In Norway, this small cottage getaway is located on its own small island in the middle of a fjord in the Hvaler area. Not only do you have the whole cottage to yourself, but you also can roam the (admittedly small) island and boat back and forth to the mainland. This place really gives new meaning to getting away!
If you've always wanted to visit the land of the hobbits, but can't afford (or sit through) the long flight to New Zealand, head to Washington state! This one-bed, one-bath "apartment" (for lack of a better term) is burrowed into the mountainside along the Columbia River Gorge. It may not be an exact replica of Bag End from The Lord of the Rings, but it's as close as you're going to get in the USA.
Take glamping ("glamorous camping") to the extreme with this mega-tent that can accommodate you and seven of your closest friends. The yurt's location 40 minutes from the Grand Canyon's South Rim offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way. And it's an eco-friendly stay that is off-the-grid and powered by solar power!
It might be in the Central Business District, but staying in this Melbourne apartment will make you feel like you're relaxing in the middle of a forest. The living room walls are papered in forest scenes, and the rattan furniture even includes a handing papasan. The bathroom has a wall of plants, and one of the bedrooms is literally covered floor to ceiling in clouds. How relaxing!
Standing on the outside of this tiny home, it looks like it would be more at home 20,000 leagues under the sea. But the bulging window offers expansive views overlooking the Sound of Mull on the western Scottish coast. The insulated aluminum pod features a steampunk design on the inside that is both visually interesting as well as cozy.
The quirky domed buildings are located at the base of the Pachatusan Mountain along the Urubamba River in southern Peru. The beautiful gardens of the property are the perfect place to recharge and enjoy nature after visiting the hustle and bustle of a large city like nearby Cusco.
Name a more Dutch experience than staying in a historic windmill while visiting the Netherlands! We'll wait. Dating back to 1874, this real windmill has three bedrooms, two toilets, and a bathroom for sleeping up to six guests. It may look rustic from the outside (and integrates many of the exposed supporting wood beams into the interior design), but this windmill has all the modern conveniences (Wi-Fi, an updated kitchen, etc.) that any guest will appreciate!
Sorry, cat lovers. This one's for the dogs. Near Idaho's border with Oregon and Washington state, this unique Airbnb is unmissable when you pull up. Not only is the house shaped like a dog (and a smaller pup nearby), but the interior decor also features tons of canine touches. There's even a dog-themed gift shop and a dog park nearby. (Yes, it's pet-friendly.)
If there's one Airbnb getaway that's perfect any time of year, it's this mega treehouse near Glacier National Park. In the summer, the lush evergreen trees of the surrounding forest snuggly embrace the retreat. In winter, snow blankets the entire area transforming it into an icy white wonderland. Tree trucks even pierce through the house near the spiral staircase and in the master suite.
If you're headed to South America, why not take in some rainforest views from the comfort of your lodging. The house is essentially a metal tunnel bookended by two glass walls that look out onto the ecological sanctuary of the property. The breathtaking views are even better in the "backyard" where guests can wade under their own private (though small) waterfall!
Each bubble pod features a private bathroom and a full-size canopy bed. But the main draw is the clear dome top that allows guests to view the nighttime stars while protected from the elements. Then, when the sun comes up, guests can marvel at the surrounding vineyards and go taste-test some wine!
After a day exploring Joshua Tree National Park, relax at this retro Airstream camper that has updated amenities (Wi-Fi, a hot tub, and kitchen area). It has a great patio/deck area surrounded by twinkle lights that's perfect for a nightcap. Or turn the lights off and enjoy the starry night views.
This apartment in Cape Town is perfectly situated to take advantage of cityscape, harbor, and mountain views from its comfortable terrace. When you've completed all your gazing and head inside, the layout and decor are reminiscent of an upscale hotel for a fraction of the price! Even though it has been featured in numerous design and architectural magazines around the world, the price is still under $150/night.
You don't have to climb all the way to the top of Mount Everest to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayan Mountains. This Indian retreat is located right on the cliffside and offers stunning views to clear your mind (in the thin air hasn't already done so). There's even a thin waterfall behind the house, and you can go apple picking from the orchard when they are in season.
The Pura Vida Cave House if the quintessential Santorini stay. It's located on the hilltop directly across from Santorini Volcano. From the rooftop terra, you can gaze down at the other snow-white buildings as they contrast against the royal blue waters of the Mediterranean filled with yachts and cruise ships. Watching sunsets in the Jacuzzi is certainly the preferred activity!
Warning: this might not be the most relaxing place to stay considering how busy the decor is, but Pennsylvania's mirrored mansion is certainly one of the most interesting! This artist's house is covered from floor to ceiling in mirrors...which makes it a little disorienting. Just don't get scared by your own reflection when getting a late-night cup of water.
Bywater is New Orlean's hippest neighborhood, and this brightly colored bungalow is the perfect place for a stay in the Big Easy. It has a great patio area out back where you can lounge for a drink before heading out to have fun in the French Quarter (which is just a few blocks away).
This historic castle is located in western France just southeast of Nantes. The five bedrooms have 8 beds and are capable of sleeping up to 10 people. If you bring all your friends, that works out to only $45 a night! Wander the stylish grounds, have a feast at the long dining table, or cuddle around one of the many cozy fireplaces at night.
This Icelandic house may deceive you with its modern simplicity, but when you wake up to views like these, you don't really need a house filled to the brim with all kinds of fancy gadgets. Akureyri is one of the most northern establishments anywhere in the world, and on clear winter nights, you can see the aurora borealis from the desk. In the summer, the sun stays out all night long.
Welcome to what could be one of the most relaxing places in the world. This square glass house is located on the cliffside of the Japanese coast. It is nestled among the trees with a few even coming up through the deck and a hammock hung between two. Relax the day away while enjoying ocean views or the gentle fall of apple blossoms when they are in season.
Have you even stayed in a volcanic lava field? We haven't either. When you wake up in the morning, you'll feel like you're on a different planet thanks to the unique location of this off-grid tiny house. The stylish home house two separate sections connected by a patio breezeway. They say lightning doesn't strike twice, but do volcano lava flows? Let's hope not!
This restored 1920s sheep wagon will have you feeling like you're on the Oregon Trail. It may not have five-star amenities, but its location quite literally in the middle of nowhere allows for outstanding views in the daytime and at night. You've probably never realized there were so many stars in the sky.
If you're a history buff or an architecture-lover, then this over-600-year-old castle is the perfect place for your next vacation. That's right. It's three times older than the United States, which means it's chock full of history. There's winding staircases, nooks and crannies to get lost in, and a...genuine bathroom chamber "throne." It's definitely an experience.
Isla Mujeres's location near Cancun, Mexico, makes it a bustling vacation hot spot (particularly during the Spring Break season). Skip the bland megaresorts and opt instead for this quirky house where you'll have your own pool. Casa Caracol (and it's adjoining in-law suite) are both shaped like shells that you might find on the beach. And this funky abode comes with an available concierge should you need help with anything.
Rub shoulders with the rich and famous by staying at this villa along the coast of Italy's Lake Como. The entire apartment is yours for only about $100 a night! With a terrace overlooking the picturesque lake, people would spend $100 just to have dinner in a spot like this! George Clooney, Madonna, Richard Branson, and Lionel Messi all have homes along the shores of Lake Como.
In southwest Texas close to Big Bend National Park, this off-the-grid adobe home will give you feelings of staying on Tattooine (Luke Skywalker's boyhood home). Powered by sun and featured on HGTV, this tiny home sits under a dark sky ordinance. So no pesky city lights will obstruct your stargazing. And even though there aren't creature comforts like a shower or A/C, it still has a 4.93 out of 5 starred rating.
The first thing to know about Hong Kong is that any kind of lodging will seem like a closet compared to American dimensions. Things are densely packed and tight here. But this 1 bedroom suite is 260 square feet. That's bigger than the fancy hotel across the street! Not to mention the incredible view literally right next to your bed! There's almost nothing else like it around the globe!
At this Greenland guesthouse, visitors can sit on the back porch and watch chunks of glacier ice float calmly by on the lake behind the Airbnb. To say it's unique would be an understatement. And similar to the Icelandic option, Ilulissat's location allows for wonderful views of the aurora borealis during the winter months.
Is there a more enchanting place than Bali? If you're going to go all the way there, you might as well stay in this jungle oasis that is situated right alongside a bustling river. The entire eco-friendly place is made out of bamboo, and a lower deck area is open to the elements with sweeping views of the lush green paradise. Plan ahead though. This place is booked up 7 months in advance.
This boutique stay in Morocco doesn't come cheap. It's about $2,300 a night. But with 10 bedrooms and enough room for over 16 guests, you can split the cost up. The architecture and decor are quintessentially Moroccan. And a lovely terrace area allows you to eat al fresco with sweeping views of the city's rooftops.
