Have you ever dreamed of a vacation where every detail feels tailored to you and your partner? Maybe it’s a candlelit dinner under the stars or a private yoga session with a view. I’ve always thought the best getaways are the ones that feel effortless, where you’re free to focus on each other. That’s why the latest update to a certain vacation rental app caught my eye—it’s shaking things up in a way that could redefine how couples plan their escapes.
A New Way to Plan Romantic Getaways
The travel industry is evolving, and one major player is leading the charge with a revamped app that’s all about enhancing your vacation experience. This isn’t just about booking a place to stay anymore—it’s about curating moments that make your trip unforgettable. For couples, this means access to a suite of services designed to spark connection and create lasting memories. Think of it as your personal concierge, right in your pocket.
Travel is about more than where you stay—it’s about the experiences that bring you closer.
– Travel industry expert
The app’s redesign introduces a sleek interface that prioritizes ease and inspiration. It’s built on a fresh technology stack, which, in plain English, means it’s faster and more flexible. For couples, this translates to a smoother way to plan everything from where you’ll sleep to how you’ll spend your days. And trust me, the possibilities are exciting.
Services That Elevate Your Stay
One of the standout features is the new services tab, which lets you book add-ons that turn a standard rental into a full-blown retreat. Imagine landing at your destination and knowing a gourmet meal is already arranged, or that a couples’ massage is waiting. The app offers ten categories of services, including:
- Spa treatments: From massages to facials, perfect for unwinding together.
- Catered meals: Enjoy chef-prepared dinners without leaving your rental.
- Personal training: Stay active with tailored yoga or fitness sessions.
- Private tours: Explore your destination with a local guide.
These services are available in 260 cities worldwide, so whether you’re escaping to Paris or a quiet beach town, there’s something to make your trip special. The company behind the app has gone all-in, investing between $200 million and $250 million to make this vision a reality. Their goal? To rival the all-inclusive perks you’d find at a high-end hotel or resort.
What’s reassuring is the attention to quality. A dedicated vetting team ensures every service provider meets strict standards, with an average of ten years of experience. Certifications and licenses are checked city by city, so you can book with confidence. As someone who’s planned a few trips that didn’t quite live up to the hype, I appreciate this kind of thoroughness.
Experiences to Deepen Your Connection
Beyond services, the app’s updated experiences tab is a game-changer for couples who want to explore together. Available in 650 cities, it offers 19 categories of activities, from live performances to architectural tours. Whether you’re into adrenaline-pumping adventures or quiet cultural outings, there’s something for every duo.
Some experiences, dubbed originals, are crafted by the company itself. Picture a private tour of a historic landmark led by an expert, or a cooking class where you and your partner learn to make local dishes. They’re even partnering with organizers for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, offering exclusive activities for travelers. It’s the kind of thing that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
Experience Type | Example Activity | Vibe |
Cultural | Landmark tour with historian | Intellectual, romantic |
Adventure | Guided hiking excursion | Energetic, bonding |
Wellness | Couples’ yoga session | Relaxing, intimate |
These experiences aren’t just about checking off a bucket list—they’re about creating shared moments that strengthen your bond. In my experience, the best trips are the ones where you learn something new about each other, whether it’s through a shared laugh or a quiet moment of awe.
Social Features for a Connected Trip
Planning a trip as a couple often involves coordinating with others, whether it’s friends joining you or fellow travelers at a group experience. The app’s new social features make this easier. You can now see who else is attending an experience, which adds a layer of connection before you even arrive.
The updated messages section is another win. It supports photo and video sharing, so you can swap ideas or memories with your partner or co-travelers. Privacy features are also getting a refresh later this year, ensuring you control who sees what. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that makes the app feel more human.
Technology should make travel feel personal, not robotic.
– User experience designer
Why This Matters for Couples
Let’s be real—planning a romantic getaway can be stressful. Between finding the perfect spot and figuring out what to do, it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re traveling in the first place: to connect. This app’s redesign takes some of that pressure off by offering a one-stop shop for your trip. It’s like having a travel agent, event planner, and local guide rolled into one.
For couples, the benefits are clear:
- More quality time: Less time planning means more time enjoying each other.
- Tailored experiences: Choose services and activities that match your vibe as a couple.
- Stress-free logistics: Booking everything in one place simplifies the process.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how this shift reflects a broader trend in travel. Couples today want more than just a place to crash—they want experiences that feel meaningful. Whether it’s a quiet dinner or an adventure you’ll talk about for years, the app is betting on delivering those moments.
A Look at the Bigger Picture
This isn’t the first time the company has tried to expand beyond rentals. A few years back, they dipped their toes into broader travel services but pulled back when the pandemic hit. Travel took a nosedive, and they doubled down on their core business. Now, with a stronger foundation and a hefty investment, they’re ready to take another swing.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Recent reports suggest the travel industry is facing some headwinds, with softer demand in certain markets due to economic uncertainties. The app’s parent company noted a dip in cross-border travel earlier this year, which could impact growth. Still, their bet on services and experiences feels like a smart move to diversify and keep couples coming back.
Tips for Using the App as a Couple
Ready to give this new app a spin for your next getaway? Here are a few tips to make the most of it, based on what I’ve learned from planning couple trips:
- Start with services: Book a spa day or meal to set a relaxing tone for your trip.
- Mix it up: Pair a cultural experience with something active, like a hike or workout.
- Use social features: Connect with others attending experiences to build excitement.
- Plan early: Popular services and experiences can book up fast, especially in peak seasons.
One thing I’ve found is that the best trips strike a balance between planned activities and spontaneous moments. Use the app to handle the big stuff, then leave room for those unplanned coffee shop stops or sunset walks that make a trip yours.
What’s Next for Couple Travel?
The launch of this app feels like a turning point for couple travel. By blending the freedom of a vacation rental with the perks of a resort, it’s catering to a growing desire for personalized, meaningful trips. And with plans to keep innovating—think more experiences, better social tools, and maybe even new destinations—the future looks bright.
Will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell. But for now, it’s got me daydreaming about my next getaway. Maybe a cozy cabin with a private chef, or a city escape with a rooftop yoga session. Whatever you and your partner are craving, this app might just be the key to making it happen.
So, what’s your dream couple getaway? And how could a tool like this change the way you travel? I’d love to hear your thoughts—because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best trips are the ones you share.