Why Is every tiny shack in Bali called a “Villa” these days?

I’ve been noticing a trend in Bali where almost every rental, no matter how basic, is marketed as a “villa.” Some of these places are barely bigger than a garden shed, sometimes with a tiny plunge pool, yet they’re labeled as “luxury villas.”

But what actually defines a villa? Traditionally, it should have a certain level of spaciousness and privacy, high-quality construction, a proper swimming pool, and dedicated amenities like a garden or multiple rooms.

Yet, in Bali, I see single-room bungalows, tiny studio apartments, and even container homes being advertised as “villas.” Is this just clever marketing, or has the definition of a villa evolved?

I’d love to hear from people in the hospitality, real estate, or travel industry—what’s driving this trend? Does labeling something a “villa” really make a big difference in bookings and pricing?