Airbnb is no longer just for booking places to stay. Guests and locals can now book personal training + yoga sessions, private chefs, massages, hair stylists, and more — whether you're on vacation or at home.
In a major expansion of its platform, Airbnb has officially launched Airbnb Services, a new feature that allows users to book in-home services directly through the app, including private chef-prepared meals, massage therapy, hair and makeup appointments, yoga and personal training sessions. And here’s the kicker: you don’t even need to purchase an Airbnb stay to book them.
A New Era of On-Demand Fitness + Wellness Services
Airbnb is launching Airbnb Services with 10 service categories across 260 cities—and San Diego is on the list. The first 10 categories are:
- 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 estheticians.
- 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.
These services are designed to bring hotel-like perks directly to your Airbnb rental or even your own home. Imagine arriving at your charming Airbnb rental in Coronado and having a gourmet plant-based meal prepared by a local private chef. Or picture starting your wedding weekend with a private yoga session on your balcony overlooking the Pacific, guided by a local certified instructor. Now that’s only a few clicks away.
“People choose hotels for their services. People choose Airbnbs for the space,” says Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO. “Now, we’re giving you the best of both worlds—amazing homes with services that make them even more special.”
Vetted Clientele + Service Providers
Airbnb implements a vetting process for service providers, carefully evaluating their expertise and reputation. This commitment to quality and professionalism fosters trust and credibility within the platform, assuring users that they are engaging with qualified and reliable professionals. The integrated booking and payment system streamlines all transactions, ensuring a seamless and secure process for both clients and service providers alike.
A Game Changer for Local Fitness + Wellness Professionals
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb
For independent fitness + wellness service providers, this is more than just a booking platform—it's a business accelerator. Airbnb Services give service providers a direct avenue to a vast pool of potential clients, both tourists seeking to enhance their vacation and locals looking for convenient, in-home services for parties, group gatherings or just solo relaxation.
“As a homeowner that has used Airbnb since inception, it’s exciting to see the platform continuing to expand its offerings, [especially] as a wellness business owner offering private yoga, breathwork, sound healing and meditation experiences for Airbnb guests for over a decade,” says Nicole Turner, a San Diegan resident and a certified yoga instructor at Nicole Turner Yoga, YACEP, E-RYT 500. “I am thrilled to see an official marketplace developed for personalized in-home services.”
Expanded Marketing Reach + New Revenue Streams
San Diego's freelance professionals stand to gain significantly from Airbnb's innovative Services feature, particularly in terms of marketing reach. No longer will these talented individuals need to depend solely on local referrals or navigate the often-challenging landscape of limited marketing efforts. Airbnb's expansive user base offers instant exposure to a global audience, connecting local service providers with millions of travelers actively seeking unique experiences and convenient services to enhance their stays.
Flexible Scheduling
The Airbnb Services platform also empowers freelance professionals by granting them considerable flexibility and control to define their own schedules, establish their pricing structures, and tailor their service offerings to best suit their expertise and client needs. This level of control allows them to manage their businesses on their own terms while leveraging the robust infrastructure and user base of the Airbnb platform, striking a balance between independence and broad market access.
Stand-Alone Sessions for Locals
Furthermore, the appeal of these in-home services extends beyond tourists. San Diegans can also access and book these services through the Airbnb app, creating an additional avenue for local service providers to connect with clients seeking the ease and luxury of on-demand personal training, private chefs, and beauty treatments in the comfort of their own homes. This could lead to increased referrals within the local market and ongoing, continued business with clients.
How to Book A Service or Become a Service Host
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb
Airbnb users can book a service directly in the Airbnb app, similar to the Experiences section. However, the current selection of service offerings is minimal while new service hosts are being vetted and onboarded.
Experienced service professionals can apply to become Airbnb Services hosts. Hosts will need to verify their identity, upload relevant certifications or licenses, and set up offerings in the app. Once approved, they will be discoverable by users booking in the San Diego area—or even locals browsing for weekend plans.
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