Kim & Ray Bongers: The Heartbeat of Tommy Coconut
When you pick up a seashell, you hear the ocean. When you meet Kim and Ray, you feel the spirit of Curaçao. Over two decades ago, this dynamic duo first stepped onto this Caribbean gem and were instantly captivated. It wasn't just the palm-fringed beaches or the azure waters, but the vibrant culture, the friendly locals, and the rhythmic island life that resonated deeply within them.
Since relocating in 2007, Curaçao hasn’t just been a home, but a canvas where they’ve painted their dreams. Amidst the swaying palm trees is where their son Boy and their daughter Raymonde were raised, imprinting their footsteps in the sands of the island.
With a rich background in property development, Ray spent over a decade collaborating with his father on various projects, which included the construction of numerous villas and over 125 magnificent apartments across the island, including:
Masbango Bech Resort
Residencia Terrace a La Mer
Spanish Water Residence & Marina
Residencia Tropicana
Residence Le Bleu
And many others...
However, as their nest began to feel emptier with their children pursuing their passions in hospitality, Kim and Ray embarked on a new journey. What began as an endeavor to share their cherished home with travelers soon blossomed into a full-fledged venture: Tommy Coconut Vacation Home Rentals.
Their love for family, their passion for Curaçao, and their knack for hospitality seamlessly blend together at Tommy Coconut, offering a slice of their paradise to every guest. And in their own words, "The grass is always greener under a coconut tree." Welcome to their dream. Welcome to Tommy Coconut.
Meet the rest of Your Tommy Coconut Family in Curacao
Nickname: Little Boss
Role in the Tommy Coconut Family Business: Charismatic Host, Manager of the Vintage Jeep Fleet and Operations.
Background: Boy, was born in Holland and raised in Spain and Curaçao. He always had a sense of adventure and a passion for hospitality. Boy's journey with the Tommy Coconut Family Business began when he finished his studies of Hotel & Event management at Tio in the Netherlands. It was during this time that he met his girlfriend, Britt, and together they embarked on an exciting adventure to Curacao.
Name: Queen of Clean
Role in the Tommy Coconut Family Business: Stylist, Cleanliness Supervisor, and Supportive Mother
Background: Kim is an integral member of the Tommy Coconut Family, known for her nurturing and supportive presence. She was born in Holland and met Ray, her husband, when they were just sixteen years old. Their journey together led them from their homeland to the beautiful island of Curacao, where they have built their life and business for the past two decades.
Nickname: Monde
Role in the Tommy Coconut Family Business: Guest Experience Manager, Social Media & Marketing Specialist
Background: Raymonde, a stunning young woman with a passion for the finer details in life, is an essential member of the Tommy Coconut family. Born into a family that prioritizes hospitality and service, she has always been surrounded by a culture of excellence. Her journey into the family business began in the Netherlands, where she pursued her studies in hospitality management at Hotel School Den Hague.
Nickname: Mr. Tommy
Role in the Tommy Coconut Family Business: Visionary Leader, Problem Solver, Mentor and Guide.
Background: Ray was born and raised in Holland where he started the beginning of his entrepreneurial life at the age of 16. His first business was making video recordings of weddings and this is also how he met Kim, making a recording of the wedding of her brother. That's probably why to the date of today he still claims this was the best business of his life. His entrepreneurial spirit and desire for a better life led him to relocate to Marbella in the southern of Spain and after about 5 years they moved to the picturesque island of Curacao, located in the Dutch Caribbean.
Nickname: Office Daddy
Role in the Tommy Coconut Family Business: Bookings manager, Bookkeeper and Assistant to Boy
Background: Britt is a young and vibrant member of the Tommy Coconut Family, bringing her own unique energy and skills to the business. Originally from the Netherlands, Britt's journey into the world of Tommy Coconut began when she fell in love with Boy during their time studying in the Netherlands. Her decision to move with him to Curacao marked the beginning of her adventure with the family business.
Nickname: TDrama
Role in the Tommy Coconut Family Business: Technical Guru, Housekeeping Manager & Boy's best friend,
Background: TCam is a close friend of Boy and an integral part of the Tommy Coconut Family. He's known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, and unwavering enthusiasm. TCam hails from Holland, where he has family, including his father, mother, and sister. His journey with the Tommy Coconut Family began during their time studying hospitality together in Holland when he became friends with Boy.
Nickname: MacGyver
Role in the Tommy Coconut Family Business: Maintenance wizard
Background: Hailing from Medellín, Colombia, Juan Carlos has been an invaluable member of the Tommy Coconut Family for 14 years. His diverse background and resourcefulness make him the ultimate problem solver.
Nickname: Buengiorno
Role in the Tommy Coconut Family Business: Lady Gaga's role in the family is that of "Chatterbox."
Background: Lady Gaga is the charming and talkative parrot who has found her forever home with the Tommy Coconut Family. Raymonde and Kim discovered Lady Gaga when she was just a little baby parrot with a few feathers. Her insistent and adorable "gaga gaga" sounds melted their hearts, and they knew they had to bring her into their family. Boy and Ray took on the role of nurturing parents, feeding her with a tiny spoon during her early days.
Nickname: Diva
Role in the Tommy Coconut Family Business: Beloved Family Member and Tour Guide Extraordinaire
Background: Christmas, fondly nicknamed "Diva," is not your ordinary dachshund. She's the heart and soul of the Tommy Coconut Family and Business, bringing a dose of enthusiasm and adventure to the family's island life. With a background as colorful as her personality, Christmas has a unique story to tell.
Nickname: Wolfy
Role in the Tommy Coconut Family Business: Beloved Family Member and Tour Guide Extraordinaire #2
Background: Wolfy is a former street dog who found a loving home with the Tommy Coconut family. Although his past may have been uncertain, his life took a positive turn when he was adopted by the family. Wolfy's exact breed and background remain a mystery, but his lovable and adventurous spirit shine brightly in his role as an unexpected but cherished member of the Tommy Coconut family.
Nickname: Happydepeppie
Role in the Tommy Coconut Family Business: Beloved Family Member and Tour Guide Extraordinaire in training.
Background: Happy is the youngest and most joyful addition to the Tommy Coconut Family. He began his journey as a street dog in the neighborhood where the Tommy Coconut Family resides. His cheerful presence caught the attention of Boy and Britt, who couldn't resist his wagging tail and friendly demeanor. Determined to provide him with a loving home, they decided to welcome Happy into their lives.