So Airbnb has had its share of scandal and for some, it’s a foreign concept. As one of my aunties said when I mentioned it to her ‘how can you be staying in someone’s house?!’. She was aghast – but Airbnb is much more than that, and it does have potential to be awkward, but it is such a great resource and in more developed tourism markets there are all sorts of private home groups run and managed by property managers, as well as hotel villas.
I know, I know ‘TIA” and it can be dangerous – I had the exact same trepidation when touring the US in 2017 – there were hits and misses, but the same can be said of booking hotels to be honest.
Airbnb is awesome for planning and *cough* daydreaming about where you’d like to go next, think about it as the starting point for your super stylish travel vision board. Find the ultimate escapes, from solo-cations to a squad holiday and worklidays (work +holidays) to a romantic trip.
So for the more adventurous ones amongst us – check out four really cool looking Airbnb spots across the continent for your next holiday getaway or staycation.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is definitely having a moment, and if you’ve been desperate for some time off – this is a great location to consider. Do yourself a favour and book this space now for your next birthday, public holiday, weekend or any shindig really – because YOLO. Technically this gorgeous villa is 20 minutes outside of the main city, which is close enough so you can go in to experience the souks and medina, but there’s enough distance to have a more chilled out time if you want. The villa also comes fully serviced with a maid, driver and optional chef. Villa Nine costs $181 per night and sleeps ten people ($18/night/person).
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Go far from the madding crowd with your girls and experience a tranquil holiday. Instead of the usual shopping vacations, take some time out for introspection and bond with your girls in this peaceful resort, its right on the beach and nestled cosily on coral reefs. Water sports are encouraged , and you can snorkel, swim, or just stargaze on the private beach. The price per night is $50, and it accommodates 2 people ($25/night/person), though you can book other enarby villas if you are part of a bigger group.
Santana, São Tomé and Príncipe
Owned by a former French chef Yves Peladeau, this light-filled space offers a real slice of heaven, total peace and serenity as well as a gorgeous interior that’s really at one with the natural landscape. The breathtaking views are beyond, and is perfect for a getaway with family or friends. It sleeps 7 people at $174 a night, which works out to about $24 a night. (under N10, 000 guys!). Chef Yves – also runs another property on the island – Casa Onda Divinas
Capetown, South Africa
This villa is pricey, but how much would you pay for a superlative getaway? This gorgeous home in picturesque Camp’s Bay features a swimming pool with panoramic views of the beach, and several common areas for indulging in some excellent South African wine with your crew until the sun comes up. The price per night is $1,753 and the property sleeps 16-18, so technically this dream destination is about $97 per person per night. It’s not the most cost effective option, and is probably most ideal for big groups like a wedding party, but if you can afford it, it’ll be money well spent!
Sal, Cabo Verde
This spot is ideally situated in one of the best parts of Santa Maria directly on the beach – this colourful villa is extremely Instagram friendly and is a steal at $174 per night. Close enough to the nightlife and main town centre, but still calm and steps away from the beach – what’s not to love? And it breaks down to just about $44 per person, per night.
What do you think? Would you try out Airbnb for your next holiday?
