Peak-Luxury Airbnbs Around the World
How the Other Half Travels
When it comes to luxurious accommodations, five-star hotels and lavish resorts aren't the only game in town. Airbnb and Vrbo offer some of the most interesting places to stay across the country — and, as it turns out, some of the most extravagant places you can rest your head all across the world, combining resort-worthy amenities with a ton of privacy and exclusivity. If you've got several grand to burn per night (or you just wish you did), take a gander at these jaw-dropping rentals.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Villa Stella Maris
Island Harbour, Anguilla
With four bedrooms — including one in a private guest house — and five bathrooms, the Villa Stella Maris offers one of the few rentals with pools on this Caribbean island's north coast. Occupants can feel good about sustainable travel here, too. The entire secluded villa is solar-powered, and the property also has a natural green slate swimming pool and heated jacuzzi.
Villa Stella Maris: Professional Concierge and Ocean-View Terrace
Vacationers here have access to a professional concierge service that can help them navigate island life. There are also panoramic ocean views from the poolside terrace. Other amenities include hiking trails outside the door, a dedicated workspace, and beach essentials.
Historic Synagogue Townhome
New York City
This four-bedroom East Village townhome is more than luxurious — as a former synagogue, it's historic and dazzlingly unique at every turn. The living room has 22-foot ceilings and exposed brick, and the master bathroom features a steam shower and freestanding whirlpool tub surrounded by hand-poured glass tiles. Don't worry, foodies: There's a gourmet kitchen and a wine room, too.
Historic Synagogue Townhome: Roof Deck and Hot Tub
Great outdoor spaces can be hard to find in New York City, but here you'll have access to not one but two 400-square-foot decks. On one, a party deck, you'll find a hot tub and a rose wall. A separate roof deck is the perfect spot for al fresco dining or sunbathing.
Private Caribbean Island
Placencia, Belize
If you really want to get away from it all, a private island awaits off the coast of southern Belize. The five-bedroom compound on Little Harvest Caye is a five-minute boat ride from the mainland, but no worries — you'll have your own boat and driver any time you want a taste of civilization. On-island amenities include ensuite bathrooms, a private study, a chef, maid service, kayaks, paddleboards, and more.
Private Caribbean Island: Freshwater Pool and Full Bar
Of course you'll get your own private beach on your own private island. There's also a sleek freshwater pool with a tanning ledge, hammock chairs, and plenty of loungers. Retreat under the thatched roof when you've gotten too much sun and grab a drink from the full bar.
Ski Lover’s Mansion
Aspen, Colorado
Just over the mountain from the Snowmass ski area, you’ll find this rustic but elegant ranch home overlooking scenic Wildcat Lake. It sleeps 18 guests with amenities including a library, theater room, bunk room for the kids, game room, and family room with soaring ceilings and a stone fireplace.
Ski Lover’s Mansion: Pool and Waterfall
If you’d rather come when it’s warm out, the outdoor pool with its own waterfall is ready for a dip. Afterward, climb the stone steps to relax in a gazebo with some pristine views of the lake and mountains beyond.
Spanish Island Estate
Sant Lluis, Spain
Watch the palm trees sway in the breeze from this expansive seven-bedroom estate with every conceivable luxury. Set on 42 acres near the ocean, it boasts orchards, two pools, a hot tub, a tennis court, olive groves, and more. There are plenty of prime spots for outdoor dining, and the aqua waters of the Mediterranean are just minutes away.
Related: The World's Most Remote Hotels
Spanish Island Estate: Private Miniature Golf Course
The most unique amenity of this rental property: An adorable miniature golf course where you can perfect your putting skills. Follow it up with a (careful) stroll around the estate’s cactus park.
Florida Boredom-Buster
Orlando, Florida
This gleaming Orlando villa has 14 bedrooms that can accommodate up to 34 guests, two gourmet kitchens, and includes a never-ending list of amenities. Of course, to use them, you'll have to get out of the custom swimming pool with a lazy river, bridge, and sunken bar.
Florida Boredom-Buster: Bowling Alley and Home Cinema
You'll never be bored here, and that's even if you opt out of the world-class theme parks that are just a short drive away. There's a private basketball court, a game room, a home cinema with a 150-inch screen, a gym, and even your own two-lane bowling alley.
Related: 26 Ways to Do Disney on a Budget
Luxe Family-Friendly Lodge
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
This warm and whimsical six-bedroom property near ski resorts proves luxury is for families, too. Your whole crew can warm up in front of the massive stone fireplace while you whip up dinner in a kitchen with double islands, copper farm sinks, professional appliances, and its own flat-screen TV. Then everyone can retire to six decked-out bedrooms, including a bunk room with tons of kid appeal; there's also a master with its own fireplace, a steam shower, and a jetted tub.
Luxe Family-Friendly Lodge: Home Theater and Hot Tub
Once it's time to take a break from the slopes, just use the on-call shuttle service to come "home" and enjoy the entertainment-focused lower level. There's pingpong, foosball, a pool table, a full wet bar, a home theater with a massive screen and recliners, and even your very own 14-foot climbing wall. Oh, and don't forget the hot tub on the porch.
Modern Swiss Chalet
Zermatt, Switzerland
The best chalet in the world, according to Conde Nast, this seven-bedroom Alpine haven for up to 14 guests has staggering views of the Matterhorn from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Skiers will be spoiled by some of the world’s finest runs, and luxury awaits after a long day on the slopes. Play a tune on the grand piano or enjoy dinner on the terrace — either way, you’ll feel like you’re living in a postcard.
Modern Swiss Chalet: Spa Services and Plunge Pool
Sore muscles? Ease into a square black marble plunge pool with massaging jets and underwater lights. Be sure to bring a glass of wine to enjoy the view. You can also opt for a real massage in the chalet’s dedicated spa room.
Tuscan Villa With a View
Gaiole in Chianti, Italy
If “Under the Tuscan Sun” made you swoon, renting this restored 16th century farmhouse will be your dream vacation rental. Stare slack-jawed at the rolling vineyards and dazzling sunsets as you enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace. Five bedrooms and a guest house accommodate up to 16 guests who have access to a chef’s kitchen, media center, billiard room, and solarium.
Tuscan Villa With a View: Pizza and Bocce
The only thing better than a glass of wine at a Tuscan farmhouse? A fresh homemade pizza to accompany the wine, courtesy of an outdoor wood-burning pizza oven. Follow your meal with a friendly game of bocce, a dip in the infinity pool, or a visit to the estate chicken coop.
This article was originally published on Cheapism