Airbnb goes full-on themic with iconic stay experiences from Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse to X-Men’s Xavier Institute

It’s always nice when an Airbnb host goes out of their way to ‘theme up’ their place – making your holiday stay somewhat more memorable with bits and pieces from popular culture peppered all over their place. But what if millions of dollars were injected into theming special stays by the very people who brought you those icons in the first place? Now that’s fabulous fantasy come to life!

Airbnb has introduced ‘Icons’ – a new category of special experiences hosted by the greatest names in music, film, TV, art, sports, and more. Icons take worlds you’ve only ever dreamed of and turn them into reality.

Examples already proving as popular stays include Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse, the Home Alone house and Shrek’s Swamp. Here are a few more specially themed experiences that you might like to try:

The Up! house – one of Disney and Pixar’s most iconic homes

Airbnb recreated the house from the Disney Pixar movie Up, located in New Mexico, USA. If you’re a fan of the movie, you’re going to love being in this abode. Every single detail from the movie has been painstakingly recreated, from the kitchen to the living room and even the thousands of balloons above the roof. And, yes, there’s some magic floating that happens during your stay… our lips are sealed.

Marvel Animation’s X-Mansion in Westchester, New York

Stay at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning in Westchester, NY. Set up inside a four-bedroom mansion in High Castle and “hosted” by Jubilee, this 2D experience includes a new student orientation video from Jubilee; the opportunity to concoct experiments in Beast’s lab; a chance to train like an X-Man in the Danger Room; a stop in the iconic War Room for team briefings and to try on Cerebro; and Beignets for breakfast (Gambit’s secret recipe).

Spend the night in the Ferrari Museum

Immerse yourself in the world of racing with a stay at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy. You’ll sleep on a bed crafted from the same leather as Ferrari seats, take a lap with Scuderia Ferrari ambassador driver Marc Gené, and head to Emilia-Romagna’s premier race as a VIP.

Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France

Wake up in the Musée d’Orsay and witness the historic Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games along the River Seine. Stay in the Paris art museum’s iconic clock room, which has been transformed into a luxurious bedroom by Mathieu Lehanneur, designer of the Paris 2024 Games torch and cauldron. From the terrace, you’ll witness the historic Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games along the River Seine. Definitely one for the bucket list.

Join an unforgettable living room session with Doja Cat

Fresh off a tour performing on the world’s biggest stages, Doja is hosting you for a much more intimate experience. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable living room performance from the Grammy-winning artist, including her favorite songs and tracks from her latest album.

Stay in Prince’s Purple Rain house

Prince purchased the Minneapolis, Minnesota home featured in the legendary film Purple Rain, but it’s never been available to the public until now. Explore the home and go crazy for rare and special tracks from Prince’s world in an exclusive studio session.

For more great suggestions of themed stays, visit Airbnb.com.

Antonino Tati