Airbnb rolls out luxury homes and castles - here's what a lavish holiday close to home looks like

Just when I thought the house perched on a cliff, overlooking the sea in Cape Town was the most luxurious home my family has ever rented on Airbnb, I was proven wrong.

The homes listed on Airbnb Luxe is a cut above the rest, offering castles, villas, private islands and homes beyond what you can imagine. 

But it doesn't come cheap. The prices per night range from $400 to $70,000. 

A quick glance through the specially-curated listing and my mind starts to drift off into fantasy -- imagine spending an idyllic day in a historic villa in Tuscany with a beautifully manicured garden.

Or staying in a contemporary chalet in the Swiss Alps with towering mountains as its picturesque backdrop on one of your ski expeditions.

Each property on Airbnb Luxe goes through a strict evaluation and has to pass over 300 criteria to be listed, including elevated design standards, ensuite bathroom in every room, rare features, unique surroundings and state-of-the-art amenities.

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How exclusive are these homes? There are currently 2,000 hand-picked homes around the world and there are plans to expand to 12 more cities this year. 

The grandeur doesn't stop there. Attached to every booking is a personal trip designer who will create bespoke 5-star travelling experiences.

He or she will not only be able to plan an itinerary suited to your preferences, but takes care of every request from childcare, private chefs to personal training sessions...you name it.

HOW LUXURIOUS DOES A $4,300 PER NIGHT VILLA IN BALI LOOKS LIKE

Bali is one of most preferred short getaway destination by Singaporeans, because of its close proximity and pristine beaches.

Most of us are usually willing to spend a little more to stay in a villa, but if you have about $4,000 to shell out a night, here's what it looks like to live lavishly.

The Noku Beach House in Seminyak, Bali is a hidden oasis that can accommodate 12 people. It has six bedrooms that open up to a private balcony or patio, and each room has an ensuite bathroom with bathtub.

There's no need to queue up for a spot in Potato Beach Club when you have a 27-meter-long pool all to yourself that stretches out toward the views of the sea, and plenty sun loungers to get that golden tan.

The home comes with a personal butler, a complimentary car with driver for eight hours a day, and a chef who will whip up breakfast daily.

The trip designer is ever ready to arrange for add-on services should you want to get groceries for a cookout or any other services listed below.

RENT A RESORT VILLA IN PHUKET FOR $13,200 PER NIGHT 

Another popular nearby beach destination that's close to Singapore is Phuket.

Now that you've seen what $4,000 can get you in Bali, we upped the budget to $13,000 a night in Phuket. With that amount, you'll get a resort villa all to yourself.

The Layan 7 Bedroom Seaview Residence boasts an infinity pool on its roof terrace, a private gym, spa and a library. Just the place to hide away from the world in one convenient location.

Now, you can finally live your dream of staying in a castle or somewhere up-scale in privacy with your needs taken care by a team of professionals. 

melissagoh@asiaone.com