Fact is, for a lot of people, it isn't "IF" Club O weren't there - it isn't! And that loyal following for Club O and for the clothing optional opportunities elsewhere on occasion - many have moved on. In our post-Irma travel, we've run across MANY SXM refugees in Maui, Caymans, Jamaica, and sailing in the VI's. For many, the clothing optional aspect was the driving decision to go to SXM in the first place, and then to return year after year. Among them, we've found two clear groups.

First are those that said they're not there this year just because of Irma issues - no place to stay, airfares, lousy connections, etc., but that they had planned to go back in 1-3 years and see how it has recovered. Usually following that was a statement that they've enjoyed traveling elsewhere and not sure about SXM anymore. Then after that, it was often "If we can't "enjoy Orient", then what's to differentiate it from other islands?"

The other group was more definite. A common theme - Club O is what attracted them to the island cause of the people they met there. No Club O = no reason to return. Several said the same words - it was a "chapter in our lives. It's over. Time for another chapter." Couples Sans Souci - full occupancy because of the nude beach, several others on Jamaica - same. At Maui - several people went out of their way to meet us and talk about SXM on our second day there when I wore an "SXM Strong" t-shirt. Lots more refugees - loving their new chapters.

We loved our times in SXM, and we'll be back another time and see "how it fits" then. Meanwhile, we're enjoying the heck out of visiting other places and wondering if we tied ourselves down too much to SXM. If we did, it was the clothing optional atmosphere and so-minded people that drew us there.

If you do the math "by beach", of course, >95% of SXM visitors have always gone to SXM for textile vacations. On the other hand, there are many who became enamored with the island after visiting Club O on a cruise and "gettin nekkid"! Those people are largely moving on.