Peter Scherzinger is a name synonymous with hospitality, timeshare, community and development. His passing on January 5, in Bremen, Germany, after a prolonged illness far from the island of his heart, left an indelible mark on the landscape of St. Maarten.
Peter's journey to St. Maarten began in October 1978, following years of vacationing on the island. His love for Mullet Bay Beach would change him from a vacationer into a resident and long-time real estate and hospitality giant. It was through a serendipitous connection with Jan and Marga Kamlag, during their coverage of a tennis event featuring Tom Okker, that Peter found his gateway to this enchanting island. Little did he know then that this chance encounter would shape the course of his life and leave an enduring legacy on St. Maarten.
After settling in St. Maarten, Peter embarked on a venture in the hospitality sector, acquiring Café Calabash in Mullet Bay from the legendary late Harry Belafonte. Though partnerships shifted and winds of change blew, Peter's entrepreneurial spirit persevered. Transitioning into real estate, he became a pivotal figure in the development of various projects, including Club Orient and Parc Lagon in Cupecoy.
However, it was his partnership with Max Donner that truly catalysed his impact on St. Maarten's landscape, as together they envisioned and brought to life Pelican Key Estate, igniting a wave of development in the area. Not one to just sit by, Peter seized the opportunity presented by a bankrupt project, transforming it into the quiet and tranquil La Vista Resort.
La Vista was a testament to Peter's vision and perseverance. Constructed with meticulous craftsmanship and a touch of German engineering, it quickly became a fixture of St. Maarten's hospitality scene. Peter's dedication to excellence was further evident in his pioneering foray into timeshare, a concept that would revolutionize the tourism industry on the island.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Peter was a pillar of the community, actively involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing St. Maarten's cultural and social fabric. As a founding member of the Classical Delight Foundation, he nurtured a love for the arts, hosting unforgettable classical concerts that enriched the island's cultural tapestry.
Peter's infectious enthusiasm, boundless energy, and unwavering commitment to St. Maarten earned him the admiration and respect of all who knew him. Whether regaling friends with his trademark jokes or serenading guests with his melodic voice, Peter's presence lit up every room he entered.
The sentiment of Glen Mikkelsen, a long-time La Vista guest, posted on Facebook echoed the impression and warmth Peter shared with all he met: “Denise and I are so thankful for Peter’s vision and dreams for La Vista.” He added that singing the St. Maarten Song “with the La Vista Family truly brought to light Peter’s legacy. I especially appreciated the story of Peter being a notoriously big tipper. I was lucky enough to have met Peter almost twenty years ago. I knew then that La Vista is a very special place!”
Adding to Peter’s legacy that will continue to be rooted in St. Maarten, Eileen Walsh Goropeuschek, who also wrote her sentiments online, shared: “I wish I knew him, but he raised a beautiful family. I'm sure traits from him are within all of you.”
As his family, friends, staff and countless guests bid farewell to this visionary man, they all remember Peter Scherzinger not only for his remarkable achievements, but also for the profound impact he had on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, ensuring that his spirit lives on in St. Maarten.
Peter continues to live in the memories of his wife Renate Scherzinger, daughters and son-in-law Andrea and Mario Bartlett and Martina and Ralf Rabbani, and his grandchildren Janella and Alyssa Bartlett and Ryan and Emily Rabbani.
