Looking for a place to rent for your next vacation? Forget tiny, claustrophobic hotel rooms. The way to travel these days is the home away from home concept that’s attainable through home rentals. For the same price as a 5-star hotel suite, you get your own house and more space, making it a smart choice for those who prefer to travel in large groups. These 10 holiday rental homes in Asia Pacific are rated five-out-of-five on TripAdvisor and they are absolutely stunning.
1. Crescentfield Cottage – Hobart, Tasmania
Four bedrooms, from RM868 per night
Built in the late 1800s, this sandstone four bedroom cottage is a landmark home in West Hobart. Expect a lush, colourful garden, complete with a large sitting area that’s perfect for BBQs. A 5-10 minute walk will bring you to a wide selection of restaurants, cafes and shops.
2. Kimbulagala Watte Villa – Galle, Sri Lanka
Three bedrooms, from RM1,066 per night
This traditional Sri Lankan villa is set atop Koggala Lake and has three bedrooms that comfortably accommodates six. The villa has a large living area, open plan kitchen and masses of space with polished stone floors throughout. The living room opens to a stunning wraparound verandah overlooking the infinity pool and Koggala Lake. All bedrooms come with an en-suite bathroom and the master suite has an advantageous view of the lake.
3. Marri House – Pemberton, Western Australia
Three bedrooms, from RM728 per night
Marri House, an elegant new accommodation on the edge of the forest and town that’s perfect for six guests. It has an open-plan with clean lines and a modern décor featuring a fire place, private garden and terrace. First reviewed on TripAdvisor in December 2013, Marri House has consistently received five-out-of-five review scores from travellers.
4. Samui Blu – Ko Samui, Thailand
Three bedrooms, from RM1,212 per night
Samui Blu is a three-bedroom property that has a 15 metre swimming pool and lush garden with over 20 species of flowering plants, shrubs and palms, making it an enviable setting for anyone in search of a tropical getaway. Views of the nearby sea which is only minutes away from your front door will delight holiday makers. Be sure to check out the master suite’s draped, four-poster bed.
5. Freshwater Lodge – Miena, Tasmania
Three bedrooms, from RM640 per night
Set in Miena on the Great Lake in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, this lodge will provide guests with a homey, spacious living area. Relax by the wood fire and enjoy amazing views across the native bush from the expansive deck.
6. Nature’s Window Retreat – Coromandel, New Zealand
Four bedrooms, from RM2,047 per night
This retreat offers guests stunning views of the Tapu Valley and a great location to birdwatch as the surrounding property has an extensive birdlife. A pool, pool table, two fireplaces, BBQ facilities are just a few of the many amenities this hilltop house has to offer.
7. Kemala Villa – Canggu, Bali
Five bedrooms, from RM3,020 per night
Kemala Villa is tucked away in the scenic rice fields of Berawa-Canggu and is a five bedroom luxury property that balances contemporary Balinese architecture with clean modern lines. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces for group activities yet private enough for those who want some peace and quiet. This tropical garden paradise lets you take in views of the emerald rice fields and is a short drive away from the rugged surf beach of Berawa. It’s also close enough to some of Bali’s best restaurants, beach clubs and bars in Seminyak and Petitenget.
8. Sixteen Kejora – Sanur, Bali
Three bedrooms, from RM995 per night
Those seeking a modern, private place to call home while away on holiday should absolutely check out this villa located in Sanur on the east coast of Bali. Villa Sixteen Kejora is 20 minutes away from the international airport and a stone’s throw away from the Indian Ocean.
9. Villa Maju – Seminyak, Bali
Three bedrooms, from RM1,492 per night
Located in the heart of Seminyak, Villa Maju is a luxury villa that comes with ‘all day’ butlers. Each bedroom is a separate bungalow with indoor and outdoor bathrooms. The villa comes with a massive private pool and an extensive outdoor space.
10. Leura Rose – Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Three bedrooms, from RM1,052 per night
Leura Rose is a historic Blue Mountains cottage that has been restored to its original grandeur. The three bedrooms all feature mahogany four-poster beds with luxurious linens and electric blankets to keep you warm during cold nights. Its kitchen looks out onto a rambling garden with French doors opening out to a sun-drenched verandah that’s perfect for al fresco dining and BBQs.
For more information on these and TripAdvisor’s approximately 650,000 holiday rental properties, visit http://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Rentals.