10 of the Coolest, Most Unique Rentals People Are Booking on Airbnb Right Now

• Sleeps: 15 (6 bedrooms, 8 beds, 6.5 baths)
• Rate: $425/night
• Why We Love It: celebrity home, 6 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, in-house staff makes breakfast, sauna, saltwater pool

Lila Downs, Mexican singer and songwriter, is considered “one of the most influential women in Mexico,” per Airbnb’s profile of the celebrity—and she currently hosts an incredible listing in the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico. First and foremost: The property is a 15-minute drive from the historic center of Oaxaca, with room for up to 15 people. It has six sprawling bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and is surrounded by a slew of amenities, including a massive kitchen, a sauna and a garden with a private pool/outdoor dining space. But the real showstopper? The design details throughout the property, which speak to Downs’s heritage. Per the profile, the artist’s favorite elements of the space are the indigenous details like the traditional Mexican wall tiles that have a unique architectural stamp, textiles from local artisans and a mixture of ceramic, brick and wooden materials that combine traditional and modern construction. 

One reviewer writes, “We enjoyed the saltwater pool with lots of areas to lounge around and appreciated the [outdoor] shower there. The staff is wonderful and we really enjoyed the breakfast that was made per our request one morning to enjoy. There is so much to appreciate in the home from the architecture to the artwork and more!” Oh, did we forget to mention that the property comes fully equipped with an in-house staff?

• Sleeps: 4 (2 bedrooms, 4 beds, 1 bathrooms)
• Rate: $224/night
• Why We Love It: tiny home, 25 minutes from Old Quebec, floor-to-ceiling windows, Scandinavian design, minimalist, high-end appliances

If you’re into the tiny homes craze, this property should be at the top of your list. Located in the heart of Maelström, a recreational-forestry area just 25 minutes away from Old Quebec, the main draw here is clearly the immersive experience. Throw yourself into the surrounding boreal forests with panoramic views of Laurentian Park and breathtaking sunsets at the highest peak of Lac-Beauport. The nature also doesn’t stop at your doors. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the surrounding scenery, with mineral blonde hues and silver reflections in the architecture mimicking the serene palette of its mountain location. 

One reviewer raves, “This home is the definition of serenity. The view is amazing. The home is tucked away and so private; yet, oh so close to amenities. The home was clean and well-appointed. The bed was comfortable. The fireplace was awesome. The shower is so relaxing.”

• Sleeps: 4 (2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 2 bathrooms)
• Rate: $340/night
• Why We Love It: en-suite bathrooms, plus airport pick-up, built by a renowned Indonesian design firm, private swimming pool, river views, on-site offerings like couple massages, yoga sessions, petal baths, craft workshops

This eco-friendly abode is one of the most coveted properties in Bali for a reason: Its stunning bamboo architecture is unlike anything on the market. Perched on the west bank of the River Ayung, wake up to the sounds of the river down below with the sun peeking up into your room. But before you even enter, you’ll immediately notice the famous egg-shaped door, which was built by Ibuku, a renowned Indonesian design firm. And then of course, you have the atmosphere, which is the perfect oasis to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

“It’s absolutely magical to live in a bamboo house among the trees for a few days. We worried a bit that such a famous house might turn out to be overhyped, but it was truly gorgeous, and we loved every minute of our time there. The staff and service were excellent [and] it’s a surprisingly private house–the popular photos are taken from the canyon side, but the house is actually set discreetly down from the walking path. So, although it’s partly open air and near other houses, we felt very private and comfortable,” writes one reviewer. And don’t worry if this specific property is fully booked—there are 13 other bamboo houses from Green Village (aka same owners) that are just like it. 

• Sleeps: 13 (5 bedrooms, 6 beds, 3.5 baths)
• Rate: $1,038/night
• Why We Love It: big-group friendly, renovated, historic, balcony with ocean views, steps from the beach, indoor pool and gym, washer and dryer, oversized kitchen and dining room

OK, White Lotus fans—this Italian beachside villa goes out to you. The newly renovated historic property exudes sophistication and elegance within every inch of its 3,660 square feet, where it includes five double bedrooms, four bathrooms and gigantic outdoor space with waterfront views (making it ideal for large groups). It has an indisputably stunning interior, where the luxurious, handcrafted furnishings and marble finishes blend seamlessly with its historic charm. The expansive kitchen is a chef's dream, fully equipped with modern appliances, while the dining room boasts a full sea view, making every meal one to remember. Plus, while the exterior is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden—with the beach is just a few steps away—it also includes an oversized balcony with a dining area that gives it a five-star restaurant feel. Not to mention that it also includes an indoor pool and a fully equipped gym for when you’ve had one too many beach days (if that’s even a thing). 

Take it from one of the countless five-star reviews: “[This property is the equivalent of a] high-end hotel, with slippers, robes, plenty of towels, beautiful linens and comfy beds and chocolates on the pillows. The kitchen is fully appointed, we cooked two dinners there for seven people and everything we needed was provided. The villa is [also] directly on the sand with plenty of private outdoor spaces to enjoy the view, and the pool/grotto is dreamy…Plenty of hot water, as well as a washer AND A DRYER (something we couldn’t find anywhere in Italy).” Another person mentions, “Picture yourself sipping espresso on the deck overlooking the beach or catching the sunset with your glass of wine while sitting down to dinner with your friends and family…This home is beyond amazing.”

• Sleeps: 11 (4 bedrooms, 7 beds, 4 baths)
• Rate: $918/night
• Why We Love It: instruments, art, meditation spaces, host offers professional massages, guided forest walks, private chef events and yoga, hiking trail with river beaches, bird sanctuaries and swimming holes.

This enchanting retreat was created to honor the hosts’ love story with a nod to their Italian castle wedding. The property, once a settlement for the Yokut tribes, is nestled at the foothills of the National Sequoia and Mineral King Parks, making it a nature lover's paradise. Mainly, because when you cross the small bridge of the property’s two-acre-wide river island, you have full access to hiking trail that features river beaches, bird sanctuaries, swimming holes, and more. That said, the interior of this retreat will certainly spark creativity, whether it’s beside the luxurious grand piano or within the meditation spaces. Interested in taking your practice to the next level? The host invites guests to get their zen along the river, incorporating breathwork, sound healing and forest bathing. 

Take it from numerous five-star reviews, highlight “how magical” the stay is. One person wrote, “This place went above and beyond with attention to detail to make your stay pleasant. George offered professional massages, guided forest walks, private chef events, yoga on the terrace. Felt like we were at the [Four Seasons].”

• Sleeps: 6 (2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 1 bath)
• Rate: $158/night
• Why We Love It: completely sustainable and eco-friendly design, natural waterfall pool in the backyard, indoor-outdoor gym, Superhost is available nearby for anything you need

Nestled in the midst of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, this one-of-a-kind retreat feels like something out of a fairytale. The design, which seamlessly blends modern comforts with natural beauty, includes a natural swimming pool in the back with a waterfall that’s sure take your breath away. But what makes this spot most unique is its sustainable technology—including an electricity system that runs on a 220-volt charge—and aims to minimize waste and leave “the smallest possible carbon footprint possible.”

One reviewer writes: “[Upon arrival], you immediately feel relaxed and peaceful. No rush, no shopping, no internet, no phone—just enjoying nature to the fullest. The house is clean, [stylish], unique and [has everything] you need. [Plus, one] thing that’s even better than the house [itself] is the family who lives nearby and takes care of you while you are there. They’re so kind [and] open…To see a family living in this jungle every day and talk about it was [an unforgettable experience]”

• Sleeps: 2 (1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath)
• Rate: $637/night
• Why We Love It: full view of Northern Lights from the bedroom, private hot tub and terrace, minimalist furniture, sustainably sourced décor

Located on a lava desert in the south of Iceland, this all-glass cabin is a vacay activity in and of itself. Made of glass, the bedroom is a true design marvel, allowing you to sleep under the stars all while staying warm and cozy. Even the bathroom offers stunning views, overlooking famous Icelandic volcanoes, including Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull, Bláfjöll and Tindfjöll. And if that wasn't enough, there’s also a private hot tub where you can soak and relax after long day of exploring the beautiful Icelandic landscape. And if sustainable and eco-friendly values are essential to you, you’ll notice that everything from the driftwood furniture to the rescue-sheep wool cushions were thoughtfully, locally and ethically created and sourced. 

“Wow! Just wow,” writes one reviewer. “This [Airbnb] was one of the biggest highlights of our [Iceland] trip…It's private, secluded, and the perfect place for viewing the Northern Lights; they were out in full force and absolutely stunning. The cottage was cozy, very well thought out, and well-appointed… Bonus, the floors in the bathroom were heated (not sure if because of the pipes or intentionally heated but either way, the bathroom floor/shower was never cold).” 

• Sleeps: 6 (3 bedrooms, 4 beds, 2 baths)
• Rate: $635/night
• Why We Love It: original pressed tin ceilings and hardwood floors, living room doubles as a photographer’s studio, elevator that leads directly to the common space

Here, a 2,000-square-foot artist loft that captures the edgy-meet-historic vibe of the Lower East Side. Originally a warehouse built in 1914, the space oozes character with its original pressed tin ceilings and hardwood floors. But stuck in the past this loft is not: The chef's stainless steel kitchen and the 1,000-square-foot open living room doubles as a photographer studio (so feel free to snap some pics when you’re not relaxing on the Boho-style sofas). You also have full access to the entire floor space, which includes two bathrooms—one with a bathtub—and an elevator that leads directly into the apartment.

“[This] place was a great space for our trip for five to NYC. It’s close to several subway stops, so you can get around the city easily, and there are cute food and drink places right around the apartment. The living space is [also huge], a rarity in the city, and we enjoyed having downtime there and playing darts,” one reviewer writes. However, it’s worth noting their warning: “The only downside was that the main living space did not have AC, but there was a very large fan to help move the air. The bedrooms all had AC though, so on the hotter days we kept to our rooms more when we were at the apartment.”

• Sleeps: 2 (1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1 bath)
• Rate: $313/night
• Why We Love It: historic, wildlife, clean and well-maintained, private porch, native landscaping, includes ropes and ladders for canyon climbing

Built directly into a red rock cliff wall in a private canyon alcove, this historic cabin definitely takes “unique” to a new level. The house is, literally, situated into a sandstone rock, and it’s beautifully landscaped with native desert species that bloom all summer. It includes a private porch that allows you to take in the stunning views of its surroundings and you have full access to the entire cabin, which includes a shared backyard space with the hosts and guests from other properties (but it is generally very private, per the host). That said, if you’re not a big fan of nature, you might want to think twice about booking. There’s a ton of wildlife on the property—including insects, geckos, foxes, deer, marmots, bobcats, mountain lions and other fun critters—and while the house is weather-tight, insects can and do get into the cabin. 

One reviewer says, “Not only is the house amazingly built and well thought out, [but] the surrounding area and [provided] ropes and ladders [to climb the canyon with] was such a fun way to get back in touch with nature. The sunshine lights up the whole area and the peace and quiet was much needed coming from the city.” Another person adds: “The house was incredibly clean and very cozy. The bathroom was [also very] so cool—I’ve never had a more relaxing shower.”

• Sleeps: 4 (2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 2 baths)
• Rate: $165/night
• Why We Love It: Pets allowed, washer/dryer, security cameras on property, secluded private yard with new hot tub, BBQs and fire pit

This Superhost created the Launch Pad “to be a safe haven for creatives to express themselves.” Hundreds of five-star reviews echo his intentions, with reviews describing the listing as the perfect place to “get your creative juices flowing” or experience a “spiritual awakening.” From thoughtful design (like the wall-to-wall chalkboard) to the vaulted ceilings and ample natural light, the Launch Pad was designed to inspire its guests. And of course, the real star of the show is the outdoor space, which features a custom charcoal BBQ, reclaimed wood picnic table, hot tub and a cozy fire pit situated across a vintage rattan couch. 

“Looking for a place to get your creative juices flowing? Maybe a place for some peace and quiet, or perhaps, a place for spiritual awakening? [This] home is the place for you! It’s [super] artistic and free-flowing, open [floor plan offers a really imaginative] environment during your trip. Want to relax? SURE! There’s a jacuzzi and bonfire just right outside! I really recommend this to anyone looking for a weekend getaway,” writes one reviewer.