What a founder residency in Bali looks like
Residencies come in many forms: an accelerator taking ten founders abroad for a sprint, a creator house where content makers produce together, or a school running an immersive module for a class. What they share is a cohort with a common goal, an organiser who sets the programme, and the need for a home that doubles as a studio.
Unlike coliving, where individuals rent rooms from the house, a residency means you lease the whole villa and curate who lives there. At Kamayana, the lease is always for the entire property, held by one organiser for one cohort.
Designing the space for work and creation
Assign zones from day one. The dedicated workspace and large bale with long table make good desks for focused work. The open lounge facing the pool works for office hours and informal mentoring. The screen and projector host demo days, guest talks and pitch practice. Gardens and bales offer natural backdrops for creators shooting short videos.
Keep one space as a no-meetings area so people can always find quiet. A cohort that knows where to work and where to rest stays productive much longer.
Rooming a cohort fairly
Residents often arrive with different expectations about privacy. Be transparent in advance: rooms 3 and 4 can be set as two 1.5 m beds for two residents each, rooms 1 and 2 offer a queen plus single, the master has a king plus bunk, and the dormitory has four bunk beds. Every room has a private bathroom and air conditioning.
Organisers usually keep one room for staff or visiting mentors. If you charge residents different amounts for different rooms, that sits within your own client terms.
A programme rhythm that builds momentum
Strong residencies alternate structure and freedom. Monday kick-offs set weekly goals, daily stand-ups keep people accountable, midweek sessions bring in mentors or workshops, and Friday demos show progress. Evenings are for shared dinners, sunset at the beach five minutes away, or recovery in the infrared sauna and ice bath. The small gym helps people keep a routine.
Plan one deliberate pause per week, without screens. Founders and creators burn out quickly in an inspiring place if nobody sets limits.
Practical support and responsibilities
Local partners can provide housekeeping and laundry, a private chef or group meals, group airport transfers, a driver with minivan and technical setup for events such as demo days. These are quoted in your offer so you can price your residency accurately.
Organisers remain responsible for residents' visas, any permits for facilitators or filming, insurance and their own client terms; check official Indonesian sources or a local adviser. Send your cohort size and dates via the questionnaire, WhatsApp or email.
