EDITOR’S NOTE: We realize everyone has different levels of comfort when it comes to travel during the pandemic. For the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, click HERE. Be careful!
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Spring is in the air, and so is that travel planning spark. We scoured Airbnb for the most luxurious, amenities-oriented and unique Airbnbs in the South. Mountains, beaches, prime city destinations and in between we’ve found five irresistible vacation homes you’ll want to book at present.
A Cut Above | Blue Ridge, Georgia
8 guests 3 bedrooms 3 beds 3 bathrooms
Book this rustic-modern chalet HERE.
This modern cabin is one of the newest and coolest places to rent in the mountains of North Georgia. It has two full living areas for privacy – one on the main level and one on the terrace level, each with full living areas, a kitchen, living room, dining room, master suite and a laundry room. Inside the home you’ll find custom walk-in showers, striking light fixtures, a cozy fireplace, open concept kitchen, high cathedral ceilings, and plenty of windows overlooking the layered mountain view.
With paved road access, A Cut Above is in a secure community less than five minutes from scenic downtown Blue Ridge. Picture: Airbnb
Outside, two levels of porches are equipped with a hot tub, a ping-pong table, outdoor lounges, a barbecue and two more fireplaces. After a day in nearby towns, a hike on the region’s fabulous trails, or visiting bustling vineyards, uncork a bottle on the deck and enjoy the views. This house is perfect for a getaway with family, girls, or a weekend in the mountains with friends. There is so much to see in the area (Helen, Blairsville, Elijay and other towns have lots to do!), And it’s easy to get to from many towns.
Each room evokes a peaceful feeling of sleeping in the trees. Image: Airbnb
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There is no shortage of indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces in this rental. Relax here with a good book and a glass of wine after a day of exploring. Image: Airbnb
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Domaine Ciel Bleu | Austin, Texas
10 guests 4 rooms 5 beds 4.5 bathrooms
Book this luxury Texas retreat HERE.
Austin, TX called, and it’s time for you to answer! This newly rebuilt and renovated villa is about as luxurious as you can rent on Airbnb. Along the pebble path and through a large glass front door you will find chic white furniture, spectacularly towering windows, vaulted ceilings, and hardwood floors. The airy open plan plan connects the living, dining and kitchen areas and diffuses sunlight into every corner of the home.
Grab your next favorite book from the library shelves and soak up the plump sofas scattered throughout the house. Picture: Airbnb
Rentals with outdoor lounges are at the top of our list. Image: Airbnb
The lush, secluded courtyard is surrounded by trees. While the kids and the hearted dabble in the pool and under the rocky waterfall, put the grill master to work on the outdoor grill or indulge in a private chef-prepared meal. (The owner can help you set it up.) The enclosed trampoline and stocked playroom will keep kids entertained for hours and maybe invoke friendly competition between adults.
The exterior landscape of the villa will provide hours of festivities or relaxation. We suggest you bring some souvenirs from the neighboring vineyards to sip under the gazebo after a long day. Image: Airbnb
Located near downtown Austin, there is so much to explore – flavors to taste, music to hear, and sites to see. Paddle along Ladybird Lake, shop on South Congress Avenue, and savor the flavors of world-famous local restaurants. What better addition to your Austin vacation than coming back to Blue Sky Estate?
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Covington Castle | Covington, Louisiana
6 guests 3 rooms 4 beds 2.5 bathrooms
Book the castle of your dreams HERE.
Did you know that you can hire a Chateau in Louisiana? Live like royalty in this medieval castle that a father, Chanse Mortenson, built for his son so he could grow up away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Guests are required to meet Chanse for a mandatory – but reportedly fabulous – 30-minute tour of the property during which Chanse explains how all the gadgets work and teaches you the secrets of the castle.
Every stay at Covington Castle directly supports the owner’s nonprofit, Second Chanse Castles. Picture: Airbnb
Chanse allows parties and events at the castle. We envision the most epic murder mystery birthday dinner ever. Image: Airbnb
From the medieval exterior and portcullis-shaped entrance gate to the castle, guests are greeted with gorgeous marble and stone, tasteful dragon decor, and furry accents throughout. Relax in the cinema’s massage chairs or in the indoor Jacuzzi with massage jets. There’s also a custom stone cave-like shower, a lovely outdoor pool, game room, and more.
Every guest comment says the castle is both a fairy tale and an adventure and will be equally magical for children and adults alike who might need to remember the magic we held so dear to us as children. Image: Airbnb
Part of the New Orleans metropolitan area, Covington and neighboring towns are full of shops, craft breweries, trendy art galleries, and great restaurants. Don’t pass up your opportunity to stay in a castle – reviews report that the listing photos just don’t do the place justice, and we think it’s by design. We are ready to experience the mystery ourselves!
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Old Cay House | Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
6 guests 3 bedrooms 4 beds 2.5 baths
Book your private island HERE.
Presented by all who visit as a hidden coastal treasure, Old House Cay is a truly unique, off-grid getaway. The house is located on a network of private islands which contain all of the comforts of home but are only accessible by boat. Pack plenty of food and your best friends and enjoy a week or two in this quintessential Lowcountry destination.
An aerial view shows how the three islands are isolated and surrounded by unspoiled nature. Picture: Airbnb
Fill your days of boating, kayaking, fishing and relaxing around the property with a must read. When you’re ready for the sights and bites of Hilton Head Island, you’re only a five- to seven-minute boat ride away. Many previous clients suggest hiring a boat for one or more days of your trip to see the surrounding islands as Daufuskie Island and its restaurants, shops and local rum distillery. The house is surrounded by marshes, so expect to see bald eagles, herons, dolphins and more… as well as truly breathtaking sunsets.
Coffee or cocktail in hand, relax by the fire in any season! Image: Airbnb
RELATED: 5 Ideas for Southern Weekend Getaways
It’s hard to believe that a house like this exists in such a remote location. It is also fully solar powered! Image: Airbnb
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Lookout Mountain Retro Pad | Chattanooga, Tennessee
8 guests 4 rooms 5 beds 3.5 bathrooms
Book this groovy place HERE.
This mid-century dreamy modern home is literally perched on a cliff top in the clouds. Lookout Mountain overlooks Chattanooga, and there is so much to see both inside this home and in its neighboring town. Original artwork, quirky furnishings, and thoughtful touches like local coffee and plentiful firewood dot the property. Outside, on the cliff side, the outdoor fireplace and patio are perfect for admiring the colors of the sunrise and sunset.
Panoramic views of Chattanooga and the beautiful mountainous landscape greet you at every turn. Picture: Airbnb
The interior decoration exudes Mad Men vibrations with clean lines and sumptuous textures. Image: Airbnb
It is about 15 minutes to downtown Chattanooga and only 5-20 minutes to many of the area’s famous hikes. If you’re looking for even more reasons to visit Rock City, visit the famous aquarium, or experience the vibrant culture of Chattanooga, here it is. The retro paver really has it all, including a prime address.
Two wood-burning fireplaces and an outdoor fireplace welcome you comfortably all year round. Customers say owner Michelle even offers s’mores ingredients! Image: Airbnb
Travel safely, wherever your urge to travel takes you!
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