Sometimes where you stay is a reason to visit a place all by itself. It might be the treehouse of your dreams, a unique hotel you never want to leave, or a perfectly designed luxury guesthouse. It’s one of our favourite things about traveling. We look for places that are unusual, creative, unique, and special – the kinds of places you want to tell people about.
This is our collection of special stays from around the world. They range from hip boutique hotels to off-grid glamping resorts and outstanding Airbnbs – for us special isn’t about the price, it’s about the character.
We also include unique hotels and places to stay in our detailed travel itineraries.
One of the most scenic places in England, the Lake District National Park is a land of mountains, glittering lakes and picturesque, welcoming villages. It’s one of the most popular holiday spots in the UK and as such there’s a wealth of beautiful Lake District Airbnbs. 12 Best Airbnb: Lake District National Park I’ve curated … Read more
Sonoma is one of the top places I dream of returning to. Offering a heady mix of redwoods, wine, farm-to-table dining and an all encompassing laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect break away. There are some gorgeous guesthouses and wineries to stay at, but if you’re looking for something more independent, the Sonoma Airbnbs are the … Read more
Where to stay when visiting Yellowstone National Park? Straddling Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, Yellowstone is a mighty space covering 3,468 square miles. Accommodation options inside the park are limited, so you’ll most likely want to stay in one of the towns on the edge. Airbnb is an ideal option, especially for social distancing, and there … Read more
Looking for somewhere to stay in Jackson Hole? Here’s our guide to the best Jackson Hole Airbnbs, including some seriously luxury options. Situated between the Grand Tetons and Gros Ventres mountain ranges, the Jackson Hole ranching community is a popular vacation spot, offering easy access to both the Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National … Read more
Charleston is filled with dream homes – I was bowled over by the colour, cuteness and character of so many we passed on the streets. But to truly get a taste of what it’d be like to live in one of these gorgeous abodes, Airbnb and its alternatives are the obvious choice. I spent hours … Read more
As you know I’ve traditionally been a big fan of Airbnb (less so these days), as both a guest and host. I love being able to experience a slice of local life while also having more space and cooking facilities than you tend to get in a hotel. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes a hotel … Read more
Palm Springs, the playground for LA hipsters, is well known for its distinctive mid-century architecture and kitsch, playful style. People have gone all out creating their dream homes, and on Airbnb you have the chance to stay in one and experience the true Palm Springs lifestyle. Here’s my round-up of the best Palm Springs Airbnbs. … Read more
Cornwall is the perfect destination for a UK family staycation, feeling just as special as further flung destinations, but without the cost and added bother of a flight. In fact, driving along the rugged Cornwall coast reminds me of Big Sur and our gorgeous California road trip. For places to stay in Cornwall, there are … Read more
It’s a dream of mine to convert our garage into a cute little Airbnb house, but until that happens, here’s a round-up of the best Airbnbs in Bristol. The city’s creativity and community vibes mean there are some beautiful options to choose from with friendly hosts and styles to suit all tastes. I’ve divided them … Read more
Looking for a place to stay in San Diego? For a taste of local life, try one of these San Diego Airbnbs. It’s the shortlist I came up with when planning our San Diego itinerary, which was part of our epic one-month California road trip. I’ve broken them down into the different neighbourhoods, so you … Read more