Hospitality at Heart: An Interview with Candice Cancino (Sapphire Beach Club Resort)
In a series of interviews with island professionals dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience of St. Maarten / St. Martin, today’s guest is Candice Cancino of Sapphire Beach Club, the largest resort in Cupecoy on the Dutch side of the island.
Candice views her hotel not just as a place to stay, but as a crossroads where people meet. “Working at Sapphire Beach Resort is wonderful, as it means discovering new friends from around the world.” She believes it’s the hotel’s role to make those meetings memorable.
“What motivates me is the opportunity to bring people together—transforming hotels into places where comfort, culture, and exceptional service converge. My work, as with any hotelier, is fueled by a desire to exceed expectations and leave a lasting positive impression on everyone who walks through our doors.”
Her passion for exceptional guest experiences and meaningful hospitality was influenced by Horst Schulze, co-founder and former president of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
“I hold a strong belief that hospitality is about genuine connection, commitment, attention to detail, and a drive to make every guest feel valued.”
Charmed by Cupecoy
Though Candice has worked at various hotels on and off the island, she fell in love with Cupecoy and considers it a must-visit destination for several reasons.
To start, there’s the namesake beach:
“Cupecoy Beach ranks high among the island beaches. It’s less crowded than many others and offers a chance to see sea turtles!”
She also praises the local food and drinks scene:
“Sunflower Bar (formerly BB’s Bar) in Jordan Village is a fantastic spot. Follow it up with a Danny’s Rum Punch in Cupecoy or an Aperol Spritz at Kalipso. By then, you’re already in the vibrant, Tuscany-inspired Porto Cupecoy, perfect for a dinner with a view!”
But Cupecoy isn’t all there is. When away from Sapphire Beach Resort, Candice enjoys exploring the island’s rich variety:
“For me, the island’s strengths are its diverse food options, weather, beaches, and a close-knit community of friends. Exploring all of these—ideally at once—offers endless enjoyment.”
Her favorite spots vary by mood and season:
“Pardon My French is a great new restaurant. I also frequent D’s Beach Bar. For a secluded getaway, the lush cove of Anse Marcel is ideal. When the weather, beach, and swimming align, I love the Floating Bar in Grand Case.”
She also enjoys shopping at her favorite outlet, Original x Vybz in Hope Estate. But island life isn’t just relaxation:
“In spring, you can find me at both Carnival and SXM Festival—I love house music.”
Route Recommendations
When asked for visitor must-do activities beyond Cupecoy, Candice had plenty to share:
“A boat charter adds a whole new dimension to your holiday. Include Maho Beach if you can, seeing the planes land and depart is an iconic experience. If your itinerary doesn’t include it, go by land. Tintamarre Island, on the opposite side in the Atlantic, is another unique and relatively untouched spot. Ask your captain to anchor there. Its beautiful beaches and historical ruins make for a memorable excursion.”
For history lovers:
“Wander around Downtown Philipsburg. Not widely known but historically important are the fish markets—you can get fresh, local catches that are very budget-friendly.”
A Personal Touch
The interview concludes where it began—with Candice’s hospitality wisdom:
“As a wine enthusiast, I hold a WSET Level 2 Certification. It’s where wine appreciation starts feeling like a little adventure rather than just memorizing grape names. You taste over 30 wines and begin to identify flavors, aromas, and styles systematically. It’s like learning the secret language of wine. Suddenly, you can distinguish a Sauvignon Blanc from a Sancerre without squinting at the label.”
Candice Cancino’s philosophy is simple yet profound: hospitality is about connection, discovery, and leaving a lasting impression—whether through a perfectly crafted guest experience or a shared glass of wine.
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