Active On An Island of Relaxation – Interview With Remi Prinsen, ProPhysio Sint Maarten
In today’s Islander Highlight, the spotlight is on Remi Prinsen. He works as a physical therapist, aquatic therapist, and lifestyle coach at ProPhysio Sint Maarten. “We have two locations on the island, in Cole Bay and Philipsburg. Our clinic specializes in physical therapy, manual therapy, aquatic therapy and lifestyle coaching.”
Familiar with the island for around 15 years, his love for it, especially for its people, only grown stronger. “What drives me is helping people move more freely again and feel better in their own bodies. Lifestyle often plays a big role in that, and it’s great to see how small changes can make a big difference.”
“Our therapists see a wide range of people: locals, tourists and yacht crew at any stage of life. We help people facing many different challenges, such as injuries, persistent complaints, pre- and post-surgery recovery, or lifestyle-related factors. At our Cole Bay location we also offer aquatic therapy when needed. The contact with people and the appreciation you sometimes receive never gets old. St. Maarten is such a cultural melting pot, which makes every interaction interesting. No two days are the same, and that keeps things fun.”
Regarding visitors, he adds:” For tourists in particular, it’s nice that the waiting lines are usually short and we’re always willing to schedule an appointment around their time of preference, so they can still enjoy their stay on the island while getting the care they need.”
Island Life: Remi Outside Work
He is a “doer” outside of work too. “You can find me once in a while on the athletic track as part of the free “Start to Walk / Run” program, where I enjoy helping people get active and improve their fitness in a fun and accessible way. Next to that, I really enjoy working with my hands and creating things. That can be anything from building or fixing something to painting small artworks. It’s a bit of an escape for me. Once I start, I can completely disappear into it for hours.”
Where does an active person like him relax? “SXM has quite a few hidden gems, but if I have to give one away, it would be the picnic table near the horse ranch. Especially at sunset it becomes a magical place. Add a small glass of red wine and life suddenly feels pretty perfect.”
Is that “in-the-know” spot also his favorite sandy shore? “My favorite beach changes every now and then, but at the moment it’s definitely Baie Rouge. It’s usually not too crowded, which is a big plus. It’s a great spot to have a BBQ with friends or just to clear your head and enjoy the sound of the ocean. And the sunsets there? Absolutely worth staying for. For me, the beach is the ultimate place to unwind. Just staring at the horizon and listening to the waves can be very therapeutic.”
Restaurant-wise, he has a soft spot for Indian cuisine. “If the fridge is empty and my motivation to cook has mysteriously disappeared that day, I usually head straight to Shiv Shakti. The food is consistently good, and that reliability is sometimes exactly what you need.”
For a drink, he tends to stay around the Simpson Bay Lagoon, not far from where his business is located. “Besides water, you’ll usually make me happy with a cold beer. But every now and then a margarita with salt on the rim definitely hits the spot as well. On Fridays, Buccaneer Beach Bar or Lagoonies Bistro & Bar are often the place to be.”
Sint Maarten’s famous shopping scene is not something he explores to the fullest. “There’s really only one shop I regularly visit, and that’s Verso. It’s the perfect place to find a light Caribbean shirt at a reasonable price.”
Where would he, as an insider, advise visitors to go? “I would spend a few days in Grand Case. It has a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and fantastic food. Watching planes land at Maho Beach is of course a famous tourist attraction. But if you prefer a bit more peace and adventure, I would definitely recommend doing one of the island’s beautiful hikes to really unwind.”
“The Wilderness hike is one of my favorites. It’s a very diverse trail: you walk through green vegetation, pass a beautiful coral-like beach, climb hills with amazing views, and even scramble over large rocks before reaching the beach again.”
Deeper Island Layers: The People
What lies beneath the surface of the beautiful scenery that makes the island such a great place for Remi? “SXM is so much more than beaches, resorts, restaurants, and traffic jams. The island has a rich culture, a strong community, incredible resilience, and beautiful natural areas.”
“Take the incredible mix of cultures. On such a small island you’ll find so many different backgrounds, languages, and traditions living side by side. That diversity is what makes the island truly unique.”
He adds: “Next to culture, you also have history. Fort Amsterdam and Fort Louis are great places to get a real sense of the island’s past. The walk up can be short but a bit steep, but the views at the top make it absolutely worth the effort.”
The mix of people and cultures surfaces once more when asked about his favorite events. “March and April are packed with great events like the St Maarten Heineken Regatta, the SXM Festival, and of course Carnival. I always try to drop by at least one day to soak up the atmosphere.”
Which islander deserves more attention and why? “The people in general are one of the island’s greatest strengths. Their warmth, friendliness, and strong sense of community make it very easy to feel at home here. Many people contribute to making the island a better, healthier, and more beautiful place.”
“But I would especially like to highlight caregivers. Many people who need help are lovingly supported by partners, family members, or friends. That kind of dedication is often unconditional, but it can also be demanding. It definitely deserves more recognition.”
In turn, it motivates him. “My inspiration comes from people who work with passion and dedicate themselves to helping others live healthier and happier lives. That kind of commitment is something I really admire and try to reflect in my own work.”
Concluding, it is the people who make the island tick for Remi. “The best island memories are often the simple ones. A relaxed beach day with friends, for example. But also the connections with patients. Knowing you can make a difference in someone’s life, sometimes even a life-changing one, is incredibly rewarding.
