Airbnb Acquires Luxury Retreats: What the 2017 Deal Became
Airbnb bought Montreal-based Luxury Retreats in February 2017, reportedly for about $300 million, to sell high-end villas to richer travelers. The deal grew into the Airbnb Luxe program in 2019, which was halted in 2020, and in October 2026 it was reported that Airbnb plans to rebuild it.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 16, 2017 | Airbnb announces it is acquiring Luxury Retreats (reported price: about $300 million) |
| June 2019 | Airbnb Luxe launches with more than 2,000 homes |
| 2020 | Luxe halted during pandemic job cuts, according to a trade report |
| September to October 2026 | Reports that Airbnb will restart a luxury tier; not confirmed by Airbnb |
What Airbnb bought in 2017
If you thought Airbnb only had cheap places to stay, this deal was the answer. Luxury Retreats offered more than 4,000 homes in about 100 destinations, with concierge service attached. It was the biggest purchase Airbnb had made to that date, and it reportedly beat out Expedia and Accor for the company.
Airbnb called it a way to widen its range:
“From airbeds in an apartment to castles to villas, Airbnb has always been focused on providing a broad range of amazing experiences and trips,” said Airbnb’s co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky in a statement.
“And now, that range is growing even more expansive with the addition of Luxury Retreats’ properties. The company promises “high-quality listings, world class concierge service, and a range of amenities and the acquisition [that] will complement Airbnb’s work.”
“Airbnb connects travelers with hosts offering unique local experiences and places to stay. On Airbnb, you can book homes and things to do, or start earning money as a host.”
How the deal worked
Luxury Retreats stayed a standalone company at first, with its team in Montreal. Its listings were to join Airbnb’s platform over time, and founder Joe Poulin moved over to lead Airbnb’s luxury homes. About 250 employees joined Airbnb.
“Airbnb has revolutionized global hospitality, connecting a vibrant community of hosts and guests to deliver a tremendous amount of unique travel experiences,” said Luxury Retreats Founder and CEO Joe Poulin.
“We are thrilled to join the Airbnb family with a continued commitment of delivering quality, luxury travel experiences.”
The Luxury Retreats web address now forwards to Airbnb’s own luxury stays page, so the brand has been absorbed.
What came after: Airbnb Luxe
In June 2019 Airbnb launched Luxe, a top tier of more than 2,000 handpicked homes, each checked against more than 300 criteria. Every booking came with a dedicated trip designer who could line up things like private chefs, in-house massage therapists or childcare. Airbnb said the program drew on the expertise gained from the 2017 acquisition.
Then the pandemic hit. A trade report says Luxe was halted in 2020, when Airbnb cut a quarter of its workforce.
Luxury returns in 2026, reportedly
Reportedly, yes. In October 2026 a travel industry outlet reported that Chesky told hosts at a September summit in San Francisco that Airbnb would restart Luxe or something similar. Two property managers who attended described the plan. A slide reportedly listed standards such as premium design and materials, an upscale and private location, a full upscale kitchen, and en-suite bedrooms. Hosts would apply, pass a review of location, home quality and amenities, then face an in-person inspection. Airbnb has not announced any of this and declined to comment, so launch timing is open.
Keep reading
- What it really costs to live in a hotel: the budget math if a rental villa is not enough
- Best luxury hotels in Cape Town: the hotel side of high-end travel
FAQ
When did Airbnb acquire Luxury Retreats?
Airbnb announced the deal on February 16, 2017. Luxury Retreats was based in Montreal and was run by its founder, Joe Poulin.
How much did Airbnb pay for Luxury Retreats?
Airbnb did not disclose the price. It was reported at roughly $300 million in cash and stock, which made it Airbnb’s largest acquisition at that point.
How big was Luxury Retreats at the time?
It offered more than 4,000 luxury homes across about 100 destinations, and around 250 of its employees joined Airbnb.
What happened to Airbnb’s luxury program afterward?
Airbnb launched Airbnb Luxe in June 2019 with more than 2,000 handpicked homes, built on what it learned from Luxury Retreats. It was reportedly halted in 2020 during pandemic layoffs.
Is Airbnb bringing back Airbnb Luxe?
Reportedly yes. In October 2026 a trade report said CEO Brian Chesky told hosts at a September 2026 summit that Airbnb plans to restart Luxe or something similar. Airbnb has not announced it publicly.
Last updated: October 2026.
