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Re: Club Orient
[Re: encpirate]
#183004
02/04/2019 10:13 AM
02/04/2019 10:13 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
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As the other response stated, Club O itself was blown away by Irma. The beach is there, and the Perch is reopened, and they are renting chairs and umbrellas. GCBC is open, yes.
Carol Hill
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: encpirate]
#183110
02/04/2019 10:49 PM
02/04/2019 10:49 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
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The best transportation on SXM is a rental car. Cheap, compared to many other places. MANY restaurants close to GCBC.
Carol Hill
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: encpirate]
#183111
02/04/2019 11:00 PM
02/04/2019 11:00 PM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
SammyM
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
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You could get a taxi from Grand Case to Orient Beach relatively easy. About $15 USD, I believe. Definitely too far to walk.
There are several restaurants open in the Grand Case area including Bistro Caraibes, Rainbow Cafe, Spiga and several others. Not all have bounced back from Hurricane Irma, however. You can check out other posts on this message board for additional restaurants or search online.
If you want to stay in Grand Case there's a lovely little hotel called LePetit Hotel further west on the same road. Never stayed here, but we did sort of take a mini tour a few years ago. Run by a very nice couple (Remy and ?). I know they are open for business. Or, you could stay in Orient Village. Quite sure the La Plantation hotel is open, and was always priced reasonably in the past. Esmeralda is also open in the same area, and is actually closer to Orient Beach. But, it's likely more expensive this time of year. Finally, the Oyster Bay Beach Resort (OBBR) is just south on the Dutch side and is priced similar to La Plantation. There are some nice restaurants nearby, but you'd have to check to see which ones have reopened after Irma. Good luck with your search!
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: SammyM]
#183143
02/05/2019 09:05 AM
02/05/2019 09:05 AM
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 104 Edison, NJ
Allison731
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 104
Edison, NJ
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Yes to both. But, this is just the southern end of Orient Beach south of the 'rocks'. North of that is just like any other french beach, and some of the former beach bars and restaurants have re-opened for drinks, dining, and renting chairs with an umbrella for laying out. We're returning in four weeks so I'm excited to see Orient Beach once again (it's been almost two years away for us). So someone can actually eat there without a strip of clothing on right now? I’m just curious. This is something I do and I don’t want to do at the same time.
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: encpirate]
#183148
02/05/2019 09:12 AM
02/05/2019 09:12 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
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Yes Club O is gone ,for now, and the beach in front of the property is still and likely will be forever clothing optional. The Perch is gone but Cedrick and some other former Club O staff have built a replacement called Perch Lite. They have a full bar, a decent menu and a restroom and all reports are its all pretty good. They also rent the classic loungers and umbrellas you probably remember. There are several good options for accomadations as mentioned. We choose Mt Vernon this time for its location, right on Orient as well as price. Depending on your transportation needs car rental usually ends up being more of an expense than advertised and definatly a hassle. We use a local guy,Winston Blythe. There are many reports that the island traffic has gotten quite bad so Im happy to let a seasoned local deal with that. Good luck and enjoy ! Cheers.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: Allison731]
#183153
02/05/2019 09:22 AM
02/05/2019 09:22 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
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I meant Perch Lite, of course. I can actually dine there naked? Of course ! Just like before. Enjoy.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: Hdrdr911]
#183190
02/05/2019 12:38 PM
02/05/2019 12:38 PM
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 104 Edison, NJ
Allison731
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 104
Edison, NJ
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I meant Perch Lite, of course. I can actually dine there naked? Of course ! Just like before. Enjoy. Lol that’s probably not happening. I’m just surprised. Beaches, I can see, since you’re immersed in water, but restaurants....
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: Allison731]
#183191
02/05/2019 12:39 PM
02/05/2019 12:39 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,545 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,545
Ohio
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I meant Perch Lite, of course. I can actually dine there naked? Of course ! Just like before. Enjoy. Lol that’s probably not happening. I’m just surprised. Beaches, I can see, since you’re immersed in water, but restaurants.... The former Club Orient was a clothing OPTIONAL resort, including the restaurant.
J.D.
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: Allison731]
#183219
02/05/2019 04:39 PM
02/05/2019 04:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
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I meant Perch Lite, of course. I can actually dine there naked? Of course ! Just like before. Enjoy. Lol that’s probably not happening. I’m just surprised. Beaches, I can see, since you’re immersed in water, but restaurants.... Lol. Sounds like you are better off on the "dark" side of Orient as some of us in front of the Club lightheartly call the stretch from Pedros to Mt Vernon. Cheers.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: jeepers]
#183234
02/05/2019 08:10 PM
02/05/2019 08:10 PM
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 104 Edison, NJ
Allison731
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 104
Edison, NJ
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People at Perch Lite eating there on picnic tables bring towels or wraps to sit on. They don't sit directly on picnic bench. I kind of figured. If I do end up there, the last thing I need is a splinter in my butt!
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: Hdrdr911]
#183238
02/05/2019 08:53 PM
02/05/2019 08:53 PM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 108 Florida
Kamehameha
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 108
Florida
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I'm a relative newbie, returning in May. Is Perch life toward Club O from Pedro's or the other way toward French side? Thanks.
<a href="https://www.TickerFactory.com/"> <img border="0" src="https://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10765;125/st/20180504/e/3+weeks+in+Aruba%21/k/38b6/event.png"></a>
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: Kamehameha]
#183254
02/06/2019 07:04 AM
02/06/2019 07:04 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,578 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,578
St Maarten
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Perch Lite is on Club O property.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: SammyM]
#183286
02/06/2019 11:54 AM
02/06/2019 11:54 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,578 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,578
St Maarten
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They've had good crowds from day one since they were the only thing going for a good long time. If you mean Willie, she has retired.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: Hdrdr911]
#183290
02/06/2019 12:22 PM
02/06/2019 12:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 104 Edison, NJ
Allison731
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 104
Edison, NJ
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I meant Perch Lite, of course. I can actually dine there naked? Of course ! Just like before. Enjoy. Lol that’s probably not happening. I’m just surprised. Beaches, I can see, since you’re immersed in water, but restaurants.... Lol. Sounds like you are better off on the "dark" side of Orient as some of us in front of the Club lightheartly call the stretch from Pedros to Mt Vernon. Cheers. Dark side?
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: SammyM]
#183292
02/06/2019 12:43 PM
02/06/2019 12:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 104 Edison, NJ
Allison731
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 104
Edison, NJ
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That was kind of a joke among those who preferred to be au natural on Orient Beach and the stretch of beach that ran parallel to Club Orient. Trust me, there's absolutely nothing 'dark' about the upper two-thirds of this beach. In fact it has always been topless optional when laying out or walking the entire beach. And, now with the return of Kakao, Kontiki and Bikini Beach it's really worth spending time on both parts of Orient Beach to see what is good for you and what's not. Ah, I see. Again, au natural is something I do and I don’t want to do at the same time. I don’t because I’ll be with my parents and because nobody has seen me in the buff since I was five except for me in the shower. I do because it’s an intriguing experience, something to cross off my bucket list, and the good old “When am I ever going to be here again?”
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: SammyM]
#183315
02/06/2019 06:36 PM
02/06/2019 06:36 PM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,889
Bahston
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,889
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So, I planned to walk down past Pedro's and all the way down to Papagayo and back, stopping for another Corona at Pedro's en route. Those were my walks at Uncle Ernie's on Shoal Bay in Anguilla years ago. Buy a Heineken, walk half-a-beer down the beach, turn around, and walk back. Rinse and repeat.
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: SammyM]
#183467
02/08/2019 02:37 PM
02/08/2019 02:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
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That was kind of a joke among those who preferred to be au natural on Orient Beach and the stretch of beach that ran parallel to Club Orient. Trust me, there's absolutely nothing 'dark' about the upper two-thirds of this beach. In fact it has always been topless optional when laying out or walking the entire beach. And, now with the return of Kakao, Kontiki and Bikini Beach it's really worth spending time on both parts of Orient Beach to see what is good for you and what's not. The origins of the "dark" side dig goes back to when Orient became divided as you used to be able to be nude anywhere on Orient according to my friends who were there at that time.Its a semi serious shot at the situation as it is now with the more enlightened folks now being relegated to a much smaller area. Not exactly sure when that happened or why.
Last edited by Hdrdr911; 02/08/2019 03:38 PM.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: SammyM]
#183487
02/08/2019 04:51 PM
02/08/2019 04:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
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My feeling is that the reason why the gendarmes started enforcing no nudity past Pedros was because of complaints by RESIDENTS and hotels along the beach, not beach bars. A lot of those places still aren't repaired as of now, Because there were so few people on the beach for months and months, I'm sure a lot of people did walk the beach nude in past months. Now that there are several places open on Orient to dine, and more living places are repaired, it's very possible that the gendarmes will start enforcement again. My personal opinion is that those days are gone forever, when you could walk all the way to Mt Vernon nude. Yes, a person could probably get away with it for a few more months maybe, but don't count on it. Long term, those days are gone.
Carol Hill
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: encpirate]
#183488
02/08/2019 05:09 PM
02/08/2019 05:09 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 516
Rbailey
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 516
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Back in the day (a long time back) when only Pedros and Club O (and before that) were there you could be nude anywhere on the beach any time and there would be people walking end to end all day. Not that there were that many, but Orient developed a reputation of being a nice deserted, unspoiled beach so more people began to go there, leading to the development that took over in the late '80's. Once clothed customers and residents (and business owners) who were uncomfortable around naked people became the majority, nudity beyond Pedros became restricted - first during cruiser times, but once something starts to go it keeps on going..
Last edited by Rbailey; 02/08/2019 05:11 PM.
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: encpirate]
#183493
02/08/2019 05:51 PM
02/08/2019 05:51 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
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In the days before my wife and I started going to Club O, I think our first time was 2008, we frequented Orient with our children . I recall specifically one time the gendarmes showed up and arrested a couple who had come from Club O nude. We were having lunch at Baywatch at the time and were sitting with Andy. What he told us was that the complaints were coming from the tourists and not from residents and businesses on the beach.
Last edited by Hdrdr911; 02/08/2019 05:54 PM.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: SammyM]
#183503
02/08/2019 09:06 PM
02/08/2019 09:06 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
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I don't know what actually happened with anyone that the gendarmes cited. I assume that most were allowed to go with a warning or at the most, they paid a fine.
Carol Hill
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: SammyM]
#183530
02/09/2019 09:37 AM
02/09/2019 09:37 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
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That's really sad. They actually arrested them? My gosh did they have to post bond? I suppose there are a fair number of tourists who take an excursion to Orient Beach and truly do not know the history of the beach. Maybe the cruise lines who offer excursions here should add a 'warning' after describing the activities that says something like ... "PLEASE NOTE: You may encounter nude sunbathers on this beach." Well, at least the southern end of Orient Beach remains clothing optional and to would be a big mistake if that ever changed. Maybe I should have added the male was giving the gendarmes a hard time. Probably pissed them off a bit. They were led off the beach in cuffs with towels. I cant say what happened after that. As for the cruise lines giving warnings, from the conversations I've had with cruisers who come to Club O beach, they know full well what to expect from the tour hawkers in town, as well as the cabbies and word of mouth. Have you never seen the signs in Philipsberg advertising " see the world famous nude beach " ? Its no wonder the cruisers have gained the reputation of gawkers and pests. Not all ,of course, but there is enough of them to create the problems that sometimes occur. We will be there shortly and Im very curious to see how it is now with Cedrick pretty much running things. I see a pretty heavy cruise ship schedule for the time we will be there.
Last edited by Hdrdr911; 02/09/2019 09:55 AM.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: encpirate]
#183543
02/09/2019 11:28 AM
02/09/2019 11:28 AM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
SammyM
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
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Thanks for clarifying. I'm curious to see how things are going when we return in March. Many of us were once cruise ship visitors, and when we made port in Philipsburg we chose Orient Beach for our shore excursion. Not to gawk at anyone, but simply to see what this was all about. Friends of ours had gone there on their honeymoon back in 1981 and raved about it when they came back, as did a co-worker who made a cruise stop there a few years later. So, naturally curiosity was a driving influence. After all, this is one of the primary items that puts St. Martin on the map and separates it from the other nearby Caribbean islands. Once my wife and I made our initial visit we fell in love with this beach and the vibe emanating from Club Orient, and have returned year (almost) every year since. We then learned to embrace the entire island with our subsequent visits.
Interacting with cruise ship guests, however has been an interesting experience. Sure, some of the people head down there and gawk and giggle. In all honesty it's more women than men who do this. When I would encounter them I would say "what are you standing there watching for? C'mon and give it a try!" And, believe it or not I have had several people over the years 'shed their inhibitions' and take the walk! Not that I was outwardly trying to convert anyone, but once people give this a try they soon learn how liberating it is and hopefully plan to return in the future. I honestly hope this same high level of curiosity still exists, because I do believe there are more positives from this than negatives. I'll be sure to do a trip report when I get back!
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Re: Club Orient
[Re: SammyM]
#183556
02/09/2019 12:17 PM
02/09/2019 12:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
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Ive had similer experiances on the beach at Club O. For the most part the folks who come on the beach are just that, curious about what its all about. Nothing wrong with that. Its a shame the idiots who have their camera lens off and camera hanging in a convenient position, thinking no one will notice are common. As well the ones who feel the need to impose thier opinions and values on us immoral heathens. Thats a quote. A case can certainly be made for making the beach nude only (there are beachs like that) eliminating the problem completely. I wouldnt want that but Im tired of the fools and profiteers.
Last edited by Hdrdr911; 02/09/2019 12:22 PM.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
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