Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,345
Posts309,124
Members26,534
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 63
Kennys 43
kim 35
MIDiver 33
Member Spotlight
Jim_Laraine
Jim_Laraine
Maryland
Posts: 472
Joined: January 2006
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
moxie
Who's Online Now
3 registered members (WWII, 2 invisible), 458 guests, and 77 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? #153763
01/28/2018 08:14 AM
01/28/2018 08:14 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,458
Vermont
sxmmartini Offline OP
Traveler
sxmmartini  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,458
Vermont
Lots of chatter starting already by textile tourists complaining that the only chairs and umbrellas for rent are on Orient's nude beach!

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

SXM Sponsors
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: sxmmartini] #153765
01/28/2018 08:26 AM
01/28/2018 08:26 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,405
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,405
Ohio
And just where is this "chatter" taking place?

You rent chairs where they are available. If you don't like the surroundings or circumstances then don't rent there. This crap about referring to others as "textiles" and "textile tourists" gets really old. Kind of like the term "nudies", both are offensive and better words should be chosen.

How about a nice clean beach, chairs and umbrellas available and where people are not judged or harassed by what they choose to wear or not wear? One should also follow local laws and customs when visiting any beach.


J.D.
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: ruralcarrier] #153776
01/28/2018 10:53 AM
01/28/2018 10:53 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,618
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,618
Brookfield, CT.
With all due respect to Wendy’s photos, which are quite nice, that was well stated, JD. I also find both terms to be derisive, whatever the individual tourists preferences may be.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: pat] #153779
01/28/2018 11:14 AM
01/28/2018 11:14 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
Traveler
PelicanPirate  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
Regardless of the terms, I would think at this point that someone other than Club O would cobble together several dozens of chairs and umbrellas and some coolers full of beer and soda and set up shop to the North. Heck the Club O boys could do it.

My crystal ball and personally computed statistics have determined that many folks who experience Club O arrive at a whole new conclusion about the phenomenon. For those who are able to partake once, it probably won't be the last especially if they get back to SXM on their next port visit.

Many of these folks will be converts, hope that term doesn't offend.

Good for club O trying to keep some semblance of decorum going.

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: sxmmartini] #153780
01/28/2018 11:17 AM
01/28/2018 11:17 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,355
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,355
Central Florida!
Respectfully, I'm not sure where this 'chatter' is, but people need to blame the Collectivite' for dragging their feet about approving redevelopment on Orient. Regardless, there are PLENTY of beaches on SXM where there is no nudity, for those offended by it. As of now, people who go to Orient and whine about nudity need to get themselves better educated before they go there. Go to Mullet, go to Simpson Bay Beach, go to Great Bay beach, go to Friars, go wherever, other than Orient. Maybe the French side will eventually get their heads out of their proverbial you-know-what's and get development going back on Orient. Till then, if nudity offends you, stay away.


Carol Hill
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: ruralcarrier] #153787
01/28/2018 12:00 PM
01/28/2018 12:00 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,146
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
Traveler
jeepers  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,146
Cobourg Ontario Canada
I agree!

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: Carol_Hill] #153793
01/28/2018 12:43 PM
01/28/2018 12:43 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
Traveler
Biturbo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
Regardless, there are PLENTY of beaches on SXM where there is no nudity, for those offended by it. As of now, people who go to Orient and whine about nudity need to get themselves better educated before they go there. Go to Mullet, go to Simpson Bay Beach, go to Great Bay beach, go to Friars, go wherever, other than Orient. Till then, if nudity offends you, stay away.


It's that simple.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: sxmmartini] #153796
01/28/2018 12:54 PM
01/28/2018 12:54 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,618
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,618
Brookfield, CT.
Remember, people,it’s the terminology, be it Nudie’ or ‘Textile’ and NOT the reality that many find offensive.

THE REALITY should be ‘to each his own’, of course - in the proper settings, at least IMHO!

Last edited by pat; 01/28/2018 12:55 PM.

Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: sxmmartini] #153815
01/28/2018 02:24 PM
01/28/2018 02:24 PM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 246
Shelby2 Offline
Traveler
Shelby2  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 246
My thoughts are that perhaps cruise excursions probably promote going to Orient, but not giving passengers full disclosure as far as nothing open except for nudist area? They then arrive and freak out? No battle on either side from me, but just wondering...??

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: sxmmartini] #153818
01/28/2018 02:53 PM
01/28/2018 02:53 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 248
Boston, MA
S
sxmBoston Offline
Traveler
sxmBoston  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 248
Boston, MA
I'm sure the cruise lines are still promoting OB the same as Pre-Irma.

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: sxmBoston] #153823
01/28/2018 03:07 PM
01/28/2018 03:07 PM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
C
Canuck54 Offline
Traveler
Canuck54  Offline
Traveler
C
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
Actually not according to some friends that joined us two weeks ago when they docked in SXM, they and others found their way by taxi but they knew where and why they were going to Orient. Most cruisers are just staying at Phillipsburg as the beach there is full of chairs and umbrellas and new beach bars, also promoted are Mullet and Kim Shae beach. Another new attraction is the chair lift zip line park at Emilio Willson estate. The ATV excursion ans some islaned tours might stop by Orient but not like before.

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: Canuck54] #153866
01/28/2018 11:34 PM
01/28/2018 11:34 PM
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 540
Maine USA
doctorj Offline
Traveler
doctorj  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 540
Maine USA
Call me what you wish but Orient is our beach and can't count down 109 days any quicker. It won't be the same but we will be there to support our friends on the island and meet our friends that arrive the same time. We will have a blast on Orient. Wahoo!
carib cheers,
doctorj


It's Five O'Clock Somewhere........
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: Biturbo] #153867
01/28/2018 11:42 PM
01/28/2018 11:42 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,465
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,465
Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by Biturbo
Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
Regardless, there are PLENTY of beaches on SXM where there is no nudity, for those offended by it. As of now, people who go to Orient and whine about nudity need to get themselves better educated before they go there. Go to Mullet, go to Simpson Bay Beach, go to Great Bay beach, go to Friars, go wherever, other than Orient. Till then, if nudity offends you, stay away.


It's that simple.

Dissagree. There was a nude section and a clothed section where topless was ok on orient. Lets stick to that. Don't need the fully nude turists on the optional side making them uncomfortable. Respect the laws and boundaries. Not every body wants to see nude people but want to enjoy what orient has to offer.

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: SXMScubaman] #153869
01/29/2018 02:46 AM
01/29/2018 02:46 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223 Offline
Traveler
irish1223  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Originally Posted by Biturbo
Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
Regardless, there are PLENTY of beaches on SXM where there is no nudity, for those offended by it. As of now, people who go to Orient and whine about nudity need to get themselves better educated before they go there. Go to Mullet, go to Simpson Bay Beach, go to Great Bay beach, go to Friars, go wherever, other than Orient. Till then, if nudity offends you, stay away.


It's that simple.

Dissagree. There was a nude section and a clothed section where topless was ok on orient. Lets stick to that. Don't need the fully nude turists on the optional side making them uncomfortable. Respect the laws and boundaries. Not every body wants to see nude people but want to enjoy what orient has to offer.


You can disagree, but it really is that simple. I believe the original complaint, or “chatter”, is that the Club O section is the only place renting chairs and umbrellas right now. So with that being the case, it’s silly to expect to go there and not see nudity. Lots of other options available in the meantime if it makes one uncomfortable. Or bring a towel and find a spot down the other end of the beach. It certainly isn’t the fault of the CO people that there's not much else available on Orient right now.


Robin & Ed

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: doctorj] #153871
01/29/2018 03:33 AM
01/29/2018 03:33 AM
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 51
Eastern shore South Carolina
J
Jay&Kath Offline
Traveler
Jay&Kath  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 51
Eastern shore South Carolina
Ours is 138 and counting. Cant wait

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: SXMScubaman] #153874
01/29/2018 07:51 AM
01/29/2018 07:51 AM
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 382
U
Uksimonusa Offline
Traveler
Uksimonusa  Offline
Traveler
U
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 382
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Originally Posted by Biturbo
Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
Regardless, there are PLENTY of beaches on SXM where there is no nudity, for those offended by it. As of now, people who go to Orient and whine about nudity need to get themselves better educated before they go there. Go to Mullet, go to Simpson Bay Beach, go to Great Bay beach, go to Friars, go wherever, other than Orient. Till then, if nudity offends you, stay away.


It's that simple.

Dissagree. There was a nude section and a clothed section where topless was ok on orient. Lets stick to that. Don't need the fully nude turists on the optional side making them uncomfortable. Respect the laws and boundaries. Not every body wants to see nude people but want to enjoy what orient has to offer.


There still is a nude section and a clothed and topless section, the only problem is that the only chairs to rent and the only place to get a drink or food, have been on the nude section. One bar did reopen on the clothed section, but, rumor has it, it will have to close down today

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: sxmmartini] #153876
01/29/2018 08:20 AM
01/29/2018 08:20 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,559
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,559
St Maarten
There is no nude section. But there is a clothing OPTIONAL part of the beach in front of Club O. No one is required to be nude, everyone has always been welcome, nude or not.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: SXMScubaman] #153879
01/29/2018 09:25 AM
01/29/2018 09:25 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,355
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,355
Central Florida!
Scubaman-You don't understand the complaint. The complaint is that there is currently no other places other than Club O that there are chairs and food available on Orient. THAT is apparently the complaint. As I said, until the Collectivite' gets their cr*p together and allows rebuilding on Orient, if you go to Orient, you can expect to see nude people. Deal with it. As Elaine said, no one is REQUIRED to be nude. But if you go to Orient right now, Club O is the only game in town.


Carol Hill
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: Carol_Hill] #153918
01/29/2018 04:35 PM
01/29/2018 04:35 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
Traveler
Biturbo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
I don't even understand what he was trying to say. "The fully nude turists (sic) on the optional side". That's where they're supposed to be. "All that Orient has to offer". Right now it's mostly on the CO beach. Whenever this topic comes up, he makes some strange remarks. Thank you Irish, Elaine, Carol & others for your insight.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: BillandElaine] #153923
01/29/2018 05:40 PM
01/29/2018 05:40 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,458
Vermont
sxmmartini Offline OP
Traveler
sxmmartini  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,458
Vermont
Originally Posted by BillandElaine
There is no nude section. But there is a clothing OPTIONAL part of the beach in front of Club O. No one is required to be nude, everyone has always been welcome, nude or not.

Yes it is a beautiful long beach and plenty of room for all. Club Orient did a great job offering facilities under these difficult circumstances.
There is no NUDE Beach it is Clothing Optional and all are welcome as long as nudity is not offensive or uncomfortable for them and their children.

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: sxmmartini] #153928
01/29/2018 06:08 PM
01/29/2018 06:08 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,369
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Offline
Traveler
Tom  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,369
Hershey, Pennsylvania
OK, Let's take this one from the top. OP states that Orient Beach chairs and umbrellas are available only on the CO section of the beach and that offended someone. Who do you know that visits SXM that does not know that Orient Beach is Clothing Optional? Maybe someone visiting from another planet but they would have likely read something that describes this in the intergalactic news.
I like to restate the response I got from a local in Philipsburg 30 years ago when I first asked for directions to Orient Beach. "Do you wish to see naked or be naked?" she asked. I responded "both". She drew me a map and said that was the right answer.

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: Tom] #153941
01/29/2018 08:41 PM
01/29/2018 08:41 PM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
C
Canuck54 Offline
Traveler
Canuck54  Offline
Traveler
C
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
We are getting a bit confused when we use the term Orient Beach, as I understand it Orient Beach stretches from Papagao all the way to the old Mt Vernon resort, it is divided roughly at the old Pedro's location into two distinct sections, the Club O portion is clothing optional and the other section is topless optional. People using the facilities and beach in the clothing optional section should expect to see some nude while people in the topless optional section should expect not to see nude. Unfortunately at this point the only section with some amenities is the clothing optional section.

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: sxmmartini] #153954
01/29/2018 10:58 PM
01/29/2018 10:58 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 506
Florida
RobT Offline
Traveler
RobT  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 506
Florida
Just got back from a Carnival cruise that stopped in St Martin. There was no promoting of Orient Beach. At this time, outside of Club Orient, there is no infrastructure (beach chairs, umbrella, and drinks) on Orient Beach to support a cruise ship excursion.


Beach Hunter
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: Canuck54] #153971
01/30/2018 09:03 AM
01/30/2018 09:03 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,369
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Offline
Traveler
Tom  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,369
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Originally Posted by Canuck54
We are getting a bit confused when we use the term Orient Beach, as I understand it Orient Beach stretches from Papagao all the way to the old Mt Vernon resort, it is divided roughly at the old Pedro's location into two distinct sections, the Club O portion is clothing optional and the other section is topless optional. People using the facilities and beach in the clothing optional section should expect to see some nude while people in the topless optional section should expect not to see nude. Unfortunately at this point the only section with some amenities is the clothing optional section.

"Unfortunately?
All the beautiful beaches to choose from in SXM, if someone has an issue with "exposure", they need only make another selection.

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: Tom] #153974
01/30/2018 09:34 AM
01/30/2018 09:34 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
C
Canuck54 Offline
Traveler
Canuck54  Offline
Traveler
C
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
Just meant it is unfortunate that there are not more amenities in general on Orient Beach, some are trying and hopefully open soon.

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: Tom] #153978
01/30/2018 10:01 AM
01/30/2018 10:01 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562
Long Island, NY
RICKnGRACE_LI_NY Offline
Traveler
RICKnGRACE_LI_NY  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562
Long Island, NY
Originally Posted by Tom
Originally Posted by Canuck54
We are getting a bit confused when we use the term Orient Beach, as I understand it Orient Beach stretches from Papagao all the way to the old Mt Vernon resort, it is divided roughly at the old Pedro's location into two distinct sections, the Club O portion is clothing optional and the other section is topless optional. People using the facilities and beach in the clothing optional section should expect to see some nude while people in the topless optional section should expect not to see nude. Unfortunately at this point the only section with some amenities is the clothing optional section.

"Unfortunately?
All the beautiful beaches to choose from in SXM, if someone has an issue with "exposure", they need only make another selection.


I don’t want to start a war, but you seem to imply that if you are not into clothing optional, you should find another beach.

Orient Beach is a beautiful beach. Normally calm waters with a gradual slope and generally safe. We are not into clothing optional and have enjoyed Orient from time to time. Yes there are many beaches to choose from but why should we be forced to another because you are.

Separate areas means all can enjoy.


Rick and Grace
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: RICKnGRACE_LI_NY] #153984
01/30/2018 10:28 AM
01/30/2018 10:28 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,369
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Offline
Traveler
Tom  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,369
Hershey, Pennsylvania
No war. You missed my point. I am not implying or promoting anything. But if you are offended by something and intentionally choose to expose yourself to that something, you should not complain. Just that simple.

Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: Tom] #153995
01/30/2018 11:01 AM
01/30/2018 11:01 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,618
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,618
Brookfield, CT.
Originally Posted by Tom
No war. You missed my point. I am not implying or promoting anything. But if you are offended by something and intentionally choose to expose yourself to that something, you should not complain. Just that simple.


Tom,

No war here either. On one hand, I know what you're saying, but on the other hand.....

To me, that's the same thing as people who choose to be naked in public, even if on a clothing optional beach, but complain about rude observers trying to take photos. If you put yourself out there and following the same train of thought, you need to be able to accept the consequences. I'm not saying I approve of people doing this, for sure but........

Suffice it to say, the Club Orient section of Orient Beach is totally accepted and it may be expected to find sun worshipers sans suits. The rest of the beach is NOT designated as clothing optional and should (and has always been) a popular venue for many who just plain and simply love that beach.

Last edited by pat; 01/30/2018 11:06 AM.

Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: pat] #153997
01/30/2018 11:20 AM
01/30/2018 11:20 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,559
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,559
St Maarten
It is illegal to take pictures of strangers on the French side. Sadly, with no security....


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: BillandElaine] #153998
01/30/2018 11:25 AM
01/30/2018 11:25 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,618
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,618
Brookfield, CT.
I do know that, Elaine, and I would never approve of anyone doing so - just drawing the comparisons in the thought process as stated in the other post. That's the beauty of enjoying the clothing optional choice on the Club Orient stretch of beach, or at least it was........ but today? Not so much, I guess.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: pat] #154002
01/30/2018 12:44 PM
01/30/2018 12:44 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
Traveler
Biturbo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Pat, I almost always agree with you, but it is not the same as going nude in public (that's what you said). It is a clothing optional beach. As Elaine says, photographing strangers is illegal on the French side, but one should not need a law when common decency should prevail.

Rick & Grace - there are two sections of Orient - nude and textiled. No one forces you to find another beach, but if you choose to go to Club O's section, you'll see nekkid people enjoying the reasons they went there, whether you're "into clothing optional" or not. The upper end of Orient has the same sloping beaches. If that's not enough, yes you will be better off going elsewhere. We won't go there and complain about your swimsuits.

This topic always goes nowhere.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: Beach preference textile, clothing optional or nude? [Re: Biturbo] #154004
01/30/2018 12:50 PM
01/30/2018 12:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,355
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,355
Central Florida!
Biturbo--Well said---- "This topic always goes nowhere". And that is as good a place as any to end this one.


Carol Hill

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1