03 Jul 2023
In Conversation with Kim Oeij, Founder, Villa Short Stay

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Villa Short Stay

 

Originally from the Netherlands, Kim Oeij started his career as a social worker in the Netherlands.  Now he rents out some of the most luxurious holiday villas in the world via booking services  Villa Short Stay 

Villa Short Stay is a premium, luxury travel experience, offering access to a curated selection of high-end homes, villas, and unique accommodations in desirable destinations, 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.

It all started with a backpack  

Kim is a typical Dutch boy who, after a few years of hard work, picked up a backpack in search of new worlds, adventures and opportunities. He ended up in Bali, and encapsulated by its beauty, he decided to stay for a while. 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.”

A story of growth
 
Other villa owners soon heard about his approach and decided to work with Kim as well. What started with just one villa in Bali has now grown into a portfolio of 175 villas in Asia. Each with its own exquisite character. Close to the hotspots, but always surrounded by privacy, tranquility, and a view that you don't want to say goodbye to, every villa offers its guests a unique visit.
 
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.
                               
Personally, inspects villas for the best guest experience
 
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.”
 
That key opened many doors. Kim personally tries to visit all the villas himself, at some stage, checking every detail along the way.
 
"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.

 
Highest level of hospitality
 

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."

Guests from all over the world
 
Kim has been in the villa business for six years now. All holiday villas come with a private pool and are between
4-11 bedrooms. Some have private gyms, spas or saunas and all villas are located within walking distance to the beach with stunning ocean views.
 
"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".
  

Quick response times for guest requests
 
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".

Continually travelling to find new destinations
 
Just like a travel agent who arranges your entire stay from start to finish, but with a personal relationship, Kim continues to travel to find new destinations and experiences for his guests. His bold plan now is to launch 20 accommodations every 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".
 
Partnership with Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes X Villa Short Stay
 
To expand his reach in Europe Kim has recently partnered with Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes to offer new exclusive vetted holiday villas in the UK country side (2), French Rivieira (5), Marbella, Spain (1), Puglia, Italy (2), Ibiza, Spain (4), Mallorca, Spain (2) and Lech, Austria (1).
 
While Kim's holiday villas in Asia are mostly in the 1-3K EUR per day range, these exclusive holiday homes across Europe are in the price range of 2k-25k EUR per day and offer similar facilities and features like the Asian holiday villas, 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.
 
Become a member on the website to have a chance to Win €1000 travel credit
 
Villa Short Stay expands its story with new chapters. Do you want to stay informed and be the first to know when a new accommodation is added? Become an exclusive member on the website to have the chance to win a € 1,000 travel credit.
 
 
"And I hope to welcome you personally to one of my villas!"  said Kim.
 
For more information visit  www.villashortstay.com

For media enquiries please contact:

Donna Campbell

Campbell PR

Email:  donna@campbellpr.com