Building Bali the Right Way: Culture, Villas, and Sustainable Hospitality with Kadek Adnyana | EP 1

Episode Overview

In this STRA special episode, Justin Sun sits down with Kadek Adnyana to explore how Bali’s villa industry has evolved and why culture, regulation, and community now matter more than ever.

Episode Description

This episode is part of The Art of Short-Term Rentals in Asia, a six-part special series created in collaboration with Short Term Rental Asia (STRA), a leading platform focused on education, events, and insight for the short-term rental industry across Asia.

Bali is one of the world’s most iconic hospitality destinations, but behind the beauty lies a fragile balance.

In this episode of The Curious Concierge, Justin speaks with Kadek Adnyana, founder of Individual Bali Villas and a leading voice behind the Bali Vacation Rental Management Association (BVRMA). Kadek shares his journey from local guide to villa operator, and how Balinese culture deeply influences hospitality practices on the island.

Together, they unpack the evolution of Bali’s villa market, the risks of unregulated growth, and why sustainable tourism, quality standards, and community-driven regulation are essential to protecting Bali’s identity for future generations.

This conversation offers a grounded, local perspective on what it really takes to build hospitality responsibly in Asia.

Why This Conversation Matters

As Bali faces increasing pressure from mass tourism and unchecked development, this conversation provides rare insight from someone actively working to balance growth with preservation. It is a reminder that hospitality is not just about demand, but responsibility.

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction and STRA series context

(02:01) Cultural roots of Balinese hospitality

(05:55) Kadek’s journey into the villa industry

(10:01) Why BVRMA was formed

(13:07) Challenges and achievements in regulation

(15:09) Evolution of Bali’s villa market

(18:21) Sustainability and eco-friendly tourism

(21:13) Community responsibility and cultural preservation

(24:42) Government, investors, and regulation

(27:06) Lessons for other destinations

(32:03) Building a sustainable future for Bali

(35:13) Final reflections

Connect with Kadek, STRA & The Curious Concierge

Kadek Adnyana

Individual Bali Villa Rental & Management

Bali Vacation Rental Management Association (BVRMA)

Short Term Rental Asia (STRA)

LinkedIn

Instagram

Justin Sun | The Curious Concierge

LinkedIn

Instagram

TikTok

Email: [e-mail]

Fourth Space Hospitality: https://fourthspacehospitality.com

If you know a hotelier, villa operator, designer, or founder shaping hospitality in Asia, feel free to reach out or make an introduction.