Top destinations Brits are dreaming about right now – and amazing Airbnbs in each one

Airbnb has served up some major wanderlust fodder as it’s unveiled the top 10 destinations Brits are most searching for during lockdown – and there are some seriously glamorous destinations on the list.

While we’re all stuck at home, there’s no harm in fantasising about where we’ll be going the day that restrictions do lift (and sometimes, it’s nice to dream about places you’d visit if money was no object!).

The holiday rental platform has unveiled the destinations which have had the biggest spikes in searches this year so far, with the likes of Zanzibar, Koh Samui and Bora-Bora leading the charge.

Unsurprisingly, these amazing destinations have some amazing stays on offer too – take a look at the full list below…

1. Zanzibar, Tanzania

A private pool and sunbed right by the beach? Yes please

The Zanzibar islands in Tanzania offer up everything you need for holiday dreaming; beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, heaps of sunshine and some incredible properties. No wonder it’s topped the list as the destination most searched for by Brits on Airbnb this year.

There’s an incredible Beach villa in Zanzibar which not only sits right on the beach, but boasts a private pool overlooking the ocean, as well as tropical gardens and sunbeds so you can soak up the sunshine. Prices start from £299 a night.

2. Koh Samui, Thailand

An Airbnb stay in Koh Samui with a large deck and sun loungers which overlook the ocean and the rest of the island
Just look at those views!

Koh Samui is already one of our top picks of the best things to see in Thailand, thanks to its picture-perfect white sand beaches, swim-friendly crystalline waters and lush green landscape. Divers can also expect to see everything from tropical fish to shipwrecks, so it’s definitely one for the adventurers.

As for a dreamy stay, the Villa Moon Shadow is going to the top of our list as it boasts an infinity pool, canopy sun loungers and huge rooms which have direct views of the ocean.

3. Bora-Bora, French Polynesia

An over the water villa in Bora Bora which you can rent on Airbnb
Bora Bora, anyone?

It’s not difficult to see why Bora Bora has long been a hit with the A-list; the hotspot offers up emerald green lagoons, pristine white sand beaches, and some mountainous landscape for explorers. Then there are the lavish resorts and hotels with their luxurious over-the-water villas.

The good news is that you don’t need to book into a luxury resort for an over-the-water stay; Bora Bora Fare N ° 4 on stilts offers just that with a classic Polynesian hut boasting two bedrooms, a kitchen and a deck right on the water of a picture-perfect lagoon.

4. Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Ibiza, Spain

A view of a stone holiday villa and the outdoor pool surrounded by colourful vegetation
The incredible Airbnb stay in Ibiza

Ibiza has it all; a world-famous party scene, brilliant restaurants, sunshine and some seriously spectacular beaches. It’s been a hit with Brits for decades, so it’s not surprising that the Balearic Island is on holidaymakers’ radars for a post-pandemic getaway.

When the day comes when we can travel with big groups of friends and family again, it’s worth having Can Savi on your radar. This six-bedroom home boasts a large outdoor pool with plenty of sunloungers, not to mention it’s a short drive from Ibiza Town if you are hoping to make the most of the nightlife.

5. Courchevel, France

A view inside a chalet in Courchevel with wooden interiors and an open fireplace, as well as a balcony giving a glimpse of the surrounding mountains
Chalet 4 in Courchevel

Courchevel is hailed as one of the best ski resorts in the world, and while ski seasons in 2020 and early 2021 having been off the cards for Brits, it looks like some holidaymakers can’t wait to hit the slopes again.

Part of the Three Valleys, the resort offers over 600km of pistes and 162 lifts, so there’s something for everyone from beginners to advanced skiiers.

A cosy chalet is exactly what you need after a day out in the mountains, and the Chalet 4 stay offers up just that. Think a rustic chic look with heaps of luxury, from the open fireplace to the balcony with incredible mountain views.

6. Ski, Norway

A view of a rental home in the town of Ski, Norway, with a bench and garden
The home in Ski, Norway

The Nordic town of Ski in Follo is handily located right by some of those breathtaking Norwegian Fjords, not to mention it’s a short drive from Oslo, so it’s ideal for those who are after a base for a mix of nature and city.

There’s a luxury villa in Ski which makes an ideal home away from home, with extra perks such as a large balcony with views of the landscape, a private garden, and all the modern basics you need for a comfortable stay.

7. Seoul, South Korea

A view inside an Airbnb stay in Seoul with white interiors and light grey furniture
A view inside the elegant Airbnb stay in Seoul

There’s so much to see and do in the South Korean capital from the plethora of restaurants and boutiques to the awe-inspiring palaces and landmarks.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, you can find a mini oasis of calm in the Design Penthouse in Gangnam – a highlight has to be the spa-like wooden bathroom with a tub overlooking the city’s skyline.

8. Sydney, Australia

A view of a house in Sydney with an infinity pool and deck overlooking the city skyline
We’re already dreaming of a dip in that pool

From Sydney Harbour Bridge to the iconic Opera House, Sydney is already a destination that features on most people’s bucket lists. (We’ve got a guide to the best things to do in Sydney if you’re hoping to plan a trip in the future).

There are heaps of brilliant hotels and homes to rent in the city, but the Sutherland home makes for a pretty tempting deal considering it comes with its own infinity pool overlooking the harbour.

9. Sussex, Wisconsin, USA

A view of a house in Wisconsin with a lake in the background
The lakeside home in Wisconsin

This village in Waukesha County may not be a classic ‘bucket list destination’, but according to Airbnb it’s been proving a hit with Brits, and it does have heaps of charm especially if you’re planning a wider US road trip.

If you’re exploring the US and after a dreamy home away from home, then there’s a lakeside home in Sussex that’s well worth having on your radar. The home not only boasts cosy and elegant interiors, but it’s right by the lake waters – there’s even a private wooden pier.

10. Maafushi, Maldives

A view from inside a building in the Maldives of a deck and turquoise ocean waters
Maafushi, Maldives

There are some amazing experiences in the Maldives for visitors, and with those iconic over-the-water-villas, turquoise waters and picture-perfect white sand beaches, the islands have become a firm favourite for dream holiday fodder.

You can book an Airbnb stay on Cocoa Island where you’ll not only get a huge suite with views of the ocean, but access to the island’s luxurious spa, private dining reefs and an infinity pool.

Which one is top of your list? Let us know in the comments below…