The Important Quality of Quiet Coves – Interview with Michiel Parent (PJIA)
In a series of portraits of people working on the island visitor experience – sometimes in a hidden way – today’s highlighted person is Michiel Parent, Commercial Director at Princess Juliana International Airport since January of 2024.
In his own words, Parent is in the business of “Improving our airport every single day, step by step, to create a memorable experience for our passengers and the people of Sint Maarten.” With a regional hub the size of the St. Maarten Airport, that can be quite the job at times, even with the great colleagues he has. “Every day is full of challenges. When you think you have a quiet day, something will happen. That makes every day unexpected and great fun.” An airport is a 24/7, never ending business: “After finalizing the reconstruction of our new terminal building in 2024, we didn’t stop. What used to be the Temporary Arrival Facilities is now being rebuilt as the new FBO building, for our Private Jet operators.”.
Michiel’s career centered around the crossroads of new business development and marketing. What, in the commercial director’s view, is a key strength of the dual nation destination? “Sint Maarten and St. Martin ARE the culinary capital of the Caribbean. For my current and past jobs, I have seen quite some destinations in the region. There is nothing that beats St. Maarten / St. Martin in the culinary aspect“.
Bit(e)s Of Paradise
It is a culinary diversity he enjoys personally too, when asked for his personal favorite spots for a drink. “I love a Caribbean sunset cocktail at Asian restaurant Bamboo house in Colebay or Korner restaurant in Grand Case and on that same day, I could have had a French-inspired breakfast at La Sucrière or So Benedict – two favorites. Imagine the amount of cosmopolitan tastes that go into the sentences above alone – just a sample.”
Mostly however, Parent compensates for a busy job by looking for the quaint parts of island paradise. “I love to hike, especially during weekends, to the top of St. Peters hill, to the radar.” The Natural pool by Pointe Blanche is his favorite spot on the island; Anse Marcel his favorite beach because of the tranquility of its cove. “Hiking should be on every visitor’s agenda. Take a morning hike and enjoy fantastic views of the island and all surrounding islands. That’s why I highly respect organizations like the Nature Foundation so much, because of their efforts of protecting the fragile ecosystems on island. People like former director Mr. Tadzio Bervoets deserve a lot of recognition. He is so passionate about preserving the beauty of Sint Maarten”.
Aligning with his search for natural peace in private time, for an evening out, a preference for more laid back restaurants prevails too. Big Fish in Oyster Pond, Mario’s Bistro in Cupecoy or a Sunday afternoon charcuterie board at la Samanna, his favorite spot to relax.
The Quality of Lively vs Laid Back
But tranquil, off the beaten track parts are not his only favorite side of St. Maarten – take for example the bustling Heineken Regatta. “Besides of course Carnival, it offers a great experience for visitors from around the world, both on water and land.” He also has his favorites in the lively Great Bay Area. “I got married in Divi Little Bay, the resort remaining my #1 spot for a staycation”. It is also an area with hidden historical gems for him. “Take for example the beautiful courthouse and Old Street.
The new versus the historical, the lively versus the quiet and last but not least the variety of cuisines show in Parent’s eyes a key point of attraction of the island. “We barely grasp the bandwidth of how varied the island offer is and that we are in a unique piece of paradise because of it. No matter what you’re looking for in a vacation, Sint Maarten and St. Martin can offer it.” He adds, laughingly: “That also applies to the diverse beaches and food – including food ON the beach!”
