ST. Martin SXM

[SunGod]

Hey all,

My fiance and I will be taking our honeyoom in St Martin. We will be staying at a resort on Orient Beach and had some questions for anyone who has experience there. First: We know Orient is all clothing optional, is that for the entire beach (however many miles long it is) or just some parts? Second: If so, I see there are nifty bars and whatnot along its shores, can one go into these places nude to get drinks and food? Third: Are there any CO beaches on the dutch side?

Thanks for any answers. Were not leaving till Jaunary 16, two days after the wedding, but cant help but be excited.

[SunGod]

Hey all,

My fiance and I will be taking our honeyoom in St Martin. We will be staying at a resort on Orient Beach and had some questions for anyone who has experience there. First: We know Orient is all clothing optional, is that for the entire beach (however many miles long it is) or just some parts? Second: If so, I see there are nifty bars and whatnot along its shores, can one go into these places nude to get drinks and food? Third: Are there any CO beaches on the dutch side?

Thanks for any answers. Were not leaving till Jaunary 16, two days after the wedding, but cant help but be excited.

[FireProf]

St. Martin..............our home away from home!

We've been there three times in the last three years and plan on making it an annual trip. Needless to say...we love St. Martin and Club Orient.

Now to answer your questions; Orient Beach, which is 1 1/2 miles long from Club Orient to Mt. Vernon is entirely clothing optional but...you will not see as many nudes in the middle section as you will on either end.

Daily, nudists from Club Orient walk the entire beach in the early mornings and in the late afternoon/early evening. The reason's for these times is because the majority of Orient Beach becomes textile with families, children, teens, etc., with the exception of all of Club Orient, a section of Coco Beach Bar and occasionally a section of Mt. Vernon's area. Nudists prefer not to subject textiles to the nudity and everyone seems to get along better, less complaining from the textiles.

A couple of the other resorts, such as Esmeralda, have private pools for each four rooms. If your neighbors within those other rooms do not have a problem with nudity, you are permitted to lounge, swim, sun and be nude as much as you'd like around your private pool. Some of these other resorts such as Esmeralda have a connection with a particular beach concession, such as Coco Beach. Coco's is a light blue restaurant with light blue umbrellas right on the beach. Each morning the beach boys set up lounge chairs and place dividers that really on divide the textile side from the nude side. There is no screening, you can see each other and it only marks the area for nude use separate from the bathing suit side.

All along the beach from Club O to Mt. Vernon you will encounter a few brave souls that will sun nude but stay at other resorts and come to the beach each day, rent lounge chairs and umbrellas at either KaKao, Bikini Beach, Kon Tiki, Boo Boo Jam's or a couple of the others. There are far fewer than at Club Orient and beside there, Coco's has the most nude sunbathers, but you're still only talking about a dozen to two dozen nudes at Coco's as opposed to a couple hundred or more at Club O.

Eating and drinking in the nude on Orient Beach. There is difference's of opinion on this. For the most part....dining and drinking in the nude, in our experience, only happens in a few places, Club Orient-at Papagayo's Restaurant, Club Orient-Perch Bar, Pedro's-closest to Club Orient and Baywatch- next to Pedro's. These last two are in close proximity to Club Orient and are very nudists friendly.

The other places along Orient Beach will ask you to cover up because the bulk of their clientele is textile. What we have done is wrapped a pareo around us and we are fine to dine or drink. We've done this at Coco's & Kon Tiki without any problem. If you want to dispense with the pareo as well, walk down to Club Orient and have lunch at the Perch Bar or walk further down to Papagayo's and eat at the restaurant.

Orient Beach is a beautiful beach, probably one of the most beautiful beaches there is, mostly because of the ability to enjoy it nude. There are some limitations only because of a comfort level for you and your soon to be wife. If being the only two people naked in the midst of hundreds of textile families, couples and singles is okay, then you'll not have a problem. If you feel somewhat uncomfortable, you'll want to venture to Coco's or Club Orient to enjoy yourselves completely.

Going in January is a bit different than when we vacation there in June. January does have some pro's and con's. In January, the crowd is a bit younger, there are lots more people there on St. Martin and on Orient Beach. With that, you'll have many more textiles on the beach and less of the laid back attitudes of some of the places in regards to nudity, with of course the exception of Club Orient, Pedro's, Baywatch, Coco Beach and Mt. Vernon.

With regards to nude beaches on the Dutch side; the most popular nude beach on the Dutch side is Cupecoy. We've not been there but have many friends that do go there for the day. It's well known, you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas but need to take everything with you because there are no services on the beach. There are other nude beaches around the island and I can give those as well if you are interested. But most if not all of the others are in no comparison to Orient Beach.

I hope you have a great time on St. Martin and the up side for us is......after your honeymoon, we'll only have about 5 months before our annual trip.

Any other questions, let me know, I'm always willing to help and talk about St. Martin. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

FP

[SunGod]

Wow! thanks ofr the wealth of info. I have gotten the impresion before that it wasnt everyone nude on Orient beach, but thats ok. As long as a few are by our resort, we will be too, or maybe we'll just have to be the brave ones. We are going to be at Alamanda, which I have no idea how close it is to the places you mentioned, but we'll walk alot and be sure to see the whole place. Were really looking forward to the trip!

So, if we just threw something on, like a towl or wrap or something, then thats ok in bars and all?

Also, have you ever rented a car there? I'm gonna guess they drive as well as the rest of the carib. My experiences in aruba,caymans,jamaica,martinique,barbados and others makes me think that drivers ed doesnt quite exist there. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Anyway, thanks again for your help!

[FireProf]

You are very welcome! http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

We've never stayed at Alamanda. From what we've heard, they are not tolerant of nudity but topless is okay for women. What we've also heard is to let the crowd dictate what you wear and don't wear at Alamanda.

I believe Alamanda is very close to Esmeralda and Orient Beach Village. From there, it's a short walk to the beach and Coco's. As you are facing the ocean, the nude section of Coco's is on your left. North of Coco's (to your right as you face the ocean)is Club Orient. It's about a 3/4-1 mile walk but a very fun walk. Lot's to see, bars to visit and several gift vendors on the beach and behind a few of the bars and restaurants.

Just wearing a wrap, pareo, sarong or pair of shorts is fine. You'll fit into the fashion and dress attire better with either a sarong or pareo. Everone wears them including the men. I do believe your wife will have to cover her breast. Once you're there, just ask the beach boys what the rules are and they'll be nice and tell you whether you'll need to cover or not. Again, it really has to do with the season and how busy they are with textiles.

Renting a car; we've done that the last three times. It's not a cost effective venture but one of conveinence. When we arrive at the airport we like that conveinence of having a vehicle to drive ourselves to Club O instead of waiting for a cab or van ride. The same is true for the trip back to the airport. A taxi ride can cost you about 25-30 dollars one way. That's 60 dollars towards a car. The other reason we rent a car is to drive to Grand Case a couple of times that week for dinner. Some of the best food in the Caribbean. We can talk more about those later.

Driving on St. Martin is an adventure. There are 3- 4 traffic signals on St. Martin and all of them are in Phillipsburg. Driving there is on the friendly system. Let some go and then you go, let people merge and they let you merge. Traffic can be a little bothersome at times but it's never really bothered us. Got watch out for everything from cars and pedestrians to cows and goats and their youngin's.

Any more questions, don't hesitate to ask. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

FP http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[SunGod]

How about $$$$ issues.

What can I expect to spend for 1 beer?
" " 1 wine?
" " 1 mixed drink?
" " 1 shot?
" " lunch for 2?
" " dinner for 2?

Can you drink on the beach? I hope its like most of europe is where you can take a beer pretty much anywhere (cept the drivers seat).

[FireProf]

I tried to reply last night from work but something happened and I lost it in computerland somewhere......so I'll try again now that I'm home.

Yes, you can drink beer and anything else while on the beach. Beer, wine usually cost about 2-3 bucks. Mixed drinks about 4 dollars and I've never ordered a shot so I would imagine closer to 2 - 3 buck for those as well.

Many of those we've met purchase a styrofoam cooler, one that can be thrown away after you vacation. Fill it with your drinks and ice and take it to the beach with you. This lessens the amount of trips you take back and forth to the bar and lessens the amount of time you have to put something on to go to the bar.

If you get the chance, head down to the Perch Bar at Club Orient between 12:30 and 1:30pm. Happy Hour 2 for 1!! If Willy's (tall, dark hair, slender female) working the Bar you'll have no problem getting in line and ordering drinks a few times. She's fast and friendly!

Lunch there at the Perch was about 8 bucks for a Cheeseburger. We ate lunch at Baywatch as well that week and paid 8-12 dollars for a hamburger - salads and fisherman's plate. Some items a little cheaper, others higher according to what you order.

Over by the village, there's Tap 5, which sells pizza. I've heard it's pretty good and inexpensive, that's another option. When we go to Club Orient and venture down the beach we don't usually eat at other places because we have to get dressed so we tend to head back to the Club O section where we can be nude all the time whether we're sunning, eating, drinking, etc.

Thanks for asking all these questions. As you can tell, I love to talk about and share information about St. Martin, Club Orient and Orient Beach. Answering your questions rekindles our not so distant memories of our week there in June.

FP http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[EricNY]

gee prof...you are like the travel guru here.... http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[SandyHookNudist]

My experiences at Orient Beach and Club Orient are pretty much the same as FireProf. I've stayed at Club Orient because I can stay nude for the entire length of my visit. It's so nice to roll out of bed in the morning naked, have coffee in front of my cabin naked, walk the entire beach naked, step into the restaurant naked, shop in the boutique naked .... I could go on and and on, but you catch my idea. In my first visit to Club O, I confined myself to the resort for the first 12 hours, but got comfortable strolling the entire length of the 1 1/2 mile beach nude in the morning and again in the evening. Later in the week, I decided to walk in mid-day as well. While I got some looks and some photos taken of me by the textiles, I was never asked to cover up or leave the area. Three of us sat nude at the bar at Bikini Bar one night for hours. I accidently left my hat that night and when I returned nude the next morning to pick it up, I was greeted warmly by the staff who asked if I would stay for breakfast. I would have been the only nude customer, but I was not asked to cover up. I get the impression from another website (http://www.orientbeach.com) that some people have been asked to cover up, or told they were not welcome at some of the beach bars along the beach. I suspect that may have more to do with the textile customers who come from the cruise ships for the day than the preferences of the owners of the various bars. Another evening a group of us asked if we could dine nude at Coco's. We were told we that we could rent one of their chairs outside on the beach and stay nude, but if we wanted to come in, we'd have to wrap ourselves. The women could have stayed topless, they just wanted us to cover our genitals. I think the bars and restaurants have less business during the summer and are happy to have anyone come in (clothed or unclothed) as long as they spend money. I was respectful and behaved myself. We did not get drunk and disorderly. We did not make overt displays. I think if you behave yourself, ask if it's okay and don't make a spectacle of yourself you'll have no problems being nude anywhere on Orient Beach.

[FireProf]

I hesitated giving out that link to OrientBeach.com. That message board has deterioated a bit and has a bunch of trolls really ruining what could be a very informative site.

SunGod, I would visit there and read through some of the junk and you'll get some more ideas and information.

Another place to visit and get info is Traveltalkonline.com. Much more civil and just as much information on St. Martin and nude stuff.

FP http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

ercNY,

How ya doing!!? How's krcNY? Hope you're both well. We sure wish you two and P & C could meet us at Club O one of these years. We'd have a great time! See ya! http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[SunGod]

hehe, I was already aware of the orient beach.com site and had checked it out pretty thoroughly before asking all my Q's. The forum there is kind of blah, but ohwell, the site makes up for it tenfold. So far, I like what I hear, the fiance loves to be naked, so do I, if we feel odd at Alamanda, we will walk somewhere else, but both of us are not ones to fold to peer pressure from textiles. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Other then that, FireProf, I can only think of a couple other passtimes I really enjoy doing in the Carib. Can you give me any info on:

I. Scuba diving, nude if possible, but clothed is just as good.

II. Booze croozing, nude if possible.

III. If no scuba, snorkling. Any good sites like "stingray city" in the caymans?

IV. Trips to St. Barths, I hear its close and worth the trip. Whats the $$$ damage look like and whats involved travel wise?

[FireProf]

There is one nude cruise I personally think is well worth the $$. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

It's the Tiko Tiko that leaves from Club Orient each morning at 9:30 am.

The Tiko Tiko is a 41' catamaran. For $95 dollars a person you get an open bar, that starts when you board, a choice of steak, chicken or fish with baked potato, bread, salad, champagne, wine, coffee and cheesecake for desert.

The cruise begins and takes a 45 min sail to Tintamarre Island. There Tiko anchors and you can either swim or float or take the small motorized boat to the beach. Phillipe takes yellow umbrellas, coolers of drinks and snorkling equipment to the beach. At about 1:30-2:00pm he rings the lunch bell and everyone swims, floats or get a ride back to the Tiko for eats and more drinks.

After lunch you return to the beach for more sunning, exploring, drinking and continued socializing with the other 8-10 people on the cruise with you. The entire cruise is nude! Is it fun......we have been on it twice in three visits and will continue to go on it each year. We've met some really nice people on the cruise and it's great to book this cruise very soon after your arrival so you can meet others staying on Orient Beach and maybe strike up a friendship for mornings and afternoons on the beach and dinner at any of the restaurants.

Scuba and snorkling around stingrays or manta's I'm not familiar with. I'd love to learn to scuba, just haven't done that yet so I can't speak from experience on that subject. When you deplane at the airport, there is a magazine called "Destinations St. Martin". It's a tourist magazine with tons of ads for ferry rides to the adjacent islands such as St. Barts, scuba boats and snorkling boat tours.

We highly recommend Tiko Tiko for your nude cruise with lunch and booze. If interested, go to Club Orient and to Papagayo's Restaurant. There you'll find a table with a sign up sheet. This cruise is not limited to guests of Club O. Anyone can go, so if you meet someone that you become friends with, invite them as well.

A couple we met on our Tiko Cruise took a video camera and video'd the cruise, with everyone's permission, and then sent us a copy on DVD. We get to relive the cruise all the time. We are so glad he did that.

I'm still here if any other questions come up.

FP http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[SunGod]

AWESOME! I think were gonna have to try that. I do appreciate all the help.

[sailor99]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by FireProf:
St. Martin..............our home away from home!

We've been there three times in the last three years and plan on making it an annual trip. Needless to say...we love St. Martin and Club Orient.

Now to answer your questions; Orient Beach, which is 1 1/2 miles long from Club Orient to Mt. Vernon is entirely clothing optional but...you will not see as many nudes in the middle section as you will on either end.

Daily, nudists from Club Orient walk the entire beach in the early mornings and in the late afternoon/early evening. The reason's for these times is because the majority of Orient Beach becomes textile with families, children, teens, etc., with the exception of all of Club Orient, a section of Coco Beach Bar and occasionally a section of Mt. Vernon's area. Nudists prefer not to subject textiles to the nudity and everyone seems to get along better, less complaining from the textiles.

A couple of the other resorts, such as Esmeralda, have private pools for each four rooms. If your neighbors within those other rooms do not have a problem with nudity, you are permitted to lounge, swim, sun and be nude as much as you'd like around your private pool. Some of these other resorts such as Esmeralda have a connection with a particular beach concession, such as Coco Beach. Coco's is a light blue restaurant with light blue umbrellas right on the beach. Each morning the beach boys set up lounge chairs and place dividers that really on divide the textile side from the nude side. There is no screening, you can see each other and it only marks the area for nude use separate from the bathing suit side.

All along the beach from Club O to Mt. Vernon you will encounter a few brave souls that will sun nude but stay at other resorts and come to the beach each day, rent lounge chairs and umbrellas at either KaKao, Bikini Beach, Kon Tiki, Boo Boo Jam's or a couple of the others. There are far fewer than at Club Orient and beside there, Coco's has the most nude sunbathers, but you're still only talking about a dozen to two dozen nudes at Coco's as opposed to a couple hundred or more at Club O.

Eating and drinking in the nude on Orient Beach. There is difference's of opinion on this. For the most part....dining and drinking in the nude, in our experience, only happens in a few places, Club Orient-at Papagayo's Restaurant, Club Orient-Perch Bar, Pedro's-closest to Club Orient and Baywatch- next to Pedro's. These last two are in close proximity to Club Orient and are very nudists friendly.

The other places along Orient Beach will ask you to cover up because the bulk of their clientele is textile. What we have done is wrapped a pareo around us and we are fine to dine or drink. We've done this at Coco's & Kon Tiki without any problem. If you want to dispense with the pareo as well, walk down to Club Orient and have lunch at the Perch Bar or walk further down to Papagayo's and eat at the restaurant.

Orient Beach is a beautiful beach, probably one of the most beautiful beaches there is, mostly because of the ability to enjoy it nude. There are some limitations only because of a comfort level for you and your soon to be wife. If being the only two people naked in the midst of hundreds of textile families, couples and singles is okay, then you'll not have a problem. If you feel somewhat uncomfortable, you'll want to venture to Coco's or Club Orient to enjoy yourselves completely.

http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gifYour descreptions of Club Orient make it seem a very attractive place. I've also viewed INA's DVD on the club. Although I've always been nude when home alone, I've never participated with other people. I'm taling the plunge. I've made a reservation at Club Orient for one week starting this Wednesday. I hope to be nude for a full week.

[Nude in the North]

I'm sure glad SunGod asked these questions.
I tried to get info on St.Martin a week or so ago but my post got lost in the shuffle.

We are planning to go the week between Christmas and Newyears. If we can find a room. It's looking like we might have a hard time at this late date.

I'm not sure if I should use a local travel agent or one of the on line agents like Castaway travel.
What is your experience with that? Are there any "All inclusive" types of places there or isn't it important. I wouldn't mind a cheaper Motel as long as it's not too far from the beach and has a friendly attitude about nudity.

I'm sorry if I'm "Hijacking" a little but It's our 30th anneversary comming up and I really want to go somewhere special.

TIA

Steve

[Nude in the North]

Sorry. I didn't mean to kill the topic. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[FireProf]

Nude in the North,

Is Club O not an option for you? We've only stayed there and haven't even visited any of the other places.

We stay at Club O because of the clothing optional opportunities. We have only stayed a week each year for the past 4 but are looking to stay longer this year.

No personal experience with either but know many other nudists like Esmeralda and L'Hoste, both very close to the beach and a short to moderate walk to the Club O section of the beach. The one drawback to these other places is that nudity is limited to areas of the hotel and not everywhere, like at Club O.

We celebrated our 28th anniversary at Club O and plan on spending each anniversary there as long as we can. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Nude in the North]

Club O is still at the top of my list, I just wanted some other options in case it's booked.
I don't want to end up in a place with a strict "no nudity " policy.

Steve

[Mosquito_Bait]

We will be at Club Orient over the Christmas holiday. We had a difficult time choosing between Club Orient on St. Martin and Sorobon on Bonaire. Club Orient had three significant advantages:

1. It is much easier to find flights to St. Martin than Bonaire.

2. The cabins at Club Orient have air-conditioning.

3. At Sorobon, you have to wear a swimsuit to attend the windsurfing school next door.

We still hope to visit Sorobon sometime in the future.

[Keegan]

We rented a villa through Cap Caraibes that was a 5 minute walk thom the beach at Club Orient. We had our own c/o pool that we could enjoy anytime.

The price was comparable to Club Orient yet we were offered more ammenities like a dishwasher, pool, 2 bedrooms, phone. I could have done without the satelite TV!

You can rent the villas for less if you opt for only one bedroom. We had our kids so wee needed the extra space.

Ask for Magali, she is fantastic.