Story & Soul

The small but lively community of St. Willibrordus, just 19 km’s northwest of Willemstad, has a unique charm that sets it apart. Originally named after Saint Willibrord, a North American missionary, the town still proudly showcases its historic 19th-century church, standing tall amidst the lush surroundings. But St. Willibrordus is more than just a place with history—it has recently gained fame for a quirky and unexpected reason.

What started as a playful joke quickly became a local legend. Residents put up a massive sign resembling the iconic “Hollywood” sign, but with a fun twist—it read “Williwood” instead. Standing boldly in the middle of the landscape, the sign was impossible to miss. As the buzz grew, the locals fully embraced the idea and made “Williwood” the town’s official name. Nowadays, they proudly call themselves “Williwoodians.”

To help visitors explore the area, the community put together a map highlighting must-visit spots, such as the wild flamingo reserve, the historic Landhuis Jan Kok, the breathtaking beaches of Porto Mari and Daibooi, and the heart of local life—Toko Williwood. This lively gathering place is the birthplace of Curaçao’s famous goat burger, affectionately known as the “Williburger.” Just look for the goat-shaped grill, and you’ll find a vibrant terrace where locals and visitors come together to enjoy authentic island flavors.

At Villa ZEN Haven, art is all around you. Throughout the property you’ll find different kinds of pottery and bonsai bowls, unique artworks created by Mireya, the villa’s previous owner.

Mireya crafts concrete pottery by mixing cement, sand, and water into a smooth consistency. Sometimes, she designs patterns in the sand before pouring the mixture. She also uses fabric and wire to shape unique forms. The pots can remain in their natural concrete grey or be finished with white cement. She then perfects each piece by sanding, sealing, or painting it for a refined look.

These artworks has always been an integral part of the soul of Villa ZEN Haven, enhancing its unique atmosphere.

Villa ZEN Haven is more than just a place to unwind in nature—it is a sanctuary where purposeful growth, visionary leadership, creativity, and meaningful connection come together. Whether you’re a leader seeking clarity, a team looking to realign, or a facilitator guiding transformation, the villa offers the space and stillness to step back, refocus, and evolve.—Villa ZEN Haven invites you to create experiences that truly matter.

Set amidst lush greenery and designed to nourish both body and mind, Villa ZEN Haven provides the ideal setting for leadership retreats, strategy sessions, team offsites, and immersive programs. We welcome pioneers, creatives, and changemakers who believe in the power of an inspiring space to shape the future.

Let’s connect and explore how we can design the perfect setting for something so meaningful and impactful—together.

Whether you’re here to lead, align, innovate, learn or simply reconnect—you are welcome.