Quirky & Unique Airbnb Stays That UAE Nationals Should Try

Travel is no longer just about ticking off famous landmarks or lounging in luxury hotels. For UAE nationals with a sense of adventure and a love for distinctive experiences, the world of Airbnb offers a refreshing twist—stays that are as much a part of the journey as the destination itself. From treehouses in the tropics to castles in the Scottish Highlands, Airbnb’s most unique stays can transform your international vacation into something truly memorable.

Let’s take a whimsical world tour of some of the most quirky, jaw-dropping, and Instagram-worthy Airbnb experiences that UAE citizens should definitely add to their travel wishlist.

• 1. Sleep in a Giant Wine Barrel in Portugal

In the picturesque Douro Valley—Portugal’s world-famous wine region—guests can sleep inside oversized wooden wine barrels that have been repurposed into cozy, rustic cabins. Set among rolling vineyards, these barrels offer a romantic escape with panoramic views of the river and surrounding hills. It's an ideal retreat for couples or solo travelers looking for serenity, a splash of wine culture, and a story worth sharing back home.

• 2. The Hobbit House in Zealand

If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping into Middle Earth, the Hobbiton experience isn’t limited to day tours. In New Zealand’s countryside, a real-life Hobbit-style Airbnb welcomes you with its round doors, earthen walls, and cozy interior. It’s fully functional and thoughtfully designed, blending fantasy with comfort. Surrounded by lush landscapes, this stay is perfect for fans of Tolkien or anyone craving a magical escape.

• 3. Airplane Suite in the Netherlands

For aviation enthusiasts, how about spending a night in a refurbished airplane that never leaves the ground? Located near Teuge Airport in the Netherlands, this vintage aircraft-turned-suite comes with a jacuzzi, infrared sauna, and cockpit lounge. The novelty of staying in a private jet without the jet lag is something UAE travelers with an eye for the eccentric will appreciate.

• 4. Arctic Igloos in Finland

Fancy watching the Northern Lights from the warmth of your bed? Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland offers glass igloos that let you do just that. Located deep in the Arctic Circle, these domes provide a surreal combination of icy landscapes and celestial light shows. It’s a rare opportunity to disconnect from the desert heat and experience the frozen magic of the north.

• 5. Treehouse Canopy in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s rainforest treetop retreats offer a sensory overload in the best possible way. Elevated above the forest floor, these eco-friendly treehouses immerse you in nature, with toucans for neighbors and waterfalls within walking distance. Adventure-loving UAE nationals looking to trade skyscrapers for treetop vibes will find the experience both grounding and exhilarating.

• 6. A Castle Tower in Scotland

Live out your royal fantasy in a centuries-old castle in the Scottish Highlands. Many Airbnb listings in Scotland feature individual towers or wings of historical castles, complete with spiral staircases, stone walls, and four-poster beds. It’s like stepping into a period drama—only you're the star. Whether for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, staying in a castle is an enchanting way to connect with European history and architecture.

• 7. Cave House in Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is already on many travelers' bucket lists for its otherworldly landscape and hot air balloon rides, but staying in a cave hotel carved into the rock takes the experience to another level. These homes, often built into the fairy chimneys and cliffs of the region, are surprisingly luxurious. Warm, ambient lighting and traditional Turkish decor make it an atmospheric yet comfortable choice.

• 8. Houseboat on the Seine in Paris

Why book a hotel when you can stay afloat on the Seine? In Paris, houseboats offer a unique twist to the city’s famed romantic allure. These floating homes provide all the essentials—kitchens, bedrooms, and even rooftop decks—while letting you enjoy morning coffee with Eiffel Tower views or drift asleep to the gentle motion of the river. It’s Paris, but with a splash of novelty.

• 9. Windmill in Santorini, Greece

Imagine waking up in a windmill overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea. In Santorini, some of the island’s traditional windmills have been converted into spectacular accommodations. With whitewashed walls, vibrant blue accents, and private terraces, these stays are as photogenic as they are peaceful. It’s the perfect backdrop for honeymooners or anyone who appreciates Mediterranean charm.

• 10. Desert Dome in California’s Joshua Tree

For a desert escape with an otherworldly twist, Joshua Tree in California offers off-the-grid domes nestled in the sandy expanse of the Mojave. These geodesic domes are solar-powered and decorated in a bohemian style, offering both seclusion and style. Stargazing here is next level, and the silence of the desert is pure meditation.

Each of these unique Airbnb stays presents a compelling reason to go beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in something extraordinary. And the journey itself can be just as enjoyable. For travelers flying out of the UAE, it’s worth noting that Qatar Airways Flight Booking opens doors to many of these destinations with comfort and ease. Whether you're heading to Europe, the Americas, or the far reaches of Oceania, the airline's award-winning service makes the voyage as memorable as the stay.

Travel today is about personalization, and these stays prove that your accommodations can be just as transformative as the sights you see or the food you eat. So, if you're a UAE citizen planning your next escape, consider trading five-star predictability for a wine barrel in Portugal, a treehouse in Costa Rica, or even a Hobbit hole in New Zealand. These are the kinds of experiences that live in your memory long after the passport stamps have faded.

Wherever you go, let the world surprise you—and don’t just travel, stay in a story worth telling.