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 Magical Secluded 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 Treehouse
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 Minimalistic Greenhouse
This greenhouse-style house would actually make the perfect writing retreat, as its minimalistic design leaves you with nothing to do but focus on your work! There’s no TV or fancy amenities to distract you—instead, you’d simply have to sit on the deck, take in that gorgeous scenery, and put words on a page.
The Airbnb is located in Yucca Valley, California, and it’s situated on an expansive 100-acre property with three other rentals. The little greenhouse hut is off-the-grid, so you’ll have limited power to work with, but those views are worth it, if you ask me.
A Luxe Hamptons Home
If money was no issue, I’d happily stay in this Hamptons house for an entire summer and write the next great American novel. (In reality, it would likely be the next great YA fantasy series, but that doesn’t sound as epic.)
The sprawling home has five bedrooms, a library/office space, and even a home gym, and who wouldn’t want to spend all summer sitting poolside on that gorgeous patio?
Where’s your ideal artistic escape? The mountains, the beach, the woods or somewhere else entirely? Let me know in the comments!