Airbnb stands for “Air Bed and Breakfast,” a name that reflects the company’s early origins—its co-founders invited paying guests to sleep on an air mattress in their living room to help cover the rent. To make a booking, you generally need to take log in to the Airbnb website. If you have the pocket to splurge, here’s a look at the most surreal Airbnb options in Europe:
A floating hut in France:
The Hermione house would be an enjoyable stay no matter where it was placed. But it just so happens to be floating in the middle of a lake, making it all the more desirable. Found near a sea golf course in Brittany, the house can only be reached by rowboat from the reception pontoon. Breakfast is provided in the mornings, best enjoyed outside while taking in the lush views.
Can house: Two
Price: upwards INR 14,000 per night
A Cycladic home in Greece:
If you’ve ever looked at the whitewashed homes towering along the cliffs of the Greek Islands and wondered “who lives there?” it could be you, via this Cycladic Airbnb home. Perched on the cliffs of the caldera on the island of Santorini, the home is part of a complex of traditional cave houses, renovated by local craftsmen to create a stay that feels both authentic and spoiling.
Can house: Four
Price: upwards INR 26,000 per night
A glass cottage in Blár, Iceland:
It’s hard to imagine anything more picturesque and remote than this Airbnb, located on an (often snow-covered) lava desert in the south of Iceland. Floor to ceiling windows surround the property, including the bathroom so you can shower while admiring views of volcanoes. The bedroom is completely covered in glass including the roof, so you can sleep under the spectacular stars – and if you’re lucky some Northern Lights – while in complete cosy comfort. In addition to cosy jumpers and socks, don’t forget to pack your swimming costume – there’s a hot tub on the terrace outside.
Can house: Two
Price: upwards INR 45,000 per night
Private Trullo Suite Martodda, Puglia, Italy:
Tullos are traditional stone houses with conical roofs that are unique to the Itria Valley in Puglia. This particular Trulli dates back to 1714 but has been smartly modernised inside. The wonderful stone walls and sculptural dome shapes are still there, along with the additions of an equipped galley kitchen and up to date bathroom. Outside there’s a barbecue and al-fresco dining area with beautiful countryside views.
Can house: Two
Price: upwards INR £7,500 per night
Tiny beach home in Croatia. Villa 26, Pakoštane:
For a taste of life on the beach, look no further than this Airbnb just south of Zadar. Set on a private beach along the Adriatic coast, this tiny home is one of a series of villas made from natural ecological materials that form the ECO resort Buqez.
Can house: Six
Price: upwards INR 21,000 per night
Chalet La Chenevière, Nendaz, Switzerland
A spectacular snowy setting awaits you at Chalet La Chenevière, a spacious chalet in the Tsamandon neighbourhood of Nendaz, within 4 Vallées. Five bedrooms across three levels mean there’s room for the whole crew here. In winter there’s a shuttle bus that stops nearby the chalet that can take you to the Tracouet cable car.
Can house: Ten
Price: upwards INR 80,000 per night
A castle in Germany, Bad Hönningen:
There are plenty of castles you can rent on Airbnb, but potentially none more scenic and convenient than Arenfels Castle, an hour away from Cologne. Outside, the neo-Gothic castle, enjoy a spectacular setting in the middle of vineyards, with forests, the Rhine and the town of Bad Hönningen, all within easy walking distance.
Can house: Two
Price: upwards INR 14,000 per night
Nature Villa, Maidla, a national park stay in Estonia:
With its abstract shapes and floor to ceiling windows, this architectural masterpiece looks surreal perched above the wetlands of Maidla Nature Resort, 45 minutes from Tallinn. The ultra-modern bolthole was built specifically to take in the natural surroundings, with a glass pyramid-shaped bedroom offering leafy views from the bed, with a minimalist fireplace at the centre. A stay here includes breakfast plus a tour of Maidla Nature Resort, and there’s also an option to arrange for a private chef to cook dinner in the evening.
Can house: Two
Price: upwards INR 27,000 per night
WonderINN, (Raelingen) A mirrored cabin in Norway:
Blink and you might miss WonderINN, a cabin near the Nordic village of Raelingen. One side of the compact home is covered in a large mirror, which means from a certain angle it’s completely invisible. On the opposite side, the cabin is completely glass, with an arched roof, creating a cosy bedroom nook with incredible views. All together it’s the kind of romantic bolthole that feels like one of Norway’s best-kept secret.
Can house: Two
Price: upwards INR 7,500 per night
Palisade beach hut, Costa da Caparcia
This quaint hut is located right on the dunes of a beach on Costa da Caparica, just south of Lisbon. The house has a classic beach shack set up, with two bedrooms and a sofa bed in the lounge, plus simple but neat furnishings throughout. One of the bedrooms has bunk beds and the house is pet-friendly so there’s room for the whole family.
Can house: Six
Price: upwards INR 20,000 per night
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