By the Caribbean Journal staff

Airbnb is looking to expand its footprint in the luxury travel sector.

While the company already owned Luxury Retreats, the new Airbnb Luxe looks to create another level of bespoke travel experience that include “access to trip designers” for upper-echelon homes and estates.

The Airbnb Luxe program provides end-to-end trip planning, concierge services and 24/7 VIP support for “homes that are destinations in themselves.”

This new tier launches with more than 2,000 handpicked homes around the world, each one passing strict evaluation across 300+ criteria to meet standards in both design and function. This includes elevated design standards on a variety of elements, from premium materials & finishes and rare & unique features, to spaces that accommodate groups, highly functional design, chef-grade appliances and the proper amount of bathrooms corresponding to each bedroom.”

The news comes just a few weeks after Marriott announced its own foray into the ultra-luxury villa space.

The Hawksbill Estate in Turks and Caicos is part of the portfolio.

And that’s due to a surge in luxury demand, with Airbnb pointing to a 60 percent increase in bookings at Airbnb properties with list prices of more than $1,000 per night.

So what will an Airbnb Luxe property be like?

The company offered the example of a stay at the Fleming Villa at Jamaica’s Goldeneye resort, where “literary fans can seek inspiration and beachfront luxury.”

The company also used the Hawksbill Estate in Turks and Caicos as another example of an Airbnb Luxe property.

“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.” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder,

— CEO and Head of Community.  “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.”

— CJ