"And I Hope to Welcome You Personally to One of my Villas!"

FeaturedTravel

4 Jul

Kim Oeij, a native of the Netherlands, began his professional life there as a social worker. He currently leases out some of the most opulent vacation homes worldwide through the booking site Villa Short Stay.

Villa Short Stay provides access to a hand-picked collection of upscale residences, villas, and distinctive lodgings in popular locations, including Thailand, Bali, Singapore, Dubai, and South Africa.

“Of course, holidays are about the destination. But what is really important, is how you can enjoy it to the maximum. To the highest standard. And then adding that little extra,” states Kim on his unique view on offering ultra-luxury stays in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

A typical Dutch guy, Kim picked up a rucksack after a few years of toiling away in quest of new horizons, experiences, and chances. He ended up in Bali, and drawn in by its allure, he made the decision to stay for some time. It was there that Kim met a villa owner on a terrace and asked if he could rent out his villa – "Sure!" – and so began a special entrepreneurial story. “I immediately received good reviews with the first villa. With my passion to arrange everything for my guests, along with a collection of the best villas, and my personal involvement, everything turned out to be the perfect cocktail.”

Soon after learning about his strategy, other villa owners chose to collaborate with Kim as well. A portfolio of 175 villas around Asia has evolved out of what began as just one villa in Bali. Each has a unique, wonderful personality. Every villa provides its visitors a distinct experience by being close to the hotspots but still surrounding them with seclusion, tranquillyvisitors withEach, and a view they don't want to leave.

Recently a customer wrote that he had the best holiday ever and all his expectations were exceeded. 'That's the best compliment you can get, and it sure gives me a big smile,' said Kim.

Now, Kim is one of the top-rated hosts of the most exclusive properties in the Asian region. “I never studied business or economics. But I was a social worker, and I am good with people. I can network well, connect easily, and do business quietly and modestly. That is the key to my success in this region.”

The key unlocked several doors. At some point, Kim tries to personally visit each villa, inspecting each component as he goes.

"I will never rent something I haven't seen myself. I look through the eyes of my guests. I double check everything, so there are no surprises. My customers also expect the very best. From outstanding service to 24/7 security whether it's a private, starred chef, or a super luxurious speedboat. Where everything is arranged down to the last detail. My guests are often families, so I also look at the safety aspects. And although I do want to check every villa myself, I feel lucky to have a wonderful crew of great Villa Short Stay colleagues and partnerships. They ensure that the operation runs perfectly, " said Kim.

What Kim really likes, besides nature, the beaches, the food, and the culture, is the hospitality. “It really is of the highest level here. I've never experienced that anywhere else before". Kim also does everything for the guest himself. No matter how large the accommodations are, due to the small-scale design, he always has personal contact with his guests. "They can get a hold of me at any time through WhatsApp, and no question is too crazy."

Since six years ago, Kim has worked in the villa industry. The number of bedrooms in each vacation villa ranges from 4 to 11. All villas feature breathtaking ocean views and are close to the beach, with some having private spas, saunas, or gyms.

"We arrange pick up from the airport, the in-villa staff makes daily breakfast, and every villa has a villa manager, who assists with inquiries when guests arrive. The villa manager coordinates with the maids for daily cleaning, the private chef for dinner arrangements and security is arranged per guest's request. Our regular guests come from all over the world: from the United Arab Emirates, Europe, Canada to the USA and many are repeat guests coming back year after year".

Kim feels personally involved with each of his guests. "I want to build a relationship with my guests and always be there for them. Recently, one of my guests was looking for a beautiful chalet in Courchevel (offering true ski in /ski-out access). When I got a WhatsApp from one of my regular guests from Dubai, I fixed everything within a day. I know the market and have access to the most desirable properties".

Kim keeps travelling to discover new locations and experiences for his visitors, much like a travel agent who plans your complete trip from beginning to end, but with a personal relationship. Now, his audacious ambition is to open 20 lodgings each month. "I have done research on the most exclusive destinations. Think Miami, St Tropez and Nice. Everything is ready to open. My promise: I book everything for you, but I am not a Booking.com".

The majority of Kim's vacation homes in Asia cost between 1-3K EUR per day, whereas these upscale vacation residences across Europe cost between 2K and 25K EUR per day and provide comparable amenities and features to Kim's vacation homes in Asia, but with Mandarin Oriental service.

"These holiday homes are the pinnacle of everyone's dream home, vetted out of hundreds of inspections around Europe, and one of them is located on a private island 5 minutes from Ibiza. That's like a dream,” said Kim.

"And I hope to welcome you personally to one of my villas!" said Kim.

Discover More: Villa Short Stay

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