Pre-COVID-19, luxury travel was booming. Travelers and adventurers had a yearning for new destinations, unique experiences, and luxurious rest and relaxation opportunities, and they didn’t mind shelling out for them. In fact, the trend has led Airbnb to launch Airbnb Luxe, venturing beyond the traditional rental options and offering stays at the most luxurious accommodations across the globe.
This is a huge boon to both travelers and homeowners alike. Travelers get to bask in the luxury they’re seeking, while running such an Airbnb business allows homeowners to access a market with over 300 million customer reservations and a whopping value of $31 billion. It’s no surprise that the number of luxury properties available for rent is growing in places like Laguna Beach, the Caribbean, and Mexico. And now that travel is resuming soon it will come as no surprise if the demand for these rentals will spike this year.
In case you’re planning on trying it out, here are a few options to start out with:
Nukutepipi, French Polynesia
For a whopping $156,675 a night, you can experience having your very own island in the middle of paradise. The Nukutepipi island in French Polynesia is available for rent for anyone who wants to bask in clear waters and white sand, and including all the luxurious amenities you will ever need. On top of 16 bungalows, 21 bedrooms, and 25 bathrooms to accommodate a maximum of 16 guests, you can also enjoy a private chef, a butler, a driver, childcare, housekeeping, spa services, and even someone who can pick up fresh groceries just for you. Costing almost a quarter of a million, this listing was found to be pricier than the most expensive resort in the world.
Pointe Milou, St. Barthélemy
Saint Barthélemy or St. Barts has always held the reputation of being a favorite hideout of the rich and the famous. If you want to know what it’s like to vacation like a star, you can rent an entire villa in Pointe Milou for $19,000 a night (lower during off-peak seasons), which affords you a breathtaking 180-degree view of Mont Jean and the shimmering ocean below it. You get a 7,000-square-foot space all to yourself, including six bedrooms, an infinity pool that appears to extend into the Caribbean, and a fitness room. There’s also a Jacuzzi bathtub, a California king bed, and housekeeping services at your disposal.
Bellagio Grand, Los Angeles
Ever wondered what it’s like to live like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? You no longer have to wonder if you rent this French modern country club mansion located in the City of Angels. Clocking in at $21,000 a night, you get to stay at a sprawling mansion overlooking the Bel-Air Country Club fairways. It has a manicured garden and putting green for a few rounds of golf, as well as an entertainment lounge where you can play billiards, air hockey, shuffleboard, or watch a movie. A sauna and a gym are available on site should you wish to get a quick work out in, and if you’re entertaining guests, you can do a little number with the grand piano.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
For something a little more unique and friendlier on the pocket, look no further than the world famous seashell house in Mexico. As you can probably already tell by the name, it’s designed to look like a giant shell. Designed by Eduardo and Raquel Ocampo, it costs about $450 per night, and for that accessible price, you can enjoy astonishing views, a private pool, and proximity to the best beach on the island and other tourist attractions.
