biophilic design on airbnb: 6 top stays for summer
in biophilic design
Would you like to try a biophilic design for a while?
A holiday accommodation could be a great occasion! I did some research on Airbnb and selected 6 biophilic design homes I’d definitely consider for a summer vacation.
Discaimer: This selection is completely unsponsored and based solely on the information available on Airbnb.
building a biophilic design around the outdoor view
An endless view into the forest or the ocean are lovely features to have in a home, and definitely contribute to a biophilic design. While scrolling through Airbnb I found some incredible homes-with-a-view that beautifully connect indoor and outdoor.
villa islander
Location: The Bight, Turks and Caicos Islands
The feature that sold me in this home is definitely the patio. Its wooden structure creates a sort of monocle that leads the eye to the spectacular view across the forest and over to the ocean.
But the same view can also be enjoyed from indoors. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows are a constant throughout this home and – when open – they create a spectacular indoor-outdoor living space. Another favourite feature of mine is the bathtub in the master bedroom. I don’t usually take baths, but I’m sure that with this view I’d change my mind very quickly!
villa verde
Location: Tulum, Mexico
This home caught my attention because it’s the perfect mix of straight and organic forms and the result looks minimal yet welcoming.
Starting from the outdoors, the pool has a lovely curved shape that breaks up the continuity in the wooden floor (which is used both indoors and outdoors). Full-height sliding doors ensure a complete connection between the indoor and the surrounding nature, connecting the pool area to a spacious living space. Indoors, simple shapes, natural materials and a hint of ethnic patterns create a design that is understated and interesting at the same time.
My favourite bedroom (there are 4 in this villa) is the one that looks into the pool. And should I comment on the free-standing bathtub immersed in trees? The design of this ensuite bathroom is also really clever, with the bathtub at sight and the rest hidden behind a wall that doubles as a headboard.
bringing nature indoors: a key to biophilic design
When stunning outdoor views onto nature are not available, biophilic design brings nature indoors. And these Airbnb stays feature some really clever inspirations in these regards!
black & wood apartment
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
What I love about this apartment is how natural elements have been blended into the design. In the kitchen, a built-in planter wraps around the island and is filled with pebbled and plants.
In the bedroom, a hexagon-patterned wall adds tons of visual interest. The wood used to build it comes from the Mayan Jungle nearby. This creates a more authentic design by establishing a connection between the interior and its surrounding environment!
Last but not least, the ensuite bathroom has a lovely organic feel to it. Pebbles are used as flooring and wooden walkways in the middle add a flatter surface to walk on.
indonesian villa
Location: Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
This design uses a different approach to bring nature indoors: it devotes entire corners to greenery.
In the bedroom, a part of the wall has been opened, creating a natural vignette that looks like an artwork on the plain white walls. In the bathroom, a skylight window lights up a plant corner that effectively blends the interior with its surroundings. Also, installing a walk-in shower next to it is a genius way to take care of watering with no extra effort!
connecting with the local environment
Biophilic design is not only about connecting interiors with nature. In fact, it would be best to connect interiors with local nature. These unconventional Airbnb stays show ways to experience the local environment from a different perspective.
casa nalum
Location: Sian Kaan, Mexico
Who’s up for a hut-like home on the beach? I am!
The design of this home is full of character with its white walls and a mix of natural materials. But it’s definitely the hut roof that makes all of the difference here! And to lounge outdoors, the seating area sits directly on the beach!
around-a-tree house
Location: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
This home features one of my favourite ways of showing respect for the environment when building a home: it’s literally built around a tree! The living area looks into the infinite pool and then over to the forest. Another cool feature of the pool is that it has direct access into the bathroom: into a rainfall walk-in shower to be precise… talk about indoor-outdoor connection! One thing is for sure; this home is taking advantage of the benefits of water features in interiors!
