Airbnb announces purchase of Luxury Retreats

Airbnb has announced the acquisition of Montreal-based luxury vacation rental company Luxury Retreats. The purchase will see Luxury Retreats CEO Joe Poulin join Airbnb and lead luxury homes, reporting to Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky; the Luxury Retreats team will remain based in Montreal.

“From airbeds in an apartment to castles to villas, Airbnb has always been focused on providing a broad range of amazing experiences and trips,” commented Chesky. “I have spent countless hours with Joe and his team and seen firsthand their passion for delivering amazing hospitality and unforgettable experiences in spectacular places around the world.

“They share our values and I’m excited to work with the Luxury Retreats team to serve more travellers. The incredible energy and talent in these teams will help support our mission and grow our community, and I’m confident that we will expand our team in Canada in the months and years ahead.”

“Airbnb has revolutionized global hospitality, connecting a vibrant community of hosts and guests to deliver a tremendous amount of unique travel experiences,” said Poulin. “Brian’s vision, values and approach mirror what Luxury Retreats has been focused on in the luxury market since 1999. We are thrilled to join the Airbnb family with a continued commitment of delivering quality, luxury travel experiences.”

In the short-term, Luxury Retreats will continue to operate as a standalone entity, with its listings to be integrated into the Airbnb community over time. Each of the company’s approximately 250 employees will join the Airbnb team. Airbnb and Luxury Retreats both anticipate continuing to invest in the Montreal office, adding additional employees and resources to the Canadian team in the years ahead.

Montreal mayor Denis Coderre also commented on the news. “Montreal is known as an innovative city that is looking forward,” he said. “I’m pleased that a large company like Airbnb has chosen to invest in Montreal by their investment in Luxury Retreats and that its activities will continue to be based here. This proves that Montreal, as a large metropolis, is open to the sharing economy when it is done correctly. Having recently met Brian Chesky and Joe Poulin, I am convinced that they will find in Montreal an ideal place to invest and continue their activities.”