4 Best Family Resorts in St Maarten & St Martin for 2026

By Kerry Biddle on 20th October, 2026

Choosing a family resort in St Maarten or St Martin isn’t just about finding somewhere with a swimming pool. Some families want an all-inclusive hotel with a kids’ club, waterslides and activities from morning until evening. Others would rather have a spacious suite, a kitchen for easy breakfasts and the freedom to explore a different beach every day.

This Caribbean island offers both.

The Dutch side, St Maarten, has larger resorts, lively beach towns and plenty of entertainment. French St Martin feels a little different, with smaller hotels, beachfront restaurants and villages where a morning trip to the bakery can become part of the vacation routine.

You can explore both sides without changing hotels, but choosing the right base will make a big difference, particularly when traveling with younger children.

Here are four family-friendly resorts and hotels worth considering, along with practical advice on which suits different ages, budgets and vacation styles.

Best Family Resorts in St Maarten & St Martin at a Glance

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, Maho

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.

A newer addition is Pelican’s Nest Sky Deck, which opened on a limited basis in June 2026. The rooftop entertainment space includes mini golf, a climbing wall, sports simulators and other activities.

There’s also plenty happening beyond the resort. Maho Beach is famous for the aircraft that fly overhead on their approach to the airport, while nearby Mullet Bay is a beautiful choice for a more traditional beach day.

Just remember that Maho is a busy area, with aircraft noise, nightlife and plenty of activity. It’s ideal for families who like an energetic atmosphere, but less suited to those looking for complete peace and quiet.

Family facilities: Kids’ club for ages 3–12, Teen Zone, aqua park, waterslides, swimming pools, rooftop entertainment and all-inclusive dining.

Best ages: Preschoolers, school-age children and teenagers.

Best for: Families who want everything organized in one place, particularly those with children of different ages.

Location: Maho, Dutch St Maarten.

Official website: https://sonestastmaarten.com/mahobeach/

Family tip: Check kids’ club session times, childcare charges and the current availability of rooftop activities before booking.

Simpson Bay Resort, Marina & Spa, Billy Folly

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 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.

Family facilities: Multiple pools, beach access, suites with kitchens in selected categories, restaurants and nearby watersports.

Best ages: All ages, particularly families who benefit from separate bedrooms and flexible meal arrangements.

Best for: Larger families, multigenerational groups and vacations lasting a week or longer.

Location: Simpson Bay, Dutch St Maarten.

Official website: https://www.simpsonbayresort.com/

Family tip: Confirm the exact room layout and building location. Not all suites have the same facilities or accessibility.

Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Little Bay

Divi Little Bay has one of the most attractive resort settings on the Dutch side.

Located on a peninsula between Little Bay and Great Bay, the resort offers direct access to the beach, beautiful coastal views and a more relaxed atmosphere than the lively Maho area. For families who plan to spend most of their vacation swimming, snorkeling and enjoying the sunshine, it’s an appealing choice.

The resort has swimming pools, restaurants, watersports and a selection of rooms and suites. Some larger accommodation categories have kitchen facilities, which can be particularly useful when traveling with younger children.

Little Bay is also a convenient location for exploring Philipsburg, the Dutch-side capital, where you’ll find shopping, waterfront restaurants and historic sites.

Another attraction is the chance to combine beach days with activities elsewhere on the island. You can book a boat excursion, visit Maho Beach or spend an afternoon exploring the French side. Divi Little Bay is a better match for families who enjoy swimming and beach activities than those who need a structured kids’ club throughout the day.

Family facilities: Swimming pools, beach access, watersports, resort restaurants and kitchen facilities in selected accommodation categories.

Best ages: School-age children and teenagers, although families with younger children may appreciate the suite options.

Best for: Families who want a full-service beachfront resort without an all-inclusive schedule.

Location: Little Bay, near Philipsburg, Dutch St Maarten.

Official website: https://www.diviresorts.com/

Family tip: Check which activities and watersports are included in your rate and which carry an additional charge.

La Playa, Orient Bay

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.

Family facilities: Swimming pool, beach access, kitchenettes, beachfront dining and nearby restaurants and shops.

Best ages: Families with children of different ages who enjoy independent travel.

Best for: A quieter boutique hotel experience, beach days and exploring French St Martin.

Location: Orient Bay, French St Martin.

Official website: https://www.laplayaorientbay.com/

Family tip: Orient Bay can be windy. Check swimming conditions and ask about the hotel’s beach facilities before booking.

Which St Maarten Family Resort Is Right for You?

Best for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Sonesta Maho is particularly appealing because of its dedicated children’s aqua park and supervised kids’ club for children ages 3–12. Families with babies or younger toddlers may prefer Simpson Bay Resort or La Playa, where selected accommodations offer kitchen facilities and more flexibility around meals and naps.

Remember that supervised kids’ clubs have minimum ages, so don’t assume childcare is available for babies.

Best for Children Ages 5–12

Sonesta Maho offers the most extensive organized children’s program among the four resorts featured here. Its kids’ club, pools, waterslides and rooftop activities make it especially appealing to school-age children.

Divi Little Bay is another good option for children who love spending time at the beach and trying watersports.

Best for Teenagers

Teenagers often appreciate a little independence. Sonesta Maho has a dedicated Teen Zone and plenty of entertainment, while Simpson Bay Resort offers easy access to restaurants, excursions and watersports.

Divi Little Bay is also worth considering for active families who enjoy swimming and snorkeling.

Best for Larger Families

Simpson Bay Resort is a practical choice thanks to its larger suites and accommodation options with kitchens. Having separate bedrooms and living areas can make a week-long vacation much more comfortable.

Best for Families Who Prefer Smaller Hotels

La Playa is a good option if you’d rather avoid a large resort and spend your days exploring beaches, restaurants and villages. It’s especially appealing to families who enjoy the French side’s relaxed atmosphere.

Dutch St Maarten or French St Martin: Which Is Better for Families?

Both sides of the island can work well for a family vacation, but they offer different experiences.

Dutch St Maarten

The Dutch side has larger resorts, all-inclusive hotels, shopping, marinas and a livelier atmosphere.

Maho is ideal for families who want plenty of entertainment close by, while Simpson Bay offers a convenient mix of restaurants, beaches and accommodation. Little Bay is a good option if you’d prefer a beachfront resort with easy access to Philipsburg.

French St Martin

The French side has smaller hotels, attractive beaches, villages and an excellent dining scene. Orient Bay is a convenient place to stay if you want restaurants and beach activities nearby, while Grand Case is especially appealing for its waterfront setting and food.

Families who enjoy exploring independently may prefer this side of the island. There’s no need to choose one side exclusively for your entire vacation. You can visit both, whichever resort you book.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Resorts in St Maarten

Is St Maarten good for a family vacation?

Yes. St Maarten and St Martin have family-friendly resorts, beaches, watersports, boat trips and plenty of restaurants. Families can choose between lively all-inclusive hotels and smaller properties with more independence.

Which St Maarten resort has the best kids’ facilities?

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort has one of the most extensive family activity offerings, including a supervised kids’ club, Teen Zone, aqua park, waterslides and rooftop entertainment.

Are there all-inclusive family resorts in St Maarten?

Yes. Sonesta Maho Beach Resort is an all-inclusive property that welcomes families. Other resorts on the island generally offer different meal plans or room-only accommodation.

Which side of the island is better for families?

The Dutch side is a good choice for larger resorts, entertainment and convenience. The French side appeals to families who prefer smaller hotels, restaurants and exploring independently.

Do you need a rental car in St Maarten?

Not necessarily if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort and mainly taking organized excursions. However, a rental car is useful if you want to visit beaches, restaurants and attractions on both sides of the island.

Is Maho Beach safe for children?

Families can visit Maho Beach to watch aircraft, but they should remain well away from the airport fence and avoid the dangerous jet blast area behind departing planes. Always supervise children closely.

Are St Maarten beaches suitable for toddlers?

Some beaches have gentle conditions on calm days, but wind, waves and currents vary. Choose sheltered areas, check local advice and supervise young children in the water at all times.

Finding the Right Family Resort in St Maarten

The best family resort isn’t necessarily the one with the most facilities. If your children want waterslides, games and entertainment every day, Sonesta Maho is an obvious place to start.

If you’d rather have a larger suite and the freedom to explore, Simpson Bay Resort offers a practical alternative. Divi Little Bay is appealing for beach-loving families, while La Playa provides a more intimate base on the French side.

Whichever you choose, make time to explore beyond the resort. Between the beaches, villages, restaurants and boat trips, there’s plenty here to make a family vacation memorable.