As much as I’m a homebody and love being with my family, I can also admit that it gets pretty boring to stare at the same walls day in and day out. It’s certainly not ideal for creativity, but I’ve found that traveling is a surefire way to get ideas flowing, especially when I’m experiencing writer’s block.
While it’s not always realistic to take off on a moment’s notice and escape to a serene locale to spur my writing, I do keep a list of “writing retreats” saved on my Airbnb account that I hope to visit one day. If you’re in desperate need of a getaway or just like browsing pretty homes, here are several of my favorite Airbnb listings that I think would make for a perfect escape.
A Desert Tiny Home
If you know me, you know I have a strange fascination with tiny houses. I’ve written about them pretty extensively, and I’ve actually threatened to drop everything and go on a country-wide tiny house tour. (Not realistic, but so tempting!)
As such, it should come as no surprise that I’m absolutely obsessed with this off-the-grid tiny house in Joshua Tree, California. It’s described as a “star-gazing cabin” and you can actually sleep in an open-air bed under the stars. SO. DREAMY.
An Icelandic Escape
If I ever go here, I’m probably just going to sit on the deck the whole time, marveling at the beauty of nature. This modern apartment in northern Iceland is aggressively sleek and stylish, and the views take my breath away via photos, so I can’t even imagine how powerful they would be in person.
Plus, there are all sorts of activities to do nearby, whether it’s hiking, horseback riding, or dog sledding in the winter. Or, ya know, just sitting on the deck, having some quiet time and finally writing something.
A Picturesque English Cottage
The flowers? The patio? The sunroom? Take my money immediately. This quaint cottage is nestled in the English countryside, and it’s just the right size for a solo escape. The inside is cozy and colorfully decorated, giving the little house buckets of charm, and there are plenty of sitting areas where you can set up camp with your laptop and start getting words on paper.
When you need to relax at the end of the day, this listing has a toasty hot tub, and the best part? It’s dog-friendly, so you can bring along your four-legged writing companion to enjoy the rural escape.
A Secluded Cabin in Colorado
I audibly gasped when I saw this stunning sunset photo. This cabin, which is nestled on a cool 160 acres, offers breathtaking mountain views in all directions, but the interior isn’t anything to scoff at, either. It’s beautifully furnished with modern decor, and honestly? It would be the perfect backdrop for a contemporary cowboy romance novel… just saying.
After a long day of writing, you’ll be able to soak in the cabin’s hot tub or kick back on the screened-in porch, which is complete with a fire pit. If somehow you aren’t sold quite yet, consider that this Airbnb has a perfect 5-star rating from more than 100 reviewers—a rare feat in the rental world!
A Whimsical Treehouse
I grew up in the middle of nowhere, so I’ve always been quite enamored with the forest. There’s just something so calming about being alone with nature and pretending the hustle and bustle of the outside world doesn’t exist.
If that sounds like your ideal life situation, you’ll love this secluded treehouse in Atlanta. It’s one of the “most wished-for” Airbnbs in the world, and it’s easy to see why! The rustic look of the series of treehouses is quaint and magical, and—would you look at that—there’s even a little desk where you can get some writing done.
An Oceanfront ‘Cave’ House
When you think of a cave, you probably picture a dark, damp, creepy space. Don’t worry, though—this “cave house” in Greece is nothing like that! While it was once a wine cellar, the oceanfront apartment is now light, bright and airy.
If you’re all about sunshine, this is the perfect little getaway. You’ve got a little outdoor space where you can marvel at the beautiful ocean views, and there’s even a little plunge pool to dip your toes in. I don’t know about you, but I could easily spend a few weeks in this amazing rental.
A Rustic Italian Retreat
I first visited Italy when I was in high school, and while I was plagued with insomnia the whole trip (it wasn’t cute), one thing I remember vividly was driving through the stunning Italian countryside. It was just so beautiful and calm, and I remember thinking, “I have to come back here one day.”
Well, if I ever decide to return to this lovely country, I’m probably going to stay somewhere like this quaint hillside cottage, which is surprisingly affordable to rent. The views look fabulous, and the listing even says they’re happy to host artists! Sign me up.
A Romantic Jungle Abode
If a warm-weather getaway sounds more your speed, I think this unique jungle treehouse in Hawaii would be ideal. Those big, beautiful windows will provide all the natural light you’ll ever need, and when you need a break from writing, you can go down below and just lounge on the hanging bed, contemplating your next great novel.
Unrelated, but it would also be a great spot to go on your honeymoon or for a little romantic retreat with your sweetheart.
A Secluded Dome House
A lot of the retreats on my list feature breathtaking scenery, but with this pick, the house is the main feature. This jaw-dropping dome house is located on a secluded parcel of land in New York, and it has an incredible sci-fi vibe that I’m obsessed with. Wouldn’t it be the perfect spot to write a fantasy novel?
This unique home has four bedrooms, so you can bring along friends, if you want, and you’re sure to make friends with lots of wildlife, as the house is surrounded by 28 acres of forest.
A Mountaintop Villa
Maybe I should have just titled this list “Airbnbs where you can watch gorgeous sunsets.” (What can I say? I’m a sucker for a great view!) This gorgeous villa is called Earthlight 6, and it’s located at the top of Pioneer Ridge near Orondo, Washington, offering jaw-dropped views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
The interior of the home boasts floor-to-ceiling windows so you never miss a moment of the gorgeous panorama, and it’s every bit as beautiful in the winter as it is the rest of the year — you’ll just need a 4WD car to access it in the snow.
A Charming Waterfront Escape
The charming Windwatch Cottage would make for a wonderfully relaxing retreat, especially if you’re inspired by the ocean. It’s located right on the water in North Carolina’s Outerbanks, offering direct access to the sound for paddleboarding, kayaking, and watching the colorful sunsets. The newly renovated interior is just as quaint, with cozy decor that will make it feel like a home-away-from-home.
An Italian-Style Farm Villa
It might look like it’s tucked in the Italian countryside, but this lovely villa is actually right here in the U.S. It’s situated on the 8-acre Spotted Sheep Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas, and the property is home to the cutest farm animals, including alpacas, miniature donkeys, and spotted sheep, all of whom you can hang out with during your stay.
When you need a break from writing, you can hang out in the villa’s hot tub or kick back at the fire pit, and there are also some wonderful vineyards nearby that you can explore in your down time.
The ‘Spyglass’ Treehouse
I love a quirky treehouse, and this one certainly fits the bill! The “Spyglass Treehouse” is an architectural gem, featuring an Instagram-worthy cylindrical shape nestled among the towering redwood trees. The rental has high-speed Wi-Fi so you can get all your work done, and at the end of a productive day, you can relax in the cedar hot tub while taking in the forest all around you. How’s that for inspiration?
A Cozy Parisian Apartment
If your ideal writing retreat is in the heart of a bustling city, you can’t go wrong with this chic little apartment in the heart of Paris. It has the most charming sitting area and kitchenette where you can brainstorm ideas and jot down all your musings, and the location couldn’t be better — it’s a short walk away from both the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Panthéon, the former of which is one of my favorite spots in Paris.