Orient Beach - St. Martin

I would agree that Orient Beach is quite breathtaking. However, I can see 2
possible problems with it. First, it tends to be overly crowded because it
is the "destination" beach for most tourists. In fact, if you are ever in
Philipsburg when the cruise ships come in, you will see numerous van and
taxi operators barking and advertising to the cruise ship passengers about
trips to Orient Beach and so you could theoretically have thousands of
tourists descending on it. The second possible problem relates to nudity.
From what I remember, there was this free-standing snack bar, and to the
left of the snack bar, everyone was clothed, more or less, though there were
some topless women. To the right of the snack bar, most people were totally
nude. Now for those who are squeamish, which I'm not, or perhaps don't want
younger people to be exposed to this, it could pose a problem.

"Crash" wrote in message
news:9JWub.249794$HS4.2215560@attbi_s01...
I've been to St. Martin a couple of times. The beach I like there is
Orient
Beach. Should warn you that it is fairly developed, meaning that there
lots
of small concessions along the beach. But we never had trouble with
solicitors. The typical 'concession' will rent you chairs and umbrellas,
which I feel are critical for a long stay at the beach. There are also
guys
coming around to take drink orders. There are several small restaurants
along the beach to get a lunch. There are also a few small places to shop
for clothes, suntan lotion, and even massages. So it's not a deserted
stretch of sand by any stretch of the imagination. But it's still very
relaxing, clean, comfortable, and an excellent beach for swimming.

"cb" wrote in message
...
I would agree that Orient Beach is quite breathtaking. However, I can see
2
possible problems with it. First, it tends to be overly crowded because it
is the "destination" beach for most tourists. In fact, if you are ever in
Philipsburg when the cruise ships come in, you will see numerous van and
taxi operators barking and advertising to the cruise ship passengers about
trips to Orient Beach and so you could theoretically have thousands of
tourists descending on it. The second possible problem relates to nudity.
From what I remember, there was this free-standing snack bar, and to the
left of the snack bar, everyone was clothed, more or less, though there
were
some topless women. To the right of the snack bar, most people were
totally
nude. Now for those who are squeamish, which I'm not, or perhaps don't
want
younger people to be exposed to this, it could pose a problem.

You clearly got the "shock the Midwestern tourist" treatment. Then these
Midwestern tourists walk the length of the nude section fully clothed in
cruise clothing. Perhaps the proprietors of the cluster of shops at that
parking lot are offering "encouragement" to the vans to bring people there.

I wouldn't go to that part of Orient if I wanted relaxation, less crowding,
better food, and a generally higher-class visit. (I don't imply that Club
Orient is low class, just that the vans bring the naive to oogle.)

My suggestion is Orient near L'Esmeralda resort. You can either use the
beach-beds and umbrellas at the resort's beach, or go a hundred yards beyond
their hill and be by yourselves. It's an undeveloped area. Partway between
L'Esmeralda and the big hotel at the end of the beach you'll find a little
beach bar / restaurant / umbrellas, etc. I think the name is something like
BoLoJams. I've never used it. It's certainly out of the main swirl of
things.

Bob C.

Midwestern tourists walk the length of the nude section fully clothed in
cruise clothing.

If you are a nudist and you do not want fully clothed Midwestern
tourists marching by, go to Cupecoy Beach. Almost everyone is nude.
Not many good restaurants there, though.

Becca

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