Speaking to -

The architect

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 architect Cees den Heijer

For the design of Baia Vista, we are working with Cees den Heijer, one of Curaçao's most renowned architects. With his firm, he designed luxury villas, resorts, hospitality venues and residential projects all over Curaçao, among others. His name is associated with Boca Gentil, The Wharf and Bohemi Resort, among others. For Baia Vista, he was given the space to develop an overall vision: from urban planning to architectural detail.

In this interview, Cees talks about his vision for the project, the design and the special character of this site.

What was your first impression of the site where Baia Vista is being built?

The plot in the grounds of Hòfi Saint George made an immediate impression. It is elevated, with wide views and a constant, cooling breeze from the north-east trade wind. These are the natural qualities you rarely encounter as an architect so pure.

Instead of levelling the terrain, I chose to use the level differences as a starting point. The buildings are positioned to blend into the landscape and make the most of the views - without blocking each other.

What was the vision behind the design of Baia Vista?

The desire was to create a living environment that offers luxury and comfort, but at the same time feels natural. No confined volumes or standard designs, but openness, tranquillity and connection with the surroundings.

Inside and outside blend seamlessly. The houses are designed to take full advantage of wind and sun orientation, keeping them cooler without constant air conditioning. Overhangs provide shade, large sliding doors provide ventilation and views are present from every home.

What did you absolutely want to include and not include in the design?

Do: light, air, space, and a sense of freedom. Each house had to invite living with nature - not against it.
NOT: dense blocks, overheated spaces or a style you could find anywhere in the world. Baia Vista really needed to here hear.

Boca Gentil and the Papagayo Beach Hotel, Jan Thiel

What makes this project different from others you have worked on?

The scale and freedom of the project make it unique. From the very first moment, there was room to help think about the total: from urban design to choice of materials. Baia Vista is designed in three phases, with each phase having its own qualities and unique elements - tailored to the specific part of the site, its location and views.

That design freedom is reflected in the detailing, in how buildings are placed and how the landscape is leading rather than subordinate. Many principles applied in previous projects - such as exploiting wind direction and blurring indoor and outdoor space - have been further refined here, always fitting the context of each phase.

How did you consider sustainability and future-proof building?

Baia Vista is designed with passive cooling and smart orientation. Materials were chosen based on their resistance in a tropical climate, with minimum maintenance and maximum lifespan.

Livability has also been considered: the layout of the houses offers both privacy and connection, with sightlines and outdoor spaces that really add something to everyday use.

What is your personal connection to this project?

For me, Baia Vista is the crowning glory of my work on the island. It is a project where everything comes together: vision, location, collaboration and design freedom. It is truly an honour to realise something like this.

What would you pass on to people considering buying here?

Whoever buys a property here is choosing a way of life. Baia Vista is designed to make every day feel like a holiday day: with tranquillity, views, space and comfort as natural components of everyday life. No frills, but honest luxury befitting the place.

Read more from this series:

🔹 The word - Two sisters, one dream
About how two sisters and their partners with a shared love for Curaçao and a strong entrepreneurial heart are now realising their third home on the island - this time inside Baia Vista.

🔹 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.