Airbnb launches new Luxe platform for wealthy clients

CAPE TOWN – Airbnb launched a new platform Airbnb Luxe that offers accommodation in expensive homes for extremely wealthy clients.

According to Bloomberg, the average price of all the listings available sits at $14 000 (R200 000) a week. The most expensive is a $1-million private island chain in Tahiti.

The entire trip is planned for users from start to finish, including a chef for meals, airport transfers, housekeeping, and in the case of Tahiti, a 50-staff army. 

In Cape Town, there are 57 Luxe listings ranging from R4000 per night to R130 000 per night to rent.

Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder, CEO and Head of Community said in a statement: "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. 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."

Written by: Gabriella Steyn.

Guzzle Media