27/07/2026
From Zero Hospitality Experience to Building a Dream in Ubud
Five years ago, if someone had told me I would one day own and operate a luxury villa in Ubud, Bali, I probably would have laughed.
My background wasn't in hospitality. I had zero experience running hotels or villas. What I did have was a willingness to learn, a belief in long-term investing, and the conviction that difficult times often create the greatest opportunities.
In late 2021, when Covid happened, while many people were still hesitant about the future of travel and hospitality, I saw something different. I saw Bali not just as a destination, but as a place where people would eventually return in search of peace, healing, and nature. That belief became the foundation of Amarell Ubud Villa.
What began as a simple 4-bedroom villa has grown into a 10-bedroom boutique retreat. Today, we are planning to expand to 14 bedrooms in 2027, with a long-term vision of reaching 20 bedrooms by the end of 2029.
The journey hasn't been easy.
It meant countless flights between Los Angeles, California, and Ubud, Bali. It meant learning every aspect of hospitality from the ground up—operations, guest experience, staffing, marketing, maintenance, and the hundreds of small details that guests never see but always feel. There were mistakes, challenges, and moments of uncertainty, but every obstacle became another lesson.
Today, seeing occupancy reach around 70% during parts of this year is incredibly rewarding—not because it represents business success alone, but because it reflects the trust our guests have placed in us.
The most meaningful part isn't the occupancy rate. It's reading reviews from guests who describe Amarell as an "incredible hotel," a place that leaves "only positive emotions," and a destination where they can truly enjoy "nature and the peace and quiet." Others have shared that they loved the spacious, spotless rooms, the lush jungle surroundings, and the calm atmosphere that makes them want to return. Those words mean more than any financial metric because they remind us why we started this journey in the first place.
This experience has taught me one important lesson: you don't have to be an expert to begin. You simply have to be willing to learn, listen, improve, and never stop showing up.
I still consider myself a student of the hospitality industry. Every guest teaches us something new. Every review helps us become better. Every stay is another opportunity to create memories for someone traveling from across the world.
To everyone who has stayed at Amarell Ubud Villa, shared a review, recommended us to friends, or supported this dream in any way—THANK YOU. Your encouragement has been the driving force behind our growth.
This is only the beginning, and I'm excited for what the next chapter will bring.
— Patrick
