Business View Caribbean | March 2021

56 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN MARCH 2021 one of the top 50 restaurants in the Caribbean. Executive Chef Rene Klop provides exquisite breakfasts, lunches and dinners using tropical influences, Asian flavors and his traditional French techniques. Baoase is located in a residential area of the island, surrounded by lush greenery and crystal clear ocean that creates an atmosphere of total seclusion. “When the gates open there is just a magical sense of the surroundings,” de la Fuente shares. “It’s really a private hideaway.” The resort is built around a 75-year-old Banyan tree, known as the symbol of eternal love – a dedication to Ad and Bibi’s longstanding relationship. The essence of romance in the air makes it the perfect place for couples to spend quality time together, get engaged, or say “I do.” According to de la Fuente, “Proposals and weddings are very popular at our resort because it’s such a magical place. Although we offer some packages, what we really do with every guest is sit down with them to get a feel of what their wishes are. Luxury is limitless at Baoase , so we will do everything we can to make our guests’ wishes come true. ” Despite its penchant for romantic luxury, Baoase has maintained an at-home family feel and has many repeater guests because of this. It helps that the resort is family-owned and family run. Prior to van der Valk coming on as general manager in 2021, the resort was run by his sister and brother-in-law. He notes, “They accomplished much of what Baoase is now known for. They developed an unparalleled atmosphere here for both our guests and our staff, which is why we call ourselves a Baoase family.” The van der Valk history can be felt all around – from BiBi island, which stands in front of the resort’s lagoon and breaks the incoming waves, to the name “Baoase,” which stands for Bibi and Ad’s ‘oase’, which is Dutch for oasis. “We really aim for a personal touch,” de la Fuente says,