Travel is the ultimate form of luxury, and Airbnb listings are no exception.
When the home rental business first launched in 2008, it presented as a unique, affordable alternative to hotels and a way to really dig your heels into the local culture of your destination. Today, the popular platform has over 5 million active listings in over 200 different countries with accommodations ranging from cheap shared rooms to actual private islands. Some of them are so grand, that they’ve earned a spot on Airbnb Luxe, the platform’s space for expertly designed, stylish homes.
With so many luxurious rentals available, you can finally get a sense of how the other half lives —as long as you pay the right price. Listed below are some of the most expensive Airbnbs you can rent today.
Castello Dal Pozzo, Italy: $4,927
If you’ve got the cash for it, you can rent an actual castle in Piedmont, Italy. Complete with eight bedrooms and eight-and-a-half baths, this Neo-Gothic Revival Mansion features a gorgeous interior that will have you stepping back in time while its equally breathtaking exterior will have you taking in the picturesque views of Lake Maggiore.
In addition to a continental breakfast, guests of the Castello Dal Pozzo can also enjoy one of its three internal restaurants: the gourmet Le Fief, the casual Dan Garden Lounge, and the quick-bite joint known as the Folia Pool Bar, which is set next to the castle’s large outdoor pool.
The Hualalaui Estate, Kailua-Kona: $4,900
Enjoy a new kind of travel experience in one of the most breathtaking destinations Hawaii has to offer. The Hualalai Estate lacks nothing when it comes to luxurious amenities and stylish details. This open-concept home can fit up to 10 guests in its five bedrooms — all of whom will be awe-struck by the panoramic views available in almost every foot of the house.
Each of the six beds is fitted with soft Egyptian cotton sheets, and the bathrooms include spa-like features such as stone tubs with built-in televisions and outdoor garden showers. There’s also a chef’s kitchen, wine cave, a media room, and a koi pond. But perhaps the real gem of this place is its outdoor area, which includes a firepit, custom hot tub, and an infinity pool overlooking both The Four Season Hualalai’s Ke’olu Golf Course and Maui’s finest beaches.
Villa Seascape, St. Barts: $5,714
Nothing says luxury like an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. At the Villa Seascape, you can overlook the ocean below the hilly St. Bart’s neighborhood of Mont Jean from one of the many vantage points on this rental’s 180-degree view.
Featuring six bedrooms and six bathrooms, this elegant villa is three stories and offers ample common areas as well as private spaces in the form of shaded terraces, rock gardens, and pool decks. The pool itself is heated in the winter and surrounded by high-end outdoor furniture to accommodate those delicious post-beach naps in the summer.
Along with a sleek kitchen and spa-like bathroom features, the Villa Seascape comes with a small fitness center, a massage table, and a housekeeping surface. Plus, it’s located in one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean.
All Together Now, Key West: $8,240
With 13 bedrooms and three spacious pools, there’s a good chance you’ll never want to leave this colorful block of private homes known as All Together Now during your next trip down south.
Open gates connect each home and allow guests to easily move through the property while still maintaining enough space for everyone to relax. The outdoor areas offer chaise lounges, a full dining set, a shower, a propane grill, and the privacy of a large fence that surrounds the compound.
While this luxury home is set in Key West, Florida—one of the hottest states in the U.S.—you do have the option of heating one of your three pools during the cooler months. And if you do decide to leave your Airbnb for a stroll around town, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s steps away from the always lively Duval Street.
Small Town Palatial Home, Illinois: $10,000
Let’s be clear: there’s nothing “small town” about this rental. Set on the banks of the Mississippi River, this literal mansion — otherwise known as the Small Town Palatial Home —is set on an entire city block near an airport for private planes or jets, naturally.
In addition to a luxurious infinity pool that lines up to the water and a hot tub, there is a multitude of fun water activities that can be arranged during your stay. You can hop on a riverboat, ride a couple of Jet Skis or spend the day fishing. Oh, and if you’re tired from a long day on the river, you can ask your private chef to prepare a lavish meal of up to 10 courses.
Villa Machiavelli, Italy: $10,996
There’s no estate quite as grand as the Villa Machiavelli in Tuscany, Italy. This 10-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion is surrounded by gorgeous, lush vineyards that make the pinkish exterior of this estate stand out beautifully.
The large terrace will have you feeling like you’re on the set of a romantic Italian film, with the on-site amenities making you feel even more like a celebrity. Between the grand soaking tubs, loft bedrooms, indoor pool, private gym, and personal butler, you’ll be more than happy to spend your entire stay cozied up inside the Villa Machiavelli.
Brisas Del Mar, Mexico: $11,600
If a large hot tub with ocean views is on your list of must-haves for an expensive Airbnb, then you’ll love the heated, multi-level spas and pools that the Brisas Del Mar has to offer. This rental’s outdoor pool terrace comes with 14 fire pits, three heated pools, multiple lounging areas, an outdoor bar, and a lush yoga garden surrounded by jacaranda trees and thatched-roof huts. And it doesn’t hurt that it sits next to the iconic One&Only Palmilla resort and golf course.
This beach oasis spares no detail in terms of luxury. You can find everything from a grand piano to a cigar humidified to a private putting green. Each of its six bedrooms is equipped with stone fireplaces and private terraces, and the seven bathrooms include steam showers and ocean views. The on-site private chef and butler make a stay in this exquisite beachside mansion that much sweeter.
Hillcrest Estate, California: $14,250
Old Hollywood glam meets modern grandeur at the Hillcrest Estate, a 1934 gem located in the heart of Beverly Hills. You’ll be transported back to a time of exquisite taste and midcentury design as you walk through this estate’s eccentric study, charming library, and multiple common areas, living spaces, and marble-clad kitchens. There’s also a records room with a stage that can be turned into a movie theatre or full-on concert thanks to this rental’s included instruments.
Outside, a manicured lawn and sculpture gardens surround a large, heated pool fanned by palm trees with plenty of modern and aesthetically pleasing lounge furniture to relax on. The fun doesn’t stop there; beyond the water is a private tennis court with a built-in skate ramp. While the Hillcrest Estate has everything you need (and then some), it’s close enough to popular local attractions like Rodeo Drive, the Griffith Observatory, and the Venice Canals.
Long Bay & Santosha Estates: $22,100
Escaping to a private compound that overlooks the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea is the stuff dreams are made of. Well, dreams and Long Bay & Santosha Estates. Nestled along the shores of Anguilla, this massive estate has not one but seven luxury villas with 21 different bedrooms and 20 baths that can house up to 28 people. All of who will enjoy the stylish decor and spa-like features this mini-city has to offer.
Each of the homes comes with welcome refreshments, beach drinks, and daily continental breakfast served, of course, by your private butler. Enjoy your meals (and the breathtaking views) from one of the multiple indoor and al fresco dining areas. This retreat also comes with a dedicated beach cabana, multiple pools, and hot tubs, a shared tennis court, and a fitness center, making it the perfect spot for a luxury destination wedding or massive family reunion.
Cerulean Villa and Private Spa: $25,000
The Cerulean Villa and Private Spa may very well be the most expensive listing on Airbnb at the time of this writing — and it’s easy to see why. Between its beachfront infinity pool that overlooks the Barnes Bay Beach, a trio of personal butlers, chauffeurs, and chefs (with the option to add in a kids coordinator, yoga, or sailor instructor) the private entertainment amenities, this luxury rental is not like the rest.
After you’ve chosen one of the nine bedrooms, you can spend your time enjoying the game room, catching a flick in the private cinema, having a drink at your personal bar, playing a round of golf on the putting green, or getting your sweat on in the tennis court. With so much to do, you may not even have the chance to explore the lush, manicured grounds or the well-equipped fitness center. But you’ll have no trouble finding time to relax on your private beach.
