The Hard Work To Create a Paradise of Relaxation
Interview with Lloyd McEwen (Twin Island Excursions)
In a series of highlights of people taking care of St. Maarten’s famed tourism product, today’s focus is on Lloyd McEwen. McEwen is the founder of the island tour and activity company Twin Island Excursions – a clear reference to the uniquely binational character of St. Maarten / St. Martin. He describes his excursions company as a “small company, but staffed by people with big hearts and a strong desire to make each customer happy”.
The company size is reflected in a personal touch. Lloyd’s tours are small scale and personal. The size makes an eye for detail extra important. He defines himself as “A behind-the-scenes type of person, but always insisting on customer satisfaction. Pleasing others is what makes me tick”.
It is also what makes work at Twin Island Excursions fun. “Meeting and serving a variety of persons in combination with experiencing their love for our island, day after day, is amazing.”
That doesn’t mean that it is not hard work, day in and day out. Seeing that dedication from his own team and his fellow tourism workers inspires him. “I am inspired by all the hard-working individuals working behind the scene on St. Martin, and those that have the well-being of its people at heart.” In turn, he sometimes misses the local appreciation of the blessings of natural island beauty and the wealth it brings. “The island, and by extension its people, are more fortunate than we may at times realize.”
Expert Itineraries
So where does such an expert tour guide take his clientele, what are must-see stops en route that help him reach his goals of customer satisfaction? “It will of course always depend on the customer type and desires. But Grand Case, its unique touch and originality is a favorite. Mullet Bay could be on the route: besides the clear blue water, the waves are gentle at times, at other times teasing and at other times daring, and yet fun. Maho Beach is a fun stop too, also for me personally: I’m fascinated by planes as well, especially big planes.”
When talking history, what is a historic gem or location you consider important to highlight to visitors? “The salt ponds, as they are part and parcel of St. Maarten and St. Martin’s history. Then, the multiple open borders, the treaty of Concordia monument: they display friendship and unity between the two sides of the island”.
Twin Island Excursions does dedicated shopping tours. Regarding what shop to recommend, it once again will all depend on what the visitor wants. “They are too numerous to mention. In the end, we are the Caribbean shopping mecca. I will cater to the customer needs”.
Seeing so many visitors every week, he has a clear-cut image of what attracts them. “It is not just because of pristine beaches or inspiring landscapes: there are deeper layers they appreciate. For example our hospitality, diversity and the helpful nature of our people.” Still, the natural beauty of the island remains an attraction in itself. “Its peaceful nature, its diversity, the hills, ocean and scenery are all part of its appeal”.
What St. Maarten restaurant would you recommend to visitors when his tours end? “There are many for every setting, but Topper’s, Skipjacks, Fritays and the Lolo’s in Grand Case.”
Time Off For a Tourism Workaholic
Lloyd calls himself a “workaholic”. So where does someone guiding people’s holidays daily go to take a well-deserved day off for himself? “You could find me on the boardwalk, to catch a sea breeze. Or in Loterie Farm, if I am after a moment in lush natural surroundings”. Regarding beaches, Pinel, Mullet Bay, Orient Bay Beach and Coconut Grove (Le Galion) rank highest for personal leisure. If he was to take a hotel stay, Belmond La Samanna on Long Bay would be his choice.
