About Us

Trapiche Resort is owned by Captain Paul van Gent a retired United Airlines captain with more than 30 years experience in international aviation. Captain van Gent was born in the Netherlands and moved to the United States in 1980. He holds American and Dutch citizenship. His wife Angela van Gent is from Scotland and is an active pilot based in Miami. A Trapiche office will be established in Miami in the near future.

Captain van Gent flew for 15 years into Costa Rica before he decided to make Costa Rica his new home.

Captain van Gent started his professional career in theatre and show business in the Netherlands, where he and well-known Dutch actor and circus owner Wim Zomer owned a very successful company.

A Real Estate business in Holland and Spain and a small Air Charter company became the fruits of these early beginnings.

Both young men could have successfully retired at a young age, however it was their drive for success and accomplishment that stopped them from doing that.

Mr. van Gent flew a small twin engine airplane from Europe to the United States and started in Florida a production company producing song and dance shows for hotels, cruise lines, and other venues in Europe.

He also started a company renting out apartments in the major cities of Europe.

He continued his endeavors while he was a professional Airline Pilot.

In 1990 he joined United Airlines, where he flew the 727 through to the 777 and also the Airbus.

Mr. van Gent's background in Aviation, Entertainment and many aspects of the service industry contributed to the start of two companies in Costa Rica - Trapiche Resort-featuring Trapiche River Resort in Puente de Piedra and Trapiche Realty

Mr. van Gent's drive for perfection will make your contact with him and his companies a valuable experience.

"We should run our business like flying an airplane - use all resources available, handle all problems thoughtfully and intelligently to reach our final destination in a safe and efficient manner…"

Captain Paul van Gent