How a “Hotelier on Holidays” became a “Bartending Bastard”
In todays highlight of people making St. Maarten tourism tick, Marcel Berube of Big Bastards Beach Bar is the host of choice for an in-depth interview. Though the beach club has quickly earned a name for itself amongst visitors of the mostly sunny and bustling Boardwalk of capital Philipsburg, Berube comes from colder backgrounds. “Hailing from New Brunswick, Canada, I always considered myself a quirky easy going person who really sees life looking forward, and can never change the past.”
That does not mean he would do everything the same as he did during the first time he visited St. Maarten fourteen years ago. “After a night of frivolity, deciding to walk from the port into town in June, was a hard lesson.” But any confrontation with the sun faded soon and turned his experience around into a fond memory.” I found an easy walk up bar, and think it was the first time I had a Red Stripe.“ No wonder that Red Stripe is part and parcel of the Big Bastards Beach Bar beer arsenal.
Fourteen years later, for Berube, it is a fulfilling job to open the centrally located beach bar along that same Philipsburg Boardwalk each day. “It’s a privilege to be able to provide an all day experience for guests visiting the island. We do it in a fun way, giving guests things that not everyone does …. We are quirky (again), sassy and sarcastic for those who can handle it… Having so many say to us that this was their best day of an entire cruise itinerary is pretty special.”
As a former hotelier, the ability to change and improve the guest experience drives him, as well as that of his employees. “I am driven by having the opportunity to grow and develop people, while enjoying the ability to have managed businesses. Today as co-owner operator in Big Bastard’s, I am very proud of my accomplishments which provided the opportunity of opening my own business in such a beautiful location.”
Improving holiday experiences also means continuous innovation. “Being just over 2.5 years now in business, we are proud to be only one offering an all-inclusive full service beach day …. Games, floaties and our famous “bastards” to take care of you. After year one we chose to use the tagline “The Best Damn Beach Bar in Sint Maarten”. Funny that we tried running a radio ad at the beginning of the season, and the creative people were not even sure if they could say it over the airwaves …. They did with a little fun twist. Most recently we launch an inclusive package named “Beach Like a Billionaire”, which incorporates our signature VIP Unlimited Drinks, along with included lunch.”
Maho to Carnival – Visitor Insider Tips
If anything defines St. Maarten for hospitality expert Marcel, it is the diversity of its product. “What I love sharing with cruise guests whom just love the initial vibe, is exactly that, Sint Maarten has a friendly vibe and tons of options versus other destinations. With over 37 beaches along with community pockets, each area is different in its own unique way. Having two countries divide the island, it certainly offers an extra opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves.
As must see for visitors he sees Maho Beach: “One of the most famous areas, seeing a 777 fly over your head, sand in the mouth – a bucket list item for many”. He advises to also take a catamaran day. “There are many options that include sailing and snorkeling time, and a great view of the island from the sea on top of that”. His favorite area is Pelican key. “The area offers stunning views, has super easy access to many amenities without having to drive far”.
Local culture is definitely something to experience too. “I think the annual Carnival celebration is truly something to see. I was amazed at how much this means to Sint Maarteners and the level of pride that is displayed throughout the three week festivities. I remember as a young man in Calgary I joined the annual “Carib festival” and thought the costumes where amazing, but seeing the parade here, it was nothing”.
What is it Berube finds people should know about the island, that they might not yet / don’t realize? “The island has two countries, an invisible border and a different feel to both sides – but it is surprising how many people I meet that have no idea the island is divided in two nations”. Cruise visitors with a positive experience of the island sometimes enquire if there also is an airport. ”My sarcasm does show at that point but such a remark does give an opportunity to encourage another visit.”
Marcels Favorite Hideouts On Island
When off, nothing matches home as spot to relax. “After long days at the bar, I love spending time on my balcony, overlooking Oyster Bay and the Ocean. Nothing more beautiful than seeing the spectacular sunrises.” Should he step out: “I’m considered to be more of a barstool guy, so most of my spots need to have good beer and service… to that end, I really enjoyed bringing my mom to Anse Marcel, a little hidden Gem in my opinion. And hey it’s got my name …”
Regarding beaches of preference, he stays close to his beloved Big Bastards. “A little selfish but not, Great Bay Beach has many advantages, and often one of the clearest and calm waters, many options to chose from, eat, drink, shop – along with good vibes. If you like seclusion, non-ship days still bring this to a beach that can be one of the most visited in the Caribbean. It can feel like you have the place to yourself.” It is also where you find his favorite shop, Mr Kool’s. “A family run business which believes in tourism and being partners in success.”
If he was to do a “staycation” however, he would choose the exact opposite end of the island. “I would probably spend a night over in Grand Case, they have some lovely little hotels and lively fun hotspots.”
When it comes to insider foodie spots, you might find Marcel enjoying breakfast at Reveil Matin in Simpson Bay. “For dinner, Skip Jack’s Shrimp Pasta always holds a craving. For lunch – I love burgers, so I might be over at Tap and Still on a day off.” You could also find him at Bread and Butter café in Oyster Pond. “They bring in Gallibier Beers from Paris, have a nice patio and café nibbles available …. Caramel brownies, yummy!”
How A Cold Canadian “Bastard” Falls In Love With St. Maarten
As a “cold” Canadian, the tropics changed him to the better. “I think my first love were the people and an inherent belief on the meaning of trust and respect…. your word goes a long way here. I recall one of the first vendors we worked with at the bar when we first opened, and once agreed on price there was no hand out to be paid first and no rush at all at the end…. This surprised me – as it certainly was not the case in doing business with trades in Canada.”
Summarizing, changing from hotelier to bartender on St. Maarten has been a satisfactory step. “I’m not really an open book at first, but have no problems sharing my life experiences to create connections. I’ve had over 25 years in previous hotel worlds before coming to Sint Maarten. I do certainly miss certain aspects of hotel life, but really don’t miss the 2am phone call that someone flooded their bathroom and it’s running down into the lobby now…. Or driving into work to see the fire trucks out front as someone chose to put a croissant into the toaster.”
The profound change encouraged to reflect on the time back when, and how to be a different person than before. “When I look back on how I developed as a leader, it was not a person to whom to wish to be, but was for a few managers that I knew I did not want to be like. It was very early on, that I dedicated myself to being a very well rounded, employee focused, fair person, along with the love for making businesses successful and communities in the process.”
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