From The New York Times’ raved Kilmartin Castle (named #4 in last year’s “52 Places To Go in 2023“) in Scotland, to Chalet Les Cerises, a five-star chalet in the French Alps voted “the best to book in Europe” by House & Garden, eviivo, an award-winning property management system for independent properties (boutique hotels, vacation rentals, Airbnbs, castles and more) is thrilled to announce the Top 10 Vacation Rentals In The World 2024 — from futuristic astropods and historic towers to glamping retreats and castles.
This year, a panel of prestigious judges selected the top 10 properties, including:
Matt Bell – TripAdvisor
Tal Dekel Daks – Conde Nast Publications, UK
EJ Ward, LBC (Leading Britain’s Conversations), UK
Jana Freiberger – Editor in Chief, Reise Reporter, Germany
Here are the Top 10 Vacation Rentals In The World (in no particular order or rank):
Earth Moon & Conkers – Wales, UK
An off-the-grid, futuristic astro-pod in a private, sprawling mountain estate.
Baumhaushotel Oberbayern – Upper Bavaria, Germany
Nature-immersed boutique hotel with stunning lodges and treehouse villas surrounding a magical lake..
Villa El Porto – Alicante, Spain
A luxury, 6-bedroom villa with private pool in the Mediterranean.
Capitolare Suite Tower – Porto Venere, Italy
The oldest standing tower in Europe guests can stay in.
Domaine de Joucla – Alzonne, France
An al-fresco eco-villa perched in the trees with outdoor whirlpool bath.
The Rocky Villa – Hocking Hills, Ohio
A whimsical, luxe cabin surrounded by lush forestry and waterfalls.
Kilmartin Castle – Kilmartin, Scotland
A stunning, restored 16th-century castle in the west coast of Scotland.
Senhalser Höfe – Moselle Valley, Germany
A private, luxury vacation home perfectly located on the Moselle River.
7744 Ranch – Austin, Texas
Intimate, 10-acre glamping retreat where each $2-million bi-level “mobile unit” was owned by a celebrity.
Chalet Les Cerises – French Alps
A breathtaking, ultra-luxe chalet with sweeping mountain views of Mont Blanc.
As part of a new iteration of the renowned eviivo Awards, named “the Oscars of Independent Accommodations” by Daily Mail, eviivo shortlisted 70 properties among hundreds of submissions for the four judges to make their selection using an evaluation grid, ranking the properties based on “Wow factor,” “Originality, and “Innovation,” taking design, history, amenities and visual aesthetics in consideration.
These 10 properties, all part of eviivo Collective, the only collection of unique, notable and luxury independent properties in the world, will be featured in a short film with eviivo Collective 2.0 World Tour, which kicks off at SXSW Festival on 16th March. Partnering with PayPal and Vrbo, eviivo is offering an all-expense paid dream trip for 2 at one of the top 10 properties. Through a QR code in the film, contestants can choose the property they want to have their dream stay.
Participants can still enter to win through eviivo’s social media campaign. To enter, they must click the official contest Instagram post, follow eviivo, tag the person they want to take on the trip and type #eviivoWorldTour and hashtag the property they want to stay at. Contest runs until 30th March, 2024. Winners will be announced on Instagram on 8th April, 2024.
This first-of-its-kind eviivo Collective World Tour and contest celebrates the independent accommodation sector as well as Independent Accommodation Day (24th March), which recognises the independent property sector in short term rentals — and the hoteliers, property owners and hosts behind them. #IADay2024
For the eviivo Collective World Tour (#eviivoWorldTour), eviivo will travel through the US, UK, and Europe in iconic global hotspots with UK’s new and only mobile pop-up with outdoor cinema projector rig (only in UK and Europe) that will project the short film showcasing the best independent properties in the world.
Top 10 Vacation Rentals In The World
UK
Earth and Moon Conkers
Powys, Wales, United Kingdom
Designed by a former engineer for Bentley and McLaren, these state-of-the-art, futuristic glamping pods, situated in the 80-acre Red Kite Estate in pretty Powys, offer a unique glamping experience. The Earth and Moon Conkers were the first of their type and are still distinctive in terms of location, nestled in a rural, off-grid estate in deepest mid-Wales.
Described as a “molten ball of sun falling from the sky” in George Clarke’s popular UK television programme ‘Amazing Spaces’, guests who stay here love the rewilded woodlands, stunning views, wild ponies and pigs, 150 species of birds, and amazing dark skies park.
Offering a fusion of the ultramodern and stylish, combined with great green credentials, the Conkers have featured in the likes of The Telegraph, Grand Designs and Cosmopolitan.
Kilmartin Castle
Argyll and Bute, Scotland, United Kingdom
For the last 5 years, Kilmartin Castle has been a passion project for dedicated owners Stef and Simon. What they have created is truly wonderful; an amazing conversion providing laidback luxury in an incredible building.
Dating from 1550, this medieval fortified castle boasts vaulted stone rooms and spiral staircases leading up narrow stone turrets – complete with arrow slits to keep an eye out for guests! Featured in BBC’s popular TV show ‘Scotland’s Greatest Escape’ in 2023, Kilmartin Castle won the show’s ‘historic’ category, with the experts loving the “quirky feel of the place”.
Kilmartin Castle was named ‘4th Best Place to Visit in the World 2023’ by The New York Times, and renowned travel journalist Stanley Stewart proclaimed it his find of the year in December 2023. The castle previously won the eviivo ‘Hottest Property’ Award in 2022.
US
7744 Ranch
Austin, Texas
This intimate “glamping” retreat in Austin, Texas, has caught the attention of major Hollywood names – each of its $2-million dollar, bi-level “mobile units” were formerly owned by celebrities, including Will Smith, Vin Diesel, Jennifer Lopez and Simon Cowell (who used the unit for his American Idol tours).
Nestled away in a 10-acre glamping park, complete with outdoor sauna, firepit, and tranquility pond, these trailers were custom-made for each celebrity by the owner of 7744 Ranch, who bought them back to create the retreat during the pandemic. Each mobile unit has a theme, such as “The Heat,” previously owned by Will Smith and encased in extravagant wood details, a steam shower, and a 100” TV. Vin Diesel’s trailer, “The Aspen,” takes on the look of a luxurious woodland cabin.
The Rocky Villa
Hocking Hills, Ohio
Just 15 minutes from Hocking Hills State Park, among the most popular parks in Ohio, this picturesque, luxury retreat is surrounded by unfurled nature. An intimate and modern, two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin, The Rocky Villa is quite magical, and a magnet to affluent couples and families who want to feel transported to an enchanting landscape.
From the expansive private deck, guests can see the waterfalls, which help create a soothing soundtrack for your entire stay. Among the myriad amenities and nature abound, The Rocky Villa offers a grill, fire pit, hot tub overlooking the falls and a sauna.
Germany
Baumhaushotel Oberbayern
Jetzendorf, Germany
In the middle of the forest lies this unique tree house hotel, characterised by its awe-inspiring height, green surroundings, adventurous atmosphere, and even its own small lake!
The resort offers an utterly exclusive experience. Guests are spoiled with fresh, regional breakfasts in their luxurious houses, equipped with a private whirlpool and, in some cases, a private sauna.
Whether relaxing in the treetops with a view of the landscape, or enjoying the new yoga programme in the glass pavilion, this retreat offers every guest an unforgettable experience.
Senhalser Höfe
Senheim-Senhals, Germany
Senhalser Höfe offers designer holiday homes displaying a distinctly Mediterranean flair, replete with stone cottages, olive trees, and colourful deckchairs, and all situated directly on the beautiful Moselle river.
The complex comprises eight holiday cottages and flats. Each accommodation is uniquely designed, with aesthetics varying from charming cottage elegance to a colourful, mid-century style adorned with unique vintage pieces from the 1950s and 60s.
A stay with Senhalser Höfe also offers the traveller a wealth of activities to choose from, including cycling, hiking, wine tasting, canoeing, swimming, and stand-up paddling from its very own jetty.
France
Chalet les Cerises
Cordon, French Alps
Nestled in the Mont Blanc range, Chalet les Cerises is a testament to six years of unwavering passion and dedication. Renovated with love, the property offers breathtaking views that caught the eyes of the eviivo Collective 2.0 judges. They praised the owner’s commitment to providing both natural beauty and wellbeing facilities, highlighting the outdoor whirlpool, sauna, steam rooms, massage services, yoga room, and cinema at the heart of Chalet les Cerises.
Recognised among the top properties, Chalet les Cerises stands out as a unique and extraordinary retreat, earning accolades for its unparalleled experience and dedication to excellence.
Domaine de Joucla
Alzonne, France
Embark on a forested escape at Domaine de Joucla, where luxury seamlessly merges with nature. Praised by eviivo Collective 2.0 judges for its exceptional forest setting, this 5-star luxury cabin, perched right meters high, invites you into a “sober and chic” universe all its own.
Nestled on the edge of a protected natural park near the hilltop town of Carcassonne, this hidden retreat features a private sauna and spa, offering a unique blend of comfort and tranquility for travellers amidst the surrounding trees.
IBIT
Capitolare Suite Tower
Porto Venere, Italy
Travellers step into history and indulge in unparalleled luxury at the Capitolare Suite Tower, the world’s oldest tower available to accommodate guests. With an illustrious 900-year-old legacy and 110 square meters of opulent living space, this extraordinary residence is reserved for the most discerning of guests.
The Capitolare Suite Tower offers a truly unique experience. Nestled within a UNESCO heritage site, this exclusive retreat immerses guests in medieval charm with furnishings crafted entirely through state-of-the-art 3D printing technology.
Best of all, guests get to reign supreme as the sole occupants of this historic marvel. From the private rooftop patio, the tower offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the sea, creating an unforgettable backdrop for any guest’s stay.
Villa el Portó
Denia, Spain
Guests experience the epitome of luxury, comfort, and elegance amidst the serene beauty of Villa el Portó. Originally a 19th-century estate, the property has been meticulously renovated into a breathtaking holiday rental villa, seamlessly blending traditional architecture with modern conveniences.
Nestled within expansive gardens, adorned with charming porches, and boasting a generous swimming pool, Villa el Portó offers a haven of exclusivity, privacy, and tranquility. Whether seeking a family getaway or a gathering of friends, travellers create unforgettable moments and cherished memories in this idyllic setting.
The team’s dedication to impeccable service, unparalleled quality and guest satisfaction has garnered acclaim and praise across various online travel platforms. Villa el Portó offers an unparalleled experience, where luxury meets serenity, and every moment is crafted to perfection.