TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Baie Rouge Questions

We are leaving next week for the island. Can't wait! It's been awhile; just before Covid hit and eighteen months or so after Irma hit that we had been to the beach at Baie Rouge. Ever since Gus and Chez Raymond left the area no one has been around to rent lounge chairs. We always loved the water and the quiet of the beach there. Particularly the west end where naturism is tolerated and practiced. My last recollections of the beach were very sad with all the destruction to the beachfront properties caused by Irma's devastation.
I know Chez Raymond re-opened by the marina near Marigot. We would like to make a trip back to Baie Rouge, but since the last trip, it was quite deserted and you worry about the safety issues. So my questions are; has anyone stepped in to rent chaise lounges to tourists? Have the villas been rebuilt? Do people still go to enjoy the west end of the beach to enjoy nude sunbathing or has it become a thing of the past? We spent many a beautiful day there over the years and seemed to be one of St. Martin's hidden gems for a great beach day nude or otherwise. Thanks for your responses everyone.

From what I have heard over the years the French Gov for years had tried to get the beach bars off the beach for lots of reasons. They never had a proper business permit , did not pay taxes or rent and no proper sanitary facilities to clean , toilets etc. The parking lot owned by the HOA but allowed everyone to use. So basically the GOV I think one day after Irma came in a took everything off the beach and shut them down. We loved Gus and the ease of having the chair rental and food but on the other hand it's now a gorgeous non commercial beach. So doubt you will ever see anything on the beach commercial , for rent etc again. Lots of lovely multi million dollar Villas on the beach , very nice. As any beach just be aware of your surroundings and Bring in what you need a carry off after the end of the day.

I have no pre-Irma experience with SXM, however we have been to Baie Rouge a few times. Our last trip was in March of this year and we took beach chairs from our villa and had a picnic. Although no beach chair rentals or restaurants, there were lots of people and families enjoying the beach (I'd say around 50 near us). A few topless, idk about nude sunbathers a little further down the beach on the day we were there. I walked down the beach quite a way and saw several beautiful villas. It was a very enjoyable day and I would say FAR from sad in our opinion. And we in no way felt unsafe.

We were there many times in mid May. Just as beautiful as ever and safe and well attended. I miss Gus and Raymond but it will always be our fav…..dave

where do you park these days?

The parking lot at the beach was open when we went there in February.

Same bumpy parking lot right at semi blind curve ….dave

The parking lot is within the security gate for the Baie Rouge Villas but they leave it open during the day. We go early and normally don't have any problem finding a spot in the lot but just do not park alone the narrow road blocking it or in front of any of the Villas driveway. Park sensible as they do tow cars away.