Stayz' Best International Holiday Homes for Aussie travellers in 2025 revealed
Aussies are obsessed with Bali so it's no surprise a Balinese villa came out on top – but in terms of dominating the top 10, New Zealand had two holiday homes and Europe had six, with a stunning stay in Hawaii rounding out the list.
The winners were based on popularity with Aussie guests, glowing traveller reviews and an unbeatable location and amenities.
The homes range from one to eight bedrooms with nightly average rates between $500 and $2,500.
'We know Aussies value privacy, comfort and convenience, so we're seeing a growing demand in Aussies choosing private stays when travelling overseas – a trend that's growing faster than traditional accommodation,' Stayz Travel Expert, Sarah King told news.com.au.
'While a pool remains the top amenity for both international and domestic holiday homes, practical features like parking, internet, airconditioning and a washing machine are in high demand when travelling overseas.'
1. Bali
Villa Vienna took out the top spot on the list with the massive eight-bedroom escape in the heart of Seminyak, ticking the wow-factor box. It has a private jacuzzi, sauna, and cinema. Just minutes from Bali's best beaches and night-life, it's an ideal base for a luxury group getaway.
Ms King said the island's accessibility, exceptional value and huge range of accommodation options continue to make it a top choice for travellers.
'With more villas being built in Bali, it's no surprise we're seeing more Aussies opt for private stays, especially when they come with such standout amenities as we see with Villa Vienna.'
2. Rome, Italy
Argentina Luxury Terrace in Rome came in second. It's a terrace that blends historic charm with modern indulgence. It also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views and a hot tub. All that's missing is an Aperitivo in hand.
'Location plays a big role, especially in culturally rich cities like Rome and Florence, where you can be steps from the Pantheon or tucked in the Tuscan countryside,' Ms King said.
'But it's not the only factor driving traveller demand. What truly sets these homes apart is the combination of an unbeatable location with standout features, from rooftop terraces and hot tubs to beautifully restored interiors.'
3. Queenstown, New Zealand
Set in the scenic Dalefield countryside, Speargrass Lodge is a luxury alpine escape with panoramic mountain views. The four-bedroom retreat features a private pool, hot
tub, outdoor fireplace, and media room – just 10 minutes from Queenstown and Arrowtown, yet worlds away in tranquillity.
'New Zealand remains a firm favourite for Aussie travellers and on Stayz we're seeing a 35 per cent increase in interest for Queenstown holiday homes, compared to last year,' Ms King told news.com.au.
'In Auckland, a private apartment gives travellers the space they need to relax and unwind, while still being in the heart of the city, whereas in Queenstown, it's the private cottages and lakeside homes that are most popular with Aussie travellers, where again we see some incredible amenities like private pools, hot tubs and fireplaces.'
4. Florence, Italy
Originally built in the XI century, this Montelupo Fiorentino Villa has undergone a meticulous restoration, including six bedrooms, six bathrooms and two kitchens, with stunning views of the Tuscan valleys and countryside.
5. London, United Kingdom
Light filled and on the ground-floor, this Contemporary Victorian Apartment is the ideal private space to unwind after a busy day of exploring – just a stone's throw away from some of London's best sights including Hyde Park, Mayfair and Kensington Palace.
6. Auckland, New Zealand
It's all about the harbour views at this Heritage Penthouse three-bedroom apartment. Located in the heart of the CBD, it's the perfect private space to relax after a big day of exploring.
'The Heritage Penthouse is a standout for Aussie travellers with its central location and stunning harbour views,' Ms King said.
'Perfectly placed in the heart of the city just steps from the Sky Tower and ferry terminal, the Heritage Penthouse blends luxury and comfort. Especially when travelling with family or friends, Aussies love the convenience of having a full kitchen and laundry.'
7. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Perched above the Adriatic in the peaceful village of Mlini, this Infinity Pool Villa offers panoramic sea views, a private infinity pool, and sleek modern interiors. Just a short
drive from Dubrovnik's Old Town, it's the perfect blend of seclusion and access, Ms King said it's ideal for families or groups seeking a stylish coastal escape.
8. Santorini, Greece
Tucked into the cliffs of Oia, Cave Suite blends traditional charm with modern indulgence. The private terrace with hot tub offers sweeping caldera views, in a serene location just steps from Oia's iconic sunset spots and cafes.
'What truly sets these homes apart is the combination of an unbeatable location with standout features, from rooftop terraces and hot tubs to beautifully restored interiors,' Ms King added.
'There's really no better way to see some of these destinations than in a unique private stay, whether that's a villa with a backdrop of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia or a cave suite overlooking the caldera in Santorini.'
9. Crete, Greece
Set against the backdrop of Crete's rugged coastline, Modern Minimalistic villa is the ideal stay for families and groups. Beautifully landscaped, including a stunning pool, separate
children's pool and nearby alfresco dining area, it's the perfect place to relax and indulge.
'Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, you get one space that fits everyone, with more privacy and often a lower cost per person,' Ms King said.
10. Maui, Hawaii
Offering all the comforts of home in a tropical paradise, this Luxury Oceanview Private Estate offers a peaceful getaway with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Featuring a pool, hot tub and gourmet kitchen, it has all the essentials for a laid-back island stay.
'Each property has a little bit of luxury to it, and what I mean by that is a feature or amenity that Aussies likely don't have in their own homes, such as home cinemas, hot tubs, saunas, gourmet kitchens and stunning alfresco dining areas.'
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'We know Aussies value privacy, comfort and convenience, so we're seeing a growing demand in Aussies choosing private stays when travelling overseas – a trend that's growing faster than traditional accommodation,' Stayz Travel Expert, Sarah King told 'While a pool remains the top amenity for both international and domestic holiday homes, practical features like parking, internet, airconditioning and a washing machine are in high demand when travelling overseas.' 1. Bali Villa Vienna took out the top spot on the list with the massive eight-bedroom escape in the heart of Seminyak, ticking the wow-factor box. It has a private jacuzzi, sauna, and cinema. Just minutes from Bali's best beaches and night-life, it's an ideal base for a luxury group getaway. Ms King said the island's accessibility, exceptional value and huge range of accommodation options continue to make it a top choice for travellers. 'With more villas being built in Bali, it's no surprise we're seeing more Aussies opt for private stays, especially when they come with such standout amenities as we see with Villa Vienna.' 2. Rome, Italy Argentina Luxury Terrace in Rome came in second. It's a terrace that blends historic charm with modern indulgence. It also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views and a hot tub. All that's missing is an Aperitivo in hand. 'Location plays a big role, especially in culturally rich cities like Rome and Florence, where you can be steps from the Pantheon or tucked in the Tuscan countryside,' Ms King said. 'But it's not the only factor driving traveller demand. What truly sets these homes apart is the combination of an unbeatable location with standout features, from rooftop terraces and hot tubs to beautifully restored interiors.' 3. Queenstown, New Zealand Set in the scenic Dalefield countryside, Speargrass Lodge is a luxury alpine escape with panoramic mountain views. The four-bedroom retreat features a private pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, and media room – just 10 minutes from Queenstown and Arrowtown, yet worlds away in tranquillity. 'New Zealand remains a firm favourite for Aussie travellers and on Stayz we're seeing a 35 per cent increase in interest for Queenstown holiday homes, compared to last year,' Ms King told 'In Auckland, a private apartment gives travellers the space they need to relax and unwind, while still being in the heart of the city, whereas in Queenstown, it's the private cottages and lakeside homes that are most popular with Aussie travellers, where again we see some incredible amenities like private pools, hot tubs and fireplaces.' 4. Florence, Italy Originally built in the XI century, this Montelupo Fiorentino Villa has undergone a meticulous restoration, including six bedrooms, six bathrooms and two kitchens, with stunning views of the Tuscan valleys and countryside. 5. London, United Kingdom Light filled and on the ground-floor, this Contemporary Victorian Apartment is the ideal private space to unwind after a busy day of exploring – just a stone's throw away from some of London's best sights including Hyde Park, Mayfair and Kensington Palace. 6. Auckland, New Zealand It's all about the harbour views at this Heritage Penthouse three-bedroom apartment. Located in the heart of the CBD, it's the perfect private space to relax after a big day of exploring. 'The Heritage Penthouse is a standout for Aussie travellers with its central location and stunning harbour views,' Ms King said. 'Perfectly placed in the heart of the city just steps from the Sky Tower and ferry terminal, the Heritage Penthouse blends luxury and comfort. Especially when travelling with family or friends, Aussies love the convenience of having a full kitchen and laundry.' 7. 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'There's really no better way to see some of these destinations than in a unique private stay, whether that's a villa with a backdrop of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia or a cave suite overlooking the caldera in Santorini.' 9. Crete, Greece Set against the backdrop of Crete's rugged coastline, Modern Minimalistic villa is the ideal stay for families and groups. Beautifully landscaped, including a stunning pool, separate children's pool and nearby alfresco dining area, it's the perfect place to relax and indulge. 'Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, you get one space that fits everyone, with more privacy and often a lower cost per person,' Ms King said. 10. Maui, Hawaii Offering all the comforts of home in a tropical paradise, this Luxury Oceanview Private Estate offers a peaceful getaway with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Featuring a pool, hot tub and gourmet kitchen, it has all the essentials for a laid-back island stay. 'Each property has a little bit of luxury to it, and what I mean by that is a feature or amenity that Aussies likely don't have in their own homes, such as home cinemas, hot tubs, saunas, gourmet kitchens and stunning alfresco dining areas.'
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