The boutique hotel booking service Mr & Mrs Smith, which recently launched in Australia, is a slick marketing machine – and travellers need to be wary, writes AT publisher Quentin Long. (more…)

Mr & Mrs Outrageous
The boutique hotel booking service Mr & Mrs Smith, which recently launched in Australia, is a slick marketing machine – and travellers need to be wary, writes AT publisher Quentin Long. (more…)
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From all-new openings to historic stays and exclusive island hideaways, luxury in Australia means immersive experiences in extraordinary locations – with a few creature comforts to boot.
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Read moreOnce just for holiday rentals, Airbnb now plans your whole trip
Forget scrolling endless booking sites or relying on travel agents to curate your perfect escape. Airbnb’s latest global release redefines what the platform can offer, moving beyond accommodation to become a full-service travel companion that plans your entire trip.
Book experiences and services through Airbnb now. (Image: Airbnb)
At the centre of the shake-up is Airbnb Services, a brand-new offering that lets users book top-tier professionals across 10 categories, with five of those launching in Sydney and Melbourne.
Need a private chef for an anniversary dinner? Want a photo shoot with an award-winning photographer? Prefer to skip the supermarket and have your Airbnb fridge pre-stocked before you arrive? It’s all now possible, straight from the app.
And these aren’t just any service providers – we’re talking Michelin-starred chefs, renowned wellness practitioners with serious credibility and more.
Travellers can book a honey experience in Bowral. (Image: Airbnb)
Also making a big comeback: Airbnb Experiences, now completely reimagined and relaunched with a sharper focus on expertise, authenticity and local flavour.
The new line-up includes thousands of activities hosted by locals who know their cities best – and Aussies are already embracing the idea. You can now book everything from tasting rare honey straight from the hive in Bowral to a deep dive into Melbourne’s street art with an artist.
Airbnb Experiences can be booked in your own city. (Artwork: Middle: Steen Jones/Right: Lukas Kaspar)
It’s not just for travellers, either. Airbnb reports that over 40 per cent of Australians say they’re keen to use Experiences to explore their own backyard.
The categories span everything from history and culture to food and drink, art and design, entertainment, fitness, wellness and nature, with new options rolling out globally and across Sydney and Melbourne this season.
Airbnb Originals are one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by world-renowned figures. (Image: Adrienne Raquel)
And for those seeking something truly out of the ordinary, Airbnb has introduced Airbnb Originals: one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by world-renowned figures, exclusively for the platform.
Think making croissants with a French pastry legend, playing volleyball with an Olympian in Rio, or even cosplaying with Megan Thee Stallion at her Otaku Hottie Quest.
You can also toss a football with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City or join K-pop royalty SEVENTEEN in Seoul for an exclusive fan celebration.
For Aussie travellers, it’s all part of a broader shift: from simply booking a place to sleep, to curating unforgettable moments – all in one tap.