About Us
Our Story: Where Heritage Meets Hospitality
Welcome to House of Mosaic Aruba, where history, art, and the spirit of celebration converge to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This is not simply a boutique hotel or an event venue—it is a sanctuary of story, beauty, and intentional design.
A Legacy of Distinction
The journey began on August 1st, 2004, when House of Mosaic first opened its doors. Located in the heart of Eagle, Oranjestad, this storied land was once part of the Arend Petroleum Maatschappij (Royal Shell Group), a site critical to the Allied efforts during WWII. Owner Fernando Mansur grew up with tales of submarines and survival—his own mother, Marjorie Henriquez-Mansur, once witnessed a German U-boat silently retreat from Aruban shores, sparing the island she loved. The directors of the 'Arend,' hailing from England and Scotland, are great uncles of Fernando (from his mother's side).
Fernando's heritage further deepened when Marjorie married 'John' Jean Joseph Michel Mansur, a distinguished insurance broker of Lebanese descent. Their union, coupled with the acquisition of one of the directors' homes, set the stage for Fernando's creative journey.
This foundation of resilience and cultural richness set the tone for what would become Fernando’s lifelong pursuit: curating experiences that connect people to place, history, and each other.
Fernando's heritage further deepened when Marjorie married 'John' Jean Joseph Michel Mansur, a distinguished insurance broker of Lebanese descent. Their union, coupled with the acquisition of one of the directors' homes, set the stage for Fernando's creative journey.
This foundation of resilience and cultural richness set the tone for what would become Fernando’s lifelong pursuit: curating experiences that connect people to place, history, and each other.
The Birth of a Dream
It all started with a call in the early 2000s from Fernando's best friend, the late haute couturier Percy Irausquin—Aruba’s very own fashion prodigy, fresh off winning the prestigious Frans Molenaar award in the Netherlands. He said, “Fernando, I want to host my first show in Aruba… and I want it to be in your home.”
Fernando blinked. Paused. And then said the only thing that made sense: Let’s do it.
Together with a dream team of dear friends—Roosje van Hoop, Maria Teresa Madariaga, Nancy Maya, and the legendary Le Dôme trio (Luc Van Eetvelde, Werner Vennen, and Peter Balliere) curating the F&B—they transformed the home into a runway. Models in couture, wine flowing like water, laughter spilling into the night. The press famously quipped:
“In Fernando’s house, wine flows through the water pipes—not water.”
They turned the home into the most fabulous runway Aruba had ever seen. That night didn’t just shake the island—it gave birth to the soul of House of Mosaic. What began as a one-night spectacle became Fernando's calling. Years later, he transformed that same home into the boutique hotel and art gallery it is today: intimate, layered, unapologetically lush.
But the soul? That began with Percy.
Fernando blinked. Paused. And then said the only thing that made sense: Let’s do it.
Together with a dream team of dear friends—Roosje van Hoop, Maria Teresa Madariaga, Nancy Maya, and the legendary Le Dôme trio (Luc Van Eetvelde, Werner Vennen, and Peter Balliere) curating the F&B—they transformed the home into a runway. Models in couture, wine flowing like water, laughter spilling into the night. The press famously quipped:
“In Fernando’s house, wine flows through the water pipes—not water.”
They turned the home into the most fabulous runway Aruba had ever seen. That night didn’t just shake the island—it gave birth to the soul of House of Mosaic. What began as a one-night spectacle became Fernando's calling. Years later, he transformed that same home into the boutique hotel and art gallery it is today: intimate, layered, unapologetically lush.
But the soul? That began with Percy.
Ritual, Story & Soul
Fernando Mansur prepares House of Mosaic like a sacred stage. Guests may not see it, but every so often, when the space is empty, he performs energy cleansings — barefoot in white Indian kurta pyjamas, with white sage, palo santo, a Tibetan singing bowl, Tibetan bell, and the chant of monks echoing from the rooms all the way to the gardens.
The result? Guests often say the same thing:
“There’s something about this place. It just feels… peaceful.”
From curated antiques, like the Opium Bed from 1890 and Venetian mirrors to incense and candles, every detail at House of Mosaic is selected with reverence. This is not just a place to stay or celebrate—it’s a living art piece.
The result? Guests often say the same thing:
“There’s something about this place. It just feels… peaceful.”
From curated antiques, like the Opium Bed from 1890 and Venetian mirrors to incense and candles, every detail at House of Mosaic is selected with reverence. This is not just a place to stay or celebrate—it’s a living art piece.
Living Mosaic |
Today, House of Mosaic Aruba stands as a living altar to culture, beauty, and connection. Every stone, scent, and story contributes to a greater whole—a boutique hotel and art gallery where events become memories, where heritage meets high design, and love, in all its forms, continues to thrive.
Experience House of Mosaic
To enter House of Mosaic is to cross a threshold—from the everyday into the extraordinary. Here, the past is reimagined, cultures converge, and every curated detail tells a story. Whether you're staying the night or celebrating a milestone, each moment becomes a chapter in the ever-evolving mosaic of life.