Inside Gilay Estate, Australia’s ‘Most-Loved’ Airbnb

It is only a few short weeks into 2026 and I’ve already got itchy feet. Emails are piling up, there’s a Toyota ad blasting from one of the 43 tabs I have open and, perhaps most concerning of all, people actually are circling back. The horror. Looking at the heaving palette of work in front of me, it’s hard not to slip into daydreams of forgoing the corporate structure and shifting completely off-grid. After all, it worked for Alexandra and Sandy.

In 2022, the New South Wales couple set out to celebrate the profound tranquillity of the great outdoors. Their vision was simple; create a world-class travel accommodation experience perched on their Liverpool Plains family farm, far from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Two years later, Gilay Estate, the contemporary cabin concept that emerged from that very idea, has just been named Australia’s most-loved Airbnb.

Gilay Estate

To kick off 2026, the accommodation platform revealed a list of properties that have captured the attention and interest of social media users across the globe. From a cabin perched above a glacier-fed river to a DC-6 airplane transformed into an unforgettable home, Airbnb’s ‘most-loved’ list features no shortage of remarkable travel destinations, but only one Australian property made the grade.

Situated in the heart of the picturesque Liverpool Plains, around 4.5 hours north-west of Sydney, Gilay Estate is a luxury Airbnb set on a family farm. The open fields and rural scenery make for a perfect backdrop for a weekend getaway, with guests transported to a wholesome, warming regional outpost. Here, you won’t find business meetings or boardrooms, but you will have the opportunity to indulge in some much-needed rest and relaxation.

“Gilay Estate taps into what many people are looking for right now; a sense of space, calm and escape, without sacrificing comfort,“ owners Alexandra and Sandy told MADE Journal. “It feels remote yet considered, and people can immediately picture themselves there, which makes it resonate well beyond Australia“

The Hut

Central to the experience is the off-grid accommodation. The Hut, as Alexandra and Sandy affectionately call it, is a feat of architectural design and contemporary luxury. Designed to maximise the views of the surrounding mountain range, the triangular-shaped hut features large open windows and sliding doors that open to an exposed timber deck.

The one-bedroom open-plan concept is complete with a full galley kitchen, in-room fireplace, solar-powered air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi and a king-sized bed, to go along with the complimentary chilled bottle of sparkling wine, cheese, and crackers. Outside, the amenities are tailored to capitalise on the breathtaking views.

“The goal was always to create a place where luxury and nature coexist,“ owners Alexandra and Sandy told MADE Journal. “Every detail was thoughtfully considered, but we were equally focused on letting the landscape do the talking and giving people space to truly slow down.æ

Gilay Estate features a wood-fired hot tub that overlooks the stunning Liverpool Plains, offering guests a rare opportunity to enjoy serenity in the outdoors. There is also a Gozney Pizza Oven, open fire pit grill and outdoor seating that looks prime for an afternoon wine. Designed by Cameron Anderson Architects, the contemporary cabin operates completely off grid, using a 6.4kW solar array and 11.4kW of battery storage.

Most-Loved Airbnb List

As anyone who has the pleasure of staying at Gilay Estate will likely tell you, the recent Airbnb acknowledgement isn’t a surprise. The property has regularly featured in ‘best-of’ lists and social media rankings, which is precisely where this recognition stems.

The Airbnb ‘Most-Loved’ list comes after an online survey conducted by Panterra Research of adults found that social media is the leading source for discovering new destinations for Gen Z Americans. According to the data, listings like Gilay Estate, which are set in nature, have unique architecture and prioritise relaxation, were the most inspiring to social media users this past year. It’s hardly a surprise.

Late last year, the booking platform revealed that more travellers are stepping away from screens and “touching grass”. In its ‘2026 Travel Predictions’ outlook, Airbnb noted interest in US national parks had surged 35 per cent, while hotel bookings for nature and outdoor experiences were outpacing all other categories.

Internationally, the trend is just as strong. Davide Guzzardi, founder and director of Swiss-based tour operator and guide company Exped Tribe, recently told MADE Journal that adventure travel and outdoor journeys are booming.

“At the moment, we are receiving lots of requests for treks in the Alps over the summer, such as the “Walkers Haute Route” between France and Switzerland, the “4-Springs-Trek” in the Gotthard region, and long-distance thru-hiking adventures around Sarek National Park in Sweden,“ Guzzardi told me. “The trend of choosing active holidays and outdoor activities over slow-paced tourism is still in place. Travellers are looking for seclusion, tailor-made experiences and exploration over five-star resorts.“

Importantly, properties like Gilay Estate prove that you don’t always have to choose. The Liverpool Plains destination offers rural tranquillity and peace of mind, all backed by a suite of luxury amenities. So if you ask Alexandra and Sandy, that risky decision to step away from city life and go completel off-grid has been well worth the gamble.

“Gilay Estate began as a very personal idea, with a lot of care and risk involved,“ they told me. “To see it recognised globally and shared so organically by guests is incredibly rewarding and reinforces the value of staying true to your vision.“

For more information on Gilay Estate or to book a stay at the property, visit Airbnb or the official Gilay Estate website.