Charles Esther
In 2017, Justin and Annabelle Parfitt made a bold decision to leave behind their fast-paced startup life and transition to a more serene lifestyle.
They chose to live part-time between Bali, Indonesia, and southwest France.
What started as a vision to slow down, however, turned into an ambitious project that has now become a sought-after luxury vacation rental destination.
The Parfitts built a two-villa compound called Kasianda in Bali, which they now rent out for vacations, parties, and milestone celebrations.
From Entrepreneurs to Villa Owners: The Parfitt Journey
Justin and Annabelle’s careers have been anything but traditional.
After Justin graduated from college in Bristol, England, he moved to Australia for an MBA, where he met Annabelle.
Together, they ventured into entrepreneurship, starting a speed-dating company that launched across the US and Canada.
Their business eventually sold in 2013, and Justin launched a social network in the realm of experiences.
But by 2016, after years of working across the globe, they realized it was time for a change and decided to settle between their two favorite destinations: Bali and southwest France.
Building Kasianda: A Unique Villa Compound in Bali
To make their new lifestyle sustainable, the Parfitts set out to build their first luxury short-term rental in Bali.
With their entrepreneurial skills and experience in design, they purchased a 40-year land lease in Bali’s Canggu neighborhood for $400,000.
While foreigners can’t own land in Bali, they can acquire a leasehold or right-to-use title.
After working with local architects for a year to design their dream property, the Parfitts built two villas: a larger seven-bedroom villa and a smaller five-bedroom one.
The pair settled on a colonial style, which was both timeless and unique in comparison to the tropical or modern aesthetics common in Bali.
A Luxury Stay: The Villas and Amenities
Construction of the first villa was completed in December 2019, just in time to welcome their first guests.
The second villa was finished by 2021, with the total project cost amounting to $1.7 million, which covered land lease, construction, furnishings, and landscaping.
Today, Kasianda offers two separate villas, which can be rented individually or together for larger groups.
- The Seven-Bedroom Villa: The larger villa offers an extravagant stay, with an expansive saltwater pool, a swim-up bar, a terrace, a barbecue pit, and luxurious interiors. Guests can enjoy an open kitchen, a living room, eight bathrooms, a media room, and more.
- The Five-Bedroom Villa: The smaller villa features a pool, a shared living and dining area, and a kitchen, providing an equally comfortable stay but on a smaller scale.
The property also employs 17 staff members, including chefs, butlers, housekeepers, and security, ensuring guests experience impeccable service.
A Perfect Destination for Events and Celebrations
What sets Kasianda apart from other Bali rentals is its focus on hosting events, particularly milestone birthdays and private parties.
In addition to its luxurious accommodations, the Parfitts incorporated event planning into the villa’s offerings. Guests can enjoy personalized event experiences with the help of the villa’s dedicated team.
- Event Planning Services: The Parfitts have seen an increasing number of guests who are interested in using the villa for birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and other milestones. The villas offer event planning, including catering, cocktail services, and party coordination. They have hosted extravagant celebrations like a Holi-inspired 60th birthday party with foam cannons, water balloons, and vibrant colors, as well as an Alice in Wonderland-themed party complete with fire performers and dancers.
The Cost of Staying at Kasianda
While Kasianda offers luxury, the pricing remains competitive in the luxury rental market.
The larger villa can cost between $1,500 and $2,100 per night, depending on the season, while the smaller villa typically ranges from $400 to $800 per night.
Family Life at Kasianda
Though Kasianda is a luxury rental property, it is also the Parfitt family’s second home.
During the off-season, Justin, Annabelle, and their children, Rosie and Skye, spend their time at the smaller villa, welcoming guests and working on new ideas for the property.
This includes developing new menus, creating unique cocktails, and adding new touches to enhance the guest experience.
Justin sums it up: “We’ve got really good food and great cocktails, but at the end of the day, we try to make sure there’s something extra special as well.”
Conclusion: A Personal and Profitable Venture
For Justin and Annabelle, building and running Kasianda was never just about making money.
It was about creating a home and a business that allowed them to live the lifestyle they desired, all while giving back to the community and offering an unforgettable experience to guests.
With its luxurious accommodations and event planning services, Kasianda has proven to be a successful blend of business and personal life, offering guests an extraordinary vacation in one of Bali’s most stunning locations.
