OUR STORY
Februari 2014:
Hi! We are Titia and Ruud van Dijk. On December 12th, 2013 we have opened our boutique hotel, restaurant and fashion shop after months of renovation work on the two beautiful monumental buildings in Pietermaai, where we are located. A new challenge in a new area.
A little bit of history: In 2003 we decided to leave our hometown Waalre to move to Villereal in France to revive the campsite of Les Ormes. The normal life in the Netherlands did not suit us anymore. Spending a lot of hours in the office, not much time for the family and every day seemed the same. We felt it was time for a change. We left our lives in the Netherlands and moved to the South-West of France. As a family we often celebrated our holidays in France but camping Les Ormes was new for us. With 20 hectares of land, space for 600 guests and each year new innovative projects, we worked very hard to make it a great success. In France we felt at home and the campsite was busier than ever. After 9 seasons we were satisfied and the desire for something new, a new challenge, was getting bigger and bigger. We decided to search for a new project and sold camping Les Ormes in 2011.
In the meantime, we as a family, have discovered Curacao bit by bit by visiting this beautiful island for the
holidays. Searching for a location in the neighborhood we bumped into these two beautiful monumental
buildings in the lively Pietermaai. At this moment we knew this was the location where we would open our
boutique hotel, restaurant and store. With the perfect location in these two gorgeous buildings we could do
anything we wanted to do. A couple of months later we moved to this amazing island while the renovation
had already started while we were in the Netherlands. Our daughter Britt and her partner Edwin went along
with us. Without them we couldn’t have done or dared to do this at all. Our son Bas stayed in the Netherlands
unfortunately. After a lot of work, finally our hotel was ready to be booked! We called the hotel ‘’BijBlauw’’
because blue stands for the colour of the sea and the sky, which gives us positivity and happiness. The most
important thing for us to give to the guests is enjoyment. BijBlauw is a new project for us where we want to
put in all the energy we have and where we hope our guests will have the best time of their lives. This new
adventure offers a new chapter to our lives, but this book is not finished yet.
August 2023:
Welcome to our update, almost 10 years later! We're excited to bring you up to speed on some wonderful developments in our lives. It's been quite a journey since we first embarked on our adventure with BijBlauw, and we can't wait to share the latest chapters with you.
In 2019, our family experienced some truly heartwarming moments. Britt and Ed welcomed a precious addition to their family – a beautiful baby girl named Jip. The pitter-patter of tiny feet and the sweet melodies of a newborn's laughter have infused our lives with an indescribable warmth. Jip's arrival has not only brought immense joy to her parents but has also enriched our family tapestry in ways we could have never imagined.
Meanwhile, in another corner of our family, Bas and Isabelle had their own cause for celebration. Their lives were graced by the arrival of a bouncing baby boy named Beau in 2021. Beau's bright eyes and curious spirit have added an extra layer of happiness to our days, reminding us of the beauty of new beginnings and the promise they hold.
Turning our attention to BijBlauw, the fruit of our dedication and hard work over the years, we are overjoyed to report that it has flourished into a thriving haven of hospitality. The long hours, the meticulous planning, and the unwavering commitment have all culminated in a boutique hotel and oceanfront restaurant that exudes the very essence of joy and inspiration. The positive feedback we receive from our cherished guests fills our hearts with pride and fuels our passion to continue providing exceptional experiences.
BijBlauw, with its scenic charm and inviting ambiance, has become a canvas for lasting memories. As we reflect on the journey that brought us to this point, we're reminded of the importance of family, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams. Every corner of BijBlauw carries a piece of our story, and every guest who steps through its doors becomes a part of that narrative.
But that's not all – change is afoot in our concept store. As we evolve and grow, so does our vision. Starting in October, we're embarking on a fresh chapter with our concept store. While we bid farewell to fashion, we're excited to welcome you to an inside restaurant that will tantalize your taste buds with breakfast, lunch, and refreshments that are not only delicious but also healthy – nourishing your body and soul.
Amidst this change, you'll still find treasures that inspire you, the jewelry you love to wear all day every day, home decor that whispers stories, and furniture that invites comfort and style into your spaces. As always, our dedication to creating an environment that resonates with beauty, warmth, and a touch of the extraordinary remains unwavering.
As we stand at this juncture, where family, hospitality, and dreams converge, we invite you to be part of the ongoing narrative. Join us as we continue to cherish life's simple pleasures, seek new horizons, and share the magic of BijBlauw with you.
With hearts full of gratitude and excitement for the future,
Titia & Ruud