Travel

These Are the Coolest Airbnb’s in the Region

BYYassine Hariss

July 27, 2026

The holiday season has a funny way of convincing us that the destination is everything, when in reality, where you stay can shape the trip just as much. Indeed, there’s a world of difference between a place you simply park yourself in to sleep and one that makes you linger over your morning coffee, scrap half the day’s plans, and squeeze in one last sunset from the rooftop before reluctantly packing your bags.

Thankfully, our region isn’t short on places that do exactly that. For that reason, we’ve rounded up a list of accommodations we’d happily book ourselves in, and which might just convince you to finally use those annual leave days you’ve been sitting on for so long.

Tarah, AlUla (Saudi Arabia)

Hidden within the palm-filled Wadi Sadr valley, this glass house is about as close as you’ll get to sleeping in nature without actually pitching a tent. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the surrounding oasis into every room, while the interiors balance contemporary design with subtle nods to AlUla’s agricultural heritage, from handcrafted palm-wood details to living trees woven into the architecture itself. Throw in a private plunge pool, mountain viewpoints, and breakfast beneath the date palms, and you’ll quickly realize that leaving the property is much easier said than done.

BOOK.

The Balance Villa, Caim Mountain Retreat (Lebanon)

Built from concrete and glass, the villa opens almost entirely onto the surrounding forest and mountains, making the landscape feel like an extension of the living space itself. A private pool, floor-to-ceiling windows, and pared-back interiors keep the focus firmly on the views, while the secluded setting means the only thing likely to interrupt your morning coffee is the sound of birds rather than car honks.

BOOK.

Riad El Ayadi, Moorish villa, suite with salon (Morocco)

Hidden deep within Marrakech’s medina, this restored Moorish and Art Deco villa offers a glimpse of the city’s past without compromising on comfort. Lovingly brought back to life by local artisans using traditional materials—from Atlas cedar wood and hand-laid bejmat tiles to smooth tadelakt plaster—the riad feels rich in character at every turn. Step outside and you’re only moments from the souks, once reached by caravans arriving from the Sahara, making it an ideal base for anyone wanting to experience Marrakech beyond the usual tourist trail.

BOOK.

Luxury Yacht in Muscat (Oman)

Forget beachfront villas as this property lets you wake up on the water itself. Moored along Oman’s coastline, the yacht doubles as both accommodation and transport, giving you front-row access to secluded beaches, coral-rich snorkelling spots, and the chance to spot dolphins or even whales out at sea. Inside, the interiors lean classic rather than ultra-modern, with warm wood panelling, traditional Omani touches, and four cosy cabins, while the expansive deck is where you’ll probably end up spending most of your time, watching the coastline drift by with any drink of your choice in hand.

BOOK.

Eco Nubia, Aswan (Egypt)

If you ever wanted to travel back in time, Eco Nubia is your chance. Perched on the archaeological island of Bigeh in the heart of historic Nubia, the intimate eco-lodge looks directly across the Nile to the majestic Philae Temple, a view that feels almost too surreal to be real. Built using traditional Nubian architecture and natural materials, the property has become a magnet for travelers seeking a more sustainable way to explore Egypt, with an emphasis on low-impact living, locally sourced ingredients (herbs and vegetables are grown on site), and a slower pace of travel. More than just a place to stay, Eco Nubia offers the increasingly rare feeling of stepping into another era without sacrificing comfort.

BOOK

These Are the Coolest Airbnb’s in the Region

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These Are the Coolest Airbnb’s in the Region

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