TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin topless on Orient

Hi All,
Heading to St. Martin in the spring and would like to be able to walk the main beach topless but not sure since I read where not many women go topless. Wondering why more women don't walk the entire beach topless or visit beach bars topless? Any suggestions by the veterans out there. I don't want to be the only one on the beach without a top. Thanks

Honestly, you used to see topless pretty much anywhere along Orient. Anymore, not as much. It is still perfectly acceptable anywhere on the French side. As to whether others will also be participating, it depends on the day. Of course you can always wear some type of a cover-up and remove it, depending on how others are dressed. Or of course, just head to the Club O section..

Last April we saw several women partaking at the different chair rentals along the beach. a few would take an afternoon walk from Club O to the north end of the beach, but it certainly wasn't a majority. I did not notice anyone at the beach bars other than Club O, but there wasn't many bars up and running then either.

On our visits in the past there have aways been fair number of ladies walking Orient Beach topless from one end to the other (a long, healthy hike). This is a full blown french beach and it is totally acceptable to do this any time of the day. Now, walking the beach in the 'buff' is a different story. I think you can still do this in the early morning hours before the bulk of the tourists arrive (say before 8:00 a.m.), but during the main day time hours this will be restricted to the Club Orient section of the beach (which is the bottom one-third of Orient below the rocks). With that said, it's not as common as say Ibiza for example but IMO topless is still quite common on Orient Beach. As for topless beach bars, The Perch Bar & Grille allows any state of dress and about half the people who visit and eat there are without apparel. It's a great place to get out of the midday sun and grab lunch. Another bar on the Dutch side where topless is/was permitted is the Sunset Beach Bar on Maho Beach. The story there is women who remove their top drink for free at the bar, but this is becoming less common from what I've observed. All I know is that I still pay for my wife when we have a drink there despite trying to explain to her the money we could save!

There was a few walkers each time we were on the non Club O section and several chair sitters. No big deal really.

In fact two year’s in a row we have seen and been one of several topless on Simpson Bay in front of a resort and a beach bar nearby. We didnt see anybody have any issues, so we joined em and were served like tey were without comment.

We have been on Orent since last Friday mostly in the front row of La Playa chairs. ..20EU / USA for 2 / umbrella

There are top less in all three rows of chairs. Changes day to day. This is seen in front of bikini kontiki...all along. Less so as you head to Mt Vernon end.

Walkers are all day happening but rarely amongst under 35

Have been a couple of completely nude males walking mid-day but they are rare.

Have not seen topless at bars where we have lunched....kontiki bikini playa or kakako

We are here now on Orient Beach in Mont Vernon and the women on the beach do what is comfortable to them. Walking the length of Orient there are women with tops off and some with tops on. My advice is to reach your own comfort level.

The vibe has changed for sure. You don't see to many if any ordering drinks topless. IMHO. I think that is because everything is all so new. In a year or so, we'll see the beach bars be more comfortable with topless patrons. As it was pre Irma. Back in November we saw about what it use to be walking the beach. That much hasn't changed.

It's legal, and it's really up to you. You might start a trend that day!!!!

thanks for all your reply's. I feel more comfortable now that I know I won't be the only one topless.
TandP

You're welcome. Trust me ... you won't be the only one. Just enjoy yourself and keep your fingers crossed for dry, sunny beach weather when you visit.

We are usually there in May. We gravitate to the nude beach where there is a beach bar called The Perch. No clothing required. You will fit right in.
We also tend to see the occasional topless bathers on the non nude portion of the beach.

I go topless everywhere with out a worry. LOL

I'm topless everyday when I'm here and it's not a big deal. Relax

You can walk the entire beach topless no problem, you can drink at the beach bars topless if you wish ,do you think any men are going to complain.We have been there a dozen times no problem.We will be back in March, just wear sunscreen.

I guess I will add to this. My wife is very comfortable with being topless and too, has spent all her time on Orient Beach and others without a top on. She has walked up to check out menus infront of the the beach bars/cafe and the host has welcomed her inside without any hesitation.
We have stayed at Blue Bay Beach Resort in the past which sits a little back off the beach. My wife never hesitated walking from our room to the beach and back with out putting a top on. But, now we are staying in a condo on the other side of the Village, not sure if she will get away with walking to and from the room. Thought she may have to just test the waters.
So, here is the question, how far can you legally be off the beach or away from the beach and be topless?

I'm not sure with today's limited number of places on Orient Beach, but in the past some places did ask the ladies to put on a coverup when dining or having a drink in their establishment. I know one woman who was asked to do this and she was furious they asked her to do this and vowed never to go there again (I won't name the place). Of course that wasn't the case at Papagayo or the Perch Lite, so it may be worth asking places like Kontiki and Bikini Beach and KKO what their policies are today regarding this.

Sometimes common sense comes off with the top. Just saying.

Yesterday there was one nude guy lying in 2nd row of chairs near Kakao. That IMO is pushing the norm

Just wanted to mention that we have hoped to not disrespectful and would not have a problem covering up if asked to do so. We find most people don't seem to pay attention or act like she is noticed. Never noticed anyone staring or over heard any discussions while sitting at the bar or eating establishment. We will be there in March enjoying ourselves being ourselves.

My two cents on the topic. Sunbath, Swim, walk top less no big deal. But once you enter an establishment or just walk up to a bar - cover up. Even with a sarong. Except for of course the places on the Club Orient property. But do what you feel comfortable with and enjoy!!!!!

women sunbathing topless is no big deal on the french islands and many countries in europe...but most "locals" will cover up when going into establishments and/or walking down the beach, sometimes also when going into the water for a dip...it's more about respect for others than modesty

Simple solution---come on up to New York State. Females can go topless anywhere a male can. Might suggest Lake Placid this weekend. Saturday AM forecasted to be
-14 F.

Won't need sunscreen. Bring plenty of chap stick.

T and P!
Not sure if you remember us or not but we've met a few times at Club O's beach in years past. When are you going this Spring? We've got two trips booked right now - April 10-20 and June 12-26, so maybe we'll overlap in April?

Regarding your original question, been there 6 times since Irma and our thought is that topless on Orient, obviously excluding Club O, is much less than it used to be. I'd say "infrequent" and mostly discreet (i.e., on the lounger, rarely while walking around).

At Club O, we think it's pretty much the same - nekkid people who're just as friendly as always!

We walked the entire length of the beach this morning during windy, iffy weather, and saw several topless women en route. Does not seem to be a problem.

I agree.

Me too.

We have gone to SXM for about 25 years now and my wife has always gone "at Least topless" on all the beaches there ,both sides. Not as many topless at the dutch side resorts but no one has ever said anything about being topless.Just enjoy your visit and get a nice tan.

We agree, 20 years ago there was much more topless and nudity. Ah, for the good old days

This thread is almost too funny.

Please be comfortable to yourself!

Yes! It's just common courtesy.

It's your right to be topless. We just returned from Orient Beach. On a walk from "Pedro's" to Coco, saw about 12 women topless. But, I was not looking really hard. The beach was about 50% full.

Oh. That could be viewed so many ways.