Ahhh, nature. It’s all about those lush green vistas and breathtaking wildlife. It’s big, gorgeous, a bit untidy, but it’s our ticket to disconnecting from the chaos of modern life. Granted, it does come with its fair share of bugs, mud, and, let’s face it, some squishy stuff. But here’s the deal: ever heard of a glasshouse Airbnb?

These architectural wonders are like a secret passage to the outdoors minus the actual roughing it. So, ditch the bug spray and think of these glassy havens as an upgrade to your camping game while road-tripping across America.

To make your vacation dreams come true, we’ve rounded up the best glasshouse Airbnbs in the States. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for some jaw-dropping views. Oh, and let’s keep those rocks in the pockets, yeah?

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This guide was written by U.S. travel editor, Sarah Medina. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we’ve based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

In a world where travellers are increasingly seeking more meaningful and mindful experiences, luxury eco stays are redefining what it means to escape. These are not just beautiful places to lay your head, they’re carefully curated destinations that pair indulgence with intention.

South Australia is quietly carving out a name for itself in this space, offering world-class stays that champion sustainability without compromising on style. Whether it’s an off-grid villa set among ancient bushland, or a private island resort surrounded by the wild untamed ocean, these getaways offer the best of both worlds: a lighter footprint and a richer experience.

Here’s our favourite luxury eco retreats for your next getaway, where comfort doesn’t cost the earth.

CABN & CABN X

For those craving a deep connection with nature without sacrificing comfort, CABN and CABN X offers off-grid, self-contained eco cabins across 8 South Australian locations. The architecturally designed cabins blend sleek design with serene seclusion, featuring king beds beneath skylights, outdoor baths, private saunas, and uninterrupted views at every turn. It’s slow living, redefined.

For more info, click here.

FLINDERS BUSH RETREATS, FLINDERS RANGES

Image Credit: Flinders Bush Retreats

SA Eco-luxury glamping experience on a sixth-generation outback station, providing a unique outback lifestyle in sustainable style. Hidden away in an almost untouched corner of the Flinders Ranges, Flinders Bush Retreats boats 13,000 acres of ancient beauty.

2 self-contained houses provide a private and luxurious escape to experience the outback. Accommodating 6-10 guests and boasting fully equipped kitchens, modern conveniences, open plan living rooms and large bedrooms. Each house was designed to bring the Australian bush in – offering unique Flinders Ranges views. Or if you’d prefer to be even closer to the natural surrounds, the recently refurbished Eco Tent offers comfortable glamping with a queen sized bed, small kitchenette and attached ensuite. Listen to the birds sing, spot kangaroos and emus, and be immersed in nature.

For more info, click here.

HILLOCKS OCEAN POD, YORKE PENINSULA

Image Credit: Hillocks

Tucked along the rugged coastline of Yorke Peninsula, Hillocks Ocean Pods offer a luxurious glamping escape with uninterrupted views of Butler’s Beach and Hillocks Point. These eco-friendly solar powered glamping pods blend the charm of camping with modern comforts: hot showers, gas heating, eco-toilets, and even a DVD player for cozy nights in. By day, explore pristine bushland, fish, snorkel, or spot whales and sea eagles from your window. By night, fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. Designed for couples but sleeping up to four, it’s the ultimate off-grid retreat with style with stunning ocean views.

For more info, click here.

WILLUNGA RIDGE, WILLUNGA

Just 45 minutes south of Adelaide, these luxurious off-grid pods on Willunga Ridge offer a private escape with sweeping rural views and total tranquillity. Nestled on 10 hectares of serene countryside and minutes from McLaren Vale’s world-class wineries, the eco-conscious pods blend modern comfort with sustainable design—perfect for a peaceful getaway that doesn’t compromise on style.

For more info, click here.

EYRE PENINSULA

RUMI ON LOUTH

Staying at Rumi on Louth is an invitation to connect with the raw beauty and rich heritage of South Australia’s Louth Island. Just a short 10-minute trip from Port Lincoln, this off-grid sanctuary offers refined, eco-conscious accommodation, local produce-driven dining, and genuine, world-class hospitality. Once a rugged 1800s sheep farm, the island has been reimagined as a place of renewal, where nature, history and luxury quietly converge. The stay is currently undergoing a $10M island restoration with revegetation, preservation and inspiration at the heart of it, attracting those who respect the island’s ecology.

For more info, click here.

TANONGA LUXURY ECO LODGES

Image Credit: Taronga Eco Lodges

Just 20 minutes from Port Lincoln, Tanonga is an intimate eco retreat nestled in the heart of Eyre Peninsula. Offering architecturally designed, self-contained lodges built with sustainable practices, this award-winning escape pairs luxury with nature. There’s sweeping views, private walking trails, and encounters with rare birds and wildlife, all in total seclusion.

For more info, click here.

EYRE.WAY

Image Credit: Eyre.Way

Stay in one of the three luxurious, eco Tiny Abodes situated in the heart of the Eyre peninsula. The accommodation is architecturally desides with the environment in mind. Zero carbon, low-impact surrounded by nature. All stays are located near Port Linoln.

For more info, click here.

FLEURIEU PENINSULA

SPRINGMOUNT ECO RETREAT

Image Credit: Springmount Eco Retreat

Springmount Retreat offers a true eco escape where connection is key, both with nature and each other. Fully self-contained and nestled in tranquil surrounds, this communal-style retreat invites guests to unplug, share meals, set fires, and swap screens for board games. It’s a cosy, tech-free haven designed for slow living and meaningful moments. There retreat also offers yoga for 12 people.

For more info, click here.

NAIKO RETREAT

Image Credit: Naiko Retreat

Just 90 minutes from Adelaide, Naiko Retreat is a stunning eco-luxury hideaway perched between Deep Creek and Talisker Conservation Parks on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Set on a 2000-acre private farm with its own secluded beach, this off-grid retreat offers panoramic views across the Southern Ocean to Kangaroo Island. Designed for up to six guests, the retreat features three spacious king bedrooms with ensuites, a gourmet kitchen, and an elegant open-plan living space.

Powered by solar and rainwater, the retreat champions sustainability without compromising on luxury, offering a sleek, modern interior, wood-fired heating, passive solar design, and cross-ventilation for year-round comfort. It’s a masterclass in low-impact living with high-end style.

For more info, click here.

KANGAROO ISLAND

ECOPIA RETREAT

Image Credit: Ecopia

Set on 150 acres of untouched wilderness, Ecopia Retreat is Kangaroo Island’s only eco-luxury stay within a private wildlife sanctuary. Completely off-grid and beautifully designed, the two architecturally designed villas offer sustainability and indulgence. Crafted from rammed earth and designed for passive solar performance, each villa blends understated elegance with near-zero environmental impact. Expect luxe interiors, curated guest services, and the chance to spot native wildlife right outside your door.

For more info, click here.

WANDER PONDS

Image Credit: Wander Ponds

Design-led, sustainable accommodations that immerse guests in nature while connecting them with local communities.Just a ferry or quick flight from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is home to the luxurious WanderPods®, 4 design-led, sustainable accommodations that immerse guests in nature while connecting them with local communities. Offering 5-star comfort with minimal impact, these thoughtfully designed pods let you unwind in style while immersed in untouched landscapes.

These eco-lodges offer a range of experiences, from luxurious amenities to immersive nature retreats. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, South Australia’s eco-lodges provide diverse options to suit your preferences. Luxury that doesn’t cost the earth.

Think we’re missing one? Email [email protected]

Why you’ll love it: Is a trip to Lubbock a left-field selection as far as cheap family vacations go? It sure is, but Lubbock is a surprisingly fun hub of art, music, theater and mid-century architecture. You’ll love wandering around downtown and looking up at the stunning buildings, as well as popping into stellar restaurants like The Nicolett or sampling the local wineries to visit. Enjoy a show at the glittering new Buddy Holly Performing Arts Center—Lubbock was his home.

Budget tip: This west Texas town is thriving, thanks to one of the most spectacular public art collections found anywhere on earth. Massive sculptures are scattered all over Texas Tech University’s campus. Tours are free and involve riding around in a cute trolley, so even your little ones will be in heaven. To get the kids even more on board, promise them an hour or two at Prairie Dog Town. This public park is every bit as fun (and as literal) as the name suggests. Bring some bread or carrots and feed the little cuties for free.

How to get there: Lubbock can feel like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but the west Texas city is just a five-hour drive from Dallas. If you’d prefer to fly, Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport is just 15 minutes from downtown.

Where to stay: Families will love the Cotton Court Hotel on Broadway. The grassy courtyard is abuzz with activity every night—multiple fire pits, rocking chairs, live music, a bar and a pool.

Why trust us

Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on cheap family vacations, writer Jeff Bogle tapped his experience as a travel journalist and past contributor for Travel + Leisure. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

We’re all ready to jump on a flight and get away to a bustling European city or gorgeous paradise beaches. But hello! Have you seen what the UK has to offer, and only within an hour or two of the big city? We’ve got a helluva lot to offer right here on our doorsteps and it can be reached so much quicker – and cheaper. Think incredible mixed scenery, gorgeous old villages, and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

From seaside shacks to cosy cottages in forests, there’s no limit to the incredible places on our lovely little island. Whether you want to traipse on terrific beaches, explore lush stretches of the countryside or simply settle in someone else’s city, you’ll be amazed at what we have on British soil. Seriously, you’d better start booking one of these best Airbnbs near London. Go on, do it.

Updated May 2025: We like to keep our curated lists in tip-top condition by remaining on the lookout to make sure you always have first dibs on the UK’s most head-turning holiday rentals, including a newly restored, old dairy store in Sandwich and a super cosy cottage in Deal.

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Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we’ve based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

If you’re reading this article right now, you’re probably either (a) planning a trip with your squad, or (b) desperately in need of one. Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

I believe everyone deserves to ditch town with their besties and live their best movie-montage life every once in a while, and that’s why I scoured the world (wide web) for the 31 best places for a girls’ trip. And lucky for you and your crew, I’ve got picks for literally every budget, and both domestic and international travel (because sometimes you wanna use your passport, sometimes ya don’t, right?). Bar-hopping in Brooklyn? Check. De-stressing in Fiji? Hell yeah. Literally anything in Mexico? Sure, gotchu!

If I can give you a little advice, it would be to start the conversation now, because let’s be real—we don’t want to prolong the amount of time you sit hunched over at your desk without your best friends and a piña colada in your hand, do we? I mean, the Maldives are waiting! So, without further ado, here’s my list of the 31 best girls’ trips for your handy-dandy reference, with suggestions on where to stay while you’re in town. Send it to your group chat immediately with tentative dates, and watch your dream vacay unfold. Now go forth, get planning! Just don’t forget to pack SPF, or else I’ll yell at you.