In lieu of a standard intro, I’m going to encourage all interested parties to run, not walk, to open and keep refreshing this amazing Airbnb listing, because it is about to go live, and the rental is as exclusive as it gets. Why? Because this is the mansion from the legendary 1972 film The Godfather, and the host is only welcoming one group of up to five people for booking.

As soon as this rental listing goes live today, we presume diehard movie fans, or maybe even some aspiring mobsters, will jump all over the chance to experience the 30-night stay being offered. And they’d better be packed and ready to boogie, because check-in is August 1 and anyone who is late might sleep with the fish. Just kidding—there are no fish in the saltwater swimming pool.

The mansion, which shouldn’t be confused with the far larger Godfather estate, was used for the wedding scene in the film’s opening has since become a landmark for movie fans, as they walk by and imagine the late James Caan smashing a camera in the street. In reality, it is merely a beautiful five-bedroom home in a quiet neighborhood that would make for a great place to witness firsthand the efforts being made to raise Staten Island’s tourism profile.

Despite the mansion’s size—there are seven bathrooms as well—the host suggests the accommodations are “most suitable for two adults and three children.” In addition to the pool, guests will undoubtedly appreciate the game room, gym, and especially the pub in the basement. Renovations to the interior have given this home a more modern feel, so it’s safe to assume the rooms are a lot brighter than when Vito Corleone was meeting with his “friends.”

Perhaps the most surprising element of this rental is the price: $50 a night. It’s almost as if it can’t be refused.

The post One Lucky Crew is Going to Book a Long Summer Stay at the ‘Godfather’ Mansion appeared first on Islands.

Jungles, killer surf breaks, quiet beaches, nonstop wildlife encounters, fresh juices and farm-to-table fare are all the stuff of Costa Rica. It’s a fresh air, outdoorsmen’s paradise, and as more homeowners join the rental market, the options are multiplying for high-end villas, infinity pools, glamping tree houses and much more. 

Here are our top picks for Airbnbs to book now.

Modern Tree House—Playa Grande, Guanacaste

You had us at tree house. This one-bedroom stay in Playa Grande sits above the treeline and offers a Jacuzzi with views of the surrounding green hills. Inside, the vibe is both rustic and modern, with walls of glass, industrial light fixtures and raw wood beams and accents. The owners make additional perks available at an added cost, from organic wines to by-request private chefs.

Remote Hideaway in Sierpe—Puntarenas

If you’re looking to see as much of Costa Rica as possible, the town of Sierpe—roughly 70 miles north of the Panama border—likely shouldn’t be tops on your list. However, if you’re coming to Costa Rica to unwind and relax in the most natural setting possible, then book at this three-bedroom, largely open-air lodge with views of the Sierpe River. In every room, the views of green hills and the river dominate. 

Perhaps the best part is that this Airbnb includes it all—from wine and top-shelf liquor, nightly prepared dinners and even a private guide who will take you boating, hiking, fishing or whale-watching.

Beachfront Bamboo House—Osa Peninsula

Fun and funky, this eco-chic, two-bedroom dwelling brings the Balinese look of bamboo beachfront to the town of Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula. From the outdoor rain shower to the hammock strung on the porch, just 55 yards from the Golfo Dulce, we love the home’s commitment to outdoor living. Surf lessons, board lessons and yoga also available.

Modern Oceanview Villa—Playa Flamingo

Posh can be had at a relatively affordable rate in Costa Rica, as evidenced by this three-bedroom modern villa in Playa Flamingo in the Guanacaste Region. The wow factor is definitely strongest on the deck: the villa’s infinity pool has unobstructed views of Potrero Bay, perfect for epic sunsets. 

Inside, this newly constructed home sports clean lines and a minimalist style, with neutral tones and a few pops of color. For an upcharge, a personal chef can also be arranged.

Sleek and Modern—Tamarindo

In Tamarindo, one of the top surf spots in Costa Rica, find this sleek, modern three-bedroom home, just steps from the ocean. One wall of the home is solely composed of black-metal-framed windows, opening to the pool and giving the interior space a sophisticated and airy vibe. Though much of the construction is metal or cement, the overall vibe is warmed up by the addition of basket lights, wood carving artwork and handmade wooden doors. We’re especially taken with the pool area, surrounded on all sides by palms and towering tamarind trees, giving the space a ton of privacy. An added bonus: One of the bedrooms stands separately from the main living space, allowing for more privacy within your group.

Jungle Oasis—Manuel Antonio

You get the best of both jungle and ocean with this three-bedroom jungle oasis in Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Rica’s best spots for wildlife encounters. Even from the pool deck and outdoor dining areas of this home—where you get ocean and sunset views—you can spy squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, mangrove hummingbirds and chestnut-mandibled toucans. 

The warm, mostly wood interior isn’t over-the-top luxury, but it is comfortable. Moreover, you’re choosing this Airbnb for its location: It’s a 12-minute walk to the beach and to town.

Plumeria Guest House—Pinilla

Just steps from the latte-colored beaches of Pinilla, a town 30 minutes by car south of Tamarindo, this three-bedroom home offers a private outdoor sanctuary experience at its tamarind-tree sheltered pool area and grassy backyard. 

Inside, the home features a lot of raw-edge wood counters and other charming touches, such as the bright turquoise tiled bathroom. With dining and lounging areas outside, it’s easy to want to spend the day lounging—although surf breaks, mountain bike trails, a golf course, a spa and the town of Tamarindo are all just minutes away.

Luxury Villa—Nosara

This modern two-bedroom villa in the Playa Guiones region of Nosara, a surf community on the Pacific Coast, offers a bright, airy vibe. Most rooms feature walls of sliding glass doors that open to the outside for an indoor-outdoor living concept. 

Head outside to take a dip in the private saltwater pool, just steps from the living area. Next to it, a rope swing bed hangs beneath a tree canopy, offering a shady spot for an afternoon siesta.

Resort Vibes—Santa Teresa Beach

The infinity pool and pool terrace of this Santa Teresa Beach home make you feel like you’re at a resort—albeit one with complete privacy. The terrace, spanning the length of the house, offers uninterrupted views of the ocean and town below. A split floor plan with two master bedrooms on opposite ends of the kitchen-living room area allow for added privacy. 

We also love the outdoor grill, wet bar and counter for entertaining—letting you whip up pisco sours and barbecued chicken while taking maximum advantage of the ocean views.

Unique Retreat—Puerto Jimenez

Though it’s hard to tell from the photos, this five-bedroom retreat near the tip of the Oso Peninsula is just steps from the beaches of Pavon Bay. What we love most is the design.

Bamboo supports and green metal roofs make for a playful, angular look that blends seamlessly with the lush outdoors. The home’s living and dining rooms are entirely open air, creating that Swiss Family Robinson vibe. The private pool sits amid a tropical garden, making it likely that parrots and hummingbirds will linger while you soak.

The post 10 Amazing Airbnb Properties You Can Rent in Costa Rica Right Now appeared first on Islands.

If you like film, fashion, and glamorous travel, adding a stay at Villa Balbiano to your bucket list was briefly an amazing possibility. The villa, featured in the new film House of Gucci, went live on Airbnb earlier this week as a truly once in a lifetime rental opportunity—only two guests would be able to book a stay, and for only one night in March.

Not shockingly, the reservation was quickly booked, leaving countless lists unchecked. Fortunately, we can still dream about visiting this fascinating villa that is packed with history.

As if Lake Como is not enough of a draw, lucky guests can lounge in luxury at this ‘90s-era villa that exudes Italian opulence, featured as the home of Gucci family patriarch Aldo Gucci in the film. Built in the late 16th century, this was the original residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. A century later, Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini purchased the home and renovated it to serve as a venue to host society guests for festivals, banquets, and dances. So, it’s nothing short of a spectacle to see.

Today, Villa Balbiano is one of the largest private homes on Lake Como, where one unknown couple will eventually spend a night like a Gucci surrounded by luxury. The villa features six spacious and impeccably decorated suites designed by Jacques Garcia. The bathrooms are anything but understated with head-to-toe Italian marble and opulent fixtures. 

Interior furnishings, provided by Sotheby’s and Christie’s, offer a glimpse of the era’s history with the finest objets d’art and period furniture. Spectacular 17th century frescoes painted by the Recchi brothers and Agostino Silva adorn the walls.

The villa’s exterior features rival the luxury furnishings indoors with breathtaking views overlooking Lake Como. Guests will have access to the villa’s garden, recognized by the British Society of Garden Designers, as well as the outdoor swimming pool, a private pier, and a boathouse.

This is an opportunity for star struck travelers to walk in the shoes of the House of Gucci’s stars, Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Jack Huston, Salma Hayek and Al Pacino.

The post A Look Inside the Legendary Villa Balbiano, AKA the ‘House of Gucci’ appeared first on Islands.

Endless sun, tacos at every meal, jungles to explore, and mountains framing epic sunset views are just the beginning of Mexico’s endless appeal—and we can never get enough. Looking for a little more privacy and exclusivity? Head off the beaten path a bit on your next trip and book an Airbnb rental.

Most on our list come with their own private pools and some even include private chefs, but all of them guarantee an amazing time. From Cancun to Puerto Vallarta, here are our picks on where to relax and recharge on your next Mexico escape.

Surfer Style—Sayulita

Surf chic located steps from the water, Casa Playa—a three-bedroom bungalow in Sayulita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast—is barefoot luxury at its finest. Accordion glass doors open to connect the bedrooms and living areas to the outdoors, ushering in the sounds and smell of the sea.

We especially love that this home offers room service from of the nearby Don Pedros Restaurant, which boasts a varied menu that includes a mix of flavor, including octopus carpaccio, spicy tuna sashimi tostadas, and Mexican pizza with chorizo, chiles, and black beans.

Castle on the Beach—Isla Mujeres

We love Casa Alkimia, a four-bedroom castle on Isla Mujeres, which is a 15-minute ferry ride from Cancun. The towering home has a Moroccan vibe, with bright white walls and lots of curves; inside, the style leans toward nature and neutrals, with basket lamps and raw wood railings. We’re especially taken with the rooftop lounge where you can take in 360-degree views while soaking in the private plunge pool.

Art Lover’s Dream—Puerto Vallarta

Mexican artist Sergio Bustamente created the paintings and sculptures in this three-bedroom sprawling retreat in Puerto Vallarta on the west coast. Book this home for the delights and surprises, including the palapa-covered outdoor living area, the wall of tiny sculptures catching dreams above one of the beds, and the balcony opening to a jungle of palm trees leading to the water.

Rooftop Pad—Tulum

It’s almost a shame that the interior of this Tulum gem is so lovely—including the raw-edge dining room table for eight in the open-floor plan modern main level—because you’ll likely spend most of your time on the rooftop hangout space. Surrounded by palm trees and rainforest, this space has a private, hidden gem feel.

Up on the roof level, there’s plenty of room to spread out on the day bed, outdoor dining table, and the pool. What’s more, the host works with a concierge team that includes a chef and driver for a truly five-star, pampered experience. Also of note: We like that this three-bedroom home is in a gated community.

Treehouse Charmer—Puerto Vallarta

Open-air living meets modern vibes in this Puerto Vallarta four-bedroom hideaway. While there aren’t ocean views, this home does boast a sweeping deck set higher up, making the whole place feel like a treehouse. Plus, that deck sports a pool and a collection of sun loungers with partial shade thanks to the gumbo limbo tree anchoring the space.

Inside, find pops of character and color, from the bright, bold paintings to the collection of carved wooden masks.

Big Group Luxury—Isla Mujeres

The six-bedroom Casa Isla Bajo villa on Isla Mujeres caters to groups—literally. The in-house chef reaches out weeks ahead of your stay to plan menus based on your preferences, whether those be for light fare like just-caught fish or Mexican comfort foods like enchiladas. With meals taken care of, guests have more time to enjoy the pool, set steps from the water; take a plunge with a margarita while enjoying sea views.

Open Air Relaxation—Zihuatanejo

We love how seamlessly the hacienda-style Villa Noche transitions to the outdoor living space—and right onto the beach. Part of the Las Palmas Luxury Villas boutique hotel, this villa has access to extra amenities, including several pools, a restaurant and a spread of lounge chairs and day beds on the sand.

Jungle Mansion—Cozumel

This 5-bedroom private villa gets rave reviews for its lush outdoor patio—with pool and Jacuzzi—where curling vines, palms and planters pack the space with tropical greenery. Inside, the vibe is boho-eclectic, mixing Frida Kahlo murals with street signs, candelabras, chandeliers, oversize paintings and more for a collected, maximalist feel.

Modern and Simple—Todos Santos

A departure from most beach homes, this modern, concrete two-bedroom space boasts a clean, minimalist design, lots of light, and thoughtful touches. It’s set in the town of Todos Santos on the Baja Peninsula, located about an hour north of Cabo San Lucas with a beach popular as much for surfing as it is sea turtle nests.

The post 9 Amazing Airbnb Rentals in Mexico’s Best Beach Towns appeared first on Islands.