The average listing on Airbnb Luxe, which launched today, costs US$14,000 a week. Its listings marketplace includes a rental for a private atoll in Tahiti with 50 staff and 21 bungalows, that costs US$1-million a week. Travellers also get access to trip designers who arrange check-in logistics, plan experiences and arrange services like child care and private chefs.(Bloomberg)

Talking point: Airbnb acquired Montreal-based Luxury Retreats for US$300 million. The current listings on Luxe already existed under Luxury Retreats, though the company believes its strong brand separates it from competitors like Onefinestay, which AccorHotels acquired for US$168 million in 2016. Some analysts say it won’t be that easy: Airbnb has 2,000 luxury listings on the site, while Onefinestay has 10,000 listings.“Airbnb has a reputation of being a more affordable alternative to a hotel, and the company needs to build a track record in a new area and appeal to a new demographic of travelers,” said Rummy Pandit, executive director of the Stockton University’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism. It’s expanded its services in the last month—including adding more high-end and long-term Airbnb experiences—ahead of a planned initial public offering. In April, Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s CEO, said the company was aiming for this year.