This is a quick trip report of our 9 days at Club Orient (our 3rd visit --- April 1999, April 2009 and November 2011).

Flights

We flew JetBlue direct from JFK. Flight was fine, although it would be nicer if it left NY earlier for earlier arrival in SXM. Immigration was the fastest we ever experienced. Traffic was a nightmare when we arrived and we had to stop for groceries, so we didn’t arrive at Club O until about 6:30. Check in there was a breeze and our taxi was able to bring us right to our unit.

Traffic from Club O to airport Saturday afternoon was a nightmare also... 1-1/2 hours. Also did not realize that the “sit down” restaurants at the airport were only accessible before security (found out too late). Flight home was fine as well. Immigration in NY always seems to be a nightmare for us. 30-45 minutes this time.

Club O

We chose a mini suite this time; the two prior times we had a mini-suite deluxe. We discovered that the mini-suite is more than adequate and we liked its location better. Our WiFi worked fairly well also, much better than when we were in the deluxe. Not sure if it was location or if they’ve beefed up their WiFi.

The staff at Club O are always friendly. A smile and a hello are the norm from all. The staff in the Boutique are always willing to help and Willie at the Perch is always a welcome sight. Papagayo’s waitstaff was smiling and helpful as well.

Chairs and umbrellas were very close together, except for nearer the south end, and they always seemed to fill up. The only issue (if you can call it that) was that after an hour long shower one afternoon, our umbrellas were sold to daytrippers (we had removed all of our belongings to keep them dry, but our tags were still on the chairs). Not a problem, as it was past mid afternoon and it was still a bit overcast.

The water was terrific, little or no seaweed, clean and clear. Light breezes at the beach.
There did seem to be a lot of erosion, however. Most noticeable, of course, at Papagayo’s and Pedro’s.

Food

We had breakfast at Andy & Cheryl’s one morning but the rest were in our room. Had late lunches at Andy & Cheryl’s 3 times (with another couple -- margarita shrimp, scallop supreme, fried shrimp, Philly Cheesesteak, ribs) all very good.

We had some friends staying in Orient Village, so we ate there a couple of times. Pizza one night (very good, don’t remember name of restaurant). Tapas at Le Cadre one night. Food was good, owner/waiter was rude.

Late lunch at Palm Beach one day was very good as well. Would like to have gone back there, but just wasn’t enough time.

We had two meals at Papagayo’s, but we were disappointed this time. Food was more “diner like” and I could not eat my lamb kabob one night. The appetizers were fine, however, and we snacked on them a couple of times after a late lunch.

Taxi

Taxi back and forth to Orient Village (and to airport) was with The Landlord Taxi Service. Very friendly and accommodating.

In Closing

We love Club O !! ---- probably our favorite nudist venue (once we’re there). However, the traffic, the Euro/Dollar difference and International travel combined may keep us from a return trip for a few years.