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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: gotaluvit]
#167967
08/17/2018 08:57 PM
08/17/2018 08:57 PM
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 540 Maine USA
doctorj
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 540
Maine USA
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I assume by the title of your post you are hoping to kick the hornets nest. It is apparent that you loved the property and it’s amenities but didn’t care to support Club O as a destination. I respect your choices but I would like to be the first to support Club O in it’s entirety. We now have life long friends from our stays at Club O both with the guests and with the employees we have become dear friends with. I wish them a speedy resolution to the very difficult obstacles they must overcome. We will continue to visit St. Martin and support the entire island and pray that those who wish to rebuild are given the opportunity. Our May trip was very different but we felt it important to support the Island after this devastating blow from Mother Nature. carib cheers, doctorj
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere........
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: sxmbeachlover]
#167974
08/17/2018 10:05 PM
08/17/2018 10:05 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 226
PnPinNC
Traveler
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 226
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Ordinarily, I would echo your sentiment... in that in any other place and time Club O's accommodations would not be our norm either. However, Club O is such a special place, and is so much more than the buildings and accommodations. As DoctorJ says above, we too have met lifelong friends (the good Doctor among them), in our twice a year stays. ...and unlike everyplace else we've ever stayed, we count members of the staff among those. We were on the island this past June and ran into a few of those staff members.. even sought out the office. I could not imagine doing that for anyplace else - anywhere in the world, we've been. We're glad we took the plunge years ago and gave staying there a try. It is truly a special place. Yes, the owner situation is unfortunate, and I agree the current temporary setup is a far cry from what it was, but we were there to help support our friends. We too have watched the owner situation play out down there for years, and to be fair it is a small number of owners causing the problems. The vast majority are on the same page, and trying to do the right thing. Hopefully, if anything good comes out of Irma, it will be that maybe they can sort that out. It will take longer than we all would want, but when it's back, if it's half the place it was - it will be worth it. In the mean time, we've been back to the island once already, and we're counting down to an October trip. We'll spend time on the beach for sure, but more importantly we'll be there with some of our regular friends, and we'll be searching out our friends on the staff too! Club O is much more than a hotel....
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: gotaluvit]
#167977
08/17/2018 11:26 PM
08/17/2018 11:26 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192 Columbia, SC, USA
DandM29212
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192
Columbia, SC, USA
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I agree with the intent of the OP. Unfortunately, as we all know, those kind of amenities would need to be built by the Copro and obviously nothing can be done by the CoPro until their whole current dispute is settled, insurance settlements are received, and a rebuild plan is implemented. Estimates of how long that may take are anyone's guess - my personal guess is on the far side of a longgggg time. I can't see how there would be much interest in building new beach-focused amenities unless insurance proceeds well exceed the lodging replacement costs. Once the Copro receives its insurance money, their first priority must be making the owners whole in replacing their units. It would be hard to imagine that there'd be leftover money for a decent Perch, along the lines of Bikini, Kakao, Kontiki, Waikiki, etc., let alone an upgraded restaurant replacement.
Meanwhile, the resort continues to miss a key market - those that come to Orient for the Club O beach, not for the Club O resort, as the OP points out. With the tourist following Club O has, its a shame that its beach-focused amenities aren't far above those of the beach bars to the north in terms of size and quality. Even in "the old days", day visitors still spent roughly $1000 per week between chairs, drinks and a lunch or two at The Perch, and a couple nights at Papagayo. Assume just $500, times 100 day trippers, times 52 weeks = $2.6 million annually in day tripper revenue. Not insignificant.
Strategic planning is all about defining your market, determining your customers' needs and wants, and addressing ways to satisfy those needs. I wish there were a strategic vision for us "Day Visitors" as a market, but realistically IMHO, we'll never amount to anything except icing on the cake, at best. (As a side thought, I wish Club O had a charge card system in place like cruise ships and other resorts do - it's not only cashless benefiting us nudies, but it'd also provide great marketing data - e.g., "where's your revenue coming from?") Awfully hard to define and address key markets when one doesn't even know the answer to that question.
My perspective regarding Perch Lite is that at least it is helping maintain a presence for nudity and somewhat protecting Club O's turf from other developers (further north) who would love to take the Club O beach over maybe using an "abandonment" legal strategy. Perch Lite is probably going to be the best that can happen for quite a while, and we need to patronize it.
Gotaluvit - great original post!
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: gotaluvit]
#167993
08/18/2018 06:44 PM
08/18/2018 06:44 PM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
SammyM
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Posts: 933
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I really like this post, Gotaluvit! You are correct with some of your points, and they are worth sharing with those on this board. My wife and I have never stayed at Club O, but love the beach on this section of OB. It always seemed like it had less sea grass and was cleaner than the beach to the north. With that said, Club O is/was also something special to those who visited and stayed here each year and I would hate to see those people abandon St. Martin completely if it is not rebuilt. But, if two or three beach bars (w/dining) opened up here in its place with a relaxed approach to nudity I would very much be in favor of that.
Ses Salinas beach on the southern coast of Ibiza is not a true clothing optional beach, but there are a few non-textile individuals there, and about half of the ladies go topless. But, there are three awesome beach bars ('chiringuitas' I believe is what the Spanish call them) that feature great drinks, terrific food, occasional entertainment, and a large number of really comfortable beach chairs with oversized umbrellas. Check out a place called Sa Trinxa on YouTube if you have a chance. If Orient Beach's Plage Naturiste took on that type of approach I would think that would be a good thing and might even begin to draw a younger crowd here. Just my two cents!
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: gotaluvit]
#167994
08/18/2018 06:52 PM
08/18/2018 06:52 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613 originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
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Only speaking for ourselves, of course, but we never wanted the Club O beach to be like the northern end. The beach and the Perch always had its own ambiance and vibe which is why people go there.
As for the Perch Lite, we enjoyed it during our June visit. Best ribs we had on island and we went back several times for more. Agree that its current presence serves a purpose and we were quite happy to patronize it -- and will again come November.
Robin & Ed
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: gotaluvit]
#167997
08/18/2018 09:15 PM
08/18/2018 09:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081 Clearwater, FL
Biturbo
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
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I'll answer bluntly: I really care about Club O.
I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: SammyM]
#168001
08/18/2018 09:51 PM
08/18/2018 09:51 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721 Colorado
sxmbeachlover
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
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Plage de l'Escalet is the TRUE nudist beach in Ibiza, and they have a WONDERFUL restaurant and bar.
Famous Quote from SBHonline: The best moderation is the least moderation.
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: gotaluvit]
#168067
08/20/2018 08:56 AM
08/20/2018 08:56 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,106 Southport, North Carolina, US
candj
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,106
Southport, North Carolina, US
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I guess everyone has their own opinion about Club O, but from a practical point of view, how long would the clothing optional section of the beach last if Club O was not there. I believe that if Club O was not there, the clothing optional section of the beach would be gone.
Fair winds and following seas! SSN691-May She Ever Prowl The Seas in Defense of Human Freedom! SSN787-Preserving Peace, Prepared for War
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: candj]
#168068
08/20/2018 09:00 AM
08/20/2018 09:00 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,902 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,902
Central Florida!
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Absolutely right. If Club O were to sell out, then there would probably be condos built there..
Carol Hill
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#168089
08/20/2018 11:44 AM
08/20/2018 11:44 AM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081 Clearwater, FL
Biturbo
Traveler
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
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Absolutely right. If Club O were to sell out, then there would probably be condos built there.. And, to me, that would be the worst case scenario. Actually staying at Club Orient was special to us. Yes, some of the Studios were time-worn, but they were being updated. Now, when all the red tape is cleared, all the rebuilt units will be totally brand new.
I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: gotaluvit]
#168117
08/20/2018 06:41 PM
08/20/2018 06:41 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,628 Southern Maryland suburbs of D...
Bill_S
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,628
Southern Maryland suburbs of D...
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Back in 1997 we took our first cruise (the one we kept saying we would take "someday" for 20 years) and the last port of call was Sint Marteen. We did the 12 metre America's Cup sailboat race, had an early lunch, bought a couple rings on Front St. and took a cab to "see what this Orient Beach is all about..."
The cab dropped us off at Pedros and we walked over to the Perch for drinks and to ask about getting two chairs and an umbrella. Within ten minutes we noticed that WE were the only ones wearing swim suits. Linda took off her top and I smiled and looked around and looked back...she was standing there nude and asking "...well, are you going to join me in that beautiful water?"
We had skinny dipped in our pool at home, but this was a new, and wonderful experience. By the time we were on the tender headed back to the ship we were planning to fly down the following year and spend an entire week at Club Orient in a mini-suite... that was followed by well over a decade of annual trips for one or two weeks, staying in mini-suites mainly, but also in studio, mini-suite Delux, and with friends or family, twice in La Villa.
We loved it. We loved the freedom of wandering around the resort nude, dining at papagayo and dancing nude, taking TikoTiko every year nude, and relaxing with some of the nicest and friendliest people in the world...nudists...!
We also loved throwing on our clothes to shop in Phillipsburg, dine in Grand Case, and gamble in the Dutch side casinos.
We did not miss hotel features because we had a most wonderful feature of all, swimming in our skins in that warm, beautiful, crystal clear water on the Club O beach.
Club Orient is a unique, wonderful place and we are eagerly awaiting its rebuilding and opening...
Last edited by Bill_S; 08/20/2018 08:04 PM.
Bill
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: gotaluvit]
#168227
08/21/2018 10:55 PM
08/21/2018 10:55 PM
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 540 Maine USA
doctorj
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 540
Maine USA
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I am thrilled to see people responding in support of Club O. The experience of meeting people who stay there and the friendships developed through the staff are immeasurable. It is more responsible to group the people as one and list them as our friends at Club O. Our life has changed and all positive from our stays at Club O and our visits to St. Martin. We love St. Martin and all it has to offer. We found a home away from home at Club O. Until you have experienced it several times it is hard to imagine.I can only thank the Club for the many times we will never forget. I wish we had discovered Club O earlier in our life. We have however enjoyed every visit. (Counting probably in the 30 plus area) From our prospective we have found our favorite vacation spot. Yes we have experienced other c/o resorts and yes spent weeks on the Dutch side. So may I please say that Club O was fantastic for us and we count the days to it’s return. carib cheers all, doctorj
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere........
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: gotaluvit]
#168791
08/30/2018 08:27 PM
08/30/2018 08:27 PM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 740 Northern Michigan
dolfer
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 740
Northern Michigan
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Okay we've clearly established that everybody has there own take on Orient Beach resort. I have never stayed there but I have always enjoyed the freedom that the beach allows. I'm a fat old man so I have no desire to flaunt anything, but I enjoy the freedom to go to OB and shuck my suit and swim free and naked and then come back to my chair, dry off unabashedly and re-don my dry shorts. My only point is what will happen to the island mentality if OBBC no longer exists. Maybe nothing but...who knows.
Dolfer
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: dolfer]
#168797
08/30/2018 09:50 PM
08/30/2018 09:50 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192 Columbia, SC, USA
DandM29212
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192
Columbia, SC, USA
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Okay we've clearly established that everybody has there own take on Orient Beach resort. I have never stayed there but I have always enjoyed the freedom that the beach allows. I'm a fat old man so I have no desire to flaunt anything, but I enjoy the freedom to go to OB and shuck my suit and swim free and naked and then come back to my chair, dry off unabashedly and re-don my dry shorts. My only point is what will happen to the island mentality if OBBC no longer exists. Maybe nothing but...who knows. OBBC? OBBC is doing fine - I assume you meant Club Orient?
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: gotaluvit]
#169643
09/12/2018 04:48 PM
09/12/2018 04:48 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,583 St Maarten
BillandElaine
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,583
St Maarten
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You are most welcome! So glad you enjoyed your day!
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: deputydog1157]
#169649
09/12/2018 05:26 PM
09/12/2018 05:26 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,902 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,902
Central Florida!
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Sounds like a nice report from a satisfied first timer! Hope the weather cooperates so that you are able to return this trip!!
Carol Hill
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: jenniboston]
#169683
09/13/2018 09:15 AM
09/13/2018 09:15 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,012 The Jersey Shore
Pan
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Posts: 2,012
The Jersey Shore
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[/b]I think once you've discovered the wonder of *not* sitting in a wet bathing suit you'll find it hard to ever go back
[b]Or sand in your suit.
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: Pan]
#169687
09/13/2018 10:17 AM
09/13/2018 10:17 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,826 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,826
Auburn, WA
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[/b]I think once you've discovered the wonder of *not* sitting in a wet bathing suit you'll find it hard to ever go back
[b]Or sand in your suit. Just because it's not in your suit it can get to places not wanted without a suit. Just saying.
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Re: Who Really Cares About Club O?
[Re: jenniboston]
#169694
09/13/2018 12:04 PM
09/13/2018 12:04 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
PelicanPirate
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Posts: 2,288
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