Sint Maarten with Kids: The Ultimate Luxury Family Caribbean Getaway

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m always on the hunt for destinations that blend luxury with family-friendly vibes. Sint Maarten has quickly become one of our family’s favorite Caribbean escapes for that reason. After our incredible experience last April, we couldn’t resist returning to this gorgeous island that offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure for both parents and kids.

Why Sint Maarten Should Be Your Next Family Getaway

There’s something magical about Sint Maarten that keeps drawing us back. Maybe it’s the fact that this tiny island allows you to visit multiple countries in one trip (Dutch Sint Maarten, French Saint Martin, plus day trips to Anguilla and St. Barths). Or perhaps the incredible food scene rivals some of the best culinary destinations we’ve visited.

But most importantly, as a mom of two girls (13 and 5), I’m always evaluating places through the lens of “will my daughters actually enjoy this?” Sint Maarten delivers on every level.

Returning to Simpson Bay Marina & Spa: Our Home Away From Home

We chose to stay at Simpson Bay Marina & Spa again (you might remember my previous review from last year). While we considered the new JW Marriott, we ultimately decided it was too isolated from the main attractions and restaurants we love.

What makes Simpson Bay perfect for families?

• Multiple pools that cater to different age groups
• Beachfront access with calm, shallow waters (perfect for my 5-year-old)
• A well-maintained playground, my youngest couldn’t get enough of
• Walkable distance to family-friendly restaurants
• Beachfront villas that let us secure a palapa right outside our room

This time around, we splurged on a beachfront villa, and I cannot recommend this enough for families. Being steps away from both the beach and our room made managing bathroom breaks, snack time, and naps infinitely easier than trekking back and forth across the resort.

Our Favorite Family-Friendly Activities in Sint Maarten

1. Beach Days That Catered to Both Kids

Our beachfront villa gave us the luxury of impromptu beach days whenever the mood struck. The waters in front of Simpson Bay are remarkably calm and shallow—I could actually relax while watching my youngest splash around.

What made these beach days special?

• Daily sea turtle sightings (my girls squealed with delight every time)
• Low tide created natural shallow pools for safe play
• My 5-year-old making vacation friends with other kids her age
• Convenient access to food and drinks (mama needs her piña colada!)

Pro tip: The palapas fill up quickly, but staying in a beachfront villa means you can stake your claim early without sacrificing breakfast time.

2. Parrot Villa Bird Park: An Unexpected Gem

The day after my youngest’s birthday, we discovered Parrot Villa Bird Park—a small, Black-owned sanctuary that we almost missed driving by. Don’t let its modest exterior fool you; this place was a highlight of our trip.

Both girls were initially intimidated by birds flying freely, but the knowledgeable staff helped them overcome their fears. By the end of our visit, my 5-year-old went from hiding behind me to cautiously extending her arm for birds to perch on.

What made it special:

• Learning about the island’s history from the passionate owner
• Interactive experiences with trained, friendly birds
• Seeing tropical species up close that we’d never encountered before
• The separate turtle sanctuary area (no bird-turtle interactions, thankfully!)

3. Anguilla Catamaran Birthday Adventure

For my daughter’s 5th birthday, we booked a catamaran trip to Anguilla through St. Maarten Activities at our resort. Though the waters at Prickly Pear beach were too rough for swimming that day, the boat journey became the highlight.

The provided lunch was surprisingly good (not your typical tourist boat food), and the views of both islands from the water were spectacular.

4. Loterie Farm: The Luxury Jungle Retreat

If I had to pick one must-visit spot in Sint Maarten for families who appreciate luxury with a touch of adventure, Loterie Farm would be it. This lush oasis nestled in the hills of the French side is breathtaking.

We visited on a Sunday, which is typically their adults-only day, but they made an exception for us (call ahead if you’re planning the same). The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between sophistication and relaxation:

• Private cabanas surrounding a stunning pool
• Exceptional food that satisfied both adult and kid palates
• Complimentary Moët (which turned into multiple glasses—vacation mode activated!)
• Great music that created the perfect ambiance without being overwhelming
• Natural playground areas that blend into the jungle setting
• Wildlife sightings, including monkeys and iguanas (from a comfortable distance)

When it was time to leave, my youngest had a complete meltdown—a sign of a successful day. This place has a magical quality that captivates both kids and adults alike.

Practical Travel Tips for Families Heading to Sint Maarten

Where to Stay

While Simpson Bay Marina & Spa remains our top choice for families, there are other options worth considering:

• For luxury seekers: The new JW Marriott offers unparalleled amenities but lacks the central location
• For beach priority: Divi Little Bay has one of the most protected swimming beaches
• For foodie families: Consider staying in Grand Case on the French side (though you’ll sacrifice some kid-friendly conveniences)

What to Pack

Beyond the obvious Caribbean essentials, here’s what saved our trip:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (the sun is more intense than you expect)
• Mosquito repellent wipes (easier than sprays for quick application on fidgety kids)
• Basic first-aid kit (including children’s pain relievers)
• Portable fan (for those humid moments when even the ocean breeze isn’t enough)

The Verdict: Sint Maarten Delivers for Luxury-Loving Families

Sint Maarten hits all the right notes as a mom who refuses to give up luxury experiences despite traveling with kids. It offers that elusive balance of being genuinely kid-friendly without sacrificing the sophisticated experiences that make a vacation feel special for adults, too.

From our beachfront villa mornings to champagne-filled afternoons at Loterie Farm, this trip reinforced why Sint Maarten has become our go-to Caribbean destination. It joins Las Vegas as one of those surprising places that successfully blends adult luxury with family-friendly fun (check out my Las Vegas family guides if you missed them).

Now I’m curious: Have you been to Sint Maarten with your kids? Would you consider it for your next family getaway? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions!

Heading to Sint Maarten soon? Save this post for later or share it with a friend who needs a luxury family escape!

Check my other Sint Maarten posts here: 

• Plan Your Caribbean Family Vacation to Sint Maarten: Culture, Adventure, and Relaxation
• Tropical Bliss: Our Relaxing 7-Day Getaway to Sint Maarten