Looking for a dream getaway? Vrbo’s 2025 vacation rentals of the year offer ultimate luxury

As the demand for high-end private vacation rentals continues to soar, Vrbo has unveiled its 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year, an annual selection of ten standout properties in some of the most sought-after travel destinations in the United States. The newly announced list highlights highly rated vacation homes that offer exceptional amenities, spacious layouts, and top-tier guest experiences.

Since its inception in 1995, Vrbo has positioned itself as a premier platform for luxury private vacation homes, catering to travelers seeking exclusive vacation stays with a high degree of privacy and comfort. Unlike traditional hotel accommodations, the properties featured in Vrbo’s annual list emphasize space, independence, and carefully curated hospitality. With the short-term rental industry evolving rapidly, the 2025 collection underscores the growing preference for highly rated vacation homes that combine modern conveniences with immersive travel experiences.

What Makes Vrbo’s 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year Stand Out?

The ten homes selected for the Vacation Rentals of the Year were chosen from over two million listings on Vrbo’s platform. The evaluation process considered factors that have become increasingly important to travelers, including exceptional guest ratings, host reliability, and premium amenities. Each property featured in the 2025 list maintains a guest rating of 9.8 or higher, is managed by a Premier Host, and includes at least three bedrooms, making them ideal for families and group travelers.

Amenities played a crucial role in the selection, with every home offering either a private pool or a hot tub. Some listings stand out with unique features such as pickleball courts, mini golf courses, or private saunas, reflecting the growing demand for accommodations that provide more than just a place to stay. This trend aligns with recent luxury travel industry insights, which show that travelers are increasingly seeking properties that enhance their overall vacation experience through personalized hospitality, scenic locations, and high-end recreational facilities.

Which Destinations Made Vrbo’s 2025 List of Must-Visit Private Rentals?

This year’s selection spans some of the most desirable vacation destinations in the country, ranging from coastal retreats to mountain getaways. Notable properties include a secluded cabin in the Catskills, a beachfront home in Florida, and a hill country retreat in Texas.

One of the most in-demand properties is located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offering stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Known for its well-preserved natural beauty and seasonal attractions, Gatlinburg has become a top choice for travelers seeking exclusive vacation stays in the heart of nature. The featured cabin in this region has gained popularity for its three-story layout, spacious dining area for up to 18 guests, and over a decade of consistently high guest ratings.

The Florida Panhandle remains a staple in Vrbo’s luxury private vacation homes portfolio, with a Seagrove Beach property making the 2025 list. Located along the scenic 30A coastal stretch, this beachfront rental offers uninterrupted Gulf Coast views, two private pools, and direct access to one of Florida’s most pristine beaches.

In the Western United States, a ski-in/ski-out cabin in Jackson, Wyoming, earned a spot on the list, catering to travelers looking for year-round mountain experiences. With its private sauna, proximity to premier ski trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities, the Jackson rental reflects the rising trend of adventure-based luxury travel.

How Vrbo’s Premier Host Program Enhances Guest Experiences

One of the defining factors of the Vacation Rentals of the Year is the reliability of their hosts. Each property is managed by a Premier Host, a designation awarded to owners who have consistently demonstrated exceptional hospitality, high response rates, and stellar guest reviews. The Premier Host program is designed to help travelers identify high-quality vacation rentals, ensuring that their stays are smooth, comfortable, and stress-free.

According to Tim Rosolio, Vice President of Partner Success for Vrbo, hosts play a vital role in shaping travelers’ experiences. The Premier Host badge serves as a trust signal, reassuring guests that the property they are booking has a track record of providing reliable, well-managed accommodations. Vrbo’s rigorous evaluation process means that only a fraction of listings receive Premier Host status, making the homes selected for the 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year some of the most desirable stays on the platform.

What Travel Trends Are Driving the Popularity of Private Vacation Rentals?

Vrbo’s latest list is closely aligned with the insights from its 2025 travel trends report, Unpack ’25, which highlights the growing appeal of secluded getaways and immersive experiences. One of the key trends shaping vacation rental demand this year is JOMO (the joy of missing out)—a shift away from crowded tourist hotspots toward tranquil, nature-oriented destinations.

Several properties in the 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year list embody this trend, offering guests the opportunity to disconnect from the fast-paced digital world and enjoy quiet moments in scenic, private settings. The selection also reflects the rise in popularity of eco-conscious travel, with homes like the A-frame cabin in Bethel, Maine, designed using sustainable materials and energy-efficient features.

Another trend influencing traveler behavior is the desire for experience-driven accommodations. Instead of simply booking a place to stay, travelers are increasingly choosing rentals that offer unique, on-site activities, such as private yacht trips, personalized outdoor dining experiences, and guided adventure excursions. This shift is evident in the properties included in Vrbo’s 2025 list, many of which provide enhanced amenities tailored to luxury-seeking guests.

Why Vrbo’s Vacation Rentals of the Year Are Among the Most Booked Listings

Vrbo reports that homes featured in the Vacation Rentals of the Year collection tend to be among the fastest-booked private rentals on the platform. Many travelers planning vacations for the upcoming spring and summer seasons have already begun securing reservations for these highly sought-after stays.

Additionally, guests who book one of these properties can take advantage of Vrbo’s OneKeyCash™ rewards program, which allows them to earn credits for future stays across participating brands within Expedia Group. This added incentive makes high-end vacation rentals more accessible to travelers looking for long-term value in their accommodations.

With the short-term rental industry expected to grow further in 2025, Vrbo’s annual list reaffirms its position as a leading platform for luxury private vacation homes. By combining top-tier hospitality, exceptional amenities, and desirable locations, the Vacation Rentals of the Year continues to set the benchmark for exclusive vacation stays in the U.S.