The world’s most unique Airbnbs

Posted on 13 June 2025 By Lee-Ann Steyn

What if your next trip didn’t just change your view, but changed where and how you sleep? With millions of listings around the world, Airbnb has evolved into more than a booking site.

It’s a gateway to architectural wonders, whimsical hideaways, and creatively repurposed spaces that turn your accommodation into part of the experience. These unforgettable stays prove that where you rest can be just as exciting as where you go.

Artist’s Tower Above the Sea – Bocas del Toro, Panama

Picture/Airbnb

Imagine waking up in a wooden tower suspended over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Located in Panama’s Bocas del Toro archipelago, this elevated cabin lets guests fall asleep to the sound of the sea beneath them and wake up to dolphins or rays gliding past. Rustic and off-grid, it’s a castaway fantasy — but with solar power, a comfortable bed, and an unbeatable sunrise view. To book, visit [Artist’s Tower on the Sea]

Kakslauttanen Glass Igloo – Lapland, Finland

Picture/Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort/Valtteri Hirvonen

For a sleep under the stars — and possibly the Northern Lights — few experiences rival the glass igloos in Finnish Lapland. These thermal-glass domes allow guests to stargaze from the comfort of a warm bed, surrounded by Arctic wilderness. In winter, the sky comes alive with colour, and in summer, the midnight sun provides an entirely different spectacle. It’s quiet, surreal, and unforgettable. To book, visit [Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort]

Skylodge Adventure Suites – Sacred Valley, Peru

Picture/Vision 360/Natura Vive

This isn’t your average sleepover. Suspended more than 1,200 feet above the Sacred Valley, these transparent pods are attached to a sheer cliff face, offering unmatched views — if you’re brave enough to look down. Getting there requires a climb or zip-line, making it one of the world’s most adrenaline-fuelled accommodations. Inside, the capsules are surprisingly luxurious, with plush bedding, gourmet meals, and dramatic mountain scenery. To book, visit [Skylodge Adventure Suites]

The Boot – Tasman, New Zealand

Picture/Brook Sabin / Stuff-co-nz

Straight out of a nursery rhyme, this whimsical boot-shaped cottage is nestled in a vineyard on New Zealand’s South Island. Inside, it’s all crackling fireplaces, curved walls and cosy nooks — perfect for a romantic escape. The fairytale aesthetic continues outdoors with blooming gardens, hidden benches and complete seclusion. Who says you can’t live in a shoe? To book, visit [The Boot – Fairytale Accommodation]

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The UFO – Redberth, Wales

Picture/WowHaus

If your travel tastes lean toward the intergalactic, consider a night in this flying saucer-style pod in rural Wales. The circular structure includes quirky LED lights, gaming consoles, and spaceship-style doors. It’s all in good fun — retro, kitsch, and ideal for anyone who’s ever dreamt of being beamed up. To book, visit [UFO ‘Futuro styled Flying Saucer’!]

Trullo House – Puglia, Italy

LisaStrachan/Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Italy’s Puglia region is famous for its trulli — whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs, originally built as rural shelters. Some of these centuries-old dwellings have been lovingly restored into charming Airbnb stays. Expect cool interiors, arched alcoves, and rustic-modern decor, all surrounded by olive groves and ancient landscapes. Staying in a trullo is like stepping into a quiet piece of Italian history. To book, visit [Trullo Vacations Rentals & Homes]

Desert Dome – Joshua Tree, California, USA

Picture/Glamping Hub

In the surreal desert landscape of Joshua Tree, you’ll find geodesic domes that blend sci-fi design with eco-conscious living. These solar-powered structures offer panoramic views of red rocks, cacti, and big skies. Inside, they’re minimalist but comfortable, often featuring retro furnishings, art installations and floor cushions. At night, the stars come out in full force, and the dome becomes your personal planetarium. To book, visit [The Desert Dome in Joshua Tree]

Cave House – Santorini, Greece

Picture/Hector Cave House

Santorini’s volcanic cliffs are dotted with traditional yposkafa — cave homes dug into the rock centuries ago. Many of these have been transformed into boutique Airbnbs with private plunge pools, sculpted white interiors, and jaw-dropping caldera views. The thermal insulation keeps them cool in summer and warm in winter, while the curved architecture feels almost otherworldly. It’s a luxury rooted in local tradition. To book, visit [Hector Cave House]

Secluded Treehouse – Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Picture/Airbnb

Tucked away in a forest near Atlanta, this array of treehouse rooms is linked by rope bridges and bathed in fairy lights. Decorated with antiques and vintage charm, it’s a romantic hideaway that feels completely disconnected from the urban sprawl nearby. Frequently featured on wishlists and design blogs, it’s one of Airbnb’s most sought-after stays — and for good reason. To book, visit [Secluded Intown Treehouse Suite For 2 in 7 trees]

Casa Caracol (The Seashell House) – Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Picture/Airbnb

On a quiet island off the coast of Cancun, you can sleep inside a seashell. This sculptural Airbnb is shaped entirely like a conch, complete with curved walls, shell mosaics, and coral-inspired details. With a private pool and beach access, it’s a surreal mix of Gaudí and The Little Mermaid. It’s perfect for travellers looking for something a little extra — and a lot Instagrammable. To book, visit [Shell house Wake up in a work of art!]

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