How one honeymoon inspired a private Ubud villa celebrating authentic Balinese hospitality.
For Mr. Gilles Menard, Villa Myassa is the result of a journey that began long before the villa itself. His connection with Bali started during his honeymoon in 2012, when he and his partner met a local guide named Myassa, who introduced them to a different side of the island.
“Instead of taking us to the usual tourist attractions, he introduced us to the authentic Bali. He showed us hidden waterfalls, peaceful rice fields, small family-owned restaurants, traditional villages, and places that only locals know about,” Menard says.
The experience inspired the couple to return to Bali every year. Over time, the island became more than a holiday destination. It became a place they considered a second home, eventually leading them to build Villa Myassa in Singakerta, just outside Ubud, as a tribute to the guide who shaped their appreciation of Bali’s culture and traditions.
“Our goal was never simply to build a villa,” Menard says. “We wanted to create a true holiday home where families and groups of friends could spend meaningful time together and create unforgettable memories.”
Designed for one group at a time, Villa Myassa is a private three-bedroom villa combining contemporary architecture with Balinese design. The property features an infinity pool, tropical gardens, open-air living spaces, a traditional bale bengong gazebo, and a fully equipped kitchen. Located in the quieter surroundings of Singakerta, it offers convenient access to Ubud’s temples, art galleries, restaurants, Monkey Forest, and other cultural attractions while providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
Rather than operating like a hotel, the villa focuses on personalized hospitality. A dedicated villa team assists guests before and throughout their stay, arranging airport transfers, private drivers, restaurant reservations, in-villa dining, massages, cooking classes, guided excursions, and customised experiences. Families travelling with children can also request babysitting and caretaker services, alongside daily housekeeping and dedicated villa support.
Although guests come from different parts of the world, Menard believes they often value the same things.
“They are ultimately looking for the same thing. They want to feel at home.”
He says that while guests appreciate the villa’s design and natural surroundings, many remember the personal attention they receive throughout their stay.
Looking ahead, Menard says Villa Myassa will remain a single-property destination rather than expand into a collection of villas.
“Our ambition is not to build a chain of villas. We deliberately chose a different path.”
Instead, he hopes to continue offering an intimate setting where personalized hospitality remains at the heart of every stay. “Our greatest reward is hearing guests say that they didn’t simply rent a beautiful villa. They discovered a place that genuinely felt like home in Bali.”
As travellers increasingly seek meaningful experiences alongside comfort, Menard believes preserving that sense of home will continue to define Villa Myassa in the years ahead.
Interview: Gilles Menard, Owner of Villa Myassa
Property information: Villa Myassa
Written by: Ciara Leon
