Speaking to -
Two sisters, one dream

Who are the people bringing Baia Vista to life? In this interview series, we talk to the people behind the project: from buyers and investors to designers, builders and others involved. Each with their own story, a unique vision and a special bond with Curaçao.

Be inspired by their motivations, dreams and experiences - and discover how they are building something beautiful together on this sunny island.

Interview with buyers Paulien, Gusta, Tom & Jacqueline

For Paulien & Gusta and Tom & Jacqueline, investing in Curaçao is now familiar territory. After two successful rental locations in Jan Thiel, they opted for a third property - this time within the project Baia Vista. The decision to expand came from their love for the island as well as their confidence in the concept.

In this interview, they tell why they chose Curaçao again, what makes Baia Vista special to them, and how they experience living and renting on the island.

Who are you?
We are Paulien & Gusta and Tom & Jacqueline - two sisters with their partners. We are good friends, real bon vivants and all self-employed. Paulien rents out storage and office spaces, Gusta has her own jewellery brands, Jacqueline runs a hair salon and Tom has a carpentry and maintenance business. Very different, but all with an entrepreneurial spirit.

What is your connection to Curaçao?
In recent years, we have visited Curaçao often, as the sisters' parents live here almost all year round. We have really become fans of the island: the wonderful climate, beautiful beaches, fun parties and relaxed mentality make Curaçao a second home and fine holiday resort for us.

How did you start renting in Curaçao?
During a cosy drinks evening in 2020, we spontaneously came up with the idea of taking on a new challenge: renting out a holiday villa on Curaçao and making other people just as enthusiastic about the island. Even though we started during corona, tourism started to pick up after that. In 2023, we expanded with a second flat. Kas di Goso and Apartamento Rilèks, both in Jan Thiel* - are lovely places where our guests can fully enjoy the island.

Why choose Baia Vista?
When we heard about the new building project Baia Vista, we were immediately excited. The luxurious architecture combined with the centrally located swimming pools: we know from experience that this is a successful concept at our current flats. Especially the location near Joris Bay appealed to us: a beautiful, still relatively quiet part of the island.

What makes it even more attractive are the resort facilities: padel courts, a football pitch, beach, shops and catering facilities. All this gave us the confidence to invest again.

What are your expectations?
We strongly believe in the rental potential as well as looking forward to enjoying the flat ourselves. Investing in Curaçao remains an adventure - the mentality is different from that in the Netherlands: “If it doesn't come today, then tomorrow... or the day after tomorrow.” But that also makes it charming.

We bought from the drawing and are now closely following the construction. In about a year and a half, we will hopefully be jumping into the pool of our brand new flat!

* The flats of Paulien & Gusta and Tom & Jacqueline are available for rent via the website Holidays in Curaçao.

Read more from this series:

🔹 The word - The architect
On how architect Cees den Heijer designed Baia Vista as a living environment that blends into the landscape: with natural cooling, plenty of space, and a vision in which every day feels like a holiday.

🔹 The word - Closer to the family
About how, after years of holidays in Curaçao, Jan & Elly finally decided to invest in a home on the island - not only because of the sun and tranquillity, but mainly to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law and grandson.

🔹 The word - Sani Kitchen Projects
On how Michael Grootjans of Sani Kitchen Projects and his team ensure high-quality kitchens, bathrooms and tiles at Baia Vista - with an eye for quality, sustainability and natural luxury in a tropical climate.

🔹 The word - Friendship & investing
On how friends Ernst & Mitchell translated their shared entrepreneurial mentality and friendship into a joint real estate investment in Curaçao - a combination of forward-looking investment and own use at Baia Vista.

🔹 On the floor - STERKin, financing partner
On how Mark Sauerbreij, founder of STERKin, guides buyers of Baia Vista in financing real estate on Curaçao so that a dream home on the island can also be realised financially.