Pelican Key — A Hillside Neighborhood Above Simpson Bay
Pelican Key begins at Billy Folly Road, where Kimsha Beach meets the base of a steep hill, and climbs through one of the island's most established upscale residential neighborhoods. Million-dollar homes cover the hillside, many with sweeping views over Simpson Bay Lagoon and the Caribbean. It is not a gated community — the road is public and the neighborhood is open — but its character is defined by the quality of its residential properties rather than any commercial or tourist offer.
The entrance to Billy Folly Road concentrates the area's commercial activity into a compact cluster before the road begins its climb.
Hollywood Casino
Hollywood Casino anchors the Billy Folly Road entrance and is one of Sint Maarten's most active gaming destinations. The casino operates at a high level with a full range of table games and slots, and has built a loyal following among both residents and visitors. Its elevated position gives it a visibility from Simpson Bay that makes it a natural landmark for the area.
Isola Ristorante
Isola Ristorante Italiano operates within the Hollywood Casino complex and has established itself as one of the better Italian restaurants on the Dutch side. The combination of fine dining and casino entertainment in one location makes the Hollywood complex a genuine evening destination rather than a single-purpose stop.
Red Piano
The Red Piano nightclub completes the entertainment cluster at the base of Billy Folly Road — a live music and nightlife venue that draws a mixed crowd of residents and visitors and runs later than most of the island's entertainment options.
The Resort Properties
Three resort properties occupy the lower section of Pelican Key before the road transitions to pure residential.
The Simpson Bay Resort and Marina — despite the name, it operates without a functioning marina — is a large timeshare resort complex. The scale of the property is its most notable feature; the architecture is utilitarian and lacks the visual appeal that the setting deserves.
La Vista Resort, further up the hill, is a more intimate timeshare operation — cozy in character, with a residential feel that distinguishes it from the larger properties on either side.
The Flamingo Resort is a Hilton Vacation Club property, the largest and most recognizable brand in the Pelican Key resort lineup. It has a beach, but this beach is among the less impressive on the Dutch side — the setting is pleasant enough but the sand and water quality do not match the standard set by the island's better beaches. The architecture shares the same utilitarian character as the Simpson Bay Resort. Visitors choosing the Flamingo for the Hilton brand affiliation will find the resort amenities reliable; those choosing it for the beach should know what to expect.
The Residential Neighborhood
Beyond the resorts, Pelican Key becomes purely residential — homes and villas covering the hillside, most of them substantial properties with the kind of privacy and views that justify the address. This is one of the established premium residential neighborhoods on the Dutch side, with a long history of attracting serious buyers. Sunshine Properties handles inventory in this area.
Getting There — by Car
Billy Folly Road branches off the main Simpson Bay strip. The climb is steep — a rental car is essential. Parking is available at each of the commercial venues at the base of the hill.
