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Best Cool and Unique Airbnbs in New Mexico

May 18, 2021

New Mexico is home to some truly beautiful places. Known as The Land of Enchantment, visitors travel here from across the world to see spectacular events such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, visit its unique national parks, including Carlsbad Caverns, and experience the dramatic yet tranquil landscapes that have inspired generations of artists, namely Georgia O’Keefe.

If you’re planning a trip to New Mexico, there are plenty of great-quality rentals for every budget on Airbnb. By the way, we aren’t an affiliate for Airbnb. We just really love their platform.

Because we’re obsessed with non-traditional stays of every kind — seriously, we’ve stayed in a mud hut before… a legit mud hut — we’re sharing our picks for the Best Cool and Unique Airbnbs in New Mexico to help you make your trip that much more memorable and fun!

cozy mid-century boho trailer

This adorable vintage trailer, affectionately known as The Yellow Submarine, is one of my favorite vintage trailers I’ve ever stayed in. Immerse yourself in its darling Mid-Century aesthetic, use it as a base camp to hike and explore nearby Taos, and return to relax by the fire under starry skies.

Ashley's TreeHouse at El Mistico Ranch

First of all, you won’t believe what this treehouse looks like on the inside! In a few words, truly charming. Set on 30 acres of high desert land adjacent to Lincoln National Forest, this off-grid treehouse sits at 7,300-feet in elevation overlooking forested slopes and features minimal light pollution for epic stargazing. The nearby towns of Cloudcroft and Ruidoso are both worth a visit.

River Valley Casita

If you’re looking for a comfy, relaxing place to unwind (with some of the kindest Airbnb hosts around), this is it! We stayed at the River Valley Casita following a week-long trip to Grand Canyon National Park, and we really just wanted a place to rest, decompress, and basically do nothing after an aggressive itinerary of hiking and sightseeing. Sip your coffee on the back porch, read a book under the immense cottonwood trees, or take a walk down to the nearby Animas River (led by the family dog if you so desire). This would also make a great base camp for exploring the four corners region of New Mexico and into southern Colorado and Mesa Verde National park, located about 1 hour from the casita.

Shipping Container Home With Mountain Views

Shipping container homes have really grown in popularity as an eco-friendly choice for sustainable housing. This one is full of fun styling and comes with unobstructed mountain views and a hot tub! Also known as The Steel Pueblo, this unique New Mexico Airbnb is located in El Prado outside Taos, home to the Taos Pueblo, Taos Ski Valley, a world-famous community of Earthships, and all sorts of quirky, incredible art galleries and boutiques.

The Kiva

This one-room Kiva is constructed from local adobe mud and timbers. Located in El Prado outside of Taos, this New Mexico Airbnb is perfect for guests who enjoy a more rustic experience. An undeveloped hot springs and the Rio Grande River are within hiking distance about a mile away, and Taos is just a short drive by car. A perfect option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a unique stay.

Atlas F Missile Silo

This might be one of New Mexico’s most unusual places to spend the night. Listed on Airbnb as A True Cold War Relic, guests descend a utility tunnel into the 186-foot-deep Atlas F Missile Silo where the site has been renovated into a truly unique underground home. Your stay comes with a guided tour, highly-rated from previous guests.

Artsy Earthship-Taos Mountain View

The Earthships of Taos have become world-famous, but some of the most amazing Earthships are situated in a remote mountainous area with beautiful views. This Earthship is light-filled and artfully decorated, featuring an open concept kitchen and living area in the main gathering room that looks out over the Arroyo Hondo Mesa. A short drive to downtown Taos and the Taos Ski Valley, this is a great New Mexico vacation spot for those looking for a mix of relaxation and activity options.

Auromesa Retreat Hogan

This traditional Navajo-style Hogan is located on 5-acres with an Ayurvedic center and retreat in Arroyo Hondo. On site is a meditation labyrinth and an Ayurvedic Spa, including a Watsu/Water Therapy pool. A perfect retreat for creators, meditators, or wellness seekers, this unique New Mexico Airbnb will calm and revitalize the senses.

Colorful & Curated "Casa Strega"

We love the lively Kodachrome vibes of this artful, two-story cottage outside Santa Fe. Set on 3-acres in a grove of Juniper trees, guests can look out over rolling landscape views from the upper deck, relax by the vintage fireplace and drive into town for the amazing Santa Fe Arts District and culinary scene.

Yurt Overlooking the Chama River in Abiquiu

This is one of the more beautifully furnished yurts we’ve seen on Airbnb! Set on a hillside overlooking the Chama River, guests can relax amid the gorgeous natural setting and venture outward to explore some truly unique sights. This would make a great base camp for exploring nearby trails at Ghost Ranch, visiting nearby petroglyphs, viewing the sandstone formations at Plaza Blanca, or kayaking the Rio Chama, among many other options.

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Image Credits:

Yellow Submarine - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Ashley’s Treehouse - Photo courtesy of Airbnb; River Valley Casita - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Shipping Contain Home - Photo courtesy of Airbnb; The Kiva - Photo courtesy of Airbnb; Atlas F Missile Silo - Photo courtesy of Airbnb; Artsy Earthship - Photo courtesy of Airbnb; Auromesa Retreat Hogan - Photo courtesy of Airbnb; Casa Strega - Photo courtesy of Airbnb; Chama River Yurt - Photo courtesy of Airbnb; Hotel Luna Mystica - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Taos Earthships - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; New Mexico’s Prettiest Destinations (White Sands NP) - forcdan - stock.adobe.com; Carlsbad Caverns - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Kasha-Katuwe - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Nomad Goods images courtesy of Nomad Goods; Trail Ridge Road - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; for Pinterest Pin image credits, please click on the related Pin image.