Meet the team
of Bougainvillea, flora & vinea
DENISE & ROB
Founders & Hosts
Our Story
Our love for hospitality began when we were both young. For Rob, it was clear early on: he wanted to become a chef. With determination, he completed the Cas Spijkers Academy and went on to work at several restaurants in the Netherlands. There he learned the finesse, discipline, and creativity that shaped him into the chef he is today. Someone who cooks with heart, soul, and an endless passion for gastronomy.
Denise found her path in hospitality through De Rooi Pannen, where she completed her HOM program. Her love for wine led her to earn WSET diplomas and eventually begin the Vinologist training. Hospitality, flavor, and experience have always been her passion, and still are.
In 2016, our paths crossed. From that moment on, we were inseparable. Not only in life, but also in our dreams: running a restaurant and hotel together, bringing our own ideas to life, creating a place where gastronomy and hospitality come together. Our shared passion proved to be the perfect match.
In 2018, we moved to Bonaire. This island stole our hearts from the very first day. Due to Covid, we had to return to the Netherlands, but we always promised each other: if the right opportunity ever comes, we’ll go back. And that opportunity arrived in 2024! Bigger, more beautiful, and more meaningful than we could ever imagined.
This is how Restaurant Flora, Boutique Hotel Bougainvillea, and since July 2026, Vinea Oceanfront Lounge came to life. Every day, we feel proud and grateful to do what we love and to do it with an incredible team. A team that embraces our guests and shows, day after day, that hospitality is not just a profession, but above all, it is a feeling.
Favorite wine: Albariño!
In 2022, I came to Bonaire for three months to work in hospitality, but I quickly felt at home here and decided to stay.
In the Netherlands, I gained experience in several restaurants, all part of hotels. That’s where I discovered how much I enjoyed the combination of restaurant and hotel work. The interaction with guests, offering a warm welcome, and making sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly gives me a lot of energy.
Since the opening, I’ve been part of the hotel team with great pleasure. You can still find me in the restaurant as well, which allows me to combine the best of both worlds.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with friends, enjoying a good glass of wine, and finding peace during a walk on Bonaire.
JULIA
Front Office Manager
SVEN
Chef de Partie
Favorite dish: I think that is still the porkbelly and eel from our very first menu.
My journey in hospitality began in 2019, when I came to the island as an intern. After completing my studies, I returned six months later, determined to continue growing in this field. In the years that followed, I worked for several companies, where I learned a lot and developed my passion for the kitchen even further.
Since the opening, I’ve been part of the kitchen team at Restaurant Flora. From the very beginning, I’ve had the opportunity to help build the restaurant down to the smallest details in the kitchen.
In my free time, I love going for a island tour with friends or spending a relaxing day at the beach.
Favorite wine: A good Chenin Blanc! the Savennières from Domaine Dhommé on our wine list is one of my favorites.
My passion for hospitality began when I realized that training to become a veterinary assistant wasn’t quite the right fit for me. I started working at a restaurant in my hometown, where I learned the craft and discovered how much I enjoyed creating warm, welcoming experiences for guests.
What makes working at Restaurant Flora so special to me is the close‑knit team. Everyone is there for one another, you can truly be yourself, and together we make sure every guest enjoys a memorable experience.
When I’m not working, I’m rarely sitting still. You’ll often find me at CrossFit Palms or out on the water, kitesurfing with friends.
Fun fact: as a sommelier, I actually drink very little alcohol these days. But tasting, of course, remains one of my favorite things to do!
BJARNE
Assistent Restaurant Manager & Sommelier
New Paragraph
ARON
Sous-Chef
Favorite dish: Our own scallops with grapes from the menu earlier this year.
My path into hospitality may have unfolded a little differently than planned. I wasn’t able to continue my first study choice due to circumstances, which led me to the hospitality industry and I quickly discovered that it suited me perfectly.
What I enjoy most about working at Restaurant Flora is the freedom we have in the kitchen to develop our own dishes. Combined with our fun and close‑knit team, it makes every workday different and enjoyable.
Favorite dish: The porkbelly and eel from the very first menu and the Dutch shrimp from the menu in March 2026.
My passion for hospitality was sparked by my family. As a child, I watched my parents cook and barbecue in our backyard every Sunday with admiration. Later, I saw my older brother grow into an incredible chef, which inspired me to follow the same path and develop myself into a chef I can be proud of.
What I enjoy most about working at Restaurant Flora is the freedom to be creative and bring my own ideas to life. I also learn something new every day thanks to the guidance of our chef, who continues to challenge me to grow and improve.
In my free time, I love spending time with friends and family, often over a cozy drink. And when I’m at home, I like to unwind with a good gaming session.
ANGELO
Chef de partie
TOM
Chef de Partie
Favorite dish: Without a doubt: the Agnolotti!
My passion for hospitality began at a young age. According to my mother, I already knew at the age of five that I wanted to become a chef. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a deep love for cooking, a passion that has only grown stronger over the years.
At Restaurant Flora, I get the chance to turn that passion into beautiful dishes every day and to give guests a memorable culinary experience.
In my free time, you’ll most likely find me underwater. Diving is the perfect way for me to relax and enjoy everything Bonaire has to offer.
What Makes Us Unique
Authentic Island Ambience
Designed with local materials and inspired by Bonaire’s laid-back lifestyle, our hotel invites guests to unwind in a calm, tropical setting.
Personalized Service
As a family-owned and independently operated hotel, we take pride in offering personal attention, local tips, and a relaxed atmosphere that larger resorts simply can’t match.
Flora Restaurant
Our on-site restaurant, Flora, offers fresh international flavors with Caribbean flair. With oceanfront seating and a curated menu of small bites, cocktails, and full meals, it’s a favorite among guests and locals alike.
A Place for Every Traveler
Whether you're a couple seeking romance, a family on vacation, a diver exploring Bonaire’s reefs, or a professional in need of a peaceful workation, we have something for everyone.