Ten Airbnbs I'd Rather Quarantine In

Blue door on white house ajar to peek into home. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

In the spirit of recent lockdowns, I’m sharing ten amazing Airbnbs that I would rather be stuck in. We could all use a healthy dose of escapism right about now anyway. From cabins to castles, nothing is off the table.

With great determination I searched far and wide for beautiful properties all over the world. It was a tough job, but someone has to look at all the drool-worthy places and I dutifully took it upon myself to do so. While poking around, it never got old reading “you’ll have the entire castle to yourself” or “enjoy your own private island.” Oh, I sure will, thank you.

To find the best of the best, I thought I’d have to search for the most expensive properties but it turns out that staying in amazing homes isn’t all that expensive (something about a pandemic and skewed supply and demand?). I was happily surprised to find many fantastic places around $100 a night, which I filed under “Visit Post-Pandemic.” But because I was on a virtual journey using my fake wallet (which is overflowing with cash money, naturally), I made sure to check out prospects in the casual $10,000+ range as well, you know, for good measure. Who knows, maybe my audience is comprised of multi-billionaires searching for their own private escape and I’d hate to limit their options.

Some on this list are luxurious beyond measure, others are downright cozy, some are considered cheap (not by me, of course, I think $4 for a bag of cheese is outlandish). One is so expensive that a single night is the equivalent of a respectable yearly salary. That said, you’ll find a sprinkle of both eye-popping prices and do-able getaways.

Last thing, a few disclaimers.

Please note that all photos in this post are courtesy of Airbnb
Rates on Airbnb can be perplexing; there is the sticker price, then there is the post-fees price. $872 in service and cleaning fees plus your left arm and right leg, and you’re ready to book. It’s bonkers. For that reason, the rates below are what I consider the realistic per night rate, inclusive of each property’s particular fee combos.

And with that, let’s explore these ten jaw-dropping Airbnbs!

01. Cave House in Oia, Greece

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t associate dreamy vacations with the islands of Greece. But who doesn’t? It’s that divine combination of sunshine, colorful flowers and charming white houses overlooking the sea that does it for me. This classic Cycladic house has all that and more. Plus, it’s within walking distance of Oia’s hub of cafes and stores yet looks intimate enough to be a cozy getaway.

Sunshine-filled mornings on the terrace? Personal outdoor soaking tub? Spectacular views of the great Greek beyond? Check, check, check. I’ll take it.

Patio of Greek home with soaking tub, pink flowers and table and chairs overlooking water. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Living room in crisp and clean Cycladic house with bookshelf, white couch and coffee table. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Patio of white house in Greece with pink door and ocean view. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Rate: $312 /night, View on Airbnb

02. A-Frame Cabin in Latvia

A cozy, stylish cabin in the woods beside a river? Sign me up. If the river doesn’t cut it, the A-frame is also within walking distance of the sea and a lake. And if that’s not enough bodies of water to choose from, there’s always the hot tub. Throw in the cabin’s record player, hammock and sweet spiral staircase and I am one happy camper.

Of all the homes on this list, this may be the one I would choose, which is funny because it’s also the cheapest. Apparently my taste matches my budget?

Cozy A-frame cabin in woods during winter with logs under house in snoq and trees. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb. Wood burning stove inside A-frame cabin with twinkle lights and logs.

Living room and kitchen inside A-frame cabin with spiral staircase and stylish decor. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Rate: $135 /night, View on Airbnb

03. Eco-Villa in Bali, Indonesia

Having lived in Indonesia and traveled it extensively, Bali is not typically the place I recommend others to visit. If Sharma Springs was part of the deal, however, it’d be a whole different story. Located in the jungle north of Ubud, this villa is off the tourist track and an oasis in itself. It’s also close to some of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls and other natural landscapes.

Looking for something a bit more affordable? Check out Pelangi Treehouse, which ranges from $30-$200 a night (their rates and dates are a real puzzle).

Photo of Sharma Springs courtesy of Airbnb and Luxury Retreats. Modern design of sustainable villa within bright green jungle.

Photo of Sharma Springs courtesy of Airbnb and Luxury Retreats. Stylish bedroom with canopy bed, bamboo wooden floors and patio with hammock.

Photo of Sharma Springs courtesy of Airbnb and Luxury Retreats. Outdoor plunge pool and natural spa in jungle setting.

Rate: $1,100 /night, view on Airbnb

04. Riad in Marrakesh, Morocco

Our next contender for the award of best-house-I-can-only-dream-about is the immaculate Riad Shiraz in Marrakesh. Between the beautiful courtyard, cozy bedrooms, sexy bathrooms and rooftop lounge with pool and dining area, I don’t know how I’d handle myself. Oh, and there’s also a hammam for daily relaxation. Of course there’s a hammam.

This property is also a perfect example of why it’s dangerous to take Airbnb rates at face value. The displayed rate is $382 per night, but there is a 2-night minimum and an added $178 service fee, plus a $50 cleaning fee. Looks worth it though. Did I mention the hammam?

White walled riad courtyard with daybeds, pool and palm trees. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Traditional hammam with candles and towel.Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Rooftop of riad with daybeds and colorful pillows and cactus. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Rate: $720 /night, view on Airbnb

05. Modern Apartment in Tasmania

Moving right along to the other side of the world, I present Aerie, an idyllic retreat in Tasmania, Australia. This one bedroom, one bath is beautiful on its own but the main draw is its Wilderness Deck, which boasts a personal sauna, hot tub, fire pit, outdoor shower and large deck with a view of the ocean. We could take a designer pointer or two from the Aussies, they really know how to live.

An honorable mention goes out to another Tasmania dream house, the Cob Barn, a forest retreat on the lake. Both of these places are ideal locales for my morning yoga, evening beer and general laziness. I hate to admit that it took window shopping on Airbnb to put Tasmania on my radar but I’m sure glad the seed has been planted because I plan on hustling out there one day.

Modern living room with brown leather couches, table, wood floors and decorative wall. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

The Wilderness Deck with wooden patio, sauna, outdoor chairs, hot tub and view of water. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Clean bedroom with bedside tables, white duvet, three pictures, decor and wood details . Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Rate: $450 /night, view on Airbnb

06. Villa in Tuscany, Italy

Who doesn’t dream of living in a grand villa in the hills of Tuscany? Surrounded by vineyards and endless green countryside, Casali di Casole is an absolute dream. Add in its interiors, which exude Italian charm, and you have a real winner on your hands. There’s also an infinity pool, complete with quaint patio (one of a gazillion available), if that’s more your speed.

If you feel the need to leave the property (though why on Earth would you need to?), you can explore nearby hiking trails, wander through olive groves and get lost among the many historic castles sprinkled throughout the land.

Large Italian villa on green estate. Photo courtesy of Airbnb and Luxury Retreats.

Living room in stone villa with couch, pillows and curtains. Photo courtesy of Airbnb and Luxury Retreats.

Infinity pool and patio with chairs overlooking Italian countryside. Photo courtesy of Airbnb and Luxury Retreats.

Rate: $3,077 /night, view on Airbnb

07 . Castle in Ireland

Need to social distance from people in your own household? May I recommend a castle. With 14 rooms, it’s basically built-in social distancing! Wilton Castle is described as “elegant and imposing,” which, by the looks of it, is a fairly spot on description.

Desire something smaller to fit your budget? Try a smaller castle! Drummond Tower is a moody little thing in the midst of Ireland’s expansive countryside. Think cobblestone walls, stony staircases and an intimate library. At $224 a night, it’s actually in the range of possibilities.

Large medieval castle on estate in countryside. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Elegant bedroom with large bed, wood flooring, table and chairs and window.

Brick archway with two tables holding vases of flowers leading to balcony. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Rate: $1,488 /night, View on Airbnb

08. Beach House in Sintra, Portugal

If you’ve never been to Sintra, or at least seen pictures of it, then you are in for a treat. It is a charming region just outside of Lisbon that boasts colorful castles overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Terrace, a cute beach house with blue windows and crisp white exteriors, is the stuff of my Portuguese dreams. My biggest decision each day would be whether or night to eat breakfast in the outdoor lounge area or on the terrace with a view of the ocean Decisions, decisions.

White house in Sintra with blue windows and red roof. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Kitchen and living room of house with white alls and decor. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Aerial view of Sintra with white houses with red roofs and blue doors on a cliffside over the ocean. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Rate: $249 /night, view on Airbnb

09. Casita in Joshua Tree, CA, USA

Airbnbs in Joshua Tree can sometimes blend together; white walls, tan leather furniture, mid-century details, Bohemian decor. What sets the Casita apart is its exquisite backyard, making it an ideal quarantine spot. With over 900 acres of protected land surrounding the home it is truly a remote haven.

Spend the day skipping between the hot tub, hammock, lounge-worthy patio and, of course, taking in Joshua Tree’s vast desert views, which are always on display. Yes, I could do it.

Hot tub in Joshua Tree desert at sunset with the moon, plants and rocks. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Bedroom with leather chair, large cactus and art. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Desert landscape in backyard with hot tub, lounge chairs and cacti. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Rate: $394 /night, view on Airbnb

10. Private Island in Turks and Caicos

I saved the most ridiculous Airbnb for last, though I’d argue that it isn’t an Airbnb - it’s a whole new lifestyle. In addition to your own beachfront property, the Sanctuary Estate also offers an array of amenities at your disposal: a pool, tennis court, media room, gym, infinity pool, alfresco dining and more terraces than I’d know what to do with. You’d also enjoy a butler, housekeeping, daily breakfast, afternoon tea, yoga and a fruit basket, because what private island experience is complete without a fruit basket?

Need a more “affordable” island escape? Check out this gem on St. Lucia Villa for the low price of $2,592 a night!

Umbrella and lounge chair on the beach with greenery and blue water. Photo courtesy of Airbnb and Luxury Retreats.

Bedroom with wood walls, comfy bd and bathrobe. Photo courtesy of Airbnb and Luxury Retreats.

Bathtub in bathroom with floor to ceiling windows and ocean views. Photo courtesy of Airbnb and Luxury Retreats.

Rate: $52,070 /night, view on Airbnb

After finding the world’s most beautiful Airbnbs, I certainly have added a few destinations to my post-COVID travel list (Tasmania, I’m looking at you). Scanning the vast network of homes was also a lesson in architecture and history. I’d never heard of a “trullo,” traditional dry-stone huts in Southern Italy, nor did I know that the gorgeous white buildings in Greece are known as “Cycladic” houses. Do you have a favorite from the lsit? Which would you want to be stuck in? Let me know in the comments!