Country Estate Groot Marienbosch
Country Estate Landgoed Groot Marienbosch, 823 hectares, is situated in Commewijne, 30 minutes from Paramaribo, Surinam. It is an old cacao, orange plantation with a traditional country house, which was built in 1749. Many animals can be found on the plantation, like monkeys, special birds and many butterflies’. On this country estate sustainable tourism, wellness is combined with ” green” development. Agriculture that is suitable on the partly salty ground of the country estate. University of Wageningen but also islands like Texel in the Netherlands have experience in growing “green” on salty ground. Large-scale forestry is not possible. 100%Zomer was the entrepreneur; co-founder, co-owner and statutory director.
When: June 2007- December 2010
Who: Cor Denneman Forest Returns BV and Marije van Zomeren 100% Zomer BV were co-founders, co-owners and statutory directors of country estate “Groot Marienbosch”. Several Dutch and Surinamese investors have stepped in between 2008 and 2010.
Why: the timing was right in Surinam. 100% Zomer worked in Surinam tourism since 2005. The market was growing and there was a need for more sustainable, upmarket, creative tourism concepts. The availability of the plantation was unique. We found this land through the network and the good reputation of 100% Zomer in Surinam.
Result:
We succeeded to develop an integrated sustainable tourism business and investment product. We transformed the plantation from an empty wasteland into a calm place to spend a holiday close to Paramaribo.
