From Plum Bay to Poker – An Interview With Ronny Karran (Mary’s Boon)
Ronny Karran is the CEO of Mary’s Boon, one of St. Maarten’s oldest hotels. In our series highlighting islanders behind the scenes of the visitor experience, today we spotlight his work, his in-the-know recommendations, and his personal preferences.
He loves the daily management of the resort. “Dealing and interacting with different people every day is great. I literally work on the beach. I have a beach-view office, and it is less than ten steps away from the sand.”
His love for Simpson Bay Beach goes beyond just the job. “The feeling of attachment, not to mention the calmness of the water.” There are other beaches he enjoys as well. “Happy Bay is private, peaceful, and quiet. On Friars Bay I love the water there, and it is a little more private than the other beaches. Plum Bay is also very private, quiet, and relaxing and my favorite spot on island for that purpose.”
Beaches are also where he made some of his fondest island memories. “Playing volleyball on the beach with some good old friends comes to mind. Those were the good old days of jokes, fun conversations, birthday parties, BBQ nights, and bonfires.”
Thrills Off the Beach
Contrary to what one might expect, Karran is not someone who simply likes to relax. “I like challenges, and I like to push myself to the limit to achieve them.” Thrill-seeking also shows up in his choice of hobbies. He laughs: “I can be very charming, even though I may come across as a bit arrogant. I like sports and going to the gym (although I have not been actively involved for a couple of years now). I also like poker (Texas Hold’em) because it is a game that puts your skills to the test—your math skills, your acting skills, your ability to read and observe people’s behavior, your social skills, and more. I keep this under the radar so I don’t give away too much about myself.”
In his professional life, his father is a major source of inspiration. “There are many reasons why—too many to write them all down.”
A Day on St. Maarten for Karran
What itineraries would he suggest for a day on the island? “For the younger crowd, the underwater museum snorkel tour is something I would recommend. For an older visitor, an island tour is a good idea. Mario’s Bistro, Le Tropicana, Bistrot Caraïbes, and La Villa Restaurant are options I like for food. A champagne at Rainbow Café makes for a great drink afterward.”
When on the other side of the island for that drink, he might even book a night at Grand Case Beach Club—“a favorite, beyond Mary’s Boon, of course.”
While on an island tour, he suggests stopping at a few locations to get a sense of the island’s history. “The Mr. Bell lookout point, Cole Bay Hill, the Great Salt Pond, Philipsburg, and the Salt Pickers Monument—with the history behind it—are all important places to stop.” For shopping, Psycho Bunny and the Tommy Hilfiger store are favorites.
If the Heineken Regatta is happening, it is a must-visit for Karran. “I have connected with so many people over the years through this event since I moved to the island. I also have a group of sailors who stay at our property, and we have become good friends over the years. They have been staying with us for more than 20 years now.”
Island Strengths
Is there anything Karran would change about his paradise by the sea? “I would say our youth needs more attention. We need to invest more time and money in their personal development.”
As a hotelier, what does he see as a key reason so many visitors keep coming back?
“The welcoming nature toward our visitors, for one—that is what earned us the nickname ‘The Friendly Island.’ We offer a piece of paradise where every visit brings a unique experience, again and again, as if you have never visited before. That is the charm and beauty of our island.” He concludes: “I love our beautiful beaches and the fresh air we breathe.”
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