This country hut is the only Australian home to make the top 10 ‘most-loved’ in the WORLD on Airbnb – as a clear trend rapidly emerges for 2026 travel

A tiny home in regional New South Wales has landed a coveted spot on Airbnb’s ‘most loved’ stays for 2025, making Australia the only Asia-Pacific country to feature on the list. 

The annual round-up spotlights the most popular properties based on total social media engagement and after the (huge) numbers were crunched, just 10 stays from around the world made the cut.

And given TikTok and Instagram are now the leading way Gen Z discovers new travel destinations by a country mile, it’s no small achievement.

The property capturing global attention is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tiny home in Quirindi, a country town four hours northwest of Sydney with a population of just 2,600.

Gilay Estate, amusingly described by its hosts as a ‘hut’, sits in the top one per cent of holiday homes thanks to its meticulously considered architecture and thoughtful details. 

Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Liverpool Plains, the $650-a-night lodge is hosted and owned by local couple Sandy and Alexandra.

In 2021, the pair came up with the idea for Gilay as a way to navigate the challenges of diversifying their farm, driven by a shared passion for design and ‘enriching experiences’.

‘The goal was always to create a place where luxury and nature coexist. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, but we were equally focused on letting the landscape do the talking and giving people space to truly slow down,’ Sandy told the Daily Mail. 

‘We obsessed over every detail, from the architecture and interior design through to the small amenities that elevate the stay. 

‘We want guests feel like they are in absolute luxury while still being completely immersed in nature. That contrast – high-end comfort paired with total seclusion – is what really seems to stick with people.’

And that’s exactly what they’ve delivered. 

Gilay Estate taps into what many people are looking for right now – to feel ‘far away’ without sacrificing comfort. 

‘It feels remote yet considered, and people can immediately picture themselves there, which makes it resonate well beyond Australia,’ Sandy explained.

The modern escape features a cosy wood-fired hot tub, indoor fireplace, fire pit, air conditioning and beautifully slick interiors; sweeping countryside views replace the need for a TV. 

Guests spend afternoons wandering the grounds, admiring the bold architecture and spotting animals before sinking into the tub for a peaceful evening under the stars. 

It’s further proof that ‘switching off’ in nature is the priority for travellers right now, with the home boasting a perfect five-star rating.

‘We absolutely loved our stay,’ a recent guest gushed.

‘Every detail was thoughtfully done and made it easy to switch off and enjoy quality time together. We left feeling refreshed and can’t wait to return. Highly recommend.’

Sandy said they never set out to ‘build an audience’ so he and Alexandra have been deeply touched by the popularity of the home and latest accolade.

‘We focused on creating something truly distinctive then sharing it honestly. Social media became a way to document the experience rather than market it… beautiful light, quiet moments, real stays,’ he said.

‘[We are] absolutely thrilled. We built the hut with the intention of giving people an incredibly memorable stay, so to see it being shared organically across the globe is pretty special.

‘It felt like a real validation that the experience we’d poured so much thought into was genuinely resonating with people.’

Alongside Gilay Estate, nine other properties were named among the most loved stays for 2025, seven of which were located in the United States. 

The list was rounded out by one home in Mexico and another in Italy. 

Interestingly, all shared a similar off-grid, back-to-nature feel – from a river cabin in Marblemount, Washington, to a spa cabin in Remsen, New York, and a hidden treehouse in Hawaii.

Even the modern apartment in Italy was positioned at the foot of the tranquil mountains near Lake Garda. 

So what does this say about the future of travel? 

A quick glance at the common thread between the world’s most loved stays reveals exactly what travellers are craving in 2026: a healthy escape from the grind. 

Holidays that encourage disconnecting, slowing down and being inspired by extraordinary spaces. 

Something we could probably all use a little more of, wouldn’t you say? 

Step inside the other stays on the ‘most-loved’ list for 2025…

North Cascades Haven at the River Cabin (Marblemount, WA, United States)

Tucked just above sea level in the heart of the North Cascades, this sits right on the edge of the glacier-fed river. The wrap-around deck overlooks the river, creating a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and the constant lull of rushing water.

DC-6 Airplane House (Wasilla, AK, United States)

This one-of-a-kind plane house is set beside a private airstrip outside Wasilla, where the nostalgia of Alaska’s aviation history meets modern comfort. It features two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a living area, and access to the cockpit.

Birch Falls Spa Cabin at Evergreen Cabins (Remsen, NY, United States)

Located in scenic forests across from Hinckley Reservoir, this spa cabin is a romantic oasis for couples seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The private spa room features an indoor waterfall, a massage bed, a soaker jet tub, and cozy armchairs.

Star of the Wild (Del Norte, CO, United States) 

Located at the edge of Rio Grande National Forest in a dark sky zone, Star of the Wild offers a truly unique off-grid experience. Guests can roll their bed outside to sleep beneath a canopy of untouched stars, refresh in the greenhouse shower, and enjoy wide open views in every direction.

Come & Dream in Quetzalcoatl’s Nest (Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico)

This getaway is an immersive, architecture-forward property designed by Javier Senosiain, woven into the natural landscape on the edge of Mexico City. The four-bedroom condo features minimalist interiors that complement the outdoors, and every window frames a different view.

Cozy Cabin (Black Mountain, NC, United States) 

Right in the heart of Black Mountain, this cabin features a cosy reading nook, a sunroom, a relaxing hot tub, and a warm fireplace, providing the perfect setting for a restful retreat. Along with breathtaking mountain views, the property offers entertainment with its own speakeasy and arcade.

Secret Treehouse (Volcano, Hawaii)  

Designed as a living, environmental sculpture, the treehouse invites guests to check off a once-in-a-lifetime experience from their bucket list. With expansive windows and wraparound decks, guests can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of lush surroundings and star-filled skies. 

Civico 65 Garda Holiday (Arco, Italy) 

This modern luxury apartment offers guests a tranquil getaway near Lake Garda. The spacious terrace boasts stunning mountain views, and the serene, quiet surroundings provide the perfect setting to truly disconnect.

Six Mile Stable (Pray, MT, United States)  

Nestled in the rolling foothills of Emigrant Peak at the heart of Paradise Valley, this gives guests a true taste of cowboy-core living. Situated between Livingston and Yellowstone National Park, guests can immerse themselves in the spirit of the West by exploring the surrounding trails on horseback and hiking.