While I am SO thankful it’s summer, and that we live in such a truly gorgeous country (which, ridiculously, it’s only been in this last year that I’ve seen some of the very best spots we have to offer – Hello, Milford Sound!!), still, every now and then I find myself yearning for a true overseas adventure.
I know I am far from being the only one – because, despite the fact that none of us can really go anywhere, many of us are spending too much time flicking through travel websites, booking sites and Airbnb, drooling over pics and creating wish-lists to tide us over until it’s a possibility again. Dreaming up itineraries is always half the fun of a holiday anyway.
So, I’ve got my hands on what we’ve all – from around the globe – been looking at and putting on our wishlists on Airbnb. Here are the top picks, all available for less than NZ$150 a night…
Santa Catarina, Brazil – $127
Okay, when I first saw this listing I assumed that either A: A typo had been made on the price, B: It had to be a hoax or C: It’s been so long I’ve forgotten what travel is.
This architecturally designed home is located within a park, with its very own white-sand private beach. It’s big enough to rally your family or friends together for, with four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and room for up to eight guests. WHAT.
Oh, and it keeps getting better. For a day trip from here, you can visit the famous Iguacu Falls (the highest waterfall in Latin America) and it’s nearby to a fisherman’s village (with loads of fresh fish available for a steal) PLUS it neighbours ‘Praia dos golfinhos’. In English, that’s ‘The Dolphins’ beach’ where you can often spot dolphins and whales who come in to breed. LET’S GO.
Balian Beach, Bali – $85
I had to check the map on this one, because I hadn’t heard of Balian Beach, but it’s quite far up the western coast of Bali (thankfully far) up from the hustle bustle of Kuta or Dempasar.
Most folks go here to go surfing – the beach is just three mins walk from this house, and just 15 minutes’ drive away you’ll find Medewi, well known for delivering Bali’s longest ride.
But really, who cares about the surfing, because you could be staying in this treehouse, over looking lush palm trees, dozing off on the outdoor day bed, diving into the shared pool, or cooling off under your own private rain shower. If you get peckish, you’re welcome to pick your own fruit from the garden (papayas, passionfruit, coconut and more), or there are restaurants within walking distance.
This treehouse is suitable for two – with one bedroom and 1.5 baths.
Lombardy, Italy – $136
When I hear ‘private apartment in Italy’ I think, ‘out of my price range.’ BUT, this gem of a spot is available for just NZ$136 and features a pool, six beds and an extraordinary view of the mountains and lake that George Clooney wouldn’t say no to.
You’ll also have access to a tennis court and bowling alley, plus, just 150m away is the medieval village of Riva di Solto. From there, you’re close to Montisola (the largest lake island in Europe with free beaches), or a host of ski resorts, or the Boario thermal baths.
By car, it’s an easy day trip to Milan, Verona and Venice.
The only negative thing about this apartment is that I knew nothing of its existence until the borders closed.
Rawai, Phuket, Thailand – $102
Half an hour’s drive away from Phuket Town, lies this little row of three modern, stylish apartments. It’s private and quiet, with a large garden, with plenty of palm trees.
Each apartment has one bedroom, one bath, with kitchen facilities, plus shared access of the stunning pool and loungers – all for $102 a night. Pair up with three couples and have the whole place to yourself!
Just a few minutes down the road you’ll find Rawai and Nai Harn – famous for those stunning Phuket sunsets!
Ostuni, Brindisi, Italy – $113
If you’re looking for an out of this world stay, that feels like something out of a Dr Seuss book, look no further! This enchanting one bedroom cottage lies just out of the magical town of Cisternino.
There’s just one double bed, but families are welcome, with trundler beds available to fit up to four. It’s a heavenly spot – you can sit under an olive tree reading a good book, visit the local beaches or wander the quaint streets. Plus there are plenty of sites nearby – the caves of Castellana, the baroque cities of Lecce and Martina Franca and more.
Singaraja, Bali – $124
When we can travel freely, this is where I’m suggesting team Capsule bases ourselves for some R&R.
This outrageously beautiful villa features two bedrooms, four beds and three baths in northern Bali. There’s infinity pools, uninterrupted ocean views and guests are provided with staff and night security.
The place is too ridiculous for words, so I’m just going to show you more pics of it.