[5] Spaanse Water is a natural harbour and lagoon located to the east of Willemstad.

In 1703, Fort Beekenburg was constructed on the Caracas Bay to protect the natural harbour and the back route to Willemstad.

[7] The fort was built by Nicolaas van Beek who at the time served as Director of Curaçao.

The plantation was subsequently resold to John Godden in May 1875 who started a large scale phosphate mine on the terrain.

The resorts Nieuwpoort,[4] Jan Thiel, and Santa Barbara Beach & Golf were established for the tourists.