What started as a simple vacation house rental concept has catapulted into some of the most decadent homestays on the planet. Today’s Airbnbs are increasingly high-luxe and come with all the bells and whistles: butler service, decadent pools and hot tubs, wrap-around terraces with seemingly endless ocean views, separate playrooms for children, spa services (and in some cases, full-on spas), original artwork, and gourmet kitchens complete with private chefs. And that’s just for starters…
From a private island (Turks and Caicos) to a stately Italian mansion overlooking the Mediterranean Sea (Sorrento) to an invisible (all glass) house in the Mojave Desert (Joshua Tree), here are a few of our favorite out-of-this-world, over-the-top Airbnbs to rent for your next vacation. The best news: many are spacious enough to share (but you don’t have to).
CARBON BEACH, MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
Built on stilts, right over Malibu’s Carbon Beach, this five-bedroom, 4.5-bath contemporary beach house is the epitome of the Malibu lifestyle. Thoughtfully decorated with contemporary art and designer furniture in neutral creamy hues, the decor is offset with cool black marble. The primary bedroom (our favorite) has a king-sized bed, fireplace, and balcony overlooking the sea. We also love the floor-to-ceiling windowed door opening off the living room and chic dining area, with seating for ten.
To Book: Airbnb.com
VILLA SYRENE, SORRENTO, ITALY
This spectacular museum-like seaside estate — resplendent in its historic Gothic, English, and Italian Renaissance-style gardens — comes with six bedrooms and baths and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Expect period furnishings and paint finishes, classical museum-worthy objets d’art, stunning marble walls and floors, and shimmering sea views from every room. The primary suite, in decadent reds, features a king bed, lounge, private balcony with a sea view, and a stand-alone shower and tub.
To Book: Airbnb.com
BELLAGIO GRAND, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Live out your Hollywood fantasy at this gated 10-bedroom, 12.5-bath, French modern, Bel-Air mansion. We love the black-and-white checkered floors, high windows, and stunning gardens overlooking the Bel-Air Country Club. The pool is divine, too, as is the entertainment lounge complete with a cinema and grand piano. There’s also a private gym and sauna. This is LA, after all.
To Book: Airbnb.com
VILLA DREAMLAND, ST. TROPEZ, FRANCE
The name of this property says it all. This St. Tropez villa — just a short drive from ‘town’ — houses nine immaculately decorated bedrooms, a gym, home theater, beautiful dining areas, and even a massage room. Outside, you’ll find al fresco furnishings, a large pool, and lush gardens. The villa also comes fully staffed with a personal concierge and Champagne upon arrival. – Chloe Caldwell
To Book: Airbnb.com
BEYOND VILLA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Set above the stunning Clifton Beach with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, this chic six-bedroom estate combines modern design with an outdoor-indoor aesthetic. Think fire pits, grassy courtyard, sauna and steam room, and an exquisite infinity pool. – Chloe Caldwell
To Book: Airbnb.com
KAHIELUANA, WAIMEA, HAWAII
Blending traditional Hawaiian with modern design, this five-bedroom, six-bath home offers the ultimate Aloha getaway. Set next to a sheltered, sandy beach on Hawaii’s west coast, the locale — and glass-wood house — are a perfect place to observe the island’s mesmerizing sunsets. Kahieluana comes with a swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts, and water toys including stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. We especially love the living garden wall.
To Book: Airbnb.com
ABBY VILLA, MARIGOT, ST. BARTHELEMY
A proverbial Travel Curator favorite, we love this three-bedroom, three-bath villa set high atop the steep slopes of Morne du Vitet in St. Barth. Location-wise, the villa is a bit remote but worth it for the private pool, manicured gardens, and dramatic ocean views. Featuring wall-to-wall white tile, contemporary furnishings, and exposed wooden beams, Abby is beautifully designed and includes housekeeping service and airport transfers.
To Book: Airbnb.com
VILLA ELU, PLAYA HERMOSA, COSTA RICA
Set high on a mountainside, this stunning five-bathroom, four-bedroom villa (each with its own private entrance) offers unobstructed ocean views from every bedroom. Dip into the saltwater pool — the sound of crashing waves as backdrop — and allow the resident concierge to assist with every detail. – Chloe Caldwell
To Book: Airbnb.com
EMERALD CAY, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS
This gorgeous, private-island estate is surrounded by turquoise water, lush palm trees, and sugar-white sand. Inside the Mediterranean-style main house, water trickles through — flowing toward a two-level pool. Sip cocktails atop the library, or follow sandy paths to a boat and guest house. – Chloe Caldwell
To Book: Airbnb.com
CASA ROKA, PUNTA MITA, MEXICO
This six-bedroom, fully-staffed villa is reason to book a trip to Punta Mita. Designed by renowned architect Manolo Mestre, the home blends traditional structures with contemporary decor — the earthy elements will inspire you to wind down and relax. Take a dip in the pool, admire the jungle views, work out in the gym, and embrace the peaceful and secluded space. – Chloe Caldwell
To Book: Airbnb.com
KAMINI VILLA, SANTORINI, GREECE
This incredible Santorini villa comes with a main house and two guest houses — perfect for a group or couple’s retreat. Enjoy romantic views of the Aegean Sea sans the crowds, soak in the pool or hot tub, dine al fresco at sunset, and relax in the home’s minimalist ambiance. Your stay also includes airport transfers, daily breakfast, housekeeping, a concierge service, and even a rental car. – Chloe Caldwell
To Book: Airbnb.com
INVISIBLE HOUSE, JOSHUA TREE, CALIFORNIA
Enjoy wondrous scenery from inside this luxurious masterpiece. Hidden within California’s desert landscape, Joshua Tree’s famed Invisible House is recognized for its artistic and sustainable design blending modern architecture with nature. The home features a heated swimming pool, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen, a 13-foot dining table, and remote-controlled blackout shades. The best part: 90 acres of private desert trails.
To Book: Airbnb.com
Featured image courtesy of Airbnb; Travel Curator may earn a commission from booking links on this page.
