Relaxed, comfortable and a beautiful location
Sabrina (1980), Alexander (1974) and our children Evie (2009) and Thomas (2012), started the great adventure at the beginning of 2017. We have shipped all our belongings and started a B&B on Bonaire. We have selected the best place on Bonaire for this. In this quiet location, just outside the center of Kralendijk, only 150 meters away from the Caribbean Sea, we went to do what we really like: receive guests and make them feel at home.
Alexander, previously active as an account manager in ICT, and Sabrina, previously a communication advisor at UMC Utrecht, had been feeling for years that he wanted to lead a different life. Being more at home for the children, living outdoors all year round and running our own business were the main motivations for us to take this adventurous step.
“It would have to feel like home”
When we continued to implement our plan, it became clear to both of us that we think it is important that our guests feel at home in our accommodation. We like an atmosphere that is relaxed, personal and casual, where people can visit each other but also be alone with the desired privacy. Nothing is necessary, a lot is allowed.
What do our guests find important?
How can we ensure that people have a really pleasant stay? In this we stayed close to ourselves, what do we find important as experienced travelers? Stay in a comfortable and clean room where quality materials have been used. A good night’s sleep, so good and generously sized beds, sound-insulated bedrooms with blackout curtains. With its own covered outdoor area with outdoor kitchen. The accommodation should also be equipped with a large swimming pool and close to restaurants and shops.
It was also immediately clear to both of us that sustainability had to be given a place. Everything you can do yourself to leave the world a little bit more beautiful, helps. That is why we have chosen to heat the water for the entire accommodation with solar boilers, which hardly use electricity or fossil fuels. The building is also equipped with an underground water storage for irrigating the garden. We also have an economical hybrid car.
Why Bonaire?
In our search for the right place, the Caribbean Netherlands quickly came into view. We think Bonaire is beautiful, with lots of beautiful nature and ample opportunities for water sports. Also important for us in this was the unrelenting beautiful weather. Plus the fact that it is a special municipality in the Netherlands, which means that the continuity of our company is better guaranteed.
In 2016 the opportunity arose to purchase a house annex shop with a large garden in a prime location (close to the sea, shops and center). The property is located in the low traffic and quiet neighborhood of Playa Pariba. We were quickly convinced that we could realize our dream here. Casa Trankilo was going to get there! This former neighborhood supermarket called Joke’s minimarket, the accompanying residential house lent itself perfectly to the new destination. Our first year on Bonaire was dominated by the major renovation. It was a big job with ups downs and with due pride we can now say that Casa Trankilo has exceeded our expectations. Many satisfied guests have already found their way to our accommodation.
The Netherlands
Everything must come to an end: Despite the wonderful climate and pleasant living environment, we have decided to leave beautiful Bonaire from September 2021 to live in the Netherlands again. Our daughter then went to secondary school and we wanted her to follow this education in the Netherlands. Wieke and Marco a now manage Casa Trankilo on location. Where we as owners are now mainly concerned with bookings, online communication and administration, they will give you a warm welcome at the accommodation!