Best St Maarten/St Martin Resorts for Families
By Kerry Biddle on 15th July, 2022
For some obscure reason, the island of St Maarten/St Martin isn’t always on a map even though it is unique in that it is the smallest land mass run by two countries. The French have the northern St Martin, and St Maarten (a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands), has the southern section. No need to break out Google Translate though, because English is widely spoken on both sides of the island.
There are 37 beaches on the island, and the sea is warm and clear, just what you may be looking for in a family vacation.
So now that your interest has been piqued, where do you stay? The short answer is, that you will be spoilt for choice. The long answer is, that it depends on whether you are looking for all-inclusive family resorts, or something a bit quieter and more exclusive. We’ll cover just a few options in this article to enhance your St Maarten/St Martin family vacation so that you can build unforgettable memories with your family.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, Maho
Aqua Park with a shallow pool and water slides for younger children | Photo credit: Sonesta Maho Beach Resort
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort is one of the best-known all-inclusive family resorts in St Maarten. There you will find a shallow kiddie’s pool, an aqua park, a larger pool with waterslides, Beach House Kids Club, and Teen Zone, and they even provide a 24-hour babysitting service for an extra charge.
The Beach House Kids Club is for children from 3 to 12 years old where they can enjoy supervised activities that focus on creativity and group interaction.
And let’s not forget the Teen Zone for 13-year-olds and over where teens can hang out and play pool, air hockey, foosball, and board games. PlayStation and Xbox have their place in the Teen Zone too.
Oasis pool with water slides for older children and teens | Photo credit: Sonesta Maho Beach Resort
The shallow kiddies pool has three slides and is surrounded by a deck with loungers so parents can share some quality time with their offspring. The larger Oasis pool has two waterslides for the older kids and teens.
For beach days, Maho beach is a short walk away, and Mullet Bay beach is a bit further on the other side of Maho, but still within walking distance.
There are quite a few restaurants close by in Maho if you want to take the family out for a meal, rather than eat on-site.
For further information visit: sonesta.com
Simpson Bay Resort, Marina & Spa, Billy Folly
A play area and one of the five pools | Photo credits: Royal Resorts Caribbean
Set on a hillside overlooking the dazzling blue waters of the bay, Simpson Bay Resort has a lot to offer for a St Maarten family vacation.
Not only is the resort situated close to the vibrant Simpson Bay area, but the beach is right on the doorstep, with a beach bar that serves light meals and snacks for when the kids are covered in sand and want something good to eat.
There are five places to choose from for meals onsite. For those times when you would like to try something different, the many restaurants in Simpson Bay will cover most tastes. There are five swimming pools, a kiddie’s pool, tennis courts, watersports, day sails on a boat, and a Scuba diving center in the complex.
The calm waters of Simpson Bay | Photo credits: Royal Resorts Caribbean
The ferry to Saba leaves from the dock and tickets can be bought at the Aquamania dive center. The sea is usually calm and safe for young children and older people alike.
For further information visit: simpsonbayresort.com
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Little Bay
Overlooking Divi Little Bay Resort and the
peninsular | Photo Credit: Divi Little Bay Resort
Tastefully situated on a peninsula between the turquoise waters of Great Bay and Little Bay, this resort is right on the beach and has access to the protected waters of Little Bay.
It’s within walking distance of Philipsburg and all of its top duty-free jewelry and clothing stores. There are quite a few good restaurants in Philipsburg to treat the family and there is a restaurant on site. The larger suites have their own fully equipped kitchenette.
The pool has a shallow section for younger
children | Photo Credit: Divi Little Bay Resort
They have a pool with a swim-up bar, free internet, a babysitting service, and a Scuba diving center. There are also water sports activities available.
For further information visit: diviresorts.com
La Playa, Orient Bay
La Playa is surrounded by lush tropical gardens | Photo Credit: La Playa
Orient Bay beach is the most popular beach on the French side and for good reason. The beach stretches a long way and there are many fabulous restaurants and beach bars lining the back edge. La Playa is one of those superb restaurants and is run by a beautiful boutique hotel of the same name.
La Playa Hotel is set in lush tropical gardens just steps away from the beach and very close to the Orient Bay Village. The Village is where you will find several gourmet French restaurants for a memorable evening meal.
Breakfast is included in the room price, lunch can be had at La Playa beach restaurant, and dinner in The Village…or you can cook for yourself in the kitchenette in each accommodation.
There are two convenience stores close by and a wonderful French bakery where you can get fresh, crisp baguettes and the most divine pastries. The hotel also boasts a pool and free Wi-Fi on the premises.
Orient Bay is on the windward side of the island and is cooled by the ocean breezes. Of course, this makes it a great spot for parasailing. You will also find windsurfing, jetski, and a surf club there. The sea can get a bit rough when it’s very windy, but generally, it’s a safe beach for children.
La Playa is definitely a good place to immerse yourselves in the French experience for a St Martin family vacation.
For further information visit: laplayaorientbay.com
There are many others to choose from, but these four are top of the list for kid-friendly resorts and hotels.