Airbnb has unveiled a major expansion of its business model, moving beyond home rentals to offer personalised services, local experiences and encounters with celebrities. Olivia Palamountain reports

As part of a major overhaul of the business including the debut of a new app, Airbnb has introduced "Airbnb Originals" – exclusive experiences hosted by dozens of the "world’s most interesting people".

Airbnb Originals experiences range from Learning pastry-making at the renowned French Bastards bakery with chef Raphaelle Elbaz, to playing beach volleyball with Olympian Carol Solberg on Rio’s iconic Leblon Beach. And they are not even expensive – a summer dinner party with Brooklyn Beckham costs £113 per person.

Some Originals are even hosted by global celebrities – and a free (you have to "request" them). Transform into your anime alter-ego with Megan Thee Stallion (pictured above) in her Otaku Hottie Quest, step inside the Short n’ Sweet set with Sabrina Carpenter for a day of glam, dancing, and espresso, or spend a Sunday with Patrick Mahomes (pictured below), learning how to throw the perfect spiral and enjoying Kansas City barbecue. "And that’s just the beginning," says Airbnb.

Airbnb, which has facilitated more than two billion guest arrivals since its founding in 2007, has additionally announced the debut of "Airbnb Services" and a reimagined "Airbnb Experiences" programme.

"17 years ago, we changed the way people travel. More than two billion guests later, Airbnb is synonymous with a place to stay," says Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO. "With the launch of services and experiences, we're changing travel again. Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb."

The new Airbnb Services feature allows users to book professional services both during their travels and at home, including personal chefs, photographers, massage therapists, fitness trainers and beauty professionals. The company has launched with ten service categories available in 260 cities globally, with providers averaging 10 years of experience in their field.

• Chefs – Fully customizable in-home meals from professional chefs.
• Photography – Personalized photo sessions from experienced photographers.
• Massage – Restorative massages including Swedish, deep tissue, and reflexology from certified therapists.
• Spa treatments – Facials, microdermabrasion, body scrubs, and other treatments provided by licensed estheticians².
• Personal training – Yoga, strength training, HIIT, and more, with personal trainers, including renowned fitness professionals and world champion athletes.
• Hair – Professional haircuts, blowouts, and more from experienced stylists.
• Makeup – Makeup for every day or special occasions from professional makeup artists.
• Nails – Manicures and pedicures from experienced nail specialists.
• Prepared meals – Ready-to-eat meals prepared by professional chefs.
• Catering – Full-service catering with custom menus, decor, and equipment, plus setup and cleanup.

"People choose hotels for their services. People choose Airbnbs for the space," adds Chesky. "Now, we're giving you the best of both worlds – amazing homes with services that make them even more special."

The revamped Experiences programme offers activities hosted by local experts in 650 cities worldwide. These range from cultural tours and cooking classes to outdoor adventures and wellness activities.

"Today's travel activities offer no real connection to the city you're visiting," says Chesky. "The most authentic way to explore a city is with the locals who know it best. With Airbnb Experiences, don't just see a place – experience it."

Experiences include:

• Landmark, museum, and cultural experiences
  • Step into the world of Notre-Dame’s restoration through the eyes of Axelle Ponsonnet, an architect from its restoration team.
• Food tours, cooking classes, and dining experiences
  • Master the art of ramen-making with chef Saburo Ishigōka—the culinary force behind a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant.
• Outdoors, water sports, and wildlife experiences
  • Ride on horseback through sacred Inca sites and stunning Andean landscapes with an expert in Andean culture and anthropology.
• Gallery tours, art workshops, and shopping experiences
  • Get a wardrobe refresh with a personal styling session from Jamie Mizrahi, fashion consultant to Hollywood’s biggest stars.
• Workout, wellness, and beauty experiences
  • Step into the ring for an authentic Lucha libre training experience with professional luchador Retro.

To support these new offerings, Airbnb has rebuilt its mobile application. The redesigned app features a new homepage for discovering homes, experiences and services; an advanced travel itinerary system; enhanced messaging capabilities; and redesigned user profiles highlighting verified identities.

The platform expansion represents one of the most significant evolutions in Airbnb's business model since its founding. By moving beyond accommodation into services and experiences, the company appears to be positioning itself as a comprehensive travel platform rather than simply a home rental service.All three new offerings – Airbnb Services, Airbnb Experiences, and the redesigned app – are available now. The company is also opening applications for professionals who wish to become service providers or experience hosts through its platform.