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“Eleven years ago, Airbnb founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia launched their platform by inflating three airbeds in their San Francisco apartment. From those humble beginnings, Airbnb has evolved from offering airbeds to spare rooms, entire homes, Airbnb Plus properties, and even boutique hotels. Now, Airbnb is taking a bold step into the luxury travel market with the introduction of Airbnb Luxe—a new service that makes personalized, high-end travel more accessible.
Airbnb Luxe offers access to unique, breathtaking properties along with dedicated trip designers who create bespoke experiences to make every stay extraordinary. These homes are destinations in themselves, including award-winning properties in New Zealand and South Africa, castles in France, and historic villas in Tuscany.
For literary enthusiasts, The Fleming Villa in Jamaica, where Ian Fleming wrote his famous spy novels, offers beachfront luxury and inspiration. Alternatively, for those seeking ultimate privacy, there’s the option to book an entire island in French Polynesia—Nukutepipi, curated by Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil.
Today’s luxury travelers are looking for more than just opulent accommodations; they crave transformative experiences that deepen their connections with each other and their destinations. With Airbnb Luxe, the platform brings the same focus on creating authentic and magical travel experiences that has defined Airbnb since its inception—now extended to the luxury market.
Airbnb Luxe builds on the expertise gained from Airbnb’s acquisition of Luxury Retreats in 2017. The new tier launches with over 2,000 handpicked homes worldwide, each rigorously evaluated against more than 300 criteria to meet the highest standards in design and function. These homes feature premium materials, unique characteristics, ample space for groups, chef-grade appliances, and appropriately designed bathrooms for each bedroom.
Every Airbnb Luxe booking includes a dedicated, highly trained trip designer who tailors the stay to each traveler’s needs. The trip designer assists with seamless check-in, coordinates local experiences and activities, and arranges a variety of services, from childcare and private chefs to in-house massage therapists and personal training sessions.
In addition to chateaux and chalets, Airbnb Luxe is expanding its offerings to include luxury accommodations in urban settings. The company plans to add incredible properties in cities like Milan, Paris, and Austin, building on the success of its offerings in London and Los Angeles.
The launch of Airbnb Luxe responds to growing demand from Airbnb guests for high-end properties and experiences. In 2018, bookings for listings priced at $1,000 or more per night increased by over 60%. This surge in interest aligns with broader trends in the luxury travel market, which is valued at over $200 billion and expected to grow further.
With Airbnb Luxe now part of its portfolio, Airbnb is better positioned to meet the needs of every traveler, offering options across a full spectrum of price points, including luxury.”