My wife and I are looking at St. Martin for our belated honeymoon and just had a few questions about the island and activities.
1) We were looking at staying close to Orient beach as we wanted to try the nude side a few times. With the chair rentals, how far spaced out do they give you? Some pictures look right on top others look 15ft.
2) Do you know of any hotels that are topless friendly but require bottoms? Like I said we would explore the beach but didn't want full C/O for the hotel.
3) We are looking at potential villa/VRBO rentals as well. Some of the walks listed are 1-8 min walks to the beach. Would it be an issue to do this topless?
4) Your personal favorite restaurants? We don't mind traveling the island and will be renting a car.
5) I have read on here about staying off the beach at night. How long after sundown would you suggest? If we did a long walk at sunset and took an hour-2 extra after would that be too long?
6)Any activities/restaurants that are topless friendly but not full C/O? I saw the Perch is one and Sunset by the airport. I've seen C/O cruises and snorkeling but not just topless.
7) Has anyone gone shark diving? We did this in Hawaii and would love to again.
Thank you in advance and I apologize if this was a long list.
As far as topless in orient village I've never seen it. Dive Safaris used to do a shark Awareness dive which is good but if you're a certified driver you'll see sharks on most dives. Just be aware the water reliability is questionable on the French side.
First of all congrats! I think I can help with a few of your questions.
1) The front row of the c/o beach is a bit congested with chairs being closer together. If you don’t mind the 2nd or 3rd row, the chairs are much farther apart. Also, when you get there are find a nice spot for yourselves, just ask one of the beach guys setting up the chairs if they can set you up there. They are very accommodating.
2) There are a couple small c/o inns in Orient Bay. Club Fantastico is one. I can’t comment of them as I have never stayed at any of them. Of course you could rent an Airbnb/VRBO with a private pool and sunbathe as you wish.
3) Walking topless to/from the beach would not be acceptable. It is reserved for the beach or your own private space.
4) Orient Village has some amazing restaurants. My favorites are Maison Mere and Le Piment. Also Grand Case is a short drive away. In GC we love Spiga and Oceans 82.
5) Personally, I wouldn’t spend a lot of time after dark on the beach. However there are some of the beach bars that are open for dinner into the evening a few days a week. That may make it more safe to walk after dark.
6) The Perch is a great bar to hang out at c/o or topless. There are boat excursions as well that are c/o. You’re not going to see topless only, it’s c/o or it’s not. Remember c/o is clothing optional, you have the option to wear any clothing or none at all. Both is acceptable in a c/o setting.
7) I can’t comment of this one. Not an interest of mine.
I will say, if the water shutoff issue is a big concern of yours, confirm with whom you are renting from that they have a cistern. This will eliminate any water shutoffs from disrupting your visit.
I think Todd hit everything on the head. I have never been bothered sitting in the front row at club o beach,but I really do want to be in the front. As far as lodging,we have stayed at many of the places on orient,but miss club o. I would recommend renting a private Villa in the area. We have used Vrbo, and this year used blue ocean villas. Sonja at blue ocean villas is a joy to work with. For dinners, we love Spiga,Auberge gourmande and Le Cottage in Grand Case. Lots of good food also right in orient village. Good luck with your trip and congrats!,
I was all prepared to comment on this one and then read what Todd_Melinda_K had to say and they pretty much summed it up. On #1, the only question I have is what time of year are you going? We usually go in June and there is much more space in the off-season.
#4, we like the Lolos at Grand Case
And when Todd said -'Remember c/o is clothing optional', that pretty much says it all. Some good advice we got many years ago... nobody knows you and nobody cares. ohh, and sand gravity is real!
Not to be a debby downer but water problems have been ongoing for many years. As another poster said make sure it has a private water system or a cistern. I'm here now at a Dutch side resort called Flamingo and shower twice daily. I wouldn't survive on the French side.
Thank you for your response. For bringing items to the beach do you just tie your bag to the chair? Have done that before. We will.keep that in mind about the water.
HI, we were at Orient 3 wks late Mar into April in Orient. Lots of lounger space on the Club O end Excellent resto's in the village. For a dine in evening try the deli in the Village for dried meats from Utaly, antipasto and pasta and cheese and ??- On Dirait Le Sud near Good Norming Cafe - note for baguettes - Good Norming normally sells out by about 8 am. After that it's Petit Casino, not a bad option. Don't forget Tijon in Grand Case, you can create your own honeymoon scent!
I think the other posters touched on everything that was on your list. My recommendation for a car rental is SAX RENTAL company. IMHO it's one the best service and rates on the island! Contact Cindy and her husband Anil Puran for dates and rates!! They are lovely people to do business with!! https://www.saxcarrental.com/
I've only gone topless. Have always kept my bottoms on except maybe walking into and out of the water. That's just what I'm comfortable with. Hubby is always nude. Not an issue either way. If you're facing the water on Orient we go all the way up to the right. Usually NO ONE there. We take our towels, a cooler, music and that's all you need. Always a fun afternoon. We might make small talk with people walking by, but it's no big deal at all. Don't overthink it. Just have fun!
For hotel you may want to check out Esmeralda . On Orient Beach. Every "building" of 4 units shares a small pool, where topless is okay. Not sure about the water situation, or where they get their water supply , but we have never had any issues . Walking distance to the restaurants in teh Village and a very good restaurant, Astrolabe right on the property. Continental breakfast is included , taken at Astrolabe.
I have seen topless at the small beach next to Grand Case Beach Club, and at LaPlaya (far end of beach strip ; opposite end from where Club O was). Plus you can get good drinks and food at LaPlaya. Topless at Baie Longue near La Samama Hotel, Baie Rouge too.
Happy Honeymoon. We spent ours in SXM and have returned ever year since (except 2019 and covid). 43 years now and when asked our secret we say SXM!
You've gotten good answers to your questions; I just want to add that topless isn't as commonplace on the French beaches as it was ten years or so ago. You do still see it, but not as much. It's certainly still acceptable, as it is on all French beaches.
Over time, I have noticed that it is most often the male partner asking about the C/O and topless environment. Just a word of advice, from personal experience: honeymoon or not, if she is not comfortable with C/O, nude, topless, etc. - don't push the issue.
Over time, I have noticed that it is most often the male partner asking about the C/O and topless environment. Just a word of advice, from personal experience: honeymoon or not, if she is not comfortable with C/O, nude, topless, etc. - don't push the issue.
Good advice. Not a good way to start a lifetime commitment.
