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Saint Martin may be small but it packs a big cultural punch being shared by two nations—France and the Netherlands. The Dutch side is more built up, and so we send our travelers to the calm and refined French side for a laid-back, family-friendly experience. Combine Caribbean beauty and culture with a touch of European flare (and French croissants!).
With 37 beautiful beaches, you’re bound to find one your kids love in French Saint Martin, from the bustling Orient Bay Beach to the stunning remote Pinel Island. Families love how easy it is to get around by car to explore the beaches–and also the very walkable towns!
The mix of French and Caribbean creole culture is evident everywhere in Saint Martin, from morning pastries and seaside wine to the open-air “lolos” serving casual Creole cuisine. The restaurant scene is phenomenal, offering a mix of fine dining, casual eateries, and local shops. Whether you’re staying in a boutique hotel or a spacious villa, French Saint Martin provides a charming, relaxing, and unforgettable family vacation.
Maternity leave trips will always have a special place in my memories. We traveled to Saint Martin as our first international trip post-COVID with a 4-month old baby and a 4-year old girl, and shared a villa with other friends also on maternity leave. It couldn’t have been easier (though the photo above might suggest otherwise….).
The villas in Saint Martin are really some of the best value for luxury villas in the Caribbean, and we found it’s a great place for a villa stay, since you can get out and around the island very easily. For nights that you want to feel the amenities of a hotel, bring in private chef and take advantage of villa concierge services. Have a French croissant for breakfast at Croissant Royale in Marigot and you’ll settle into vacation in no time.
– Lee, Mango Tree Travel Founder
French Saint Martin is famous for its pristine beaches, high-end shopping in the capital of Marigot, and its incredible food scene, blending French and Creole influences.
French is the official language on the French side of Saint Martin, though many locals also speak English, making it easy for travelers to communicate and navigate.
The Euro is the official currency on the French side, but many places will accept U.S. dollars, especially in tourist areas.
French Saint Martin has a unique blend of Mediterranean elegance and laid-back Caribbean charm. This half of the island spans about 21 square miles, with a population of roughly 36,000 people. It takes roughly 45 minutes to drive from end to end.
Renting a car is the best way to explore Saint Martin with kids. The island is small and easy to navigate, with short drives between beaches, restaurants, and attractions—a perfect setup for families looking to explore.
For private luxury villas, stay in Terres Basses. Grand Case offers a more authentic Caribbean vibe with a handful of boutique hotels walkable to world-class restaurants. For Mediterranean beach club vibes, Orient Bay Beach is your best bet, with restaurants just a short stroll away.
Peak Season: Mid-December through April (peak demand, high prices). Sargassum may increase in April, so earlier in season is better.
Shoulder Season: Early December; May and June (still great weather, better prices). A fantastic destination to rent a villa for Thanksgiving, before peak season and before Sargassum season.
No Go: August through October are the low season when hotels undertake reservations.
Fly direct to SXM from many East Coast cities. Saint Martin’s airport is a central hub in the Caribbean, making travel here accessible to many. You can also combine your trip with nearby islands like St Barths or Anguilla via ferry or hopper flights, or hop a little further to other French and Dutch islands.
Saint Martin proves you don’t need an all-inclusive resort to have a stress-free trip with kids. The island is full of kid-friendly restaurants and beaches with amenities, especially in walkable towns like Grand Case and Marigot, making it easy to explore without feeling confined to a resort. Plus, you get:
You could spend dozens of hours researching your trip. Or you could have a family travel expert curate your personalized itinerary. What’s stopping you?
*Please note that some of the suggested actives are affiliate links. We only recommend activities that we know and trust.
* Please note that some of these product links are affiliate links, but we only recommend products we would use on our own travels.
Here, We dropped a pin (because no one likes asking for directions)
Cristina, Fall 2024
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