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This cosy cabin in rural NSW is among the world’s 10 most-loved Airbnbs

Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
This scroll-stopping hut overlooking NSW’s Liverpool Plains has snagged a spot on Airbnbs’ 2025 list of most-loved rentals.

Whether it’s the flexibility of a breezy beachside home or the escapist element of a treehouse retreat, there’s a lot to love about the incredible selection of Airbnbs up for grabs these days. The accommodation booking platform has just announced the 10 Airbnb listings that received the most love on social media in 2025, based on total engagement on TikTok and Instagram. Here’s the lowdown. 

The takeaways of the most-loved Airbnbs on social in 2025

The most-loved Airbnbs on social media list reveals the accommodations social media users found most captivating in 2025. The general consensus? Nature-led stays that invite the outdoors in, along with those boasting unique designs and standout architecture. Further, these stays encourage switch-off time through facilities such as soul-warming firepits and calming bathtubs – creating escapes that feel far away from the everyday and lend themselves to deep rest. 

The Australian Airbnb that made the list 

gilay estate cabin
The cabin offers beautiful country views. (Image: Morning Swim)

Located near the town of Quirindi in north-west NSW, Gilay Estate has been named among the top 10 most-loved Airbnbs in the world for 2025. With a striking A-frame build that stands out against the surrounding countryside, the luxury off-grid escape has captured the eyes of travellers and social media users far and wide. (Who could blame them?) Two near-identical, tiny home-style huts are available, both sleeping two. 

gilay estate bedroom
Relax in timber-clad Gilay Estate. (Image: Morning Swim)

The central spaces feature a contemporary fireplace and king-sized bed looking out through generously sized panes of glass to tree-scattered, pastoral greens. Awash in timber panelling with splashes of dusty orange and charcoal hues, interiors are a stylish mash-up of raw natural materials and structured human touches.

Outside, savour complimentary sparkling from local Hollydene Estate Winery while spotting roaming wildlife from the wood-fired hot tub. Or perhaps sharpen your culinary skills using the Gozney pizza oven and open firepit grill. It’s a stay that truly encourages guests to rejuvenate and switch off. 

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

The most-loved Airbnbs on social in 2025

North Cascades Haven airbnb
North Cascades Haven is a delight. (Image: Airbnb)

Earning their place alongside Gilay Estate are a host of nine more inspiring Airbnbs guaranteed to make you stop scrolling. 

Sitting right on the edge of the glacier-fed Cascade River in Washington, USA, North Cascades Haven at the River Cabin promises to lull guests to sleep with the continous sound of running rapids and ethereal forest views. In New York, Birch Falls Spa Cabin at Evergreen Cabins also draws on the element of water and forested surrounds, spotlighting an indoor waterfall and soaker jet tub.  

Come & Dream in Quetzalcoatl’s Nest
Come & Dream in Quetzalcoatl’s Nest. (Image: Airbnb)

Brimming with creativity, Come & Dream in Quetzalcoatl’s Nest in Mexico’s Naucalpan de Juárez is an oasis of futuristic design. The four-bedroom house comprises layered levels of wavy edges complemented by a series of stunning gardens and water ponds. 

Cozy Cabin in Black Mountain
Cozy Cabin in Black Mountain, USA. (Image: Airbnb)

Also named one of the most Insta-worthy Airbnbs in the world in 2025 was Cozy Cabin in Black Mountain, North Carolina. This USA stay is a sanctuary for reflection, lending itself to slow getaways with a picturesque reading nook, sunroom, hot tub and outdoor terrace with a firepit and knockout valley views. 

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Eleanor Edström
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or hunting down Sydney's cosiest cafes.
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Uncork and unwind: The Hunter Valley’s newest wellness escape

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    Who says a healthy holiday always has to mean meditative silence?

    Sitting on the balcony wrapped in a bathrobe, you warm your cold hands around a green tea as steam rises from the mug. The lorikeets haven’t come out yet, but the sunrise hot-air balloons have. Below, scrubby bushland gives way to rows of vines, where, in a few hours, the Hunter Valley’s cellar doors will begin pouring Semillon.

    You might have booked the new Avani Cypress Lakes for a reset – but that doesn’t mean retreating from everything around you. Here’s how the Hunter Valley’s new resort is doing wellness without shutting the world out.

    Location

    Medititation Hill at Avani Cypress Lakes Resort
    Take in 360-degree views from Meditation Hill.

    The brand-new Avani Cypress Lakes Resort is spread across 340 acres in Australia’s oldest wine-growing region. Rebranding in October 2026, it brings the former Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and neighbouring Elysia Wellness Retreat together under the Avani name. It will also become Avani’s largest property in Australasia.

    A long lunch among the vines is a siren song, but it might be even more of a temptation to spend the whole holiday at the resort. If you’re eager for the whole picture as soon as you get there, start your stay with a tramp up Meditation Hill for 360-degree views across the land, before discovering the rest of the resort.

    Style and character

    one bedroom villa at Avani Cypress Lakes Resort
    Make use of a private balcony in each villa.

    Once you enter, be whisked (ever so gently) away to one of the resort’s 204 rooms and suites. Bedrooms come dressed in plush white linen, textured cushions and sleek upholstered headboards, with a palette that takes its cues from the outside, bringing in eucalyptus green and rich ochre that offset the creams, beiges and warm taupes.

    For those group getaways, choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom villas, each with a private balcony, separate living areas and kitchen facilities. The one- and two-bedroom villas come with kitchenettes, while the three-bedroomers have full kitchens for those planning to make themselves properly at home with Hunter Valley cheeses and local wine bottles, and the Premier Villa offers a serious upgrade.

    If a wellness retreat is already whispering your name between the gentle chimes of Tibetan bells, the Wellness Suites come with private balconies and put AvaniWell’s saunas, pools and day spa experiences right on the doorstep for the 16-plus crowd.

    It’s all part of the resort’s balance between switching off and being social when the mood strikes.

    AvaniWell

    AvaniWell is set to become Australia’s largest integrated resort wellness precinct. And with 26 treatment rooms and more than 50 day-spa treatments and therapies, there’s plenty to tempt you away from the golf green and into that fluffy spa robe.

    If the existing Elysia treatments are anything to go by, heated volcanic stones, gua sha face massages, Hawaiian Kahuna massages, Himalayan salt scrubs, remedial massages and even Watsu therapy are all on the menu. The Watsu takes place in a purpose-built magnesium pool heated to body temperature, where floats support you as a practitioner guides you through delicious stretches.

    But relaxation doesn’t run to a schedule. You can dip in for a single treatment or make a few days of it, with a year-round calendar of activities to pick and choose from. You can also make some moves on one of the eight Pilates reformers, relax in an infrared sauna or cool off in an outdoor cold-plunge pool or unwind in the magnesium pool.

    Beyond that, three pickleball courts and the golf course should tempt you out of your slippers.

    Dining

    Fusion Restaurant at AvaniWell Avani Cypress Lakes Resort
    Enjoy a nourishing meal at Fusion.

    Avani’s story began in Sri Lanka, so it’s perfect that it’s bringing a taste of the island to Australia’s fusion-loving food scene. Enter Chakraya, the resort’s Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant. From its warm timber tones to its flavours, this high-end dining spot takes its inspiration from the island’s traditions.

    After a night at Chakraya, move from warm and intimate to light and airy at Fusion restaurant. The interiors are as fresh as the food, with nourishing dishes that complement the AvaniWell vibe and are just the thing in between your sauna session and Pilates class.

    Later, it’s time to get the residents of the three-bedroomer together at the Bistro & Bar (open from breakfast to dinner). Here, it’s all about the casual classics, eaten in blissed-out calm.

    Other facilities

    aerial of Avani Cypress Lakes Resort
    Find a golf cours, kids program and more on the property.

    When there’s business to attend to, the resort has 24 meeting and event spaces for everything from conferences to weddings. But the fairway always beckons. Designed by Steve Smyers, the 18-hole championship golf course has dramatic elevation changes and fairway contours, 60 bunkers, generous greens and epic views across the vineyards to the Brokenback range. Mind it doesn’t sting your swing.

    For the little ones, the AvaniKids program will keep them busy with creative activities and outdoor adventures. But if you’d rather wait it out in style while everyone else is off golfing or gallivanting, take your pick: a luxuriously long swim in one of three outdoor pools, a cabana by the upgraded pool bar or settling in for a film at the outdoor cinema right as those evening crickets start up.

    Start your wellness reset in the Hunter Valley at avanihotels.com.