Eleven years after introducing Airbnb, the holiday rental platform announced the introduction of Airbnb Luxe. While the app is a hit with backpackers and budget travellers, this new feature is geared towards luxury travellers and aims to offer properties that are ‘destinations by themselves.’
The properties will come with dedicated ‘trip designers’ who will create bespoke experiences and exclusive services for an indulgent holiday. The award winning homes are located in places like New Zealand, South Africa, France and Italy. The Fleming Villa in Jamaica, where author Ian Fleming wrote his spy novels, are ideal for lovers of literature, while those willing to pay for complete privacy can book an entire island with its own time zone at Nukutepipi, an atoll in French Polynesia. This space was curated by Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque du Soleil and Lune Rouge.
“Today’s luxury traveler is craving more than just high-end accommodations; they seek transformation and experiences that leave them feeling more connected to each other and to their destination,” says Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder, CEO and Head of Community, adding, “With Airbnb Luxe we are applying the same approach we’ve used since we launched Airbnb more than 11 years ago — creating local, authentic and magical travel moments now in amazing places to stay — to reimagine the way people think and experience luxury travel.”
This new feature will include over 2,000 handpicked homes, that have been evaluated across 300+ criteria, such as elevated design standards, premium materials and finishes, rare and unique features, spaces that accommodate groups, highly functional design, chef-grade appliances and the right bathroom-bedroom ratio.