Interview with Anne-Marie Brooks, General Manager, Divi Little Bay Hotel

24 Jun Interview with Anne-Marie Brooks, General Manager, Divi Little Bay Hotel

You position yourself as a family friendly resort with three swimming pools and a children’s activity centre. How does this make you stand out compared to other hotels on the island; to what extent is it part of your unique value proposition?

At Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, we take great pride in being a family-friendly destination. With a dedicated children’s activity center, various family-oriented amenities and adult-friendly options, we offer an environment where families can bond and enjoy the freedom to do their own thing around the resort. We also offer a Kids 2 & Under Stay Free program on all-inclusive stays. While many hotels on Sint Maarten focus on either luxury or adults-only offerings, we strike a balance by catering to families who want both relaxation and entertainment in a safe and welcoming environment. This focus on family inclusivity is central to our unique value proposition, making us stand out as the go-to resort for multigenerational vacations on the island.

In 2021, you launched your Oceans brand in Sint Maarten, an upper tier proposition. What is thebreakdown of your guest portfolio?

The launch of our Oceans brand in 2021 was a significant milestone, enabling us to cater to a broader demographic. The Oceans area provides an elevated, luxurious experience with premium amenities and VIP facilities. Currently, our guest portfolio is roughly 20% families with children, 35% couples enjoying a romantic retreat and 45% guests staying in the Oceans area for an upscale, all-inclusive getaway. This balance allows us to meet the diverse needs of our clientele, ensuring everyone — from families to solo travelers — finds their perfect vacation experience here.

However, solo travelers also rate us highly because of our location, amenities and the welcoming atmosphere we provide. The resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, with easy access to local attractions and a variety of on-site dining and leisure options. Many solo travelers appreciate the sense of community here, as well as the safety, stunning ocean views and opportunities to meet fellow travelers in a warm, friendly environment.

Travelers today look for experiences and to truly understand a place more than ever before. What can you offer the adventurous traveller who is looking to truly understand Sint Maarten for its history and cultural attractions?

Sint Maarten is a cultural melting pot with a rich history and we ensure that adventurous travelers have access to experiences that immerse them in the local culture. From guided tours of historic Fort Amsterdam, which is located right on our property, to excursions that explore the island’s Dutch and French heritage, we help guests connect with the true essence of Sint Maarten. Our on-site water sports center offers boat tours to numerous neighboring islands to further allow guests to explore the unique culture and history that surrounds us.

Additionally, our concierge team works to help book guests on local culinary tours, art walks and visits to cultural landmarks like the Sint Maarten Museum and Marigot Market. These experiences allow travelers to truly understand and appreciate the island’s unique blend of history and traditions.

Some properties offer packages for long term vacationers or nomad workers. Is this something you do or could do if requested?

While we currently do not have a dedicated nomad package, we are exploring the idea due to increased interest from long-term vacationers and remote workers. Sint Maarten is an ideal location for remote work, offering stunning views, a reliable infrastructure and a vibrant culture that blends productivity with relaxation. For remote workers staying with us, we provide free high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces and easy access to outdoor activities to balance work and leisure.

How important for a Caribbean island is the need to minimise resource use and maximise energy efficiency and what measures does the hotel take to ensure it makes as small a carbon footprint as possible?

Environmental responsibility is vital for a Caribbean island like Sint Maarten, where natural resources are both limited and precious. The construction of the Oceans area with insulated concrete forms reflects our commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. Across the resort, we’ve implemented water-saving systems, energy-efficient lighting and a recycling program. Additionally, we prioritize locally sourced goods to reduce transportation emissions. As a resort, we aim to protect the natural beauty of our island while providing an exceptional experience for our guests.

Many travellers read reviews and view posts left by influencers and bloggers. How have you adapted your marketing and promotions to this type of hyper-connected traveler for whom the internet is a few taps or clicks away?

We’ve embraced the digital age by leveraging social media platforms and collaborating with influencers and travel bloggers to showcase the beauty of our resort. By highlighting guest experiences through authentic, user-generated content, we engage with the modern traveler in meaningful ways. We also monitor reviews closely, responding to feedback and using insights to continuously improve. Our social media team ensures that our online presence reflects the vibrancy and warmth of Divi Little Bay, keeping us connected to travelers wherever they are.

What are your overriding thoughts about where the travel industry has come, particularly since the pandemic and where it is going?

Having worked in the travel industry for decades, I’ve seen significant changes, particularly after the pandemic. Travelers today value experiences and authenticity more than ever, seeking destinations that align with their personal values and interests. Sustainability, cultural immersion and wellness are key trends driving the industry.

At Divi Little Bay, we’ve adapted by offering tailored experiences and maintaining a strong focus on environmental stewardship. The future of travel is about connection — whether to people, nature, or culture — and we’re excited to play a role in creating those connections.

Sint Maarten offers a truly unique Caribbean experience, with its blend of Dutch and French cultures, stunning beaches and warm hospitality. At Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, we invite you to discover the magic of our island, whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or solo. With our focus on creating unforgettable experiences, we’re confident you’ll leave with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty and spirit of Sint Maarten.