Airbnb has just launched two new functions to transform your next trip (in Sydney and beyond)
When Airbnb launched in 2007, it changed the game when it comes to how we holiday. Treehouses, tiny houses, yurts, boathouses, castles and even ice hotels are now just a click (and maybe a cheeky flight) away. Now, Airbnb is shaking up the scene again with its latest revamp, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences and services that could totally transform the way we travel. Again.
The major update is 'Airbnb Services' – a brand-new feature that pretty much lets you book all the extras you'd crave on a holiday in the one app. Think massages, private chefs, PT sessions, personalised photoshoots and more. Sounds like exactly what your next gals' getaway or honeymoon trip is calling for, right? There are already more than 10,500 offerings across 260 cities around the world, including Sydney and Melbourne, with more Aussie destinations to follow.Wondering what you can book for your Sydney staycation? Read on.
On the 'Airbnb Services' tab in Sydney, you can book a private chef to cook you a Mediterranean feast from the comfort of your accommodation, or book a professional photographer to photograph you on a journey around the city's most iconic sites. Alongside the 'Services' function, Airbnb has relaunched its 'Airbnb Experiences' function – unveiling a fresh line-up of cultural, culinary and creative experiences, all curated and led by local experts. Fancy heading on a guided scenic run through Sydney Harbour, training with a Navy officer on Bondi Beach or taking a pottery class by the ocean? Easy. Want to take a painting class with an contemporary Indigenous artist or learn about natural wine with one of Sydney's favourite wine gurus (the man behind beloved wine website DRNKS)? You can do that too. The best bit is, it's all in one place – making Airbnb your one-stop holiday-planning/ itinerary app.
Airbnb has also put together some super exclusive celeb-hosted experiences – but you'll have to fly overseas for these ones. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, you could chill out on the Short n' Sweet tour set with Sabrina Carpenter, train like an MMA champ with Demetrious Johnson, get beauty tips from Gigi Gorgeous, play video games with Megan Thee Stallion and master the art of pastry at the renowned French Bastards bakery. There's more to come in Sydney – with the Waratah due to launch a foodie-based experience, and others in the works.
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The Independent
12 minutes ago
- The Independent
Lebanon aims to lure back wealthy Gulf tourists to jumpstart its war-torn economy
Fireworks lit up the night sky over Beirut's famous St. Georges Hotel as hit songs from the 1960s and 70s filled the air in a courtyard overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The retro-themed event was hosted last month by Lebanon's Tourism Ministry to promote the upcoming summer season and perhaps recapture some of the good vibes from an era viewed as a golden one for the country. In the years before a civil war began in 1975, Lebanon was the go-to destination for wealthy tourists from neighboring Gulf countries seeking beaches in summer, snow-capped mountains in winter and urban nightlife year-round. In the decade after the war, tourists from Gulf countries – and crucially, Saudi Arabia – came back, and so did Lebanon's economy. But by the early 2000s, as the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah gained power, Lebanon's relations with Gulf countries began to sour. Tourism gradually dried up, starving its economy of billions of dollars in annual spending. Now, after last year's bruising war with Israel, Hezbollah is much weaker and Lebanon's new political leaders sense an opportunity to revitalize the economy once again with help from wealthy neighbors. They aim to disarm Hezbollah and rekindle ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, which in recent years have prohibited their citizens from visiting Lebanon or importing its products. 'Tourism is a big catalyst, and so it's very important that the bans get lifted,' said Laura Khazen Lahoud, the country's tourism minister. On the highway leading to the Beirut airport, once-ubiquitous banners touting Hezbollah's leadership have been replaced with commercial billboards and posters that read 'a new era for Lebanon.' In the center of Beirut, and especially in neighborhoods that hope to attract tourists, political posters are coming down, and police and army patrols are on the rise. There are signs of thawing relations with some Gulf neighbors. The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have lifted yearslong travel bans. All eyes are now on Saudi Arabia, a regional political and economic powerhouse, to see if it will follow suit, according to Lahoud and other Lebanese officials. A key sticking point is security, these officials say. Although a ceasefire with Israel has been in place since November, near-daily airstrikes have continued in southern and eastern Lebanon, where Hezbollah over the years had built its political base and powerful military arsenal. Tourism as a diplomatic and economic bridge As vital as tourism is — it accounted for almost 20% of Lebanon's economy before it tanked in 2019 — the country's leaders say it is just one piece of a larger puzzle they are trying to put back together. Lebanon's agricultural and industrial sectors are in shambles, suffering a major blow in 2021, when Saudi Arabia banned their exports after accusing Hezbollah of smuggling drugs into Riyadh. Years of economic dysfunction have left the country's once-thriving middle class in a state of desperation. The World Bank says poverty nearly tripled in Lebanon over the past decade, affecting close to half its population of nearly 6 million. To make matters worse, inflation is soaring, with the Lebanese pound losing 90% of its value, and many families lost their savings when banks collapsed. Tourism is seen by Lebanon's leaders as the best way to kickstart the reconciliation needed with Gulf countries -- and only then can they move on to exports and other economic growth opportunities. 'It's the thing that makes most sense, because that's all Lebanon can sell now,' said Sami Zoughaib, research manager at The Policy Initiative, a Beirut-based think tank. With summer still weeks away, flights to Lebanon are already packed with expats and locals from countries that overturned their travel bans, and hotels say bookings have been brisk. At the event hosted last month by the tourism ministry, the owner of the St. Georges Hotel, Fady El-Khoury, beamed. The hotel, owned by his father in its heyday, has acutely felt Lebanon's ups and downs over the decades, closing and reopening multiple times because of wars. 'I have a feeling that the country is coming back after 50 years,' he said. On a recent weekend, as people crammed the beaches of the northern city of Batroun, and jet skis whizzed along the Mediterranean, local business people sounded optimistic that the country was on the right path. 'We are happy, and everyone here is happy,' said Jad Nasr, co-owner of a private beach club. 'After years of being boycotted by the Arabs and our brothers in the Gulf, we expect this year for us to always be full.' Still, tourism is not a panacea for Lebanon's economy, which for decades has suffered from rampant corruption and waste. Lebanon has been in talks with the International Monetary Fund for years over a recovery plan that would include billions in loans and require the country to combat corruption, restructure its banks, and bring improvements to a range of public services, including electricity and water. Without those and other reforms, Lebanon's wealthy neighbors will lack confidence to invest there, experts said. A tourism boom alone would serve as a 'morphine shot that would only temporarily ease the pain" rather than stop the deepening poverty in Lebanon, Zoughaib said. The tourism minister, Lahoud, agreed, saying a long-term process has only just begun. "But we're talking about subjects we never talked about before,' she said. 'And I think the whole country has realized that war doesn't serve anyone, and that we really need our economy to be back and flourish again.'
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
I stayed in a floating yacht hotel in Europe – we had champagne breakfasts on a budget and even spotted celebs
DAVID WALLIAMS was sitting at the next table offering to massage a newlywed couple. First morning aboard the Sunborn floating hotel in Gibraltar and the professional extrovert was in full character, engaging with star-struck holidaymakers as only he can, with a twinkle in his eye. 6 6 6 We arrived too late the night before to catch the Little Britain comic's one-man show at a sports centre but apparently it went down a storm. He has already asked to return for November's literary festival, and it's no surprise. Gibraltar has for so long been pigeonholed as a stopover for day trippers. Passengers on the 250-odd cruise ships that briefly moor under the Rock's majestic presence dash around to see a few sights but mainly aim to take advantage of the VAT-free shopping. It's a trend the local tourist board is working hard to reverse. They want travellers to take more time fully taking in the surprisingly large number of things to do on a tiny sun-kissed slab of Britain at the mouth of the Med. And when beer is just £3.75 a pint, why not stay longer to enjoy? Secret bunker Gibraltar's gripping history has a deep association with our Armed Forces. The Royal Engineers were founded here in the 18th century and practically built the place. The honeycomb of tunnels dug by clever sappers during World War Two offers a fascinating insight into the work of our determined Armed Forces and the strategic importance of Gibraltar during the conflict. In one cavern hangs a full-size replica of a legendary Spitfire fighter plane. There is also the spine-chilling story of the Stay Behind Cave — the once secret bunker carved into the heart of the mountain, complete with provisions for a year and a bicycle generator. An elite group of patriotic volunteers agreed to be sealed off from the outside world for a year and spy on the Axis powers, should Gibraltar get overrun — the ultimate one-way ticket in the line of duty. From the exotic Moorish times, through the centuries of the British Empire and beyond, there are tours to take and a bloody back story to hear in the name of entertainment. Strait of Gibraltar Tunnel: A New Bridge Between Continents My wife and I stayed four nights on the permanently moored Sunborn yacht hotel, anchored flush against the dockside of Gibraltar's Ocean Village. It's a 5H joint, and the food and service reflects that. Yet even in high season, a spacious double room with a large window can be yours for £185 a night, including champagne breakfast. Step ashore and you can be seated in one of many lively bars with giant outdoor screens beaming major sports from back home. If that's not for you, just 50 yards away is Little Bay Restaurant — a vibrant Indian fusion eaterie where bubbly manager Kelly welcomes you with warm cockney charm, before delicately blended curries combined with zingy cocktails top off an early summer evening. Gibraltar's biggest attraction in every sense is the looming mound of limestone that dominates everything here. Get to the top via the scenic cable car and peer down from the stomach-churning Skywalk 1,400 feet above the sparkling sea — opened by Luke Skywalker, aka Mark Hamill, himself. Take in the view across the Straits, a 15-mile- wide blue chasm separating Europe from North Africa — which David Walliams heroically swam in aid of Sport Relief in 2008. The Northern Defences are also worth a visit. This cavernous labyrinth of tunnels has been added to over time, since the eighth century. Our guide, Karl Viagas, is steadfastly uncovering more historical treasures underground that will be spectacular when fully open. 6 6 6 James Bond creator Ian Fleming was stationed here with Naval Intelligence, and daring undersea attacks on the Allied fleet by Italian scubamen in the war fuelled his already vivid imagination for future books and movies. And in true 007 style, we were accompanied by a glamorous former Miss World who would grace any Bond movie. Kaiane Aldorino, former Mayor of Gibraltar, is now an ambassador for the territory. Sunshine, cheap beer and a beauty queen for company — plus you can spend British pounds. But like many places, travel and the natural world can often rub each other up the wrong way. Gibraltar's playful macaque monkeys are funny to watch for a time but have become a way for taxi drivers to make a few easy quid. The roads at the top of the rock were clogged with cabbies queuing to feed junk food to these wild animals in return for them doing tricks. Far better to join Brian Gomila on his Monkey Talk tour in the kinder environment of the surrounding trees. And if you really want to go green, join Stuart at EBike-Gibraltar. Power-assisted cycling on a lap around the base of the rock is easy on the legs and the eyes as you stop off at small fishing villages with inviting beaches. There's a lot of fun to be had too. A dizzying gin-tasting session at the Spirit Of The Rock distillery was as enlightening as it was alcoholic. David Walliams might agree, it's Little Britain — but with Spanish style and weather.
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Inside Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright's £1,300 a night luxurious Spanish holiday resort hidden away in the countryside with baby daughter Palma
With suites costing £1,350 a night and everything you could need within its grounds, it's no wonder Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright chose a reclusive hotel hidden away in the Spanish countryside for their first holiday with baby daughter Palma. The new parents, who welcomed baby Palma in March, are staying at the five-star Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel in Andalusia. First opened in 1962, today Sotogrande is considered to be one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe. Each room at the resort has a modern, contemporary design featuring art by local artists and boasts its own private balcony or terrace. Michelle and Mark are likely to be enjoying the SO/Suite, which is an impressive 1,001 sqft room, with separate living and sleeping areas. With its king size bed and a sofa bed, a ultra-relaxing rain shower, the room looks out at the stunning Resort Gardens while daylight also floods the room with floor-to-ceiling windows. A stay in the suite will cost approximately £1,350 a night, while twin rooms at the resort are £300. Sotogrande's spa hosts an addictive view of the Mediterranean Sea and features a Hammam, sauna and indoor pool. Its wellness centre offers a state-of-the-art gym, a 'Beauty Grooming Boutique' and treatment cabins. With three restaurants and multiple bars on-site, the resort also offers numerous activities within its grounds, such as their Beach Club that offers a coastal experience, an infinity bar, shopping boutiques, horse riding and polo, racquet and cycling. In a message to guests on their website, the hotel says: 'We're bringing it back with local craftsmanship, contemporary art, and handpicked décor. 'This is a modern luxury retreat with a very special local energy.' Sotogrande is also home to two nine-hole courses, with its third currently being transformed into a state-of-the-art golfing academy, as well as an infinity pool, numerous drinking and eating establishments and a spa with everything you could want. MailOnline's Sam Lawley previously visited the Spanish resort for a game of golf on its impressive course. He said: 'Despite the lofty expectations, Sotogrande provided surprises around every corner and the blending of gentle tree-lined undulations with towering, intimidating mountains meant that the view from every tee was unique. 'The water is fun, the fairways are like carpets and the greens are a rollercoaster ride. It is everything you could ask for in a course. 'At €400 a round, it is not somewhere you can go every summer, but even if you play it just once, the picture postcard images will stay in your head for a long time.' Michelle Keegan looked sensational as she shared snaps from the retreat to Instagram on Thursday. Michelle also took the opportunity to share Palma's sweet nickname with followers as she captioned the post: 'Princess P's first family holiday'. The actress, who celebrated her birthday earlier this week, looked sensational in a skimpy black bikini as she gazed adoringly at her first child while shielding her from the sun beneath an umbrella. Michelle later slipped into a crochet dress while teasing a glimpse of her swimwear beneath. Beaming for the camera Michelle wore shades and a straw hat as she pushed Palma in her pram. Earlier in the week, doting parents Michelle and Mark were spotted out with their daughter in Marbella as they celebrated the actress's birthday. Michelle was cradling her little girl, three months, in her arms as they strolled along together - looking every inch the picture perfect family. The couple welcomed t heir first child together on March 6 and then announced the news on their respective Instagram pages a week later. Michelle looked lovely in a white lace co-ord from her Very collection, which included a white applique shirt and a pair of matching shorts. She boosted her frame with flip flop style heels and accessorised with gold hoop earrings, wearing her brunette hair in a low ponytail. Her daughter was wearing a sweet pale yellow two-piece. Meanwhile, former TOWIE star Mark was dressed in all black for their evening out, sporting a short-sleeved shirt with linen trousers. The couple welcomed their first child together on March 6 and then announced the news on their respective Instagram pages a week later Michelle then modelled a stunning yellow dress from her own Very collection Michelle showed off the stunning SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel He completed the ensemble with black Birkenstock sandals and a chain necklace. The outing came as Michelle shared a rare sneak peek of her baby daughter, she uploaded an adorable black and white photo of Palma's feet, she wrote: 'Yep... my toes.' Michelle and Mark have been enjoying their time as parents and have been sharing small glimpses of Palma on their social media accounts. It's believed the couple chose the name Palma because of their strong links to Mallorca, which has been their go-to holiday destination for years and the setting for their pregnancy reveal photoshoot. Michelle married Mark in May 2015 and the couple live together in a £3.5 million Essex mansion they built from scratch. Chatting with his best friend and fellow dad Olly Murs on his Heart Breakfast show, TOWIE star Mark recalled the moment he first held his newborn daughter in his arms. Mark fought back emotions as he said: 'Mate, it's actually hard to put into words. 'It's the biggest achievement of my life it's all I think about but obviously, hats go off to my wife she is an absolute superhuman, a superhero for bringing this baby into the world.' Sharing his appreciation for Michelle, he added: 'It makes you realise what our mums did for us and makes me have so much more respect than I already had and what women had to go through. 'It's the best feeling in the world. I wake up every morning just so excited to see her face.' Recalling the first moment he held Palma, he continued: 'That moment when I held her in my arms, it gets me emotional now thinking about it.' Mark added: 'I suppose everything else goes out the window and its made me realise what life is all about and my little baby Palma I love you so much and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.
