On Hospitality, Home & Holland House With Shevaughn Alasa
In our highlights of people that make destination St. Maarten thrive, todays interview is with Shevaughn Alasa. Holland House Beach Hotel’s new Food & Beverage manager returned to her island of birth last year, after a decade long career including working for airlines and hotels taking her amongst others to Sweden, famed Krasnapolsky Hotel Amsterdam and Mercure Potsdam in Berlin.
And coming back did not disappoint. “What I love most about St. Maarten is the spirit of the people. There’s a genuine warmth, resilience, and friendliness that you feel everywhere, from a simple good morning on the street to the way we come together during hard times and celebrations. On top of that, I love how multicultural we are. One core quality of St. Maarten as a destination is its cultural diversity. The island brings together people from all over the world, creating a unique blend of Caribbean warmth with European and international influences. This is reflected in everything from the food to the music to the way people interact open, welcoming, and full of character. So many backgrounds blend here, and yet there’s still a strong local identity.”
She adds:”And of course, I can’t leave out the natural beauty — from the beaches to the hills, it’s a paradise I’m proud to call home.”
Carnival As Apex of Cultural Immersion
When asked for her favorite annual event, her love for St. Maarten culture surfaces once more. “My favorite annual event on the island is definitely Carnival. It brings the entire community together in a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and freedom of expression. The energy is unmatched, from the colorful parades and live performances to the food stands and local creativity on full display. It’s a time when everyone, both locals and visitors, connects through joy, dance, and shared tradition. Carnival showcases the true spirit of St. Maarten: lively, diverse, and full of pride.”
Carnival also makes up her fondest memories as a child.” I was born and raised in St. Maarten, but growing up, I only experienced Carnival as a child, always watching and dancing along the sidelines. However, last year was the first time I actually played mas as an adult, and I can honestly say it was one of the best days of my life. The energy, the unity, the music, and the pure joy of the people, it all reminded me how powerful and special our culture really is. Carnival is more than just a party; it’s a celebration of identity, freedom, and community.
Holland House as Part Of Coming Home
Shevaughn is passionate about her work at Holland House Beach Hotel. If she would not work there, she would still recommend Ocean Lounge as its island restaurant of choice, and even goes as far to call the boutique hotel her favorite spot on island. “Holland House Beach Hotel was one of the very first hotels established in St. Maarten, and has since become an iconic landmark. Renowned as one of the best hotels on the island, it continues to welcome celebrities, dignitaries, and ministers to this day. What truly drives me is the fact that no two days are ever the same, the genuine respect I receive from my team, and the incredible guests we welcome at Holland House. Creating a positive atmosphere for both staff and guests is what keeps me passionate about what I do every single day.”
And then, the food: “It’s hard to find a place on the Dutch side that consistently delivers excellent service paired with great food.” But most importantly, working for Holland House fulfills ambitions. “Returning to Sint Maarten was a personal choice to live my best life and take on exciting career opportunities. What truly drives me is creating unforgettable guest experiences and, just as importantly, making my team feel happy, valued, and motivated every day.”
From Colombier to Mullet Bay: Shevaughns Personal Hideaways
Her passion for the beach hotel does not goes as far that she also spends her private time there. “I love Mullet Bay. It has a bounty beach idea and it is the most beautiful beach on the island, hands-down.” When it comes to her expertise of restaurants, she also has a clear cut list of favorites.”Aside from Ocean Lounge, I’d also recommend Moulin Fou, Le P’tite Bistro, Jax and Le Morrocain in Marigot. As a favorite drink I would have a Guava berry lounge at Ocean Lounge Bar. The Espresso Martini’s as P’tite bistro are great as well.” What other St. Maarten activity should be part and parcel of any visit to St. Maarten according to Shevaugn? “The guavaberry tour in Colombier. If you really want a local experience, this will be great.”
Orient Bay is her favorite place to relax; La Semanna her ideal “staycation” location. In both cases, you might find her with a book on her beach chair. “As an enthusiastic and social person, most people wouldn’t expect it, but I absolutely love to read. It’s one of my favorite ways to unwind and recharge. I also have a huge love for 80s and 90s music; nothing beats the vibe and energy of those decades!
Thoughts About the Future?
As a daughter of the soil with a vast international hospitality experience, she still sees opportunities for growth of her island.”One of the biggest opportunities for St. Maarten lies in strengthening the collaboration with the Netherlands, particularly when it comes to tourism and infrastructure development. While there have been some steps taken, there is still a lot of untapped potential that could truly elevate the island’s future. With more strategic investment and support from the Netherlands, we could significantly improve key infrastructure like roads, public transport, and the airport to better accommodate tourism and benefit residents. This is not fully in place yet, but it’s a clear area where collaboration could make a meaningful impact. If we increase targeted promotions and partnerships with the Dutch market, we can attract more travelers from the Netherlands. That would not only diversify our visitor base but also create more long-term stability in our tourism sector.”
Collaboration in the Kingdom would in her eyes also assist in solving some societal challenges. “A stronger influx of Dutch tourists would lead to more frequent flights, which increases seat capacity and could reduce ticket prices. That makes the island more accessible, something that is still a challenge today. Finally, collaboration could help us adopt more sustainable practices, from eco-tourism and renewable energy to preserving our natural and cultural heritage. These are areas where guidance, funding, and shared expertise from the Netherlands could help us grow “.