Kasa Mapou, the island’s first eco-responsible youth hostel
Although Saint-Martin is not really the number 1 destination for backpackers - the main clients of this kind of accommodation, the two founders who are in their thirties are also targeting sailors, outdoor sports clubs, sales representatives from the neighboring islands, the families of expats, seasonal workers looking for housing and work…"The idea is to offer an alternative to rentals between private individuals and luxury hotels"said Simon Suppa before adding: “The public is changing, airfare is going down and we’re adapting to this new clientele “.
CREATING SOCIAL COHESION AND PROMOTING EDUCATION
In addition to proposing an affordable solution for accommodation, the two partners are focusing on creating and maintaining social cohesion. "The community room will have a bulletin board with classified ads. Since we have both worked in the restaurant industry on the island for several years, we can also recommend the best places to eat…" added the young man who has a master’s degree in tourism, hotels and recreation - option events.
They would like to include the local population and have already begun the necessary steps for hiring a young apprentice in the kitchen. They are also trying to get the carpentry class involved in making furniture. With a Master 1 in business management followed by a Master 2 in communication and human resources, Katell Ollivier did all of his university studies in cooperative education programs and believes firmly in apprenticeship.
Composed of four double rooms and three dormitories, the Kasa Mapou is expected to be enhanced with a vegetable garden to supply at least 20% of its bar/restaurant, a laundry, a chill-out area, as well as ideally a community garden, a play area for children and a bocce area. All these facilities will be built around a Mapou, which they have chosen as an emblem. "In Haiti, where they give this tree a magical dimension, it embodies strength and wisdom, for the Mayas, the Mapou stood at the center of the world and this tree of life was the link between the underground world, the earth and the spirits" they explained.
“ECOLOGY HAS A PRICE”
The two friends have purchased a commercial lease for a 230 m2 building in Grand Case located on a 1020m2 plot next to the church and opposite the public access to the beach. Their goal is to make the site as environmentally friendly as possible with the help of photovoltaic panels, rainwater recovery tanks, the use of recyclable plastic, salvaged furniture and especially a sewerage system. ”But ecology has a price” pointed out Simon Suppa who explained that a sewerage system costs around 45000€. "We could make a simple ditch, he said, but we want to succeed this project without damaging the island more than it already is".
Between the eco-responsible standards, the renovation and extension of the building, the work is estimated at 180,000€. The two partners have managed to raise a contribution thanks to the solidarity of their respective families and have obtained loans from banks and Initiative Saint-Martin Active, but they still need money. That’s why they have launched a crowdfunding campaign on the Bulb in Town platform in three stages. The idea behind crowdfunding is that if the amount requested is not reached in the allotted time, the donors are not debited. The first pot, which comes to 7000€ has made an excellent start. Already 69% in less than a week. "Even in our best dreams, we didn’t think that it would take off so well" said Simon Suppa happily. If all goes as planned, their bar/restaurant should open in the beginning of 2017. For the accommodation part, we will certainly have to wait until the end of the season.
Pictures Copyright @Pauline Reubin
