Recently, we took a quick getaway to St. Maarten to relax a bit before the holidays. We rented a cozy 2 bed, 1.5 bath condo at The Hills Residence complex, which was super convenient for checking out new restaurants and gorgeous beaches. A bunch of eateries were just a stroll away from the condo, which totally helped us avoid too much night driving. Plus, driving there is a lot like in the US, so no worries! I’ll drop my itinerary below so everyone can check it out and hopefully follow it for an awesome vacation too.
Arrival Day: We headed from JFK to SXM on Jetblue. We landed around 4 pm and got our rental car from Budget Rental Car which is located away from the airport, but a shuttle was available to get you there. Their was some traffic from the airport to the condo but it was helpful to get my driving more comfortable in a foreign country. We headed straight to the front desk in the 4U Real Estate Office and checked in to the condo. Everyone was hungry after our travel day so we went to Naruto SXM in The Hills Complex, 2nd floor. After that, we went to check out the condo and were so happy that it was clean, modern and perfect for our family of 4.
Day 1: We headed to breakfast at Cup of Joy in the The Hills Residence complex and then drove to Mullet Bay Beach to eat at Rosie’s Snack Bar. It was a prefect calm day at the beach. Driving distance to Mullet Bay Beach was 10 minutes from the condo. Head there early, 10:30 am to get a good parking spot since it is a popular spot for cruise goers and other tourists on the island. We headed to the rooftop pool after our beach day and then to The Tap and Still for dinner in Simpson Bay for burgers and fries. Probably the best burger on the island. Location: 3 minute drive from the condo.
Day 2: We woke up late today to enjoy the condo a little bit more, it was quiet and peaceful there. We headed out at 11am for breakfast and coffee. We were heading to another beach club today so we stopped on the way there at La Sucriere French Bakery and Pastry Shop. This store is walkable from the condo, 5 mins and the drive was 2 minutes. We got croissants and coffee for our quick drive to Babacool Beach Club/Restaurant. Located 10 minutes away from the condos front door. We loved the difference in the waves/beach, a little more waves here than in Mullet Bay Beach from yesterday. But still enjoyable from my kids. They preferred this beach because the waves. We had a delicious late lunch and some frozen drinks at our lounge chairs and headed back to the condo for a quick pool swim before dinner. For dinner tonight we headed to Pizza Italy, about a 6-7 minute walk from the condo in the Simpson Bay Yacht Club Marina area. This area has many restaurants for you to walk to as well, take a look on google maps. The pizza was one of the best pies we have had on a Caribbean island. We highly recommend it. On the way home the kids wanted ice cream so we stopped at Topper’s Rhum Distillery for gelato. It was perfect after a long day. We then crossed the street to The Hills Residence and was home in 2 minutes.
Day 3: We wanted to try one of the breakfast locations at The Hills Residence, so we headed to Le Perle Bleu for a late brunch. The food was delicious and the kids were happy ordering Nutella filled French toast and Caramel and Banana Waffles. Since we had a late start today we stayed at the condo and swam in the rooftop pool all day. For dinner we walked around to find a new place to eat and saw so many places that were great options: Ginger Sushi & Grill, IZI Italian Restaurant, Rooster’s Buffet and Lounge, Abu Ghazi Shawarma and Kebab Restaurant and Pineapple Pete SXM Restaurant and Bar. All a 5 minute walk from the condo. We chose Pineapple Pete’s because it had the most variety so everyone could get what they wanted, as well as having pool tables and a small arcade room with Air hockey. Their favorite. They are known for their Lobster Thermidor, supposedly famous in the island. It was located right across the street from The Hills Residence so it was an easy walk there and back.
Departure Day: We headed to the gas station around 11 am to fill up the rental, their was a gas station on the way to the airport but it was very busy so fill up the night before or early morning to avoid the rental car crowd heading to the airport. Took about 20 minutes to get gas and then we headed to Budget Car Rental to return the cart and take the shuttle to the airport. The airport is new and has lots of space for all passengers that are traveling. Before security was a Wendy’s, Domino’s and a French sandwich shop as well as a grocery store and a souvenir store. After security had more food choices and more shopping choices if you have time to hang out. We did like the LOVE SXM clothing store for custom shirts and cute souvenirs.
If you have an extra day, I recommend Rhino Tours that departs from Pineapple Pete’s. Another option is a catamaran snorkel tour to Anguilla. Passport necessary. A full day tour with Prickly Pear Catamaran from St Maarten including lunch to Anguilla. Viator Shop for SXM
