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Your dream vacation is just a click away, thanks to Airbnb’s brand-new rental tier, Airbnb Luxe. And when we say dream vacation, we really mean dream vacation. Think: a stay at a sprawling beachside mansion, an expansive French château, a majestic Moroccan palace, or even a private island owned by the founder of Cirque du Soleil. Airbnb Luxe is taking luxury travel to new heights and igniting plenty of fantasies in the process.
This new section of Airbnb was made possible by the company’s acquisition of Luxury Retreats back in 2017. Since then, it’s been curating the most unique, inspiring homes in the coolest international destinations. Now anyone (who has a not-insignificant budget) can rent out the properties for weddings, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. Included with Luxe rentals are trip designers, who basically take on the role of a deeply involved travel agent, going as far as stocking the fridge, arranging for massage therapists, and coordinating personal trainers.
While these places might sound mind-blowingly extravagant, there is certainly plenty of demand for them—last year, the number of Airbnb bookings priced at $1,000 a night or more increased by more than 60 percent. At that price point, you can be sure you’ll be getting a seriously top-of-the line stay. “When I walk into a home, I look at the form of the home. Is there an expert level of design, style, and taste? Are there premium materials and furniture, furnishings—that sort of thing?” says Nick Guezen, global director of portfolio strategy. “We have one home in Anguilla where you never have to have a meal in the same place twice.”
Some homes even come complete with housekeeping staff and a personal chef, bringing the experience of a five-star hotel into the world of vacation rentals. But above all, Airbnb prioritizes luxury spaces with plenty of personality.
“We have one home in the South of France that has a life-size T.rex skull that lights up from behind right when you walk in the entrance,” Guezen says. “Then you go down into the private gym of the home, and there’s a full boxing ring. It’s those type of unique features, as well.”
On Luxe, you can also find a Moroccan home that features larger-than-life sculptures of animals in every single room, a beachside Mexican retreat that can sleep 22 people, and multiple awe-inspiring Balinese estates with jaw-dropping jungle views. Over the next year, Airbnb plans to add luxury properties in 12 additional cities, including Paris and Milan. They do say to dream big, after all.
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