
Airbnb recently revealed a list of their top 10 properties across the globe, making for a particularly interesting skim through. For a model that revolutionised travel and so much more for wanderers of the world, the company has earned its millions off other people’s homes and sensibilities and it’s fascinating to note how much it has evolved simply from a cheaper, more homely option for stay, to an actual vacation destination itself.
While four out of ten of these are in the USA, the remaining six span the globe right from Rome to Bali; ranging from a tree-house in Italy, to a seashell-inspired home in Mexico, and a completely off-the-grid property in California.
These properties are Airbnb’s most in-demand listings on the planet and judging by the entries below, it seems that travellers are more interested than ever in staying in highly personalised spaces as opposed to cookie-cutter hotel rooms.
Atlanta, GA, USA
Even a cursory glance at the photo below would make you think this property is somewhere in the middle of a forest. But that’s far from the truth. In actuality, Secluded InTown Treehouse is in the heart of intown (a term very frequently used in metro Atlanta to designate an area containing parts of the City of Atlanta and bordering communities) Atlanta. It was recently voted the #1 Airbnb property in the world. The one-bedroom tree house sleeps two people and must be rented out in entirety. With organic linens, antique furniture, vintage décor and a gorgeous deck that wraps around a 15-year-old pine tree, this property is more of a lover’s rendezvous than a family space. And the owners acknowledge that—children under 16 are not permitted.
What it costs: A stay here will set you back Rs. 24,411 per night or Rs. 1,39,490 per week.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
This two-bedroom house at Isla Mujeres in Mexico sleeps four people and is located on a cliff. The beautiful white-washed seashell-shaped home is a perfect getaway and it only helps that beautiful Isla Mujeres is only 7 km long and 660 m wide. White and blue are the prominent colours running throughout the house, with little splashes of colour thrown in here and there, such as canary yellow cushions and plenty of indoor plants. There’s also free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, but why anyone would want to spend any time indoors at The Seashell House is beyond us.
What it costs: Rs. 17,376 per night
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
TREEhouse/casaBARTHEL is a one-bedroom hideaway tucked away in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, an hour’s drive from Sienna. It comes with a swimming pool, a tennis court, and even its own kitchen garden and olive trees. Though charmingly rustic, it’s equipped with modern facilities to ensure a stay here is comfortable.
What it costs: Rs. 19,567 per night
Mayne Island, BC, Canada
Unique Cob Cottage is a cute little one-bedroom getaway in British Columbia that’s made entirely out of sustainable material and located on an estate that’s populated by herds of sheep and surrounded by orchards. A ten-minute walk in one direction will bring you to a quiet beach, while a twenty-minute walk in the other leads to organic grocery stores, a deli, galleries, a bookstore and even a spa.
What it costs: Rs. 7,069 per night
San Salvatore, Monferrato, Alessandria Italy
Aroma(n)tica Treehouse is a one-bedroom treehouse overlooking a wide expanse of Italian countryside. It’s surrounded by fragrant linden trees, and has its own solarium and swimming pool. The Monferrato region that it’s located in is world famous for its wines such as Barbera, Freisa, Grignolino and Cortese. The tree house is an hour’s drive from Turin, Milan and Genoa so you’re not too far from city life should you need something.
What it costs: Rs. 11,011 per night
Aptos, California, USA
Mushroom Dome Cabin is as basic and rustic as it gets. It’s a tiny little hut located deep in California’s redwood forests and is perfect if you want to get away from everyone and everything. Though the cabin itself doesn’t occupy much land, the property is spread out over 10 acres, which means that there are plenty of hiking trails to explore.
What it costs: Rs. 7,715 per night
Topanga Canyon, California, USA
The one-bedroom Pirates of the Caribbean Getaway is a tropical-themed hillside retreat and is particularly strict when it comes to its rules: no pets, no kids and only two adults at a time. The house is a 15-minute drive from Santa Monica and 30 minutes from LAX. This is definitely a romantic retreat, and if you don’t believe us, let the outdoor bathtub, firepit and tropical gardens do the talking.
What it costs: Rs. 6,663 per night
VIII. Balian Treehouse
Bali, Indonesia
Bali’s Balian Treehouse is a cute little house that’s only three minutes from the closest beach. With two large verandas with daybeds, beautiful traditional interiors and its own tiny turquoise pool, it’s the kind of place you want to check-in to for a week. Plenty of thought has gone into its design and décor too, with the hosts using local materials found in nature, such as driftwood.
What it costs: Rs. 5,400 per night
IX. Mini Loft
Rome, Italy
Rome is notoriously expensive and for most people hotels are out of the question. Which is why this little one-bedroom apartment in the city’s historic San John area is such a gem. To start with, the subway is only a minute away on foot—a dream for every traveller. Moreover, the area has a smattering of pizzerias, restaurants, pubs, bars and boutiques. Though the apartment has only one bedroom, there are provisions in place to sleep four people, so maybe this is a trip for friends.
What it costs: Rs. 2,952 per night
Pioneertown, CA, USA
This home is located in the rugged Californian desert and as the name suggests is fully off the grid. The modern two-bedroom home sleeps four people and is powered entirely by solar panels on the roof. Though it’s incredibly modern, there are two new age amenities missing, Wi-Fi and TV, as the owners believe in living simply and minimally. Nearby attractions include Joshua Tree National Park, museums and art venues.
What it costs: Rs. 26,709 per night