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2025 Holiday Rentals of the Year

Who made it to the top and why? Find out in this year’s roundup of globally recognised properties featuring insider tips on cultivating a world-class listing.

17 March 2025

We’re thrilled to announce our 2025 Holiday Rentals of the Year, celebrating outstanding private holiday rentals around the world. Selected from over 2 million properties, these spectacular homes boast stellar 4.9+ star ratings, glowing guest reviews and unique spaces perfect for creating unforgettable memories with friends and family.

From cosy rural retreats to oceanfront getaways, the variety of this year’s top properties proves there’s no one-size-fits-all formula to becoming a Holiday Rental of the Year. Read on for insider tips on how these worldclass listings became this year’s recognised properties.

Provide excellent guest experiences as a Premier Host

Vrbo’s Premier Host programme recognises extraordinary holiday rental owners who put travellers first by:

Having three or more guest reviews across their account
Maintaining an average review rating of 4.4 stars or higher
Upholding a booking acceptance rate of 95% or more
Achieving at least five bookings or 60 booked nights
Keeping owner-initiated cancellations at 1% or less

Given the high standard of hospitality, it’s no surprise that every recognised holiday rental this year was managed by a Premier Host. Curious about Premier Host status? Listen to the Premier Host podcast for the latest programme news and more.

Deliver service that stands out

‘I ask guests if there was anything they wished we had or if they have any suggestions to make future stays better. Their feedback helps me continuously enhance the experience.’

Alex Lluch

Owner of Villa Fabulosa

Photograph of a house’s backyard with a modern pool

Stellar customer service is the cornerstone of great hospitality. But how does a host turn a great stay into an unforgettable guest experience? For Alex Lluch, owner of Villa Fabulosa in Temecula, California, it’s about going the extra mile.

‘Shortly after guests arrive, I personally call to make sure they’re comfortable, that everything is working perfectly and that they know how to use everything in the Villa. I also answer any initial questions they may have,’ he said. ‘Midway through their stay, I send a quick text to check in, see if they’re enjoying the house and ask if they need any recommendations or assistance.’

‘After checkout, I follow up to ask if anything wasn’t working perfectly or if any items need replacing before the next guests arrive. I don’t want to rely solely on my cleaning crew to catch details like a squeaky door or worn ping-pong paddles.’

And Lluch sees every stay as an opportunity to improve.

‘I ask guests if there was anything they wished we had or if they have any suggestions to make future stays better. Their feedback helps me continuously enhance the experience.’

Curate irresistible spaces and amenities

Details like patio space or a kitchen equipped for a family meal can go a long way in creating a group-friendly guest escape. That’s why the property management team at The Dripping Springs Social in Dripping Springs, Texas, combines comfort and cutting-edge amenities.

‘Travellers love that our rentals look like designer hotels but come with all the amenities they enjoy at home—and then some! Guests often rave about the luxurious feel of our properties.’

Kevin Kapadia

CEO of GuestSpaces

The high-end kitchen at Dripping Springs Social

Photograph of a luxurious entertainment barn

Dripping Spring Social’s luxury entertainment barn

From a sparkling pool and hot tub to an entertainment barn featuring a projector, pool table, poker table, shuffleboard and bar, every amenity brings guests together and invites them to unwind in style.

By blending comfort, style and thoughtful hospitality, The Dripping Springs Social offers spaces that leave a lasting impression long after checkout.

Personalise every booking

Essentials like cleanliness and comfortable beds may be the foundations of a great stay, but it’s often small, meaningful gestures like handwritten welcome notes and local snacks that guests remember. Mekki Jaidi, owner of Outpost in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, shares his approach:

‘Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a curated selection of locally sourced goods, including freshly roasted coffee from our sister company, Snake River Roasting Co. and donuts made by our partner, Provisions.’

Mekki Jaidi

Owner, Outpost

Photograph of a warm living room with a fireplace

Devin Thomas, host of the luxury family estate Stay Paradise Valley in Paradise Valley, Arizona, also prioritises personalisation for her guests:

‘We love taking the time to understand why our guests are visiting and adding special touches to make their stay unforgettable.’

‘When we hosted a family with a relative who was playing in the Super Bowl, we surprised them with decorations in their team’s colours to show our support—it was such a fun way to make them feel at home. We also pay attention to what guests have appreciated at other properties and incorporate those ideas. At the heart of it all is truly listening to our guests.’

There are many ways to become a Holiday Rental of the Year, but hosts can get closer to recognition by focusing on exceptional guest experiences and maintaining one-of-a-kind listings. Ready for more ideas on how you can elevate your space? Take a look at more 2025 Holiday Rentals of the Year below. Happy hosting!