SonyaNow that I am fully vaccinated (yay!) I’m a little more inspired to start thinking of vacationing again. Like many, we feel like the next year will probably have us looking inwards and continue to explore our country safely — there’s no place like home, right?
For the most part we can probably expect to still social distance and wear masks if we stick to hotels. Minor inconvenience for a much needed getaway. But after being inspired by the latest Netflix travel series “The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals”, I began looking at other options. Sure you can rent out some pretty affordable and location-friendly spaces but if you’re interested in a memorable experience and a fan of architecture and design, you may want to do a little digging and to find your next relaxing stays right here in Canada. Some are pretty unique as well! Here are a few of the dreamiest we’ve come across and within a wide range of $$-$$$$!
Cob Cottage, Mayne Island, British Columbia
A cozy one-of-a-kind retreat for two that was hand-sculpted using local and sustainable materials. Features a central living space with cantilevered slab stairs leading to the loft bedroom.
Luxury Retreat, Pemberton, British Columbia
A breathtaking modern property with an equally breathtaking views. Set in the Pemberton Meadows this idyllic house is a design lover’s getaway. year around for a relaxing retreat, indoors or outdoors! Relax in this luxurious space surrounded by mountains and meadows. Located 20 minutes from Pemberton town, 45 minutes from Whistler.
Saltwood — The Trees, Ucluelet, British Columbia
This next level gorgeous luxury waterfront accommodation is where the forest meets the sea. Located on the Pacific Ocean and extraordinary Wild Pacific Trail. Storm watch by your fireplace or watch the sun go down from your private hot tub.
Alfie the A-Frame, Sechelt, British Columbia
Airbnb listed this as the second most “wish-listed”property across all of Canada. We can see why! The beautiful loft cabin has incredible views of the Sechelt Inlet and gets plenty of afternoon sun. The beach is a three minute walk downhill, and is very quiet as it sits at the end of the road.
Owl’s Perch Treehouse, Sooke, British Columbia
This treehouse is like no other in the world. With a height of nearly 9 meters off the ground and attached to four large trees staying at the Owl’s Perch Treehouse is a one of a kind experience that you won’t soon forget. Nestled between large cedars and a giant maple, this property offers stunning views across the Salish Sea to the mountains of Washington state. 
Beau Mountain Private Ocean View Cottage, Sooke, British Columbia
A quaint cottage nestled in the West Coast Hills has epic views overlooks the ocean, Olympic Mountains and an Alpaca Farm where you can hand feed the friendly Alpacas at the bottom of your private steps! The outdoor kitchen in the trees is ideal for the warmer months but at your disposal year round. Enjoy the rooftop patio overlooking the ocean with fire pit to keep you toasty at night!
Lake Front Cottage in Muskoka, Gravenhurst, Ontario
This cosy warm one bedroom space is a great location for a couple looking to get away and relax. Lovely log home feel, with newer appliances and central heating and air conditioning. The large deck has separate seating/dining areas and offers a lovely view of the lake. The lakefront is available exclusively for your enjoyment. Sit on the dock and soak up some rays or enjoy a star gaze.
Treehouse in Private Forest, Port Perry, Ontario
You will feel like you’re a thousand miles from Toronto. Your own private space with several ponds for swimming, gazebo, fire pits, running water, hot shower, mtn bike and hiking trails. With 300 acres at your door step, you can choose not to see another soul during your stay or venture to a nearby winery, restaurants, shopping, horse farms, golf courses or ski hills!
The Tiny House at Fernwood, Komoka, Ontario
Disconnect from the city and reconnect with what is important. The Tiny Cabin at Fernwood Hills might be the perfect spot, nestled in the heart of South Western Ontario, in a beautiful forest. Quiet, cozy, romantic- in the lush sanctuary of nature.
Modern Wakefield Cabin, Wakefield, Quebec
Modern ecofriendly cabin with river access nestled in a quiet area of Wakefield. Come relax and recharge for a few days while taking advantage of the bucolic surroundings, birds, wildlife, cozy interior with fireplace. There is plenty of activities to do nearby: discover Wakefield, its restaurants, boutiques, organic farms, ski hills, golf, snowshoe/hike around the property or in nearby Gatineau Park, unwind at the Nordik Spa.
The Woodland Hive and Forest Spa, Hillsborough, New Brunswick
The Woodland Hive is a four-season geodesic glamping dome and spa located in a private getaway surrounded by forest. The space has an outdoor cooking area with a barbecue, chiminea and yard. Included is a forest spa experience. Soak all of your stress away in the cedar wood-fired hot tub and relax in the cedar wood-fired sauna. It’s a perfect escape outside of the city, but still close to several attractions along the Fundy coast. Magical place any time of year!
Mountainside Chalet, Sainte-Adèle, Quebec
Bright contemporary mountainside cottage with stunning views. Peaceful site in harmony with nature in the heart of the Laurentians. It has two bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry room, a modern kitchen and a living room with gas fireplace and sofa bed. Easy access to the 5 ski centers of the region as well as all other Laurentian activities. Intimacy, relaxation and serenity assured after a thrilling day of outdoor activities.
Fitzroy Fieldhouse, Prince Edward County, Ontario
Mid-century modern inspired home on a quiet street less than 2km from PEC’s best and most popular wineries (Rosehall, Norm Hardie, Hinterland). Interior is light and airy. Also included is use of outdoor campfire.
Cabin Sutton 268, Sutton Quebec
A true nature lover’s escape is this modern cabin in the woods! With the sound of the steady stream just outside your cabin and the rustling of the breeze through the leaves on the trees, this is a quiet retreat that’s good for the heart and soul. The cabin is perched in the trees and the outdoor hot tub will make you want to stay. 
Recently, Airbnb has announced over 100 improvements for guests and hosts.
For guests, flexibility has become one of the driving decision making factors when it comes to booking any vacation property, especially now during the pandemic. We all know how quickly things can change at a moment’s notice.
Flexibility is at the heart of a new, improved browsing and booking experience that have recently been introduced with three new ways to search on Airbnb – Flexible Dates, Flexible Matching and Flexible Destinations.
Flexible Dates began rolling out in February to help simplify searches for the best places to stay.
Flexible Matching offers a wider selection of listing results when you search for a place to stay by surfacing homes just outside of your search parameters. This way, you never miss out on a great stay that falls just outside what was specified in a search.
Flexible Destinations is a new way to plan trips when finding a unique place to stay is more important to you than traveling to a specific destination. It helps you discover incredible properties in places you might not have thought to search for and adapts to your location.
Airbnb is also significantly improving search capabilities to help people find their ideal place to stay, leveraging one of the world’s most extensive property datasets. New filters will adapt to the season or location and allow people to search for homes near points of interest, such as national parks, or with very specific attributes such as whether the property has an ocean view or whether a fireplace is gas or wood-burning.
Other highlights for guests include:
Faster checkout process – with reduced the number of steps for new guests to confirm their first reservation.
Arrival guide – Easy access to all the helpful information a guest needs (directions, door codes, Wifi and message the Host option) before check-in.
Updated reviews – Guests now have a fuller spectrum, from critiques to compliments, to rate their stay. Clearer Cancellations – Refreshed cancellation policies increase clarity for both guests and Hosts.
Have you ever stayed at an Airbnb property and fell in love with the design features? Let us know!