These Unique Airbnbs Around the World Are Truly Sights to Behold

Perks: Pool, midcentury furniture, dedicated workspace, smart TVs, on-site washer and dryer

The Norman Lykes House is one of 14 circular homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Intended to blend with the curves of the surrounding mountain, the exterior is a system of overlapping circles. Inside, the floor plan flows circuitously, creating an open plan filled with natural light. The walls are clad in mahogany, and the common spaces filled with the architect’s iconic woodwork and shelving. The full kitchen is also circular, an unexpected break from the usual rectangles in everyday kitchens. Pay special attention to the way the architectural details guide you through the rooms—ceiling lines delineate spaces for lounging and function, and the narrow, sliced windows in the bedroom and living spaces frame painting-like views of the landscape. The crescent-shaped pool is the real cherry on top for taking dips in the desert heat. Should you need a change of scenery, Palm Canyon is a short drive away. From $2,495 per night.

Perks: Terrace, luggage drop-off, smart TV, backyard, air conditioning

This one-bedroom rental really doesn’t look like much from the outside. At first glance, it’s simply a door jutting out of what seems to be a wood-plank deck—and that’s not entirely incorrect. But that deck is also a roof, topping a fairy tale-like space for design enthusiasts. Once you enter the main door, a spiral staircase leads guests to the main floor, which is flanked with a massive window overlooking the meadows. A Murphy bed pulls down from a bookcase, making the most of the home’s small footprint. This weekend getaway spot is great for couples who love unique stays and want to start the day with a hike and end it with a glass of wine on the private terrace. The surrounding area is great for biking, hiking, and anyone else who needs a dose of medicine in the form of expansive countryside. The local arboretum is a two-minute walk away, and the cities of Brussels, Leuven, and Wavre are a 20-minute drive when you crave a restaurant dinner. From $163 per night.

Perks: Patio, on-site washer and dryer, sound system, crib, Wi-Fi

Quetzalcoatl’s Nest isn’t the hideout of the eponymous Aztec god, but a jaw-dropping complex of apartments in a private park 15 miles outside Mexico City. Inspired equally by Antoni Gaudí and Frank Lloyd Wright, this bejeweled behemoth is the work of Javier Senosiain, a famed Mexican architect whose awe-inspiring architecture finds mankind yielding to nature. That’s just as true for its interiors, where organic shapes replace hard angles evident in the soft contours of chairs and couches, as well as the windows looking out on Senosiain’s serpentine structure and other natural wonders of this 1.2-acre park. From $406 per night.

Perks: EV charger, sound system, patio, BBQ grill, gym

Situated between Brazil’s economic epicenter of São Paulo and its cultural capital of Rio de Janeiro, Paraty’s proximity to the Atlantic Forest means trading commotion for calm. This iF Design Award–winning listing leans into the lushness of the surrounding fauna, thanks to extensive wood paneling and floor-to-ceiling living room windows, which make guests feel like they’re staying inside a greenhouse. Easy access to a private waterfall and natural swimming pool further serve to make Paraty feel like paradise. From $142 per night.

Perks: Indoor fireplace, bathtub, dishwasher, patio

For Provençal history and charm, it’s hard to beat this faithfully restored 12th-century apartment situated in the walled village of Saint Paul de Vence. Its design offers a mix of Old World idiosyncrasy and modern luxury, best exemplified by the tunneled entrance leading to its vaulted-ceiling bathroom. As if the architecture alone is not enough to book this listing, its status as the former home of French poet and screenwriter Jacques Prévert adds an aura of literary mystique. Though Nice and other Côte d’Azur hotspots aren’t far away, there’s nothing better than soaking up summer rays on the jasmine-lined terrace to, perhaps, indulge in a bit of poetic inspiration. From $499 per night.

Perks: Pet-friendly, patio, washer, BBQ grill, outdoor dining space, private backyard

If a 12th-century French apartment feels too cramped and modern, how about a 10th-century castle just across the border in Catalan? Located in the idyllic region of Ripollès, the ramparts of castle Llaés look out upon both the Pyrenees and bucolic hillsides where goats graze. With reviews lauding this fortified Romanesque structure’s sense of living history and eight bedrooms, it has the makings of a getaway fit for royalty—or a small wedding party. From $664 per night.

Perks: Outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, BBQ grill, desert views, self check-in

Though not found in a galaxy far, far away, this adobe dome may be a Star Wars fan’s new dream destination. Located near Big Bend National Park, the earthen structure is remote and subsequently lacks light pollution, which makes it a haven for stargazers. Though the place relies on solar power and lacks indoor plumbing, these minor inconveniences are a small price to pay for the chance to commune with the cosmos. From $128 per night.

Perks: Breakfast included, patio, hammock, free parking, forest views

If accommodations located on solid ground simply won’t do, scamper up to this French treehouse located about an hour’s drive west of Basel, Switzerland. A cozy spot perfect for curling up with a good book, this treehouse features a living room and a terrace with an inviting hammock. Just across a suspension bridge is the rest of this skyward suite, with a bedroom in an acorn-like structure. Whether you’re after a meditative retreat among the birds or an intimate getaway, there’s nowhere to go but up. From $244 per night.

Perks: Pool, backyard, air conditioning, ocean views, room-darkening shades

Fans of seaside splendor will fall in love with this 19th-century windmill on the western coast of São Miguel, the biggest island in Portugal’s beautiful Azores. Behind the white façade, the interiors are fit for a Wes Anderson film. There’s a surprising amount of space for a kitchenette and well-appointed living room. A spiral staircase leads up to a king-size bedroom, featuring sweeping, endless views of the Atlantic Ocean. The grounds also feature an expansive garden full of fruit trees and flowers, plus additional housing for up to seven more guests. There’s no better base for exploring everything on this Hawaii of the Atlantic archipelago. From $206 per night.

Perks: Outdoor shower, jacuzzi, patio, Egyptian cotton linens, indoor fireplace

In the wilds of South Africa’s Western Cape, this 272-acre property at the foothills of the Langeberg mountain range is a chance to escape and unplug without leaving luxury behind. The open-floor plan cottage lets you sleep, sit, and even soak (in a wood-fired hot tub, no less) against the backdrop of sweeping vistas and starry skies. Reviewers praise its beautiful design and peaceful setting, making it one of the best options for an eco lodge on the African continent. From $160 per night.

Perks: Patio, air conditioning, dishwasher, outdoor shower, BBQ grill

These days, Austin’s newest residential high-rises are probably making the Texan capital less weird, but this mind-bending bungalow is a throwback fighting the good fight. Described in its listing as “a giant seashell unicorn,” the Bloomhouse is the brainchild of two University of Texas architecture students who were hell-bent on breaking free from the oppressive requirement for corners and straight lines. Prepare to “leave behind the confines of modernity and the rules of logic, to live only in whimsy” as you take in the meringue-like fireplace and the surrealistic white staircase with sinuous wood accents. So if you come back from a night out on Sixth Street and your Airbnb looks a little wavy, it’s not just your imagination. From $478 per night.

Perks: Pool, sauna, indoor fireplace, luggage drop-off, backyard

With so much history and color around every corner in Marrakesh, why stay somewhere boring? This Riad is an oasis from the Moroccan city’s heat and hustle, offering a chance to step into a swimming pool and the region’s aesthetic history. The grand columns, arches, and intricate tilework in the courtyard bestow a palatial impression, while little flourishes of local style lurk in every bedroom—there are seven. You’d hardly need to walk out the front door to get a feel for Moroccan design, but proximity to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Medina, and many a souk means you’ll have easy access to all sorts of artisanal souvenirs. From $569 per night.

Perks: Breakfast included, indoor fireplace, backyard, desert views

Found on Navajo land in Arizona, Shash Dine’ draws visitors thanks to its stargazing opportunities, as well as its reverent efforts to keep indigenous culture and tradition alive. The most compelling residence at this self-described “glamping hotel” has to be The Kyo͞ob, which balances impeccable design with easy access to ranch ruggedness. Here, you can start your day by watching a desert sunrise from the backseat of a convertible (should you book a tour), and end it by sipping Navajo tea made from roasted greenthread as you gaze up at a million stars overhead. From $293 per night.

Perks: Indoor fireplace, luggage drop-off, backyard, Wi-Fi, fire pit

British Columbia’s Mayne Island may not be Middle Earth, but you might think otherwise after a few nights in Cob Cottage. Though, thankfully, not hobbit-sized, this home is hand-sculpted from local, sustainable materials, making it a truly one-of-a-kind property. The interior features unexpected flourishes that’ll make you feel like you’re living in a fantasy novel, and you’ll find plenty of nooks perfect for reading one. Add in a wilderness setting to explore, and it’s no wonder why words like “magical” frequently pop up in reviews. From $153 per night.