EVERY BEDROOM IS A CANDY-COATED WONDERLAND.
CHECK IN TO ONE OF FLORIDA’S QUIRKIEST VACATION ESCAPES
Looking for a one-of-a-kind Floridian escape? From ice cream cone-shaped pools to secret treehouse hideouts, wildly unique vacation rental homes across Florida offer much more than just accommodation. Possibilities include basking in the glam of the Versace mansion or swapping ghost stories in a haunted Key West sanctuary. Whatever you choose, these rare gems are far from average.
THE SUITE TOOTH STAY
Satisfy your sugar cravings at The Sweet Escape, a 5-acre candy coated kingdom tucked away in Orlando. Part of the Orlando Area Luxury Rentals collection, this 11-bedroom mansion is pure eye candy—featuring two kitchens, three living rooms, and a decadent indulgence: a chocolate massage parlor.
“Sweet Escape is part of a family. We have more than five over-the-top luxury mansions in the area, each with its own elaborate amenities on privately gated acres and designed for significantly sized groups,” says owner, creator Andrew Greenstein.
Inside The Sweet Escape, every room is an imaginative wonderland with extravagant themes. The Milky Way galaxy room has a rocket ship bed. The bubblegum arcade and Ice Cream Social nightclub pulse with neon vibes and nostalgic flair, and feature pinball games, virtual reality setups, and cotton candy machines.
Guests can catch a movie in the M&M-themed theater, unravel clues in the scavenger hunt room or battle it out in a round of laser tag. The central kitchen, dubbed “Cereal Killer,” is a breakfast-lover’s crime scene—the escape room is outfitted with Captain Crunch décor and chalk-outlined floors wrapped in spirited caution tape, all leading into peppermint infused living spaces that are equal parts cozy and quirky.
Greenstein describes Sweet Escape as a vacation all its own, saying, “There’s so much to do. Sweet Escape has the world’s only ice cream cone-shaped swimming pool and hot tub; it is literally the cherry on top.”
Perfect for family reunions, milestone birthdays, or weddings with a sugary twist, The Sweet Escape offers a three-night minimum stay. “People travel from around the world just to host their family reunions, company retreats and group gatherings at Sweet Escape,” says Greenstein. “It’s an incredible value—especially compared to those cookie-cutter hotels or rentals.” To unwrap the magic at The Sweet Escape, visit sweetescapehouse.com.
SWEET ESCAPE FEATURES LARGER-THAN-LIFE GAMES AND A “CANDY LAND”-THEMED MINI GOLF COURSE.
HAUNTED HAVEN
Forget counting sheep, try counting ghosts. The Ghoulish Sanctuary in Kissimmee welcomes daring mortals looking for a spooky and scary experience, and it is the closest way guests can get to spending a night in Gracey Manor.
The Ghoulish Sanctuary is an Airbnb inspired by “The Haunted Mansion” theme park ride and film of Disney fame, brought to life by creators Aaron Blanton and Estelle Olivia. This ghostly spot delivers a fully immersive experience, from unexpected sounds at night to flickering lights and wall décor with chilling detail.
“We spent about two months bringing this to life,” says Blanton. “Our goal was to make every detail perfectly fit ‘The Haunted Mansion’ theme—even down to the outlet plugs and ceilings. We didn’t want to be an immersive space that only goes halfway; we wanted to create a spot that truly had every element on point.”
The Ghoulish Sanctuary offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a kitchen, parlor, and even the chance to cast spells in the Hatbox Ghost’s workroom. The design combines vintage treasures and furniture with Olivia’s expert craftsmanship, including hours spent hand painting walls and crafting skull pieces from silicone molds.
“Some of the paintings in the house are reproductions, while others I hand painted,” says Olivia. “We rode the ride countless times just to study every detail, right down to the silverware and red goblet cups on the tables. We collected around 400 reference photos and got stuck on the ride once. When we couldn’t find an exact match for the wallpaper, we found a stencil and painted it ourselves.”
Tucked away in the attic of the Ghoulish Sanctuary is the main suite, known as the Black Widow Bride’s room. The creators filled the space with eerie relics from the bride’s “sadly deceased husbands,” her haunting wedding dress, and a spooky carousel ride with chilling sound effects. When the television is turned off in the living room, it reveals a glowing skeleton portrait that adds a bone-chilling touch to the room.
“We hosted a murder mystery dinner where everyone came in costume, turned the whole space into a huge game, and even hired a private chef,” says Blanton. “That is what we lean on; it’s not a regular Airbnb, but it is a fully engaging rental.”
The duo says the mansion remains a work in progress. Plans include adding a speakeasy-style exterior and a package that whisks visitors over from Disney World properties, just a short ride away, for an unforgettable one-night stay, complete with a themed dinner and creepy surprises.
“We’re always excited to help plan and set up parties and events for our guests,” says Blanton. The Ghoulish Sanctuary rents for around $350 a night and can be found at ghoulishsanctuary.com—if you dare to risk the stay.
GHOULISH SANCTUARY IS A SPOOKY AIRBNB WITH HAUNTED MANSION-INSPIRED DÉCOR.
RETRO RENTAL
Step into a time machine and ride the wave of ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s beachy vibes. This retro gem in the heart of Palm Beach is just minutes from downtown.
“I have had the property for about 20 years, and over the past two years, we have had over 1,200 stays,” says owner Chase Scott. “You don’t notice it since it is private and a totally new world. It is gated and immersive with sounds and moving parts, and it’s part of three different rentals on the property.”
Inside the retro retreat, guests can discover lively animations alongside two fully working arcade games and a functioning soda machine. “I made sure to mention in the notes that the hot tub is free, but bubbles come with an extra charge, and people are always asking how much that costs,” Scott laughs. “There’s a giant flip-flop in the bathroom—probably a size 50—and even a pay phone inside the unit, just in case your cell phone gives out. The rental is decked out with neon lights and vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia; we sifted through about six prop warehouses to get it just right.”
The vintage spot features Joe’s Tropical Getaway outside, with a hot tub, a red tin roof pavilion, bikes, and beach gear.
This throwback getaway averages $210 per night and draws guests worldwide and locals looking for the perfect staycation. It’s also a favorite among artists and celebrities and has even been a backdrop for charity events and pin-up-style photo shoots.
“We’ve had guests from Paris to Scotland, and the space has been used for everything from commercials to anniversaries and birthdays,” says Scott. “One couple loved it so much that they even held their wedding here.”
He added, “Between all three rentals in March alone, we were booked 87 out of a possible 97 days.”
Scott says guests can take part in scavenger hunts on the property. Winners take home prizes ranging from miniature old-school video games to sequinned high heels and other classic novelties.
This retro spot perfectly blends tropical vibes with a time-warped charm, making every stay feel like a smooth cruise through the past. Find it on Airbnb at Amazing Retro Palm Beach Hot Tub Pool Arcade Home.
THE “NIGHT CAP ROOM” IS A FIZZY TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC SODA RIVALRY BETWEEN COCA-COLA AND PEPSI.
BARBIE BUNGALOWS
Barbie’s Dreamhouse is bringing posh to the Sunshine State, with multiple rental home locations where the kids can unbox the fun and others can invite a chic crowd to get dolled up for the perfect getaway. For those seeking a stay as bubbly as it is made-up, these Barbie-inspired rentals deliver style, each available on Airbnb.
Pink Secrets Hideaway is a bold and vibrant spot for a glamorous getaway in Orlando. This over-the-top retreat is wrapped in shades of pink from wall to ceiling, including the appliances, and features dimensional floral walls. Guests can lounge on a neon-lit patio with colorful lawn chairs, sip cocktails at fluffy barstools, and snap photos next to retro pink wall phones throughout the studio. With three sparkling pools, it’s the ultimate setting for playful luxury and relaxation.
Just down the dream lane, the Barbie Dreamhouse offers a family-friendly experience straight from the toy box. With nine beautiful bedrooms, this stay includes a dreamy kids’ room complete with pink bunk beds, a built-in slide and glowing closets filled with Barbie-style accessories. A working photo booth adds fun, allowing guests to capture fabulous family memories effortlessly.
The Princess Barbie Townhouse brings the vacation vibes indoors for a tropical twist on Barbie fashion. Featuring seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, the home is fully decked out in Barbie décor, including framed artwork of the icon herself, doll-shaped mirrors and palm trees in the living room. Guests can unwind on a flamingo-lined patio with fluorescent yellow chairs or explore the sprinkle-covered kitchen. A built-in photo booth (Barbie box-style) invites guests to pose as their own life-size doll, complete with a vintage phone, Barbie signage, and accessories such as sunglasses and hats.
“I’m passionate about experiential design and creating unique, story-driven spaces—whether for my own properties or for clients. It has been incredibly rewarding, especially when guests share such positive feedback,” says Thamis Esteves, owner of The Princess Barbie Townhouse.
Don’t just dream it, live it. Reserve your stay at one of the Barbie Airbnbs and create unforgettable memories in true style.
TOWNS, TRAINS AND PLANES
One distinctive Airbnb rental has its own downtown. Designed like an old-time city, Danville’s central unit features an electronic door that opens to reveal a charming village within.
“The theory is, we tried to build a 1940s-looking downtown. It has a barber shop, city hall, a photo booth, and the O’Shaw’s Pub. My last name is Shaw, and I was able to name the pub after myself,” says owner Dan Shaw. “I am the mayor. My wife elected me, since she was the only other citizen in Danville.”
Danville includes the Family Inn, which features a spacious primary suite, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private parlor with a theater that hosts a 3-D television and sound system. Shaw explains that using a hangar was inspired by the venue’s location on a private airstrip and the desire to create a rental space that stands out.
“I didn’t want anything about it to be boring,” says Shaw. “When we started with just bare walls, we knew the inside couldn’t be boring either. So, we filled it with furniture that matches the time period, including a 1920s art-deco movie theater, which is great fun.”
Guests can “glamp” in style at The Yurt on the property. This 21-foot dome is air-conditioned and offers close encounters with friendly farmyard animals. Step out onto the private deck to roast s’mores by the fire pit or grill up a backyard feast.
For guests craving a lofty retreat, the Treehouse delivers an 18-foot-wide hideaway perched 15 feet above the ground, nestled inside a sturdy tree trunk. Complete with elevator access, a Murphy bed and a hot tub crafted from a repurposed jet engine, it’s the perfect spot to take your stay to new heights.
For the ultimate hangout, the Man Cave is tucked inside an airplane hangar and fully stocked. It features fishing gear, a pinball machine, and killer views of planes.
Danville also opens its doors to weddings and events. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting amazing people during the happiest times of their lives,” says Shaw.
After experiencing Danville’s warm hospitality and quaint charm, travelers can continue their journey with train staycations. Step aboard and travel back in time, in a two-bedroom rental found on Airbnb, titled Train Jacksonville. Guests travel back to the early 1900s inside a vintage Pullman train car. This historic gem blends old-world charm with modern amenities, including a full kitchen, bar area, cozy bedrooms, and a lounge space adorned in rich blue velvet.
Or try the “Train House” staycation in New Smyrna, where guests can stay in restored train cars from the 1890s. Classic checkerboard floors, themed painted wood walls, and vintage-style furniture create an authentic atmosphere. The spacious train cars also feature a private patio and bedrooms with plush king-size beds, proving that luxury never goes out of style.
You can also soar into your next stay with a booking in the “Get to the Choppa,” a one-of-a-kind Airbnb set inside a repurposed Chinook CH-47D helicopter. On a peaceful 5-acre compound, this unforgettable retreat offers room for six guests and features four cozy beds inside the aircraft.
The first bedroom area is tucked right into the cockpit, complete with a two-person sitting area that puts you front and center in the heart of the Chinook. The second bedroom area sits in the rear, offering a quieter, more private nook. A full kitchen, bathroom, and custom-designed living area make this sky-high stay both comfortable and cool.
So, if you are dreaming of a vacation that’s anything but ordinary, Florida has you covered, where staying weird isn’t just encouraged—it’s practically the Airbnb house rule.
