9 Airbnbs Offering Spectacular Views

While they say it’s the interior that truly matters, the allure of stunning views can be just as compelling in the world of Airbnbs. In the age of Instagram, vacation rentals with extraordinary vistas are becoming increasingly popular. Last year, Airbnb introduced a new search category called “Amazing Views” to help travelers find these gems more easily. Recently, they shared some of the most wishlisted properties within this category, showcasing landscapes that seem worthy of artwork or postcards: envision a serene Swiss alpine lake, the rolling hills of Umbria, the stunning Malibu coastline, and the striking red-rock formations of Utah. These locations are perfect for those moments when you might find yourself distracted from your companions, lost in thought as you gaze at the horizon, dreaming of owning your own slice of paradise.

Lakeside Haven in the Swiss Alps

This description is meant as a compliment: the view from this property, shown above, is so stunning it feels like someone commissioned AI to design a logo for a mineral water brand. Nestled under the slanted roof of a whimsical farmhouse reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film (with the host, Jos, living downstairs), the one-bedroom apartment features a front window and a cozy balcony that perfectly frame Lake Lungern, surrounded by vibrantly green pastures and often snow-capped peaks. Design enthusiasts will love the clever blend of rustic elements (knotty wooden walls) and modern playful details, including cloud-inspired light fixtures hanging above a tranquil reading nook.

Three-story beachfront villa in Costa Rica

You can’t go far in Costa Rica without hearing the phrase ‘pura vida,’ but after experiencing the view from Villa el Mango, you might be inspired to create a new saying: ‘pura vista.’ This three-story villa is nestled into a steep hillside, surrounded by the tropical fruit trees it’s named after. Its bedrooms and communal spaces face the ocean, featuring large bi-fold glass doors that create a nearly open-air living experience. Whether from the villa or the infinity-edge saltwater pool, you’ll be treated to a lush landscape that stretches over the nearby forest to Santa Teresa beach and the Pacific Ocean beyond.

Malibu Oceanfront Hideaway

When you think of ‘Malibu,’ oversized mansions (perhaps suited for Barbie) may come to mind, but this unexpectedly cozy one-bedroom bungalow will delight you. Accessible via an adventurous canyon road, the home is perched on a terraced lot filled with succulents and fruitful trees like oranges, lemons, and figs ready for harvest. It features an ocean-view desk that stretches all the way to Catalina Island, making it a perfect Southern California retreat to finish that screenplay or novel you’ve been working on. Your only potential interruption? The hummingbirds flitting around the bougainvilleas outside.

Glass Mirror Cabin near Oslo

If you’re not paying close attention, you might overlook this sleek tiny home: Norway’s first mirrored glass cabin blends seamlessly into its surroundings, reflecting the tranquility of the Nordre Øyeren nature reserve. Located about a 25-minute drive from central Oslo, the WonderInn boasts prime waterfront views where you might share the space with moose, beavers, deer, and eagles. As the sun sets, head to the fire pit or hot tub that extends over the delta for a breathtaking view of the stars—both above and mirrored on the cabin’s walls.

Design-forward house with a private waterfall in the Brazilian rainforest

Nestled within the rainforest and just a short walk to a private waterfall, this two-bedroom home is located about 20 minutes by car from the Portuguese colonial town of Paraty, situated on the Costa Verde between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Its design draws inspiration from much further afield: architects modeled the house after the traditional dwellings of the Asháninka, an Indigenous Amazonian tribe. With enormous windows in nearly every wall, you can enjoy the lush tropical greenery from the dining table, the mezzanine office, or even while in bed. For a true connection with the local wildlife—home to hundreds of bird species—be sure to spend time in the hammock or at the open-air gym.

Tower Suite on the Wadden Sea in the Netherlands

Indulge your post-industrial dreams in this cozy suite, housed within a converted 40-foot-tall funnel that was once used for transporting sand, grain, and gravel. It towers over the harbor like a robotic red-and-black crab, offering a seagull's-eye view of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its shifting landscapes that transition from vast mudflats to a shimmering body of water. Despite its unusual exterior, the suite is well-equipped, featuring a hot tub, complimentary breakfast, and binoculars for gazing at the islands of Vlieland and Terschelling.

Villa with Infinity Pool in the Greek Isles

Less famous than its Aegean neighbors, the island of Lefkada lies just off the western coast of mainland Greece, accessible via a causeway and floating bridge. This one-bedroom villa is perched on a westward-facing terraced hillside, making it an ideal spot for sunset watching—particularly from the infinity pool or the mattress-like lounger beside it. Just a five-minute stroll from Kathisma beach, the villa is part of a walled complex with two other properties, Wave Infinity Grand Villa and Wave Twin 2 Infinity, perfect for larger groups traveling together.

A-frame Cabin with Views of Zion

This compact A-frame cabin makes the most of its 144 square feet by embracing the outdoors: the side opens up like a car trunk, providing unobstructed views of the stunning red-rock canyons and sandstone formations in the Canaan Mountains, about a 50-minute drive from the national park. Perched atop a series of staircases, the cabin features swinging chairs at the summit, an outdoor grilling area midway, and a hot tub below. During the summer, you can also book a $25 per person UTV tour to experience the hosts’ favorite canyon views, or feel free to explore the surrounding wilderness yourself—managed by the Bureau of Land Management, it’s open for public enjoyment, meaning this land is truly made for you and me.

Cottage in the Umbrian Countryside

Nestled in the Umbrian countryside about 20 minutes north of Perugia, Casa San Gabriel comprises four agrarian buildings dating back to the 16th century, including the charming La Stalla—meaning “the stable.” This lovingly restored cottage features original beams and terracotta tiles, set amid three acres of olive groves, vegetable and herb gardens, and fields where you may encounter the owners’ friendly pet alpaca and two goats. The main house boasts a pool, a wood-fired pizza oven, and a collection of DVDs and guidebooks. If you’re traveling with a larger group, you can also spread out across the other rentals, Il Fienile (“the barn”) and La Cantina (“the cellar”). As a bonus, from this hillside location, you can enjoy views stretching all the way to Assisi.