The World's 12 Most Unique Airbnbs You Need to Visit

For Provençal history and charm, it’s hard to beat this faithfully restored 12th-century apartment situated in the walled village of Saint Paul de Vence. One of Condé Nast Traveler’s favorite Airbnbs in the region, its design offers a mix of old world idiosyncrasy and modern luxury, best exemplified by the tunneled entrance leading to its vaulted-ceiling bathroom. If that wasn’t already enough, its status as the former home of French man of letters and cinematic legend Jacques Prévert adds an aura of literary mystique. Though Nice and other Côte d’Azur hotspots aren’t far away, there’s nothing better than laying out on the jasmine-lined terrace to soak up some summer rays—and perhaps a bit of poetic inspiration.

If a 12th-century French apartment feels too cramped and modern, how about a 10th-century castle just across the border in Catalan? Located in the idyllic region of Ripollès, the ramparts of castle Llaés look out upon both the Pyrenees and bucolic hillsides where goats graze. With reviews lauding this fortified Romanesque structure’s sense of living history and its endless array of rooms to explore, it has the makings of a getaway fit for a king.

Though not found in a galaxy far, far away, this adobe dome may be a Star Wars fan’s new dream destination. Located near Texas’s Big Bend national park boasts of the earthen structure’s remote location and subsequent lack of light pollution, which makes it a haven for stargazers. Though it relies on solar power and lacks indoor plumbing, those mild inconveniences are a small price to pay for the chance to commune with the cosmos or hide out in the desert.

If accommodations located on solid ground simply won’t do, scamper up to this French treehouse located about an hour’s drive west of Basel, Switzerland. A cozy spot perfect for curling up with your special someone (or simply a good book), this treehouse features a living room, a terrace complete with hammock. Just across a suspension bridge is the rest of this skyward suite, with a bedroom housed in its own acorn-like structure. Whether you’re after a meditative retreat among the birds or an intimate getaway, there’s nowhere to go but up.

It may not be what Don Quixote would want from an Airbnb, but fans of seaside splendor will fall in love with this 19th-century windmill on the western coast of São Miguel, the biggest island in Portugal’s beautiful Azores. Behind a clay and white façade that feels fit for a Wes Anderson film, there’s a surprising amount of space for a kitchenette and well-appointed living room. A spiral staircase leads up to a king-size bedroom, featuring sweeping, endless views of the Atlantic Ocean. The grounds also feature an expansive garden full of fruit trees and flowers, plus additional housing for up to seven more guests. There’s no better base of operations from which to explore everything this so-called Hawaii of the Atlantic has to offer.

In the wilds of South Africa’s Western Cape, this 272-acre property at the foothills of the Langeberg mountains is a chance to escape and unplug without leaving luxury behind. The open floor plan cottage lets you sleep, sit, and even soak (in a wood-fired hot tub, no less) against the backdrop of sweeping vistas and starry skies. Reviewers praise its beautiful design and peaceful setting, making it one of the best options for eco glamping on the African continent.

These days, Austin’s newest residential high-rises are probably making the Texan capital less weird, but this mind-bending bungalow is a throwback fighting the good fight. Described in its listing as “a giant seashell unicorn,” the Bloomhouse is the brainchild of two University of Texas architecture students who were hell-bent on breaking free from the oppressive requirement for corners and straight lines. So if you come back from a night out on Sixth Street and your Airbnb looks a little wavy, it’s not your imagination: just someone else’s.

With so much history and color around every corner in Marrakesh, why stay somewhere boring? This Riad is an oasis from the Moroccan city’s heat and hustle, offering a chance to step into both a swimming pool and the region’s aesthetic history. The grand columns, arches, and intricate tilework of its courtyard create a palatial impression, while little flourishes of local style lurk in every bedroom. You’d hardly need to walk out the front door to get a feel for Moroccan design, but proximity to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Medina, and many a souk means you’ll have easy access to all sorts of artisanal souvenirs.

Found on Navajo land in Arizona, Shash Dine’ draws visitors thanks to its stargazing opportunities, as well as its reverent efforts to keep indigenous culture and tradition alive. The most compelling residence at this self-described “glamping hotel” has to be The Kyo͞ob, which balances impeccable design with easy access to ranch ruggedness. Here you can start your day by watching a desert sunrise from the backseat of a convertible, and end it by sipping Navajo tea made from roasted greenthread as you look up at a million stars.

British Columbia’s Mayne Island may not be Middle Earth, but you might think otherwise after a few nights in Cob Cottage. Though thankfully not hobbit-size, this home is hand-sculpted from local, sustainable materials, making it a truly one-of-a-kind property. The interior features cool flourishes that’ll make you feel like you’re living in a fantasy novel, and you’ll find plenty of cozy nooks perfect for reading one. Add in a wilderness setting to explore, and it’s no wonder why words like “magical” frequently pop up in reviews.