When it comes to vacationing with a difference, special accommodation is as high on travelers' agendas as the location. While many people can't or don't have any desire to actually climb a mountain, we can all appreciate the stunning vistas they offer. So, why not stay on top or next to one?
We've found 27 of our favorite mountainside Airbnbs, and (subjectively) ranked them from good to exceptional...
Set among the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms, this fabulous house has everything you need to have a great staycation while enjoying the natural surroundings. It even boasts a cinema room and hot tub. Split into five levels, it sleeps up to 10 guests and has plenty of mountain and valley views.
If you can tear yourself away from the windows' gaze, head out on the nearby slopes – the Cairngorms hosts three of Scotland's five ski resorts.
Spain has its fair share of vacation resorts, mainly among its Costas. Sun, sea and sand are what spring to mind when it comes to anything Español. However, look further afield and there are plenty of adventures to be had in its lush nature, particularly if you seek out a spot like this.
This wonderful wooden house is built on stilts, with a full bathroom, kitchen, dining and living room, complete with incredible views of the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park. This little lodge will more than suffice for an alternative Spanish vacation.
Wildemann is a town which owes its existence to mining. Meaning the 'Wild Man,' its name comes from the legend of an old giant who used to live in the caves. If you love hiking beautiful trails and staring idyllically into glistening ponds (and even fishing), this is the mountain retreat for you.
This magical chalet, fitted with modern comforts, can accommodate up to six people. There is a natural ‘garden’ on the mountainside, and a terrace providing a spectacular panoramic view over Wildemann and the surrounding Harz mountains and forests.
Only 45 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Ecuador's capital, Quito, this dairy farm cottage in Tambillo offers a scenic and more relaxing way to experience the country.
With bird-watching and farm-related activities on the doorstep, plus outdoor kitchen, firepit, BBQ area and mountain views to die for, you'll find it difficult to leave this stunning two-bedroom cottage.
Japan is 75% mountainous, so it goes without saying it has a fair amount of Airbnbs above sea level. While it's always wonderful to gaze at the majesty of Mount Fuji, there can be equally as spectacular views the length and breadth of the country. None more so than on Japan's northern island, Hokkaido, a skier's paradise that attracts snow enthusiasts the world over.
Located at the base of Yotei-san, a stratovolcano, this fully furnished lodge sleeps up to six people, with guests waxing lyrical about its unbeatable mountain views.
Fancy having 150 acres to yourself, surrounded by Australian nature? Well, almost to yourself, as this is a working farm. An ultimate rural retreat, backing onto the State Forest with amazing views of the Mount Baw Baw range and its incredible sunsets.
The five-bedroom property has a solar heated swimming pool, as well as a fruit orchard where you are welcome to collect your own fruit and eggs. Oh, and there is even a shuttle bus to take you to the local pub. You might also encounter the occasional wallaby.
If you fancy waking up to views of the Canadian Rockies and, let's face it, who wouldn't, then this stunning suite ticks all the boxes. Nearby Banff National Park has some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet, and with mountain views from both bedrooms, this property offers an ideal base.
Sleeping up to six people, it blends convenience with luxury. There's a private patio where you can sit and soak up those mountain vistas, plus all mod cons including a BBQ.
The hills are alive with the sound of... peace and tranquillity. And possibly the odd cow with its animal form of yodelling. This renovated 300-year-old alpine hut has every comfort you'd expect for a cozy stay. With a hanging swing and a private spring, there are various places to relax and enjoy the amazing views down the valley.
It sleeps two people and has a well-equipped kitchen and BBQ area for magical nights under the stars.
This renovated farmhouse chalet is situated around 0.6 miles from the ski slopes facing Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. Fully equipped with all the amenities you'll need, plus a hot tub and billiards table, the chalet sleeps up to 11 people, making it ideal for families and large groups.
Enjoy your morning coffee on the patio accompanied by unbeatable views for a truly magical stay.
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Hiking, skiing, Northern Lights and Midnight Sun... You can experience all of these and more in Vågan, one of Norway’s most dramatic landscapes in the district of Lofoten.
Situated at the top Geitgaljetind (one of Europe’s most beautiful peaks) is this cool four-bedroom cabin, that sleeps up to eight people. Its stylish wooden interior is well equipped to meet everyone’s needs after a day’s sightseeing, trekking or gazing in wonder at the aurora borealis.
If you've got a passion for mountains, the ‘Roof of Africa’ should probably be high on your bucket list. Even if you don’t plan on climbing this most majestic of peaks, a stay in the vicinity would more than suffice.
This simple but comfortable guest house can host up to four guests. Enjoy the nature, embrace the tranquillity, use it as a workspace or better still, contemplate your next adventure.
Located within a World Heritage-listed Dark Sky Reserve, this cabin allows you to stay in one of the truly remote areas of New Zealand's Southern Alps. The open plan living space, which sleeps up to five people, features cozy wooden interiors and floor to ceiling windows that frame the breathtaking views of Hopkins Valley.
The highlight is the skylight in the loft, perfect for stargazing.
In the south of South Korea sits this beautiful nature retreat, deep in a village under a mountain. Even if you visit one of the country's hectic metropolises, contrast the cacophony of blaring horns with waking up to birdsong and crickets chirping.
This rural two-bedroom house is equipped with everything you need for a tranquil getaway surrounded by nature.
When you think of Bali, in Indonesia, you picture sunshine, wild parties and nice beaches. Of course, there’s much more to Bali than this. Duma Cabin is located in the picturesque mountains of Munduk, so if you fancy living it up in a slightly less hedonistic way, this could be the retreat you’re looking for.
The three-bedroom cabin has a fully equipped kitchen, living space and terrace, with a few special extras – and we don't just mean the stunning views. Think hot tub, an infinity pool and floating fire pit.
At an altitude of 4,430 feet on the slopes of Mont Mézenc (the highest peak in the Ardeche), awaits this charming little thatched cottage. This is as quaint as it gets, with wonderful, dreamy views across the Rhone Valley towards the Alps.
Sleeping up to three guests, the cottage has a furnished kitchen, as well as a private garden and woodburner. There's typical outdoor activities nearby, with the ski resort of Les Estables being the main attraction for skiers of all abilities.
Idyllically located in Boyacá, a region consisting of imposing landscapes with mountains, forests and valleys that ooze tranquillity, Villa Sofi provides a peaceful getaway. Its simplicity goes hand in hand with the natural beauty surrounding it.
Boasting amazing views across the lake, Villa Sofi sleeps two people and has the usual mod cons for a comfortable stay.
A beautiful rustic apartment in the most stunning of Italian settings, this lodge offers a large studio, kitchenette and even a private garden overlooking the towering peaks of Antrona Valley. Sleeping up to six people, Campo Alto Baita is popular among guests who want to get away from it all.
Located at 11,300 feet, this cabin is certainly not for the faint-hearted. A luxurious, spacious, wooden lodge that sleeps up to eight people, it provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys from every window – and the hot tub. It's also only a short drive to world-class ski slopes, which glisten blissfully in the distance.
Huskies, snowmobiles, wild wooded-wilderness and of course, Santa. Everyone has heard of Lapland and Kuusamo, in the eastern part of the region, is the snowiest in all of Finland. In places this close to the Arctic Circle, the winters are long, cold, dark and snowy; perfect for winter sports enthusiasts and with snow in abundance, visitors flock to this white haven.
This four-bedroom traditional log cottage sleeps up to eight people, making it suitable for families and groups. Mountain views are everywhere you look, and if you're a skier, there's no better base.
Taiwan is a mountainous country with much to offer in terms of scenery. Ren'ai is an Indigenous township, and at an average elevation of 5,476 feet, it is one of the highest settlements in the country.
A popular place to stay is this cool private house, which has amazing views of the surrounding misty mountains and Taroko National Park. Sleeping four guests, it has all the facilities you'd expect for a trip to remember. And although it might seem remote, it's well accessed by local buses and has plenty of cafés and attractions nearby.
One look at the photo and you'd think this was a mountaineering expedition guide, but trust us, this is an Airbnb with a difference. It's at the base camp of South America's highest mountain, Aconcagua. Of course, climbing it is optional, but should you wish to take on this gruelling challenge, this is the perfect place to stay.
The dome sleeps two guests and has a private toilet, sink, table, chairs and a woodburner, not to mention incredible views of the west wall of the mighty Aconcagua.
We’re pretty sure that if you typed the words 'room with a view' into any search engine, some accommodation with the Matterhorn in the distance wouldn’t be far from the top of the list. After all, this is the world's most photographed mountain for a good reason.
Located just 10 minutes from the quaint Swiss town of Zermatt is this cozy yet modern penthouse. Sleeping two people, the property has all the mod cons, plus a private balcony where you can enjoy a fondue with the Matterhorn in the background. Even closer, is the Sunnegga-Express or ski bus, just seven minutes away, should you fancy a slalom in the Alps.
Fancy staying in a mud-walled deluxe room amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the forested mountain range of the Himalayan National Park? Perfect for travelers and digital nomads alike, this two-person private room has access to the hostel's rooftop common area where you can swing in a hammock, play board games or work on your laptop in peace. If you must.
There's a private bathroom and balcony, and should you be able to tear yourself away, plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching and yoga too.
When you think of Peru, you picture mountains, Machu Picchu and the Incas. While traipsing through these well known tourist sites is a must, you might want to contrast your trip by staying in this amazing eco-house, which boasts the best view in the Sacred Valley.
Sleeping up to five people, this 100% autonomous house runs on solar power and collects its own rainwater. As well as the exceptional views of the Andean glaciers, there's plenty of outdoor space with a firepit, plus organic orchards to wander through.
How about an escape to the captivating serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains, when pondering your next adventure? Of course the great outdoors should be enticing enough for anyone, but considering the facilities on offer in this accommodation, you could actually be forgiven for wanting to spend the night indoors.
Pool table, Jacuzzi, PlayStation and more, can all be enjoyed in this spectacular luxury yurt, which sleeps up to eight people. Outside, you can fire up the BBQ on the fairy-light adorned decking area, while the Shenandoah National Park's many hiking trails, wineries, breweries and even the Dinosaur Land museum are nearby.
Think of Mexico and aside from sombreros, cacti and tequila, altitude might also spring to mind. If you want excitement, however, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything better than staying on a volcano. This rustic lodge sits on the slopes of Iztaccihuatl, a dormant volcano. But it gets better. In very close proximity, is the active Popocatépetl.
The house, which sleeps six, is solar powered, and with possible volcanic activity, there's no guarantee of continuous electricity. Hike the slopes, marvel at the views, cower at the prospect of ash fall... this is a high altitude adventure with attitude.
Mount Ushba is one of the world’s most difficult peaks to climb, and is also the most distinctive mountain in Georgia, with its double peaks. You don’t have to scale these summits, however, simply enjoy them from the comfort of this unique, stylish cottage.
You’ll be well equipped for a peaceful stay with superb amenities. Sleeping up to five people, there’s a large terrace complete with a BBQ, a swing and a hammock. And if you're a skier, it's within walking distance of Hatsvali Ski Resort. However, this place is all about waking up to that view and that's why we've ranked it in top spot.
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