Ken is hosting: Stay at Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse on Airbnb

Step aside, Barbie, because this summer it’s Ken’s turn to take hosting to a whole new level. Brace yourselves as Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse returns to Airbnb, but this time with a twist – Ken is the man in charge!

As Barbie makes her dazzling live-action film debut in the highly anticipated BARBIE movie, Ken, portrayed by the charismatic Ryan Gosling, is handing over the keys and inviting guests to experience an unforgettable overnight stay in the newly renovated and iconic Malibu Dreamhouse.

While Barbie is undeniably the epitome of perfection, Ken has taken the opportunity to infuse the Dreamhouse with his own personal touch. Imagine rolling through the spacious halls on a pair of rollerblades – just one of the things Ken is crazy about. Don’t worry, though, Barbie’s signature pink is still ever-present throughout the life-size, toy-inspired home. She has certainly put her redecorating skills to work since the last time the Malibu Dreamhouse was available for guests.

“We all have dreams, and Barbie is lucky enough to have a house full of them,” said Ken with a charming smile. “But now, it’s my turn, and I can’t wait to host guests inside these one-of-a-kind – dare I say, one-of-a-Ken? – digs.”

Ken’s venture into hosting is a celebration of the BARBIE movie’s release, directed by the talented Greta Gerwig, with a screenplay penned by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. The star-studded cast includes Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell.

Discover the Dreamhouse

Experience Nestled in the sunny paradise of Malibu, this oceanfront mansion boasts breathtaking panoramic views, setting the stage for Ken’s picture-plastic paradise. Fans can now request to book Ken’s bedroom in the Malibu Dreamhouse for two individual one-night stays, accommodating up to two guests each, on July 21 and July 22, 2023. And the best part? All stays are free of charge! After all, Ken’s thing is beach vibes, not crunching numbers.

During their stay in the Dreamhouse, guests will have the opportunity to live life in vivid technicolor by:

  1. Raiding Ken’s Incredible Wardrobe: Channel your inner fashionista and explore Ken’s jaw-dropping wardrobe collection. Move over, Barbie; Ken has quite the fashion sense too!
  2. Dancing the Night Away: Get your cowboy boots ready and master a line dance or two on Ken’s outdoor disco dance floor. Alternatively, unleash your inner musician and treat the sunset with a serenade using Ken’s trusty guitar.
  3. Beach Off Competition: Challenge your fellow guests to the ultimate “beach off” extravaganza. Lounge by the infinity pool, soak up the sun, and perfect the art of chillaxing.
  4. Take a Piece of the Kendom Home: Bid farewell to the Dreamhouse but not without a memento of your unforgettable stay. Each guest will receive their very own set of yellow-and-pink Impala rollerblades and surfboards to take home, allowing the Kendom spirit to live on.
How to Book Your Dream Stay

Beginning July 17 at 10 a.m. PT, everyone in Barbie Land can request to book Ken’s room in Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse at airbnb.com/kendreamhouse. Keep in mind that guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Malibu, ensuring a smooth journey to paradise.

*Plus taxes and fees

**These two, one-night stays for up to two guests are not a contest. The home is independently owned and operated. The right holders for Barbie and the Ken character have been compensated for their participation.

Interested in Becoming an Airbnb Room Host like Ken?

If Ken’s charismatic hosting style has inspired you, why not explore becoming an Airbnb Room Host yourself? Visit airbnb.com/host to learn more about how you can transform your space into a unique experience for travelers while diversifying your assets.

Contributing to Global Empowerment

In celebration of the BARBIE movie hitting theaters on July 21 and to honor the empowerment of girls everywhere, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to Save the Children. By supporting this remarkable organization, Airbnb is helping provide learning resources and support to children, families, and communities in over 100 countries, ultimately building girls’ confidence and helping them excel in school. Together, we strive to ensure that every individual has equal opportunities to achieve success.

Discover Airbnb’s Unique Story

Airbnb’s story began in 2007 when two visionary hosts welcomed three adventurous guests to their humble San Francisco abode. Since then, it has flourished into a global community of over 4 million hosts who have opened their doors to 1.4 billion guests from nearly every corner of the world. Every day, Airbnb’s hosts offer unique stays and experiences, fostering authentic connections and allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the communities they visit.

So, if you’re seeking an unforgettable getaway that combines glamour, fun, and the chance to contribute to global progress, Ken’s Malibu Dreamhouse on Airbnb is the ultimate destination. Secure your spot in this dreamy paradise, and let Ken show you the true meaning of California cool.

Header image and details provided in a recent press release.

Why a staycation is the perfect romantic getaway

When couples think of romantic destinations where they can spend much-needed time together, places like Paris, Santorini, and Bali usually come to mind. Beautiful city skylines and beautiful island getaways make excellent backdrops for a romantic getaway since they create the perfect ambiance that helps couples focus on their relationship without a care in the world. 

Unfortunately, planning for a romantic getaway usually takes a lot of time to prepare and costs a lot of money. And, for a lot of couples, they simply don’t have the time or budget to make their dream couple’s vacation a reality. Luckily, couples can still create their perfect romantic getaway without having to travel far or break the bank by choosing to go on a staycation at home or in a nearby hotel. 

Staycation, which combines the words “stay” and “vacation”, has become increasingly popular not only for singles but for a lot of couples as well. For one thing, staycations give couples the freedom to spend their vacation days however they want without having to worry about following a schedule. It also gives them an incredible opportunity to strengthen and deepen their relationship. 

But how exactly can a staycation achieve this? First, let’s delve into the advantages of a romantic staycation and how it can transform your romantic life.

The Advantages

A romantic staycation carries many benefits, some of which may surprise you. Here are some of the advantages of having a romantic staycation at home or a hotel that’s close by:

Comfort and Convenience

Staycations allow you to bypass the stress and fatigue that often comes with traveling. If you’re living in Manila, for example, it’s easier to have a staycation in Pasay or at home because you don’t have to spend long hours in transit or to adjust to a new environment. Instead, you can enjoy the comfort and familiarity of your hometown, making it easier to relax and focus on each other.

Flexibility

Unlike a traditional vacation, where itineraries can be rigid and crowded with various activities, a staycation gives you the freedom to set your own pace. Want to have breakfast in bed at noon or watch movies until the early hours? With a staycation, you can.

Affordability

A staycation can be a more budget-friendly romantic getaway. It eliminates expenses like airfare, expensive meals, and tourist traps, freeing up your budget for other special treats like a fancy take-out dinner or even splurging on a high-end local hotel for a night.

Quality Time

Perhaps the most significant advantage of a staycation is the opportunity to spend quality, uninterrupted time together. Without the distractions and demands often associated with travel, you and your significant other can connect on a deeper level and strengthen your relationship even further.

A Bit of Planning Goes a Long Way

A romantic staycation may be a dream come true, but a bit of planning can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas you can try to turn up the romance level of your staycation to a hundred:

Setting the Mood

Create a romantic atmosphere to make your staycation feel special. This could be as simple as cleaning and decluttering your space, lighting scented candles, or setting up fairy lights for a cozy ambiance. Don’t forget to prepare a playlist of your favorite songs to set the mood.

Food and Drinks

One of the highlights of any vacation is trying new and exciting food. For your staycation, consider ordering from a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try or cooking a special meal together. Pair it with your favorite wine or try making homemade cocktails.

Disconnecting from Routine

To make your staycation truly feel like a romantic getaway, it’s important to disconnect from your regular routine. This means setting an out-of-office email, turning off message notifications, and putting off household chores. Make this time purely about enjoying each other’s company.

The Variety of Romantic Staycation Activities

To make the most of your romantic staycation, it’s a great idea to plan some activities that can enhance your experience and promote bonding. Whether you decide to stay at home or book a hotel room, there are plenty of enjoyable things you can do together. Here are some activities that you might consider to make your romantic staycation more memorable:

Cooking or Baking Together

If you’re at home, try cooking or baking a new recipe together. This not only allows you to enjoy a delicious meal or treat but it also gives you the chance to create shared memories.

Movie Marathon

Choose a series of movies or binge-watch a new series together. To make the experience even more romantic, you can create a cozy atmosphere with dimmed lights, comfortable pillows, and your favorite snacks. This can be done both at home or in a hotel, making it a versatile option.

Game Night

Whether you’re at home or in a hotel, setting up a game night can be a lot of fun. Bring out classic board games, card games, or even video games you both enjoy, and your time spent together will be filled with laughter and playful banter.

DIY Spa Day

You can transform your bathroom into the ultimate spa by simply placing scented candles on the bathroom counter and using aromatherapy sprays. You can even make bath time more romantic by adding some bath salts or throwing in a bath bomb in the tub. When the ambiance is set, you can enjoy a relaxing bath together, give each other massages, or try out new skincare products. This can be a special treat, particularly if you’re in a hotel with a beautiful bathtub.

In a world where we are constantly on the go, a staycation offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s a chance to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and focus on the one you love. With the right planning and mindset, a staycation can provide you with all the joy, relaxation, and romantic connections of a traditional vacation without the hassle.

Airbnb launches Airbnb Rooms: A new way to share homes

Airbnb has announced its summer 2023 release, which is set to introduce over 50 new features and upgrades, with the introduction of Airbnb Rooms being the most significant. In a bid to accommodate the expected 300 million guests for the summer season, Airbnb Rooms offers a new way to share homes. With more than 1 million private bedrooms featured in a new Rooms category, guests can enjoy a more authentic way of travelling that is affordable and provides unique experiences.

“With Airbnb Rooms, we’re getting back to the idea that started it all – back to our founding ethos of sharing,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO. “Airbnb Rooms are often more affordable than hotels, and they’re the most authentic way to experience a city. This is the soul of Airbnb.”

Airbnb Rooms Category
Airbnb Rooms Category
Redesigned filters
Redesigned Filters
Introducing Airbnb Rooms

Originally, Airbnb began as a platform for sharing a room in someone else’s home, offering guests a chance to stay at affordable prices while experiencing the city like a local. Airbnb believes that the original concept is more important than ever, and now, with the pandemic over, the demand for travel is increasing. Airbnb Rooms has been created to ensure that guests are comfortable staying with a Host, and the new feature offers a way to get to know the Host through the Host Passport. The passport showcases a larger photo and details about the Host, including where they went to school and their profession, to help guests feel more at ease before booking a stay.

Host Passport
Host Passport
Total Price Display
Total Price Display
50+ New Features and Upgrades Based on User Feedback

Airbnb has taken a design-driven approach to enhance the experience for guests and hosts, from sign up to checking out, and every step in between. Based on user feedback, Airbnb has launched over 50 new features and upgrades to improve the service, and these include:

  • Total price display: Guests can view the total price with fees before taxes across the entire app, including in search results, maps, price filters, and listing pages.
  • Transparent checkout instructions: Guests can now view checkout instructions on the listing page before booking, receive reminders before they leave the home, and tell Airbnb about excessive requests.
  • Improved maps: Updated maps have faster performance, persistent pins when zooming and panning, and more search results.
  • Redesigned wishlists: Wishlist interfaces are improved, including one-tap saving, improved calendars that show the availability of wishlisted homes, and the ability to add notes to wishlisted listings.
  • Simpler and more affordable monthly stays: Airbnb is reducing the guest service fee after the third month for stays over three months. Guests in the US can also save on stays over one month when paying with their linked bank account. A new Months tab features an all-new interface that makes it easy to select the length of stay.
Transparent checkout instructions
Transparent Checkout Instructions
Improved maps
Improved maps
  • Monthly stays made simpler and more affordable: The guest service fee will be significantly reduced after the third month for stays over three months. Guests in the US can save on stays over one month when paying with their linked bank account. You can also use the all-new Months tab to search for stays from 1-12 months easily.
  • Priority access to customer service during your trip: A dedicated 24/7 support team for priority access while you’re on a trip has been created with the goal is to answer 90% of calls in English within two minutes or less.
  • Payment flexibility: Guests in the US and Canada can now pay for stays in four interest-free installments over six weeks through Airbnb’s partnership with Klarna. For bookings over $500 (US only), guests can also apply to pay monthly. We are working to add more countries throughout the year.
  • Instant rebooking credit for canceled stays: If a Host cancels within 30 days of arrival, most guests will receive instant credit that can be used to rebook another stay immediately.

The launch of Airbnb Rooms and the new features and upgrades offer guests a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, enhancing the authenticity and affordability of travel.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 4 million Hosts who have welcomed 1.4 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Photo Credit: Header image by alexandercho on Freepik