Puglia is known for is Trullos - white, stone, domed cottages, usually situated on farmland and usually so tranquil all you can hear is the sound of insects buzzing. This one is beautifully finished inside (although some tastes may prefer a more rustic/ old fashioned option). Brindisi, the nearest city, boasts winding lanes, insanely good Italian food and cute churches. But for the ultimate in adorable Puglia destinations, travel up coast for a day to Polignano a Mare - you won't regret it.
£64/night
Hillside Apartment, Oia, Santorini, Greece
If you dream of nestling into the Santorini cliffside, this small but perfectly formed, typical Greek apartment ticks all the boxes. That sun terrace is just screaming for a good book and a cold beer.
£315/night.
Covered Bridge House, Nevada City, California
This unique rental (which has been featured on HGTV) rests just at the edge of the Sierra Foothills, less than a mile from the heart of Nevada City. The recently renovated one-bedroom home is made out of a converted covered bridge (hence the name), offers plenty of space, and comes complete with a private bath and patio.
£156/night
Kealakekua Bay Cottage, Captain Hook, Hawaii
Tucked away in a tropical forest, this cabin is the perfect getaway for two. It's so close to the beach, you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves. The front yard includes a private gazebo and outdoor picnic area, and the property is perfectly secluded from the surrounding village. The open structure — which features a tree limb growing right through the ceiling — is made from Balinesean teak, and the intricate woodwork only adds to the magic.
£111/night
Traditional Hanok, Seoul, South Korea
This unique rental gives you a glimpse into the past — without sacrificing any modern comforts. The hanok, a traditional Korean house, was built in 1934, but was completely renovated in 2012. The simple furnishings include bedrooms with futons, dining tables where guests sit on the ground (atop gorgeous silk pillows), and sliding glass doors that let in lots of light. It's almost like stepping back in time — until you see the high-tech thermostat and high-speed internet.
£141/night
One-Of-A-Kind Converted School Bus, Salinas, CA
Calling all fans of the Magic School Bus! If you can find this off-the-grid converted school bus (it's on a five-acre farm in Monterey Bay and, apparently, most GPS devices have a hard time finding it), it offers surprisingly comfy interiors and sweeping views of the sunrise and sunset. And though it's really just a bedroom, you'll have access to the hosts' bathroom and kitchen in their nearby house. Other perks include optional sunrise yoga and fresh eggs from the farm's chickens.
£47/night
Malibu Dream Airstream, Malibu, CA
The Airbnb listing says, "There really is no other airstream like this one" — and that's not just because Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss shot their Vogue cover there. It's been renovated into a one-room interior with glass walls and stunning views of the California coast. It's a bit of a rough drive up the hill, but once you're there, you're on your own (except for the deer and coyotes that sometimes drop by in the morning). And if you think the daytime views are stunning, just wait until night falls and the stars come out.
£314/night.
The Fisherman's Cave House, Santorini, Greece
Your Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants dreams are one step closer to coming true. Up to five guests can enjoy this lovingly restored traditional classic "cave house," which is literally carved into a cliff above the seaside town of Oia. It's a five minute walk to restaurants and bars, but you may not want to leave — why venture out when you have your very own Jacuzzi and these views?
£211/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Overwater Bungalow, Sepang, Malaysia
Overwater bungalows are pretty much the beach-lover's dream vacation — but with notoriously high prices, actually staying in one is probably a fantasy. Until now. For under £150 a night, you can enjoy the overwater experience in a resort setting with this private rental at the Golden Palm Tree Resort & Spa. In addition to direct access to the azure waters, you'll also be able to utilise the hotel's spa, fitness centre, and restaurants.
£145/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Mushroom Dome Cabin, Aptos, California
This quaint geodesic dome house is conveniently located in Monterey, a short drive from town and the beach — but you'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. The eco-friendly construction includes a composting toilet, which may take some getting used to, but there's a full kitchen, which comes pre-stocked with snacks, and a sleeping loft with a Casper mattress. The owners also welcome guests to enjoy their farm (with baby goats!), as well as the hummingbirds that flock to the many feeders around the property in the summer.
£84/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Tree Sparrow House, Cornwall, England
If you don't mind close quarters, it doesn't get much cozier than this tree house, perched on the southern tip of England. Built around an ash tree, the little house contains a small kitchen and dining area and snug sleeping loft for two. The magical feeling of the home extends to the craggy cliffs and coastline of Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula, only a 10-minute walk away.
£100/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Schwartz House, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
There are several Frank Lloyd Wright houses open to the public for tours, but actually staying in one is more of a rarity. When you book this stunning home, which appeared in Life Magazine in 1938, you can experience the architect's designs as he intended — as a place to live. If that's not enough of a draw, guests can also enjoy the peaceful nearby marsh and the small-town charms of Two Rivers.
£309/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Amboise Troglodyte, Nazelles-Négron, France
Charming and rustic, this perfectly French abode — near the one-time home of Leonardo da Vinci — will transport you to another time with its cave-like structure, period furniture, and open-plan bathroom.
£59/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
If you’re climbing the walls in a shoebox apartment with little to no natural light, you're in luck — because this Atlanta loft has plenty to spare. The ultra-modern space is essentially a glass box in the sky (complete with a queen-size bed, A/C, and an espresso machine), so you can sleep easy, and wake to the Georgia sunrise.
£176/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Bamboo Eco Cottage, Bali, Indonesia
Be kind to the planet as you lap up holiday luxury in this impressive eco-cottage, which slays in style and sustainability. Take a leisurely snooze in a curtain-enclosed bed fit for royalty, and savour your Indonesian coffee each morning on your private patio, as you gaze out over the rice fields.
£47/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Houseboat, Copenhagen, Denmark
Why merely admire Denmark’s beautiful waterfront when you can sleep on it? This renovated houseboat lets you get up-close and personal with the sea from the comfort of a luxurious (and dry!) abode. And, you can jump directly into the water outside for a summer swim.
£121/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Bubble Under The Stars, Limousin, France
Why stay in a hotel when you can stay in a transparent, tent-like bubble under the stars, in a real bed? Surrounded by fields and forests, and with unobstructed views of the sky, this out-of-the-norm retreat promises peace and quiet, and good god, think of the romantic possibilities!
£118/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
This tropical two-story eco-unit is tucked into a tree canopy in Nicaragua, and comes with its own infinity plunge pool and stunning views of the Pacific (and plenty of wildlife). Oh, and it’s only a five-minute drive to three of the area's most pristine beaches. Surely, it’s too good to be true.
£134/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Container Home, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
A wooden box never looked so appealing. This cozy spot in Palma de Mallorca might be small, but it has everything you need — not just fresh sheets, high-speed Internet, and cooking facilities, but a pool and barbecue, too. Two free bikes are also provided, so getting around town is a cinch.
£110/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Sharp, slick, and blissfully isolated, this spiky two-bedroom rental offers the ultimate escape from urban life. The only thing you'll find around here is an outdoor hot tub surrounded by wild blueberries, trees, and crowberries.
£159/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Cube House, Rotterdam, Netherlands
For fans of the Rubik’s cube, this crazy, sunshine yellow house in the centre of Rotterdam awaits. The kooky space is spread over three floors and accommodates four, with a cozy box room at the top that offers epic 360-degree views. Amsterdam is less than an hour away by train.
£106/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Live out your Downton Abbey dreams in this stunning, restored 12th-century Scottish castle, which can be your home for the weekend. Bring 12 friends and have cocktails in the Great Hall or the Gallery before exploring the property's herb garden, orchard, and six acres of woodlands.
£500/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Hide from real life in this sublime retreat tucked into the Moganshan mountainside near Hangzhou, China. The 150-year-old former farmhouse is now a three-bedroom, four-bath villa with naturalistic structures and modern furnishings. There’s Wi-Fi, huge TVs, and even a baby grand piano. Outside, a wood-burning pizza oven and large hot tub are calling your name.
£603/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
You want quirky, you got quirky. This bizzaro, beagle-shaped inn in Cottonwood, Idaho, is worth visiting for the LOLs alone. There are lots of outdoor activities (horseback riding, jet-boat tours, etc.) nearby, and the owners are happy to provide recommendations to guests. Naturally, dogs are welcome to stay, too.
£71/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Geodesic Dome, Andalusia, Spain
Set on the grounds of a larger guesthouse, this igloo-like white pod contains a beautiful, colourful interior. Here, guests get comfort, privacy, and quirk, plus their own dining table in the sun and access to additional facilities in the main guesthouse — it's a win all around.
£25/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Gingerbread House, Maui, Hawaii
Headed to Maui? How about crashing in this gorgeous garden cottage, where Jimi Hendrix reportedly stayed during his travels in the '70s? It’s set on 4.5 acres of land and has a vegetable farm, fruit trees, and a stream. Mahalo!
£119/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Glass Treehouse, Tuscany, Italy
A far cry from the treehouses you used to play in as a kid, this impressive glass structure right outside Florence offers undisturbed views of the Tuscan landscape from the comfort of your queen-size bed. There's also a small kitchenette, en suite bathroom, and a private outdoor terrace.
£196/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Moderne Apartment, Akureyri, Iceland
Yikes, we think we may have found the most beautiful property on the whole of Airbnb. Rural, natural, and architecturally stunning — what more could you want?
£78/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Off-Grid House, Pioneertown, California
Cool off in the California desert at this stunning off-grid house, powered exclusively by solar panels. Set on a serene, private piece of land, it's ideal for some serious R&R — and 360-degree views of the desert.
£275/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Seashell House, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
If you're looking for accommodations that are particularly unusual (not to mention photo-worthy), Seashell House is a whitewashed, curvilinear villa in Isla Mujeres, Mexico — and it's looks just like, well, an actual seashell. Take the round staircase up to the master bedroom, which boasts stunning views of the Caribbean sea.
£245/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Glean some serious interior decorating tips from this wonderfully simple, perfectly contemporary Ginza apartment, which fuses traditional Japanese and Scandinavian design elements to magical effect.
£214/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Train Carriage, Pokolbin, Australia
For those of you who struggle to stay awake on your commute home at night, meet the train carriage you're actually supposed to sleep in. Set in the middle of vineyard country in New South Wales, the compact carriage offers beautiful scenic views, all the standard comforts, and luxurious spa bathing facilities. Not bad.
£81/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Villa San Gennariello, Campania, Italy
Feel oh-so-fancy in this swanky B&B villa, which has three beds and baths, a rooftop solarium, and all sorts of antique furnishings. Just be advised that the rooms are treated as separate bookings, so if you want to occupy the whole place, you'll need three individual reservations.
£47/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Magic Windmill, Lisbon, Portugal
Though it looks like something that’s been erected for a music festival, this cutie is actually a very permanent windmill near Lisbon, which sleeps two and offers stunning 360-degree views of the Portuguese countryside. Inside, bold, contemporary furnishings contrast with the old-worldy architecture, though it’s the outside that’s begging to be Instagrammed.
£47/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Hong Kong accommodations tend to be insanely expensive, but we’ve found a solution that’s authentic and affordable. Stay in the heart of the harbour on this beautiful Chinese teak wood boat, and experience life in Hong Kong without the eye-popping price tag.
£64/night
Mongolian Yurt, Lower Saxony, Germany
The formula is simple: Stay in a yurt, Instagram a lot. This is the most glamorous glamping site of all — full of character, colour, and panache, it's wonderfully inviting with its felt and linen furnishings. Outside, it’s all apple trees and plum trees, with cooking facilities in the welcoming host’s house.
£55/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
St Pancras Clock Tower Guest Suite, London, England
Very few people can say they've slept in a clock tower — let alone one in the middle of London. Provided you don't mind sharing common areas with the host, book this comfortably modernised tower (originally built in 1868) and enjoy the Gothic revival architecture, along with your bird's-eye view of the bustling streets below. The location is excellent; the tower is situated above St Pancras King's Cross, one of the city's major rail and tube stations.
£150/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Tile House, Twentynine Palms, California
The owner of the Tile House has been working on his masterpiece for 11 years. Mosaic, tile, fused glass, and homemade ceramics cover the building inside and out. The location is ideal for a quiet getaway, just seven miles outside of Joshua Tree, and with 360 degree desert views. It sleeps four comfortably, but this whimsical retreat is especially perfect for a romantic getaway.
£137/night
All Solar Palapa, Los Cabos, Mexico
As the listing for this unique seaside hut explains, you'll be bunked up 900 miles south of the border, 12 miles from the nearest town, and 100 steps from the ocean in Baja, Mexico. The palapa has no real walls or doors, meaning you'll wake up to the sights and sounds of the beach every morning. While there's not much more than two beds inside, the hosts' home is yards away, and you'll have access to their bathroom and kitchen. Oh, and their cat might stop by to visit, too.
£39/night
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