Planning the perfect birthday trip for kids can be challenging, especially when budgets are tight but expectations are high. Our Sint Maarten birthday celebration proved you don’t need to break the bank to create magical memories. Here’s how we transformed this Caribbean island into my youngest daughter’s ultimate 5th birthday destination, complete with sunshine, surprise reveals, catamaran adventures, and all the luxury family travel touches that made it truly special.
Why Sint Maarten Won Our Hearts (Again)
Let’s keep it real. When it came to choosing a destination for my youngest daughter’s 5th birthday, cost was definitely the deciding factor. My mini actually requested Aruba or Jamaica for her birthday celebration. Yes, she already has this taste level at 5 years old! My husband and I spent *months* trying to find a decent deal for the four of us. We wanted somewhere with that perfect beach vibe (my youngest’s specific request) but also somewhere different from our usual spots.
After weeks of searching and nearly giving up hope of finding anything that wouldn’t require a second mortgage, we miraculously stumbled upon some reasonably priced Delta flights to SXM just two months before her birthday. Talk about divine timing!
Here’s the best part—we kept it a complete surprise! My mini thought we were going to grandma’s house the entire time. My husband, oldest daughter, and I had to pack in secret, sneaking swimsuits and summer clothes into our luggage when she was at school or asleep. Even on the plane, she had no clue. It wasn’t until we landed that my oldest asked her, “Why would we get on a plane to go to grandma’s house?” The look on her face when she realized we had “tricked” her was priceless!
She wanted to be upset about our little deception, but how could she stay mad when we’d made her wish of being on a beach for her birthday come true? Granted, it wasn’t the full 10 days she had requested (we settled for 6 nights), but seeing her excitement as she realized we were actually in Sint Maarten made all the secret planning worth it.
The kids already had fond memories of our April 2023 trip, especially falling in love with our hotel’s multiple pools and direct beach access.
Balancing Chill Time and Adventures
If you’ve been following our travels for a while, you know my husband and I have completely different travel personalities. He’s the “up at dawn, let’s explore EVERYTHING” type, while I’m firmly in the “beach lounger, cocktail, book, don’t disturb” camp. The kids? They could spend every waking hour in the pool if we let them.
My teenager is at the age where her friends and iPad usually take priority (fellow parents of teens, I see you nodding), but we’re committed to making sure both girls experience different cultures when we travel. That means occasionally dragging ourselves—and them—away from the resort comforts to discover what makes each destination special.
For this birthday trip, finding that perfect balance was key to keeping everyone happy while making sure the birthday girl felt extra special.
How We Celebrated: Birthday Adventures in Paradise
Anguilla Catamaran Trip: Island-Hopping in Style
The highlight of our celebration was supposed to be a catamaran day trip to Anguilla. While the boat ride itself was magnificent and my mini absolutely loved feeling like a “real sailor” (her words), Mother Nature had other plans. The waters around Prickly Pear Beach were unexpectedly rough that day, which meant our swimming and beach plans got cut short.
Despite the change of plans, watching my daughter’s face light up as we sailed across that stunning Caribbean blue water made the expedition worthwhile. Sometimes the adventure is more about the journey than the destination, right?
Beach Bliss: Kid-Friendly Shores
When it comes to kid-friendly beaches in Sint Maarten, Simpson Bay quickly became our go-to spot. The waters are generally calm, especially along the stretch of beach at our resort. After the choppy experience at Prickly Pear in Anguilla, we all appreciated the gentle waves that allowed my youngest to splash and play without worry.
If you’re planning a similar trip with little ones, I highly recommend checking the resort’s beach situation before booking. Having that direct, safe beach access made impromptu swimming sessions so much easier.
A Birthday Feast at SALT
For the actual birthday dinner, we chose SALT at the Morgan Hotel, and it turned out to be just okay. Why SALT? Because they had grilled octopus on the menu—yes, my mini’s favorite food is octopus! As I always say, it’s her birthday and she gets to call the shots.
What we didn’t realize was that Thursday nights at SALT are ladies’ night, which meant complimentary champagne for mama. Talk about a birthday gift for me too! Unfortunately, despite mentioning it was my daughter’s birthday, the staff weren’t particularly attentive and didn’t do anything special to mark the occasion. But honestly, what mattered most was that my mini enjoyed herself, and she definitely did.
Making a Birthday Special While Traveling: Our Tips
Creating that birthday magic away from home doesn’t require excessive planning or packing your entire party supply store. Here’s what worked for us:
We brought a few light decorations from home—balloons, a “Birthday Girl” t-shirt, a small crown, and a sash. My husband woke up early and decorated the living room area of our villa so my youngest would see it first thing in the morning.
Shop for what we brought along to decorate our room:
- 5th Birthday Decorations
- Birthday Girl T-Shirt
- 5th Birthday Decorations for Girls, Birthday Girl Headband & Glitter Sash Set
We packed a few small presents for her to open on the actual day and saved the bigger gift for when we returned home. This approach meant less to pack while still creating that special birthday morning excitement.
The catamaran trip served as our “activity gift”—something memorable that the whole family could enjoy together.
Kid-Friendly Dining in Sint Maarten
Finding restaurants that cater to kids in Sint Maarten is surprisingly easy. The island welcomes so many families that most places are well-prepared for younger guests. Our top picks from this trip:
- Lee’s – Casual vibe with options that pleased both our picky eater and our adventurous birthday girl
- Buccaneers Beach Bar – Perfect for that toes-in-the-sand dining experience with enough kid-friendly options
- Jax Steakhouse – A bit more upscale but still welcoming to families, with staff who went out of their way to make our birthday celebration special
From Beach to Beach: Creating Birthday Traditions
I make it a point to celebrate my birthday by traveling. For my 40th birthday in August, I went to Aruba and stayed at the Radisson Blu, which was amazing! If you’re looking for a nice birthday experience, Aruba delivers.
The April 2023 trip to Sint Maarten was to celebrate my daughters’ birthdays—my youngest in February and my oldest in March. The trip took place during their spring break, making it the perfect timing. And the tradition continues—this year, for my oldest’s birthday, we’re celebrating in Mexico City during their April spring break.
Whether it’s the beautiful beaches of Aruba for my celebration or Sint Maarten for my mini’s 5th, what matters most is creating those moments where we’re fully present with our girls, celebrating another year of the amazing people they’re becoming.
Your Turn!
Have you ever celebrated a birthday while traveling? I’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below! What destinations have worked well for your family celebrations? Any birthday travel traditions you’ve created?
And just for the record, my mini is already planning ahead. She recently informed us she wants to go to “Hawaiian” for her 6th birthday next year. My husband jokingly said it might be time to invest in an Oculus VR headset instead! Virtual beach, anyone?
Are you planning a birthday trip to Sint Maarten or another Caribbean destination? Save this post for later, or share it with a friend who might be looking for birthday trip ideas for kids!
