Vacation marketplace Vrbo has unveiled its 2025 Holiday Homes of the Year, and with sumptuous stays costing from just £20 a night per person, no doubt many of you will be RUSHING to book your next group holiday.
While the properties boast all the usual bells and whistles you’d come to expect from a top-rated holiday rental, the selection suggests holidaymakers are finding luxury not just from the infinity pools and antique furniture, but from something arguably much humbler: nature.
From views of Texas’ rugged countryside to wild swimming ponds in your back garden, homes named for 2025 all boast unique, spectacular locations that encourage people to embrace the great outdoors - even if it’s just stargazing from the skylight windows of your German lakeside retreat.
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“Every year, Vrbo Holiday Homes of the Year inspire travellers to book their next family holiday, and the 2025 collection is no different,” said Larry Plawsky, General Manager of Vrbo.
“The holiday homes on this year’s list reflect the places with amazing guest ratings, experienced and dedicated hosts, and stunning spaces that offer the most requested amenities on Vrbo from private pools to fully equipped entertainment rooms.”
So, which homes made the cut? You can browse the full list here, but this is a selection of our favourites:
The Dripping Spring Social
Austin, USA
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Located an hour’s drive from central Austin, The Dripping Spring Social is set in the dramatic landscape of Texas Hill Country, where vineyards and olive groves provide plenty to see if you don’t fancy travelling all the way into the big city.
Of course, you may not even want to leave the sprawling villa, which boasts a pool, hot tub and fire pit for guests to make the most of those dramatic views. As the ‘pièce de resistance’, a separate barn has been transformed into an on-site entertainment den, with old-school arcade games, a pool table, projector, poker table and bar.
Sleeps: 20 (9 bedrooms), book on Vrbo from £88 per person, per night.
HäuserDuo
Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany
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Designed by Berlin architect Norbert Möhring, the ultra-modern HäuserDuo promises to make ‘nature lovers’ hearts beat faster’ with incredible, uninterrupted views of the adjacent lake.
You can also look up to the stars through the home’s skylights, while a fireplace and sauna ensure you’ll stay warm, making it a cosy getaway year-round.
Sleeps: 6 (3 bedrooms), book on Vrbo from £20 per person, per night.
Villa Shems Moon
Marrakesh, Morocco
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If it’s a larger group holiday you’re after, this gigantic villa near Marrakesh has more than enough space for an ‘unforgettable’ trip.
Situated in ‘opulent surroundings’ in the mountain village of Tameslouht, the property can accommodate up to 38 guests, who can all enjoy massages on request and frequent dips in the swimming pool.
Sleeps: 38 (18 bedrooms), book on Vrbo from £73 per person, per night.
Villa Soleil D'or
Var, France
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Located just 800m from the centre of Cavalaire-sur-Mer, not far from Saint-Tropez, Villa Soleil D’or is perfect for everyone from families to travellers hoping to explore the South of France.
Air-conditioned and fully renovated, the property has a stunning infinity pool that is available all year and heated to a tempting 29°C, offering panoramic sea views from the terrace.
Sleeps: 10 (4 bedrooms), book on Vrbo from £32 per person, per night.
Abercorn
New South Wales, Australia
Just a stone’s throw away from New South Wales’ Buckaroo, Abercorn is billed as an ‘elegant country house’ that sleeps up to eight people.
The spacious, modern property is ideal for small groups of friends or couples looking to escape the daily grind by basking in golden Aussie sunsets over the hills or soaking up the ‘verdant landscapes and stunning vistas’.
Sleeps: 8 (4 bedrooms), book on Vrbo from £62 per person, per night.
Karu ō te Kiwi
Golden Bay, New Zealand
Over to New Zealand, where the eco-conscious Karu ō te Kiwi in Pakawau, Golden Bay, offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms and expansive outdoor spaces that ‘integrate seamlessly with nature’.
Located near Kahurangi National Park, you’ll be able to explore nearby attractions including Pakawau Beach and Farewell Spit, or simply relax at home to make the most of the peaceful surroundings of this ‘unique and immersive escape’.
Sleeps: 7 (3 bedrooms), book on Vrbo from £56 per person, per night.
Waverley Cottage
Nova Scotia, Canada
Sitting on a private peninsula and surrounded by 800ft of waterfront on the banks of Lake William, this Nova Scotia gem offers a ‘charming’ escape from the everyday with its unique location.
You can either take to the water on kayaks or paddleboards or simply take in the views from the property’s various decks and balconies, while inside the bright and airy home blends rustic charm and character with modern luxury.
Sleeps: 10 (4 bedrooms), book on Vrbo from £99 per person, per night.
Kilmartin Castle
Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Originally built for a former bishop in 1550, during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots, Kilmartin Castle was abandoned for nearly 200 years before it was lovingly and carefully restored as a private guest house.
The walls and floors ‘proudly display their original aged patina’, while inside you’ll find a curated collection of antique furniture, original artworks and fascinating objects – all creating an ‘atmosphere of timeless elegance’.
Outside, guests can enjoy the landscaped gardens and amenities including an orchard, sunken fire pit and an outdoor kitchen, as well as the castle’s own organic fruits, herbs and vegetables. Better still, there’s also a wild swimming pond for a refreshing dip.
Sleeps: 10 (five bedrooms), book on Vrbo from £110 per person, per night.
Vrbo's Holiday Homes of the Year are chosen from more than two million listings on the Vrbo app, and undergo a thorough selection process based on what travellers desire most:
- Exceptional guest ratings - ratings of 9.8 or above and stellar reviews from former guests
- Premier Host status - properties managed by hosts with a proven track record of providing excellent guest experiences
- Multi-bedroom accommodations - enough space for families or group trips; all homes have at least three bedrooms for guests to comfortably stay together
- Standout amenities - homes that feature the most popular amenities on Vrbo; every honoree has a private pool or hot tub, and extra consideration was given to homes with unique features like a games rooms, cinema, gym or in-home casino.
Tim Rosolio, vice president of Partner Success for Vrbo, commented: “Vrbo hosts are ultimately the key to making a traveller’s holiday one to remember. Premier Hosts in particular are known to go above and beyond to offer exceptional, reliable and relaxing guest experiences.
“With our rigorous Premier Host badging, we’re sending a clear and compelling trust signal to travellers about where to find the best and consistent experiences on Vrbo.”
The properties above are just a taster of what's on offer, but you can browse through the full list - including properties in the UK - here.
Topics: Travel
Jess Hardiman