Returning to Divi Little Bay Beach Resort as the Director of Food & Beverage, Paul Melskens brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for hospitality. With years of industry expertise spanning the Netherlands and the Caribbean, Paul shares his journey, insights on the evolving dining scene at Divi, and his vision for creating unforgettable guest experiences.
How does it feel to return to Divi Little Bay Beach Resort as the Director of Food & Beverage? What has changed since you last held this position in 2022?
It feels fantastic to be back. I truly enjoy collaborating with the incredible team here. It’s inspiring to see so many dedicated employees who have been with the resort for decades, some for 30, 40, or even 50 years, while also welcoming talented new staff and reconnecting with our loyal guests.
Since I was last here, the resort has undergone significant changes, including the opening of Oceans and the addition of new dining options, plus more all-inclusive guests. This shift has been a great motivator for me to refine our food and beverage operations, ultimately benefiting all our guests, from timeshare owners to local visitors.
How did you get your start in the F&B world, and how has your experience prepared you for this role?
My passion for hospitality started when I was about 12 or 13. My family frequently dined at the same restaurant in my hometown in the Netherlands, and I asked the owner for a job. He jokingly told me to come back when I was taller than the bar. A few years later, I got my first job there, working weekends until I graduated high school.
From there, I gained experience in various hospitality roles across the Netherlands, from bartending at a popular nightlife venue to serving at a Michelin-starred restaurant. I earned my degree in Hotel and Event Management and have worked as e a restaurant supervisor at a large hotel chain, and at various F&B and operations management roles in both Sint Maarten and Curaçao.
What’s your favorite part of working in hospitality, and what keeps you passionate about this industry?
I love the multicultural environment and meeting new people. Collaborating with a diverse team, learning from different cultures, and motivating staff to achieve our goals while delivering exceptional guest experiences keeps me energized.
A great day for me is seeing our plans come together, benefiting both our team and guests. I stay passionate by keeping up with industry trends and constantly finding ways to enhance operations and create new, memorable experiences for our guests.
What’s your vision for the overall dining experience at the resort?
Divi Little Bay operates eight food and beverage outlets. My vision is for each to have a distinct identity while elevating our overall offerings. By continuously enhancing the guest experience, I aim to make Divi Little Bay the top dining destination in Sint Maarten.
Can you share a favorite memory or experience with guests at Divi?
During my first tenure at Divi (2018-2022), I worked throughout the COVID period. One couple chose to stay at the resort rather than return to the USA after the first lockdown, and we formed a close bond. I was also lucky to share many memorable meals prepared by Italian chef Ms. Rosalie Cangelosi and cherished moments with her late husband, Mr. Joe Cangelosi. Those times made an unforgettable impact on me.