Top 10 Recommendations for Family-Friendly Resorts in Sint Maarten

Planning a family vacation to Sint Maarten/St. Martin requires a resort that expertly balances fun for the kids with blissful relaxation for parents. The ideal family-friendly resort goes beyond just having a pool; it offers kids’ clubs, spacious accommodations, calm beaches, and activities for all ages. Here are the top 10 recommendations for family-friendly resorts and Sint Maarten luxury vacation rentals that cater to both the young and the young-at-heart.

1. Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa

Best For: Families who want non-stop action and convenience

Located in the heart of the bustling Maho area, this massive resort is a powerhouse of family entertainment. The biggest draw is the direct access to Maho Beach, where kids (and kids-at-heart) can be mesmerized by the low-flying planes.

For Kids: The Sonesta Kids Club (for ages 3-12) offers a full daily schedule of supervised games, crafts, and activities. Multiple family-friendly pools, including a zero-entry pool, make swimming safe and easy for little ones.

For Parents: While the kids are entertained, parents can enjoy the casino, the serene Aura Spa, or an adults-only pool. The resort’s all-inclusive option means you never have to worry about meals, and the numerous on-site restaurants provide plenty of variety.

2. Divi Little Bay Beach Resort

Best For: Families seeking a blend of historic charm, a calm beach, and great value.

Situated on a peaceful peninsula overlooking the capital of Philipsburg, Divi Little Bay boasts one of the calmest, most swimmable beaches on the Dutch side. The atmosphere is more relaxed and spread out than at the Maho mega-resorts.

For Kids: The Explorers Kids Club provides supervised fun. The gentle waters of Little Bay are perfect for beginner snorkeling and swimming, and the resort often has non-motorized water sports like kayaks included.

For Parents: Parents can enjoy tennis, a fitness center, or simply unwind on the beautiful beach. The resort’s hillside location offers stunning views, and the “Divi Flexi-Time” dining plan provides flexibility for family schedules.

3. Belmond La Samanna

Best For: Families desiring a luxurious, five-star escape with impeccable service.

For a truly splurge-worthy vacation, the Belmond La Samanna on the French side is unparalleled. This resort offers seclusion, sophistication, and one of the most breathtaking stretches of sand on the island, Baie Longue.

For Kids: While there isn’t a traditional kids’ club, the resort offers a “Belmond Little Guests” program with tailored activities like treasure hunts, cookie decorating, and child-friendly spa treatments. Babysitting services are readily available.

For Parents: This is the epitome of parental relaxation. Enjoy the stunning tiered pools, the world-class spa, gourmet dining, and impeccable service. The spacious suites and villas are ideal for families needing extra room.

4. The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort & Marina

Best For: Families who want the space and convenience of a full kitchen and multiple bedrooms.

This resort is a top choice for families who prefer condo-style living. The villas range from one to four bedrooms, featuring full kitchens, living rooms, and private balconies, making it feel like a home away from home.

For Kids: With three swimming pools, a kids’ pool, a playground, and a game room, there’s no shortage of on-site entertainment. The resort is located on a lovely, calm stretch of Simpson Bay Beach.

For Parents: The in-villa kitchen allows for easy breakfasts and snacks, saving time and money. Parents can enjoy the fitness center, the on-site marina, or one of the several bars and restaurants without ever needing to drive.

5. Beach Plaza Orient Bay

Best For: Active families who love water sports and a vibrant, European atmosphere.

Located directly on the famous Orient Bay Beach, this hotel puts you right in the center of the action. The beach is a hub for kiteboarding, parasailing, and jet-skiing, and the energy is infectious.

For Kids: The calm, shallow waters of parts of Orient Bay are great for younger children to splash in. They will love watching the colorful kitesurfers dot the horizon. The hotel itself is more boutique but provides easy access to all the beachfront activities.

For Parents: You have your pick of dozens of beach bars and restaurants just steps from your room. It’s a perfect spot for parents who want a lively, social scene with a stunning beach as their backdrop.

6. Oyster Bay Beach Resort

Best For: Families looking for tranquility, stunning views, and a residential feel.

Perched on a secluded peninsula on the Dutch side, Oyster Bay offers breathtaking views of the ocean and neighboring St. Barths. The atmosphere is quiet and secure, making it ideal for families with young children.

For Kids: The resort features a large, free-form swimming pool and a smaller children’s pool. The rocky coastline offers fascinating tide pools for little explorers to discover marine life.

For Parents: The highlight for parents is the stunning Horizon Rooftop Pool & Bar, which is adults-only, guaranteeing a peaceful retreat. The condominium-style accommodations with kitchens are perfect for longer stays.

7. Grand Case Beach Club

Best For: Foodie families who want a quiet base near the culinary capital.

Nestled at the northern end of Grand Case, this beach club offers a tranquil escape while being just a short walk from the island’s best restaurants. It sits on two beautiful, calm beaches—Petite Plage and Grand Case Beach.

For Kids: The calm, protected waters are like a natural swimming pool, ideal for young children. The resort offers suites with kitchenettes, making family meals easy.

For Parents: You get the best of both worlds: a quiet, self-contained resort with the gourmet paradise of Grand Case just a five-minute stroll away. It’s perfect for a romantic parents’ dinner out after putting the kids to bed.

8. Allegria Resort – St. Martin

Best For: A modern, boutique-style stay with a focus on relaxation.

This newer resort on the French side, near the charming village of Grand Case, offers a sophisticated yet family-welcoming atmosphere with stunning panoramic sea views.

For Kids: The resort features a beautiful infinity pool where families can swim together. The spacious one and two-bedroom suites provide room for everyone to spread out.

For Parents: The serene ambiance is the main draw. Parents can unwind at the pool, enjoy a treatment at the spa, or sip a cocktail while taking in the magnificent sunset views over the Caribbean.

9. Simpson Bay Resort, Marina & Spa

Best For: Families who want an all-in-one vacation village with endless amenities.

This is one of the largest timeshare/resort properties on the island, functioning like a self-contained village. If you don’t want to leave the resort for anything, this is your place.

For Kids: The amenities are incredible: multiple pools, a waterslide, a kids’ club, a playground, a game room, and a movie theater. There’s simply no time for boredom.

For Parents: With five restaurants, a full-service marina, a spa, and a fitness center, parents have everything they need. The variety of on-site dining options keeps mealtime interesting for the whole family.

10. Mary’s Boon Beach Resort

Best For: Families seeking an authentic, “old Caribbean” charm and simplicity.
This is the antithesis of a large, modern resort. Mary’s Boon is a funky, charming, and historic property located right on Simpson Bay Beach, offering a truly laid-back experience.

For Kids: The focus here is on simple, unplugged fun—building sandcastles on the beautiful beach, swimming in the pool, and watching the planes take off from a distance. It’s a return to a classic beach vacation.

For Parents: Parents will love the rustic charm, the fantastic on-site restaurant, and the sense of peace. It’s a place to truly disconnect and enjoy quality family time without any bells and whistles.

When choosing your St Martin Sint Maarten villa rentals, consider your family’s primary vacation style: the non-stop activity of Maho, the gourmet tranquility of Grand Case, or the all-inclusive convenience of a large resort. No matter which you pick, Sint Maarten offers a unforgettable family-friendly backdrop.