The former Naturist's Getaway has been sold and rebranded as Kazanu. Looks like they've added 3 more rooms and updated existing units. We stayed there several years ago and enjoyed it, especially the close proximity to several great restaurants. Still quite budget friendly. www.kazanusxm.com
A nice place that we enjoyed years ago with the previous owners, Gerard and Francine. Loved the quick ride to Orient Beach and the relaxing nekkid pool time afterwards in late afternoon. We wish the best of luck to the new owners. Just a side note that the website suggests that 4 units are available now and 3 are soon to come. It would be a fun to place to rent (i.e. to take over) with a group. With did that one year at Saline Gardens in St. Barts and it was a blast.
Yep, it was pleasant. Wish we had thought of the Dingy Bar but that would have required getting dressed again! They ran it like a housekeeping cottage place, i.e. you were on your own for most everything, no maid service and not much in the way of day-to-day household needs. Not a problem, just something useful to know going in. New owners may have a different approach.
I was there two years ago (solo). During COVID, Feb 2021. I was the only guest there!
The biggest complaint that I had was the Wi-Fi was HORRIBLE. Could not get a decent signal anywhere near my unit. I had to walk outside, toward the main residence.
I know that's not a deal-breaker for some, but I went planning to do (a little) work in the early morning before either heading out or relaxing near the pool. Otherwise it was a good stay. Not going back until I get assurance that they fixed the Wi-Fi.
Update: I sent an email regarding Wi-Fi to the owner/manager. He replied within hours:
Thank you for your interest in our property, Improving Wifi is at the top of our list while as we are currently remodeling and renovating and on track to open 26 Dec 2022 . Hopefully in the next few weeks we can get some better pictures up on the website…
I'm planning a visit in the upcoming months. Given this reply, it's a property that I would consider staying at (again).
We are staying there for a week in January. The owner was very efficient in answering all of our questions and sent lots of information about the resort and surrounding area. We are hopeful everything will be ready for his "soft opening." Happy to report back after our visit.
Looking forward to to your report golda1. We are booked to stay at Kazanu February 25-28 for part of our trip. Then, staying with Paul and Carol from Captain Alan's. Will also report, as this will be our first time back to SXM since 2014.
Paul & Carol's Place is nice and laid-back. If you're not familiar with the area, here are some tips: Go past Emilio's restaurant and continue up the hill. Across from St. Michael's school, turn right (I think there's a dumpster on the corner). Their address is marked. Blow your horn and they'll open the gate for you. The dogs are friendly.
My wife and I were fortunate to be the first guests during the “soft opening” of the newly renovated Kazanu residence located in the village of Oyster Pond, St. Martin. This clothing-optional naturist resort is located in a quiet neighborhood in Oyster Pond Village and is a quick drive to Orient Beach. There are four excellent restaurants, a gourmet pastry shop and grocery store within walking distance.
Tim Roosens, owner and manager, lives on site and was very helpful in preparation of our arrival. He forwarded information in advance that included directions from the airport and many details about the surrounding area. The resort was easy to find and we were greeted upon arrival by Tim. We noted that the property is gated and locked at all times. The grounds were pleasant with gardens and fencing that provide privacy around a large, well-maintained pool.
There are four individual units already completed and three more in various stages of construction. Our unit, the Oseyan, was on the second floor overlooking the pool and provided a stunning view of Oyster Bay and Tintamarre Island from our private terrace. We loved listening to the sound of the waves braking as we enjoyed our morning coffee. The unit was clean and spacious with a king-sized bed, private bathroom with a great shower, and a kitchenette. The well-equipped kitchen included a full size refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and a cooktop.
Tim was a gracious host who always wanted to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. We would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a clothing optional venue at a very reasonable cost. We were very pleased with the amenities at Kazanu and are already making plans to return.
Thanks golda1. Can you elaborate on restaurants around the resort. Can you let us know if they are walking distance and was it safe to walk at night? Sounds like a great place to stay but would like more details on what to expect after 6:00 pm
I stayed there under previous ownership, in 2021, and I have a return visit planned for next month. During my visit, I was the only guest; I had the place to myself! I saw the owner (Gerard) on my first day and last day. That's it.
Regarding the restaurants nearby, l'Oasis is walkable. Fairly steep hill down, and the same steep hill walking back. About 300 feet each way. And connected to l'Oasis is a (very) small bakery/convenience store. The other nearby restaurants, while not far away, are not walkable due to the lack of sidewalks.
Regarding safety, I never felt unsafe while there. During my visit, there wasn't much car traffic (and zero foot traffic), so I considered it both quiet and safe. The previous owner required me to park in the street. I was OK with this, and I saw no evidence that anybody tampered with my rental car during overnight hours. IMO, because it's "off the beaten path," it's not on the radar of the local criminal element. There are more fruitful opportunities for petty theft in other parts of the island.
Of course, because it's off the beaten path, it's not nearby the restaurants, bars, and nightlife of Simpson Bay, Maho, Phillipsburg, Orient, Grand Case, etc. It has a very "residential" feel. I felt like a local resident, rather than a tourist, and I liked that. No parking garage, no check-in desk. Just my unit and the (shared) pool.
Also, note that the units have neither a television nor telephone.
Anyway, I found it good enough for a repeat visit. I'll provide more detail after my February visit.
Thank you, Golda, for the positive report. We have a trip planned for July 11-26 and plan to spend our 1st 8 days there. We also stayed in the 2nd floor unit, but will stay by the pool this time. I can only think of 3 restaurants (BZH, l'Oasis & Mama Pizza), though.
I forgot to mention that the wifi is reliable and the rooms now have televisions with the usual streaming services available if you want them. Also, the new owner has just installed a small parking lot and gate so that you no longer have to park on the street. It is a residential neighborhood and is very quiet. It definitely feels safe, but would not recommend walking around on the streets after dark.
The bakery/grocery store is adjacent to the restaurant L'Oasis and just across the street is another restaurant BZH. There is a short but steep hill down to this area, but is easily walkable during the day. Again, I would not recommend walking back from dinner after dark.
L'Oasis is a typical upscale French restaurant that is very good. Beware that you need a reservation for dinner - it was completely full when we were there. The lighting was bright and the noise level was a bit loud for our taste. We felt a little rushed there, but overall the food was excellent and the experience was very good. We really enjoyed BZH across the street, which at first glance only appears to be a specialty creperie restaurant. However, they also have a full menu with excellent food and very friendly staff. We enjoyed dinner there twice in their outdoor venue where the music was quiet, the lighting more subdued and the tables spaced further apart than at L'Oasis creating a very nice experience.
A little further down the road in the opposite direction is Mama Pizza (you have to go there - lots of fun and great food), and Big Fish on the Dutch side of Oyster Pond which is more upscale. We did not have a chance to go to the latter.
I have a few photos of the view from our terrace and of BZH, but not sure how to attach them! Sorry.