Our Story
Villa Beji Indah is the home of Dr. Steve Wignall, a physician, AIDS activist, and former US Navy medical officer, who first came to Indonesia over 30 years ago. In 2007, he acquired and renovated the first of the three villas as his retirement home. However, retirement didn't happen. His passion to ensure marginalized communities receive access to HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) health services drives him until today, and he spends much of his time in Phnom Penh, Jakarta or other parts of SE Asia working with governments and international organizations to bring HIV testing and treatment to poor and highly stigmatized populations in need.
Though not around very much, three years later Dr. Wignall acquired and renovated the second and third villas in this sprawling riverside property. Together they now form the magical Villa Beji Indah (VBI), a hidden gem surrounded by lush nature, with 11 rooms, 7 ponds, 4 meditation pavilions, 3 swimming pools, 2 Yoga-Shalas, and a stretch of one stunning and sacred river in the peaceful Nyuh Kuning suburb of Ubud, Bali. Despite being nestled in nature, we are conveniently located just 800 meters from the famous Ubud Monkey Forest, and many charming coffee shops and cafes are in the immediate neighborhood, providing a perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility.
Villa Beji Indah is a nature-inspired sanctuary built on a hillside cascading down to the river. It has been designed to blend seamlessly with its surrounding environment. As part of our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the land, the property has stone stairs connecting the various villas and areas. Please note, there are many stairs on the property—some of which can be quite steep. These stone staircases, most without railings, are a key feature of the villa's landscape and architecture, offering stunning views of the lush surroundings. There are no ramps or elevators on-site. We encourage guests to be prepared for walking and climbing stairs as part of the experience, which contributes to the peaceful, secluded atmosphere of the villa. Please consult with us if you have questions about the stairs.
Apart from making family, friends, and other guests comfortable and relaxed, the other mission of VBI is fundraising to support the Bali Peduli Foundation (www.balipeduli.org), a non-profit organization started by Dr. Wignall and friends to ensure HIV treatment access to communities across Bali. This non-governmental organization has so far tested more than 10,000 individuals at risk for HIV and other STIs and has started 700 people on treatment through its two clinics in Ubud and Denpasar.
Villa Beji Indah operates less like a corporate entity and more as a social enterprise. Investment in staff welfare and development, commitment to the local communities, and supporting sustainable tourism is at the core of our operation.
Our staff come from the picturesque village of Nyuh Kuning or the surrounding suburbs. While not all of them have graduated from a hospitality university, many have a solid foundation in hospitality from their high school education and have gained extensive experience working with us. We train our staff on a daily basis, and most have been with Villa Beji Indah for over a decade. Their passion and dedication to creating an unforgettable experience for our guests, alongside their deep connection to the local community, ensures that every visit to our villa is special.
At the end of the day, this is our home, and we welcome you to come stay with us. And soon it will be yours too!
Bali Peduli Foundation