The Cunucu Estate & Well Since  1807

Gasparito Estate stands as a living reminder of Aruba’s deep cultural roots and the families who shaped the island’s earliest communities. At the heart of the estate stands one of Aruba’s oldest cunucu houses, lovingly built in 1807 by the Tromp family. Each limestone rock was carefully shaped and placed by hand, bonded with mud made from the island’s own earth to form walls nearly sixteen inches thick. Built in the traditional cunucu style found only in the ABC islands, these homes were designed to withstand the island’s intense heat while remaining naturally cool and comfortable in the Caribbean trade winds.

At the side of the original house, the Tromp family hand-carved a well deep into the island’s limestone ground. Its fresh water quickly became a lifeline, not only for their household but also for the surrounding community. The well’s water rises and falls in quiet harmony with the nearby sea, a rare natural phenomenon that has continued for more than two centuries. From this precious source of water, the entire district came to be known as Gasparito. Etched in stone, the year 1807 marks the beginning of a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and community that still echoes through the estate today.

THE RESTAURANT & ART GALLERY   Since 1989

Nearly two centuries later, in 1989, a second cunucu-style house was built beside the original home, giving new life to the historic estate. Designed as Gasparito Restaurant & Art Gallery, it became a place where Aruba’s traditions could be celebrated through food, art, and storytelling. The well that once sustained the original home was even used to help construct the new building, symbolically connecting the island’s past with its present. 

Founded by hospitality pioneers Joyce Bartels Daal and Gladys Croes, the restaurant was created with a clear vision: to showcase authentic Aruban cuisine in a setting that celebrated local art and culture. What began as a small dining experience for about twenty guests soon became known for its traditional dishes. The walls displayed paintings by local artists, transforming the restaurant into a gallery where creativity and heritage could meet and diners could purchase art.

 Over the years, Gasparito continued to evolve while staying deeply connected to the island’s cultural spirit. Today, guests can still wander through the gallery, discover vintage pieces, and enjoy the nostalgic charm of the art and even an iconic 1989 Wurlitzer jukebox. 

 A NEW CHARTER  The Story of Jacky & Maarten

In 2024, Gasparito Estate entered a new chapter when passionate hosts Jacky and Maarten took over the historic property. After six years working in the restaurant industries of Dubai, Barcelona, and the Netherlands, Maarten, a Dutch-native, moved to Aruba in 2016 with a vintage 1970s Volkswagen van named LOLA, which he restored with his father. What began as a small mobile concept serving smoothies, cocktails, and finger food quickly became known across the island as The Little One, appearing at beach parties, weddings, and events. 

Around that time, Maarten met Jacky, a talented Aruban chef whose passion for food and culture matched his love for events. What started as a conversation about vintage Volkswagen paint colors grew into both a romance and a creative partnership. Together they created unique experiences across Aruba, combining Jacky’s culinary creativity with Maarten’s event expertise. The couple began transforming their ideas into unique experiences adding vintage cocktail bars, photo booths, and music experiences. 

When the opportunity arose to take over Gasparito Estate, they saw the chance to preserve a piece of Aruba’s heritage. They carefully restored the 1807 cunucu house and the 1989 restaurant, revitalizing the property while maintaining its original artifacts and authentic charm.

 Today, Gasparito Aruban Estate is a distinctive destination for celebrations, while still offering intimate spaces for dinners, cocktail parties, and special gatherings. The property can host 20 up to 500 guests and is only a 5-minute drive from the high-rise area in Palm Beach.

 For Jacky and Maarten, Gasparito is more than a venue, it’s a place where Aruba’s history, culture, and celebrations live on, and every event becomes part of the next chapter.