Step inside the lone Australian property on Airbnb’s most-loved list


Gilay Estate is an off-grid luxury retreat on the NSW Liverpool Plains. Photo: Airbnb
One Australian property has made Airbnb’s list of holiday accommodation around the world that got the most love on social media in 2025.
Located in Quirindi, on the picturesque Liverpool Plains north-west of Newcastle in NSW, Gilay Estate is an off-grid luxury retreat surrounded by nature.
Hosts Sandy and Alexandra said they were “absolutely thrilled” to make the global list.
“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,” the couple said.
“It felt like a real validation that the experience we’d poured so much thought into was genuinely resonating with people.”
The architecturally-designed hut offers a king-size bed, wood-burning fireplace, Champagne fridge, pizza oven, hot tub and sweeping views of the property.

The hut has an array of luxe features – not least its glorious views. Photo: Airbnb
Gilay Estate has a five-star rating on Airbnb and is tagged as a “guest favourite”, meaning it is one of the platform’s homes most loved by visitors.
Sandy and Alexandra believe this comes from their obsessive attention to detail, as well as a focus on “small amenities that elevate the stay”.
“The goal was to make guests feel like they’re in absolute luxury, while still being completely immersed in nature,” they said.
“That contrast – high-end comfort paired with total seclusion – is what really seems to stick with people.”
Despite not setting out to build an audience in the traditional sense, the couple found that focusing on “creating something truly distinctive” and sharing it honestly meant they captured people’s attention.
“We interact by staying genuine and personal: Responding to messages ourselves, resharing guest content, and keeping the tone consistent with the calm, considered experience people have when they arrive,” they said.
“It’s less about volume and more about connection.”
Sandy and Alexandra said their visitors had become their biggest advocates by “sharing their own experiences.”

The off-grid North Cascades Cabin in the US state of Washington also featured on the list. Photo: Airbnb
How properties made the list
To create the annual list, Airbnb analysed most-engaged-with listings on Instagram and TikTok across the world.
It found the most popular listings had key features in common: They were immersed in nature, had unique architecture and design, and amenities centred on relaxation and rejuvenation.
Social posts revealed guests wanted trips where they could “disconnect, unwind, and fully experience extraordinary spaces”.
Unsurprisingly, a survey by Airbnb found that social media was the “leading source for discovering new destinations for gen Z”.

The quirky Quetzalcoatl’s Nest in Mexico also featured. Photo: Airbnb
Get off-grid
Off-grid properties reigned on the list, with the majority located in North America.
They included North Cascades Cabin in the US state of Washington. It is an off-grid river cabin with forest views and nearby whitewater rapids.
In Alaska, there was a one-of-a-kind aeroplane house set in the middle of a lush forest, while a spa cabin in New York state was a popular choice for people seeking romantic getaways.
The other international properties included a unique home in Mexico called Quetzalcoatl’s Nest. The architecturally-designed home looks like it came straight from Disneyland.
Bucking the trend, a sleek modern apartment in Italy with mountain views also made the list.
Republished from View.com.au
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