April 22, 2026, SYDNEY – Today,Stayz® announced its 2026 Holiday Homes of the Year, a collection of standout homes recognised for exceptional guest reviews, trusted hosts, and sought-after amenities. The list features more than 50 properties across Australia, and internationally, including family‑friendly homes, large group getaways, luxury retreats, unique architectural escapes, and nature‑forward destinations.

Program Background and Highlights

Now in its fifteenth year, the annual list recognises properties that exemplify exceptional quality, reliability, and Stayz’s high standards for stays travellers can trust. In fact, several of the homes have earned 10/10 guest ratings, reflecting the positive experiences guests can expect every time they book a Stayz.

The 2026 Australia homes span popular leisure destinations, including Margaret River, Berry, Mornington Peninsula, Hamilton Island and Noosa. The broader global collection also features standout properties across the U.S., Mexico, England, New Zealand and Germany.

Travellers can explore previous years’ standout homes and stay updated on future collections by visiting Stayz’s Holiday homes of the Year hub.

Australian 2026 Holiday Homes of the Year

• Red Hill, VIC — “Collins Street House” offers a modern kitchen, wood fireplace, easy outdoor entertaining and two generous lounges ideal for board games and family feasts. This home sleeps 14 across six bedrooms and is set on a quiet street within walking distance of cafés, markets, and wine region stays.
• Margaret River, WA — “Skibo House” spreads across five acres with a cubby house, lawn games, and a seasonal outdoor fire pit. This country home sleeps 10 with light‑filled living, three bathrooms, a kids’ playroom, and a kitchen with butler’s pantry, located near farmer markets, cellar doors, the Wadandi Track for bushwalk access, and Margaret River wine region stays.
• Marino, SA — “One Eighty Marino” showcases an infinity edge 25m pool home, cinema, gym, and 180° ocean views. This architectural coastal escape sleeps 10 across six bedrooms and six bathrooms with beach access and within easy reach of Adelaideand McLaren Vale.
• Berry, NSW — “The Homestead at Bundara Farm” is a beautifully designed country retreat, perfect for gathering friends or family.  Sleeping up to 18 and offering a vine covered outdoor dining area, a grand fireplace, games room, expansive grounds for play and resident chickens and mini horses – all just minutes from Berry and Seven Mile Beach.
• Kangaroo Valley, NSW — “Aminya” is a restored American inspired lodgewith a year‑round heated pool, private lake, and rich Oregon and Pyrmont wharf timbers. Surrounded by native forest and wildlife, it sleeps eight with sweeping valley views, setting the scene for tranquil days in Kangaroo Valley.
• Berry, NSW — “Berry Luxury Barn House” is a purpose-built retreat set on a private acre overlooking farmland. It sleeps 20, with over six bedrooms and features a heated pool with a 3.8‑metre waterslide, indoor sauna, outdoor firepit, kids’ playground, and expansive dining for entertaining.
• Hamilton Island, QLD — “Southwinds” delivers an infinity pool home above the Hamilton Island Marina, a vast deck with panoramic views, dual kitchens and two living areas. The family-friendly home sleeps 16 across eight bedrooms and four bathrooms, with two golf buggies for easy island exploring.
• Montville, QLD — “The Jasmine at Montville” features a serene main home and self-contained studio with expansive decks, landscaped gardens, and countryside-to-ocean views. It sleeps eight across four bedrooms and offers elegant interiors, a wine and cocktail bar, and a cosy lounge with fireplace, perfect for slow Sunshine Coast hinterland escapes.
• Sunrise Beach, QLD — “A Shore Thing” showcases modern architectural design with light-filled open-plan living, sloping ceilings, bi-fold doors, and a private pool. It sleeps six across three bedrooms and blends coastal style with contemporary comforts just a five-minute stroll from Sunrise Beach and minutes from Noosa’s cafés and boutiques.
• Evandale, TAS — “Leighton House” is a restored 1840s Georgian homestead set on 300 private acres and sleeps 12 across four bedrooms. This luxury farm stay offers curated interiors, an outdoor sauna and spa, and a protected central courtyard with an outdoor cooking area featuring a pizza oven, all with breathtaking river and mountain views.

International 2026 Holiday Homes of the Year

This year’s global honorees also include exceptional homes across the U.S., Mexico, England, Germany, Canada, France, and New Zealand, ranging from beachfront villas and lakefront escapes to countryside retreats, architectural standouts, and nature forward stays near coastlines, forests, and iconic outdoor attractions. See the full list of international homes here.

What Stayz Says About This Year’s Collection

“The Holiday Homes of the Year showcase some of the finest holiday homes on Stayz, with many of the homes being managed by Premier Hosts – hosts who have a proven track record of reliability and great hospitality, including 99% booking acceptance rate and 0% host cancellation rate” said Sarah King, Stayz Travel Expert. “This list should inspire travellers to take their next group getaway and demonstrates how easy it is to find a trusted, high-quality holiday homes every time they plan a trip.”

“This year’s list reflects just how far traveller expectations have evolved and how our partners continue to rise to the occasion,” said Tim Rosolio, Vice President of Holiday Home Partnerships at Stayz. “From unique design and standout amenities to the small, thoughtful touches that build trust, these homes deliver the kind of exceptional experiences that today’s travellers don’t just appreciate, they expect. We’re proud to celebrate hosts who are setting a new standard for quality and helping shape the future of holiday homes.”

Stayz’s Holiday Homes of the Year Selection Criteria

• Premier Host Quality: Properties managed by reliable hosts with a proven record of great hospitality, including a 99% booking acceptance rate and zero host cancellations
• Exceptional Ratings & Reviews: Ratings of 9.4 or above and stellar reviews from former guests
• Desirable Locations: Properties in highly searched leisure — often steps from beaches, farms, or vineyards
• Great for Groups: Spacious layouts with private pools, spas, large kitchens, game rooms, and multiple gathering areas ideal for families and multi‑generational groups

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Stayz’s Holiday Homes of the Year?

Holiday Homes of the Year is Stayz’s annual list highlighting top-rated holiday homes known for exceptional reviews, reliable hosts, and amenities that make them ideal for families, groups, and memorable getaways.

• What is a Premier Host?

Premier Host

Highlights hosts with a strong record of reliability, including:

• Consistently high booking acceptance rates
  • No host‑initiated cancellations
  • 9.2 or above overall guest rating
• How are the homes selected?

Homes are chosen based on verified guest ratings, host reliability, standout amenities, suitability for families and groups, and locations in popular leisure destinations.

• What types of amenities do these homes offer?

Popular features include private pools, spas, game rooms, spacious kitchens, outdoor living spaces, direct beach or lake access, and unique architectural elements.

• Where are the 2026 Holiday Homes of the Year located?

The 2026 list includes standout homes across the Australia in destinations such as Margaret River, Berry, Mornington Peninsula, Hamilton Island and Noosa

The 2026 list includes standout homes across Australia and internationally.

Australia highlights:

• Margaret River
• Berry
• Red Hill
• Hamilton Island
• Noosa

International highlights:

• U.S.
• Mexico
• England
• Germany
• Canada
• France
• New Zealand
• Are these homes good for family or group travel?

Yes. Many homes offer multibedroom layouts, multiple gathering spaces and amenities ideal for families, multigenerational trips, and group getaways.

• How can travellers book these homes?

All Holiday Homes of the Year properties can be viewed and booked directly on Stayz. See the full list here.