Airbnb isn’t just about scoring luxury villas on the cheap, as it also offers a wealth of unique rentals where you’d otherwise never have access to. Skip the boring hotel room and stay in one of these unusual spaces, because saying you slept in a medieval keep or a windmill is a much more exciting story. From a remote treehouse to a seashell-shaped abode and an actual plane, here are some of the most unique Airbnbs around the world.
Secluded Treehouse - Atlanta, Georgia
Nestled amongst the trees and just minutes from downtown Atlanta, this treehouse provides an intimate ambiance where you can fall asleep to the sound of nature. Individual treehouses are separated by rope bridges and feature beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and wheels so you can roll them outside onto a platform.
Rental of the Medieval Keep - La Flocelliere, France
Perfect for history enthusiasts, feel like royalty with an overnight stay in this five-bedroom Flocelliere castle that dates back to the 11th century. You and nine guests can say you’ve stayed in a real medieval tower, where you can dine in the medieval dining room and sit by the fireplace or wander around the colorful garden.
Sleep in a Plane - Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, France
Certainly not a boring old hotel room, this plane-turned-guest room can fit up to four people with one double bed and two single beds. Avoid the hefty business class price tag and enjoy this unique rental instead, as it also has an ideal location just two minutes from the sea and nearby beaches. In summer, there’s even a swimming pool and water slides on-site.
Underground Hygge - Twin Falls, Idaho
Have a Lord of the Rings adventure at this quaint dwelling, which is nestled against the beautiful Columbia River Gorge mountainside in Idaho. Enter through the iconic round doorway and discover the variety of charming nooks and details of this small hobbit hole on an overnight stay. There are also scenic hikes around the hills with stunning views of Lake Chelan.
Windmill Close to Amsterdam - Abcoude, Netherlands
A lot cozier than you’d expect, stay overnight in this historic windmill for a night you won’t soon forget. Just a few miles from Amsterdam, this three-bedroom abode sleeps up to six and features a kitchen and living area in addition to a garden with a beautiful view. Rent a bike and cruise the tranquil countryside landscapes nearby.
Brand New Studio Earthship - Taos, New Mexico
Perfect for those looking for off the grid living, this unique house catches its own rainwater and generates its own electricity, staying at a constant 72 degrees year round. Modern amenities include WiFi and Netflix, while you can also relax in the luxury deep soaking tub or step outside for some unforgettable stargazing adventures.
Mushroom Dome Cabin - Aptos, California
One of the most popular rentals on Airbnb, this mushroom-shaped dome cabin is a dream for nature enthusiasts and offers a romantic, secluded atmosphere where you can spend your time hiking the trails and star gazing. Surrounded by towering trees and the sound of hummingbirds and the creek running below, the rustic cabin features a queen size bed, flat screen tv and kitchenette.
BedrocK Homestead Cave West End - Escalante, Utah
Set on 40 acres of farmland right inside the boundaries of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, this rental will put you steps from the hiking trails while enjoying a stay on a working form with animals. Perfect for the adventurous traveler, you’ll be in the heart of the wilderness in a private wing of a shared custom cave home that was blasted from a free-standing rock, providing a master example of sustainable living. Hydroelectricity is used for power and there is limited Internet in the shared kitchen. You’ll have your own BBQ grill, a drip coffeemaker with coffee supplied, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. By climbing on top of the cave home, enjoy awe-inspiring views and fantastic stargazing too.
"Trullo Luna" Luxury Wellness Area & Swimming Pool - Alberobello, Italy
Located in the Puglia region of Italy (the “heel” of the boot), Alberobello is famous for its trullo, a white limestone hut with a cone-shaped room that became popular in the 15th-century as they could easily be torn down and rebuilt in order to avoid taxes. Trullo Luna offers the chance to stay in one of these cottages that can only be found in this area. It can sleep up to three and includes a full kitchen, TV, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Guests also have access to a wellness area with a sauna, steam room, and a heated indoor pool.
Tubbrid Castle: Your 15th-Century Irish Castle - Kilkenny Ireland
Just outside of Killkenny City, surrounded by lush, green landscapes, Tubbrid Castle is your opportunity to enjoy an authentic castle stay in a unique 15th-century tower house. It was beautifully restored after being uninhabited for decades, but many of its original features were retained while adding luxurious touches. Guests can look forward to sipping wine by the roaring log fire and relaxing in the deep soaking tub, perhaps a bubble bath before tucking under the goose-down duvet in the super-king four-poster bed.
Amazing View of Fjord & Mountains Glamping Birdbox - Førde, Norway
The “Birdbox” is very unique, as a kind of contemporary treehouse nestled in the mountains on a farm, built to take advantage of the incredible views of the fjords and surrounding trees. A stay here will immerse you in nature, a place where silence is only interrupted by the songs of the birds, the trees that whistle in the wind, and the flow of a gentle river. It includes a large circular window that takes up an entire wall, heating, and a king-size bed, sleeping up to three adults or two adults and two children. You’ll have a minimalist bathroom in an old barn that lies adjacent which once housed dairy cows in the summer.
Off the Grid and Forty Feet Up - Tiller, Oregon
As this Airbnb is so popular you’ll have to book well in advance, but if you can manage to get a reservation, you’ll enjoy a unique experience with breathtaking views. It offers a tranquil setting on 160 acres of private land and was modeled after a Fire Lookout Tower. It’s off-grid, so you can forget about the interruption from electronics and just enjoy the vista from 40 feet above the ground. The main floor is surrounded by windows and provides fabulous summer breezes. You’ll have a hammock, a fire pit, and a spring-fed hot tub, perfect for soaking after a day of hiking or other activities at nearby Crater Lake.
Leafy Greens Chiangmai : Snail Dome (SND) - Chang Phueak, Thailand
For an unforgettable stay in the tropics, consider “Snail Dome,” an earth house that sits in the countryside originally built as a meditation retreat for refreshing the mind and soul. Now it’s available to the public via Airbnb, with the small dome-like structure accommodating up to five in two bedrooms. It’s made out of clay and the hosts say it’s not only good for the environment as an eco-friendly building but it’s good for one’s health, with the body absorbing positive energy from the earth while eliminating the negative. It includes an outdoor kitchen and pizza oven, a deck ideal for yoga or relaxing that overlooks a creek, and a garden where you can pick your own fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.
Bamboo Eco Cottage in Rice Fields - Ubud, Bali
The bamboo cottage is one of the most wish-listed Airbnbs in the world, just five minutes on foot from central Ubud in Bali, yet it offers a secluded eco-retreat tucked among the rice fields in an open-air basket weave bedroom with a mini-loft, modern bathroom and outdoor living area. The set up guarantees an up-close, immersive experience with nature, sleeping up to four guests with two beds. Breakfast is delivered to your patio every morning, and the main lodge is a short walk down a private footpath for enjoying dinner, including traditional Balinese-style meals, swimming in the saltwater pool and mingling with others staying on the property.
Private Island - Vesterøy, Østfold, Norway
Ever wanted your own private island? You can have just that, if only temporarily, by booking this two-bedroom cottage that’s less than two hours from Oslo. It sits on its own private island in the sunny Hvaler archipelago, made up of more than 800 islands popular for fishing, sunbathing on polished granite rocks, paddling and sailing. The cottage is off-grid, but you’ll find plenty to do here in addition to relaxing with the stunning scenery. It comes with a boat so you’ll be able to venture over to neighboring islands too.
The Fisherman's Cave House - Santorini, Greece
The beautiful restored old Fisherman’s Cave is located in Santorini’s popular Oia village right on the caldera cliffs overlooking the glistening expanse of the sapphire sea. Enjoy lots of luxuries, including a private outdoor Jacuzzi and outdoor plunge pool, a fully-equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi and two bedrooms accommodating up to five. Plus you’ll be just steps to the center of the village, with its many taverns, bar, restaurants and shops.
Harry Potter's Childhood Home - Lavenham, United Kingdom
If this place looks familiar, you’re probably a Harry Potter fan as it served as his childhood home in the film series. A 15th-century hunting lodge, it’s located in the medieval village of Lavenham which hosts over 300 protected heritage properties, appearing as Godric’s Hollow in the films. It offers two private rooms for rent, each of which sleep up to two guests. The rate includes breakfast and you’ll have your own private entrance, a four-poster bed, TV, Wi-Fi, and an en-suite bathroom. A private guest sitting room with a log fire and courtyard garden is included too.
Skylodge Adventure Suites - Urubamba, Peru
Only for the very adventurous, a Skylodge Adventure Suite requires climbing over 1,300 feet up Via Ferrata or hiking a trail via ziplines. But the reward, or nightmare, depending on your perspective, are some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever witness overlooking the Sacred Valley of Cusco. The transparent glass pods cling to one of the area’s highest peaks and include breakfast and a gourmet dinner with wine, transportation from Cusco and professional bilingual guides.
Unique and Secluded AirShip with Breathtaking Highland Views - Drimnin, Scotland
Not surprisingly, this one has been called Scotland’s “most unusual stay,” as a secluded AirShip in one of the most remote areas of the Highlands. Perfect for a couples’ getaway, enjoy an expansive view over the Isle of Mull, the sea, and the mountains with curved glass windows to the west and east framing it all. When you’re not soaking it all in, there are dramatic walks through the hills and woodland to take. It’s quirky and cool, with guests raving about it as the ultimate experience in a “half mad dream of aluminum,” worth the trip to Scotland alone.
Luxurious Stone Villa - Chania, Greece
This gorgeous villa was carved out of a natural rock, making it feel as if you’re staying inside of a cave, albeit a luxurious one. Located less than 30 miles from Chania near the renowned Balos lagoon and Falasarna beach, it includes a balcony where you can enjoy a view of Kissamos bay and the mountains beyond. Incredibly romantic, it would be an ideal honeymooners’ stay, complete with a billowy draped queen-size bed. Guests also enjoy a welcome basket with local items like homemade pastries, a kitchenette, dining room, and TV.
Come & Dream in Quetzalcoatl`s Nest - Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico
Looking as if it came straight out of a Dr. Seuss book, this snake-shaped rental was inspired by the feathered Aztec serpent god Quetzalcoatl with curves mimicking nature and lots of odd circular windows. It includes 10 separate apartments allowing guests to sleep in the “belly of the serpent” while enjoying all the modern conveniences. There’s a park on the grounds complete with sculptures, a greenhouse, and reflecting pool, along with magnificent views of canyons and ravines that can be enjoyed while strolling the twisting walkways. It’s a great place to feel like a kid again, or enjoy a small group retreat for yoga, meditating, writing, or simply relaxing and recharging.
The Private Treehouse Hotel - Nakijin, Japan
Treehouses are no longer unusual to find among Airbnbs but this one is a definite standout as it has an entire tree growing up through it, not to mention jaw-dropping views of the ocean and Haneji Islands. It’s like a fantasy, complete with a hammock where you might want to spend your afternoons just gazing out at the scenery in between napping. There’s plenty to do nearby when you can tear yourself away, from exploring castle ruins to visiting an aquarium and beautiful beaches.
Architectural Wonder in the Woods - Rhinebeck, New York
This home is an eco-friendly artist project, set up for Airbnb guests to raise funds as part of the nonprofit “T” Space project which operates a gallery, architecture fellowship and sculpture trail. An architectural and geometric masterpiece, it sits on 30 preserved acres minutes from the many attractions in Rhinebeck and the Hudson Valley, accommodating up to three in an open-plan space. It’s heated geothermally in addition to having a wood stove with a supply of wood included. The floor heating is connected for cooling in the summer, while the design of the house also allows the air to flow when all the doors and windows are open.
Fairytale Castle Complete with a Moat - Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Imagine being the lord or lady of your very own luxury castle, complete with a moat. As the owners explain, Caverswall is one of the few remaining castles in England surrounded by a moat, and it’s definitely got that fairytale factor. Built in the early 17th century on the site of a 13th century castle, it can accommodate up to 12 guests if you book all four self-contained stone castle turrets, each of which provide views of the moat and wildlife. It’s also possible to reserve a dining room on the lower ground floor for a special dinner on a self-catered basis.
