This was the only Australian property to make Airbnb's most loved list

January Jones, View Living Senior Reporter
view.com.au
Gilay Estate is an off-grid luxury retreat surrounded by nature. Pic: Airbnb.
Gilay Estate is an off-grid luxury retreat surrounded by nature. Pic: Airbnb. Credit: View

Airbnb has released its list of the most loved Airbnbs on social media for 2025 and one Australian property has made the list.

Located in Quirindi among the picturesque Liverpool Plains, 'Gilay Estate' is an off-grid luxury retreat surrounded by nature.

Being the only property to make the list from Australia, hosts Sandy and Alexandra were "absolutely thrilled".

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Gilay Estate hosts Sandy and Alexandra.
Gilay Estate hosts Sandy and Alexandra. Credit: View

"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 features sweeping views of the rural property. Pic: Airbnb.
The architecturally-designed hut features sweeping views of the rural property. Pic: Airbnb. Credit: View

The architecturally-designed hut features a king size bed, cosy wood-burning fireplace, champagne fridge, Gozney pizza oven, hot tub and sweeping views of the property.

Gilay Estate currently has a five star rating on Airbnb and is tagged as a 'Guest Favourite', meaning it is one of the most loved homes on the platform according to guests.

Sandy and Alexandra believe this comes from their obsessive attention to detail, as well as a focus on the "small amenities that elevate the stay."

Gilay Estate currently has a five star rating on Airbnb. Pic: Airbnb.
Gilay Estate currently has a five star rating on Airbnb. Pic: Airbnb. Credit: View

"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 hosts found that by focusing on "creating something truly distinctive" and sharing honestly, they were able to capture people's attention.

The wood-fired hot tub. Pic: Airbnb.
The wood-fired hot tub. Pic: Airbnb. Credit: View

"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," the couple said.

"It's less about volume and more about connection."

The hosts say that guests have become their biggest advocates by "sharing their own experiences."

The properties that trended

This spa cabin was popular choice for guests seeking a romantic getaway. Pic: Airbnb.
This spa cabin was popular choice for guests seeking a romantic getaway. Pic: Airbnb. Credit: View

To create the annual list, Airbnb analysed the mostengaged-with listings on Instagram and TikTok across the world.

The platform found the most popular listings had the same key features in common: they were immersed in nature, had unique architecture and design, and amenities centered on relaxation and rejuvenation.

Social posts that trended revealed guests were seeking 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."

Get off-grid

A one-of-a-kind aeroplane house set on the edge of a forest. Pic: Airbnb.
A one-of-a-kind aeroplane house set on the edge of a forest. Pic: Airbnb. Credit: View

Off-grid properties reigned supreme on the list with many located the majority located in North America.

On the list were North Cascades Cabin in Washington, USA - an off-grid river cabin with nearby whitewater rapids and forest views.

Over in Alaska was a one-of-a-kind aeroplane house set in the middle of a lush forest.

This architecturally-designed home looks like it came straight from Disneyland. Pic: Airbnb.
This architecturally-designed home looks like it came straight from Disneyland. Pic: Airbnb. Credit: View

A spa cabin in New York state was a popular choice for guests seeking a romantic getaway.

The other international properties included a truly unique home in Mexico called Quetzalcoatl's Nest. This architecturally-designed home looks like it came straight from Disneyland.

Bucking the trend in Italy was a sleek modern apartment with mountain views.

Not Supplied
Not Supplied Credit: View

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