WILLEMSTAD - For the first time, members and staff of the Curaçao Parliament visited the Hòfi Mango nature park in Santa Cruz. During this visit, Jandino Asporaat and his team guided the group to explore the beauty and plans of the park, including a restaurant, wellness facilities, a museum, a shop, and, as a first for Curaçao, a zipline.
The tour began at the Molina di Suku, built in 1707. Like other buildings on the premises, this mill has been restored to preserve historical features of significant moments in Curaçao's history.
Hòfi Mango opened its doors to the public in September 2022 and has since partnered with the Institute for Professional Excellence (IPE) to launch a gardening course.
A notable collaboration has also started with Bart Siemerink, who was part of the management team at Keukenhof, the internationally renowned flower park. Efforts have been made in water management by renovating a dam and a watercourse through the park.
Enjoyment
At the Muraya di Libertat, Asporaat urged the parliament members and staff to leave behind all burdens or negativity and enter the Mango forest section to enjoy the fresh air that inspires creative ideas for the community's well-being. Here, they were surprised with classical music and a natural "Sound Healing" experience.
The tour concluded atop Kenjiro hill with a magnificent view of the park and art by Giovanni Abath, known as the 'Man of God.' The parliament's meeting concluded with a mango and rum cocktail in the future restaurant led by Master Chef Balentina, born in Curaçao and well-known in Europe.
Since its opening in September 2022, Hòfi Mango has welcomed over 30,000 visitors, both Curaçaoans and tourists, combining elements of Curaçao's history with the promise of Curaçao's future.
