About Love For Designing Dishes, Dreams & Driving Fast
Interview with Nathalie Schoenher (Rendez Vous Restaurant)
In today’s interview with people making the St. Maarten tourism industry thrive, Nathalie Schoenher of Rendez Vous restaurant in Porto Cupecoy is invited to share her inside views of running a well-known restaurant and her favorite spots on the island.
Nathalie has a long-standing history in the hospitality industry, closing in on half a century. “I began my career with Flunch before completing management training at Disney Florida and joining the Euro Disney opening team. I then spent 15 years at La Samanna perfecting luxury hospitality before opening my own business, Rendez Vous Lounge, which I’ve proudly operated for the past 15 years.”
As is commonly known about the line of work she chose back in the 1980s, it is an intense and “24/7” one. But a continuous drive to serve helps her. “I’m driven by a passion for great service, teamwork, and creating memorable guest experiences. The great fun in my work comes from creating — whether it’s designing a new special event or developing new dishes. I love bringing fresh ideas to life and seeing guests enjoy something unique that started from a simple spark of inspiration.”
But challenges are always in play. Take founding Rendez Vous: “Like life, it’s been a roller coaster — from hurricanes to COVID, inflation, and the energy crisis. Through it all, our Rendez Vous team has shown incredible resilience, staying strong, positive, and committed to serving our guests with passion and consistency.”
She has worked with various famed chefs throughout her long career. It is not necessarily hospitality celebrities only who inspire her on this arduous journey. “My role model is Simone Veil. She was a Holocaust survivor who dedicated her life to rebuilding Europe and promoting unity. As the first woman to serve as President of the European Parliament, she was a pioneer who fought tirelessly for women’s rights, equality, and freedom. Her strength, courage, and vision continue to inspire me deeply.”
A Chef’s Culinary Route in Private Time
Why does St. Maarten / St. Martin attract people the way it does, according to this well-versed expert? “I’m half French and half German, and I love the duality of the island — two countries sharing one island. The island is a melting pot of different nationalities, all living in harmony with the same goal: welcoming tourists to this beautiful island. Tourism is our lifeblood, and it’s what sustains our community. It’s a place where I truly feel at home, truly having it all — stunning beaches, a reputation as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean, vibrant nightlife with bars and casinos, and a wide range of amazing aquatic activities.”
Be it her own “French side” or her love for the above features, the Dutch-side culinary expert can be found mostly on the French side in her time off. “My favorite spot on St. Maarten / St. Martin is Mezzaluna Restaurant. Like us, they’ve shown great resilience—facing the same challenges, including security issues, yet always remaining warm and welcoming. I feel right at home there. Whenever I need to host an event, they’re the first place that comes to mind. The food is consistently good, the staff is friendly, and you can even dine with your feet in the sand by the beach. From the road it might not look like much, but once you step inside, it’s a truly special place. I would also recommend Villa Hibiscus at Mont Vernon for a gourmet trip that will truly delight your senses.”
Her best memories on the island were also made on the French side, at The Dreams Restaurant on Nettle Bay, which closed in 2017. “I have so many wonderful memories there — great food, a fantastic ambiance, and a beautiful beach setup. Even though the beach itself wasn’t the best, the atmosphere made it a truly special place.”
When asked for her favorite shop, all once more centers around food. “I’m not much of a shopper; I’m definitely more of a foodie! The only shop I’d recommend is Bacchus, a true paradise for gourmet lovers. Luckily, I’m quite sporty, so I manage to keep my figure despite my love for good food. When I was younger and got some pocket money, my family would tell me to go buy a dress — but I’d always come back with foie gras or some other gourmet treat instead.”
For a late drink, she would cross the border once more. “I’m not much of a liquor drinker — I prefer a good glass of wine. I particularly enjoy going to Kalipso Bar at Porto Cupecoy, where I can relax on a sofa under the stars with a nice glass of wine. If I need to make an exception, I’ll go for a Ti’ Punch made with a nice rum — a simple yet perfectly satisfying Caribbean choice.”
Hotels of Choice
Be it within a mile of Dutch-side Porto Cupecoy, her favorite hotel is right across the border. “My favorite spot on the island remains my old employer La Samanna Hotel. There are few places in the world where you can be alone on a beach with no construction around, no obstruction to the sea view, and no light or noise pollution. Nestled in the residential area of Lowlands, it’s a serene escape where you can fully enjoy the natural beauty and the stars above.”
“I also love staying at ‘Au Temps des Cerises’ on Grand Case Beach — a charming boutique hotel with only a few rooms, so you need to book in advance. Every room faces the ocean with glass balconies, and at night, it feels like being on a boat. You can admire the sea and lose yourself as the horizon blends with a sky full of stars. The restaurant offers excellent food, and if you want a change, you’re just steps away from many great restaurants in Grand Case. I would have loved to ‘staycation’ at some Dutch-side hotels, but most don’t accept pets. Since I spend so much of my life at Rendez Vous Lounge, when I take a break, I just want to enjoy time with my friends — and my little furry friend.”
Activity Advice
Apart from its gastronomical must-visits, what activities would Nathalie recommend? “My favorite beach is Mullet Bay — even though it’s getting busier these days. When I want some peace, I swim on the right side of the beach. And when the sea is rough, I just enjoy the show. I learned a long time ago that Mother Nature is always stronger than man.”
On land, there are additional recommendations. “If you’re tired of the beach but still want to swim, I highly recommend Loterie Farm. You can swim in a beautiful pool surrounded by lush vegetation, and if your stomach calls, you can enjoy a meal there as well. For the more adventurous, there’s hiking or even a zip-line adventure. If you don’t want to swim but are looking for a thrilling ride with amazing views of St. Maarten and St. Martin, the Rainforest Adventure on the Dutch side is a must.”
There is also fun to be had without any cost (but possibly for a self-brought picnic): “Emilio Wilson Park is the best historic spot on the island — a beautiful public park that’s perfect for enjoying history and relaxing in a lovely setting.”
When on the island in early March, she adds more advice: “My favorite yearly event is the Heineken Regatta. It’s beautiful to watch the ballet of sailboats gliding past Cupecoy Beach — truly a spectacular sight.”
Special Sides to Nathalie
Apart from her large culinary career, furry friends, and favorite island hideouts, what more should people know about Nathalie? “My favorite spot to relax is actually Saba. When life gets too busy and I start to lose myself, I go there to reconnect with the cosmos and return to the basics with humility. I need that bond with nature — a place away from civilization where I can trade my phone for a good book. And if I can’t make it to Saba, I’ll hike up to Pic Paradis to find the same sense of peace and grounding.”
Brace — the polite restaurateur has a wilder side too. “A surprising side most people don’t know about me is that I’ve always loved the thrill of speed and freedom. In my younger years, I rode motorcycles and drove collectible cars, often attending dragster shows and car events. One of my car engines was even modified to run on nitro. However, I always drove on proper circuits — in France or in Titusville, USA. I think we’re missing a circuit in St. Martin; it would help keep young people off the roads where they endanger themselves and others, giving them a safe space to express their passion. The French would say ‘Il faut que la jeunesse se fasse’ — youth must have its way. I also enjoyed skydiving and flying Cessna planes in Florida — adventures that now belong to my youth, but still remind me of my enduring love for excitement and discovery.”.
