An Island Expert’s Eye: An Interview with David Hoffmann
David Hoffmann is a prominent American travel film maker, entrepreneur, and the creator of David’s Been Here. He has visited over 100 countries and 1,300 destinations, producing more than 2,000 travel episodes that focus heavily on gastronomy, history, and independent travel. His professional achievements include being named one of the Top 10 Best Travel Videographers by USA Today and winning a Travel Video Alliance Award for Best Culinary Series. His YouTube channel has 1 million subscribers.
The “Here” in David’s Been Here now includes St. Maarten / St. Martin. Culinary influencer Hoffmann sampled the many tastes of the island during the weekend of and the week right after the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.
That gave him a good sample of island events. “The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is a huge one; the energy is amazing. And I’ve heard Carnival is incredible too. It is definitely something I’d love to experience.”
The constant discovery of new events and horizons is what makes being an influencer a never-ending but fun story. Hoffmann says, “My work allows me to explore the world while constantly learning. Every trip shapes me in some way; it makes me more knowledgeable, more open-minded, and honestly, a bit wiser each time.”
Clearly, Visit St. Maarten / St. Martin is curious for a snapshot of the culinary hotspots that followed. “For the mornings, Zee Best is such a gem. It’s the perfect place for a true French-style breakfast, and it just has that authentic, laid-back island feel.”
And in the evenings? “There are so many, but I’d definitely say Ocean 82; the food there was incredible. Also, KKO Beach is fantastic. And honestly, you can’t come here without trying the Lolos. That’s where you get the real, authentic local street food experience.”
Regarding drinks, he explored the most celebrated type of Caribbean spirit: rum. “I loved trying Oualichi Rum. It’s local and really represents the island. Grabbing a drink like that at a beach bar is the perfect way to experience St. Maarten.”
What is a factor making the cuisines, and by extension the island of St. Maarten / St. Martin, interesting for a well-traveled person like Hoffmann? “It’s the diversity. St. Maarten / St. Martin is a true melting pot. You hear multiple languages everywhere: English, French, Spanish, and Dutch. People from all over the Caribbean and beyond come together here, and that mix of cultures is what makes the island so special. People should understand that it really feels like two islands in one. The Dutch side is more lively, energetic, and diverse in terms of food and culture. Then you go to the French side, and it’s more relaxed, quieter, and very French in identity, from the cuisine to the overall vibe. That contrast is what makes the island so unique.”
He summarizes: “A true discovery is how diverse and beautiful St. Maarten is, not just in scenery, but in culture. I love that you’re in a European-influenced destination right in the Caribbean. It’s such a unique blend. The culture, the food, and the people all come together in a way that feels really special. I genuinely enjoyed every moment there, as well as how easy it is to explore nearby islands like Anguilla, Saint Barthélemy, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, which are all within reach.”
Island Experiences
Beyond the cuisines, what stuck with him as island experiences? “One of my favorite activities is simply connecting with the people, having conversations, and really feeling the culture. Of course, seeing the planes fly over Maho Beach is unforgettable. Watching planes land right over you is such a unique experience. Hanging out at Sunset Bar and Grill makes it even better.”
From there, you could have seen David fly by: “I also loved hopping between islands, flying to Sint Eustatius and Saba and taking ferries around. That whole experience of moving between islands was incredible.”
He adds: “Getting out on the water is a must-do, no question. Take a catamaran, sail around the island, and really experience St. Maarten from the sea. That’s where the island truly comes alive. I’d also say visit both main forts: Fort Amsterdam and Fort Louis. They give you real insight into the island’s history. And crossing between the Dutch and French sides is a unique experience in itself. To celebrate the binationality, I’d recommend checking out the Flag Store. It’s a cool, unique spot that stands out from the typical shops on the island.”
Coming Back with the Kids
Which beach did he like best? “For me, it’s Orient Bay Beach. It’s absolutely beautiful. The beach is wide, vibrant, and just has that perfect Caribbean energy. You get great water, great food nearby, and an amazing atmosphere. It is a perfect place to unwind.”
He would return here combining his two passions: his family and the drive to educate and discover. “I’m a single father of two, and that’s a huge part of who I am. In turn, my father is someone I’ve always looked up to and who has had a big influence on who I am today. Raising kids ideally intertwines with my deep passion to explore and share the world. My goal is to educate people about different cultures in a positive way, and I truly believe the best way to do that is through food, because cuisine is what connects all of us. I’d go to Oyster Bay Beach Resort, especially with my kids and for exploration. It’s a bit removed from the busy areas, so it’s peaceful, and from there you can still explore the whole island easily.”
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