Experiences, A-Listers and Upgraded Apps: The Latest in Airbnb News

By Marie-Antoinette Issa
on 19 May 2025

If you thought Airbnb was just about finding a cute cabin in the woods or a beachside apartment with decent Wi-Fi, think again. The travel disruptor has just dropped its 2025 Winter Release and, in classic Airbnb style, it’s rewriting the rules of travel once more – this time with an experience-first approach, an upgraded app and a whole new way to holiday like a local. (Or a celebrity).

Starting with Airbnb Services

The star of the latest in Airbnb News is Airbnb Services. For the first time ever, you can book chefs, personal trainers, massage therapists, makeup artists – even professional photographers – directly through the app. It’s like room service, but way more fabulous. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a girls’ weekend, you can now order a wood-fired pizza artisan to your rental or get glammed up by a professional stylist before hitting the town. The best bit? Many of these service pros are award-winning experts in their fields, from Michelin-starred chefs to elite personal trainers, and prices start from under $50 USD.

Airbnb News
In the latest Airbnb News, Airbnb Services mean you can know book a little extra R&R (like an at home massage) through the app

A-listers and Airbnb Originals

Airbnb has also tapped into the ultimate celebrity currency with its new Airbnb Originals series. These are one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by global icons, and they’re as extra as you’d hope. Fancy an anime-themed adventure with Megan Thee Stallion (main feature image)? You got it. Want to toss a football around with NFL star Patrick Mahomes or celebrate a decade of music with K-pop powerhouse SEVENTEEN in Seoul? That’s on offer too. It’s giving “VIP pass to life.”

Elevated Airbnb Experiences

Airbnb Experiences have also had a serious glow-up. Gone are the days of wandering aimlessly behind a flag-toting tour guide. Instead, think ramen-making with a Michelin Bib Gourmand chef in Tokyo, sipping your way through Melbourne’s coffee culture, or sweating it out with a former Navy instructor on Bondi Beach. Experiences are now curated for quality, expertise and authenticity – with locals leading the charge and showing you their city in the way only they can.

Airbnb News
No horsing around! Airbnb Experiences have also been elevated – with even more exciting options to help you live like a local!

App Bnb

All of this magic now lives in Airbnb’s shiny new app. Fully rebuilt from the ground up, the app makes it ridiculously easy to plan your entire trip—from home to hair appointment, food tours to fitness sessions – all in one seamless scroll. It even generates a day-by-day itinerary so you can keep your holiday humming along smoothly.

And finally, lest you think they had forgotten their core customer, Airbnb also spilled some interesting stats about the travel trends. This winter, Aussies are staying close to home with hot spots like the Whitsundays, Brisbane, and Melbourne ranking high. But if you’re chasing a European winter wonderland or tropical warmth, Florence, Tokyo, Bali and the Amalfi Coast are topping global wish lists.

Seventeen years after its humble beginnings, Airbnb isn’t just a place to stay – it’s your trip planner, experience curator, and now, your on-demand concierge. So whether you’re jet-setting overseas or exploring your own backyard, one thing’s for sure: you can now Airbnb more than just an Airbnb. You can Airbnb your entire holiday.

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