9 Stunning Vacation Rentals for Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures

For the last 5 years, Kilmartin Castle – named #4 in New York Times’ “52 Places To Go in 2023” –  has been a passion project for dedicated owners Stef and Simon, who converted a16th century castle into an award-winning vacation rental.

Dating back to 1550, this medieval fortified castle boasts vaulted stone rooms and spiral staircases leading up narrow stone turrets – complete with arrow slits to keep an eye out for guests! Featured in BBC’s popular TV show ‘Scotland’s Greatest Escape’ in 2023, Kilmartin Castle won the show’s ‘historic’ category, with the experts loving the “quirky feel of the place”. There are also over 350 prehistoric and historic monuments in the surrounding area for guests to explore!

On top of the immense beauty and scale of Kilmartin Castle, this location provides limitless activities for guests to enjoy, from a refreshing dip in the natural wild swimming pool to kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking and fishing. Guests can even go island hopping if they fancy a bigger adventure.

The restaurant offers meals with fresh produce grown in the castle’s gardens and orchard. In summer, guests can enjoy delicious food al fresco in the glasshouse that fits up to twenty people. Guests booking the entire property are equipped with a private chef.

Cavalan Ranch, a luxury glamping resort, located in the stunning Mecklenburg Pampa (North Germany), offers a unique activity for Germany – Western-style riding on Argentinian horses.

Inspired by the Argentinian heritage of the owner, this ranch pays tribute to his homeland, and rustic-chic glamping tents overlook picturesque fields and meadows that surround the ranch, providing mesmerizing views of the starry sky at night.

Anyone can go horse riding, which ranges from beginner to advanced – costing between 60 and 160 euros – and you can even pick out the horse you’d like to ride from the website! The rides take place across the green hills and forests of Mecklenburg, a sweeping natural vista.

In the evenings, Cavalan Ranch regularly hosts Al Fuego evenings with Asado (Argentinian BBQ), with traditional South American specialties, wine and a roaring fire. For guests that don’t fancy the exposure of the outdoors, there is also a fifty-person seating barn available for big groups.

Winner of the 2022 Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award, Seawind Landing Country Inn is a stunning, 28-acre property with views of the Tor Bay and the Atlantic Ocean in Nova Scotia.

The sea is just a two minute walk from the inn, meaning guests can explore the coast from the moment they walk out of their front door and enjoy the beauty of the Tor Bay.

Seawind Landing also offers a variety of unique activity packages, from a canoeing trip where you learn about the history of local salmon fishing, to tours of the coastline where guests can discover the local flora and fauna, explore tidal pools, and try their hand at some fishing.

Stargazing is a popular activity in this area.

With hilltop views of Lake Annecy — France’s third largest lake at 9 miles long and winner of the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award 2023 – Chalet Christine has long been a popular summer retreat for watersports enthusiasts.

Chalet Christine is a short distance (one hundred meters) from Lake Annecy, known to be one of Europe’s cleanest lakes, and it’s famous for paragliding, water skiing, sailing, wakeboarding, cycling and diving all on Chalet Christine’s doorstep. Guests can also unwind in the chalet’s heated pool, red cedar sauna, hot tub and steam room.

This intimate, “best-kept-secret” retreat in Austin, Texas, raises the bar and expectations for “glamping” — each $2-million dollar, bi-level “mobile unit” was formerly owned by celebrities, including Will Smith, Vin Diesel, Jennifer Lopez and Simon Cowell (who used the unit for his American Idol tours).

This one of a kind and intimate, 10-acre sanctuary offers an outdoor sauna, firepit, cinema and tranquility pond. The complex also provides a hot tub, table tennis table and BBQ.

Each mobile unit has a theme, such as “The Heat,” previously owned by Will Smith and encased in extravagant wood details, a steam shower, and a 100” TV. Vin Diesel’s trailer, “The Aspen,” takes on the look of a luxurious woodland cabin.

7744 ranch was awarded best glamping resort in America as part of eviivo’s 10 top properties in the world as voted by a panel of expert industry judges from TripAdvisor, Leading Britain’s Conversation, House & Garden UK and Reise Reporter in March 2024.

Nestled away in a beautiful 15-acre area in Hocking Hills, Southeastern Ohio’s natural haven, is Hemlock Treehouse, the perfect cabin for couples. An impressive 30 feet high with panoramic views of the treetops, this whimsical getaway has its own hot tub (literally in the trees)!

In the state park of Hocking Hills – home to over 25 miles of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and caves – guests can try ziplining through the canopies at high speed, deep cave exploration, or leisurely canoeing on the lake.

Hemlock Treehouse’s unique design and location makes it very popular – a testament to its high year-round occupancy!

Set in rolling countryside, Treflyone Manor is a luxury, 12-room hotel with an AA award-winning restaurant, a luxury spa suite and its own 18-hole golf course — and held its first PGA event here in 2010.

Set in the Ritec Valley near the seaside town of Tenby, Trefloyne Manor compels guests in the natural and whimsical beauty of the area. The Manor itself is steeped in history, and guests will find 16th century beams, original

flagstone floors and a rare, historic dovecote in the spa.

Dovecote Naturally, the manor’s spa, is a true highlight, offering an extensive treatment list.

Near the French/Spanish border, the Maison Irriberria is a passion project of two former athletes who converted their estate into a luxury accommodation where guests have access to top-level sporting and spa facilities — which include an outdoor sauna and cold plunge pool — spread out over 7,000 square meters (2 acres) in the gorgeous French Basque country.

The sprawling estate is set at the foot of Mount Ursuya (678 meters high), known for mountain biking and hiking, and it’s an easy 30 minute drive to the beach where guests can surf, raft or canoe. To top it off, for true adrenaline junkies, paragliding and snowshoeing in the mountains are also an option for winter travel!

Originally a 19th-century estate, Villa el Porto has been meticulously renovated into a private villa estate, seamlessly blending traditional architecture with modern conveniences.

Nestled within an expansive, 3,500-square meter (1 acre) garden are charming porches and a pool with cabanas. Villa el Portó is a haven for families, friends and couples seeking tranquility and plenty of privacy.

Villa el Porto offers an outdoor bar and barbeque, and should guests want quality indoor time, table football, table games, kids costumes and a billiards table are available. Guests can also play mini-golf on-site, or enjoy snorkeling, windsurfing, diving and cycling in the surrounding area.

This stunning property was awarded best villa in Spain as part of eviivo’s 10 top properties in the world as voted by a panel of expert industry judges from TripAdvisor, Leading Britain’s Conversation, House & Garden UK and Reise Reporter in March 2024.

One extra property:

Château de Joyeux, a well preserved 19th century castle (one of the last castles to be built in France), notable for its history, architecture and outdoor amenities. This luxury, hidden gem located 40 minutes from Lyon, France, is completely immersed in its idyllic natural setting, and many guests spend their time roaming the sprawling 40 hectare (100 acre) gardens and terraces, which offers views of Mount Blanc.

In this remote sanctuary, guests can expect a wealth of outdoor activities, including tennis courts, trampolining, cycling, hiking and canoeing. Guests can also enjoy the Blue Bicycle, Joyeux’s signature restaurant – with a sunny outdoor terrace – where local Dombes cuisine is served.

The Chateau offers sumptuous suites within the main building, as well as luxury cottages spread throughout the property for more privacy.