If we are not staying at, but go to GCBC for lunch, can we use the beach and chairs at the resort for a couple of hours? Plus, in your opinion, is GCBC a better choice for lunch than Calmos?

You can rent them for $25 with umbrella for 2 people. We were there Sat and had a wonderful day including a fabulous lunch

Believe me, from our only experience renting chairs and lunching there as a non-guest, benni got it right - it's well worth the money. The food is very good and the service as well and you can have drink service on the beach as you desire.

Try Rainbow Café, chairs, umbrella, and little beach tables free with lunch, great food, service on the sand, nice people, stay as long as you like

I second this recommendation. I was there for the first time a couple of days ago and was very impressed. Plus, they have their own parking lot!

If you are facing the water.....where is Rainbow in relation to GCBC?

Rainbow is virtually at the end of restaurant row that is closest to the main road, very close to the 'v' where you can turn either right or left out of restaurant row, so quite a distance from GCBC.

Aha, thanks!!

Now I realize it's near the Tropismes gallery I always stop at, and the end where Aglio e Olio is. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

You're welcome. Enjoy your trip!

If you are concerned with paying $25 for beach chairs and a secluded almost private beautiful beach ; then go somewhere else.
The price you pay there is well worth it and they treat you like a VIP.
I'm sure Rainbow is nice as well but the beach area at GCBC in my opinion is far superior.

benni--not sure who you intended to respond to, but I didn't post any question in this thread..

Benni, I am not concerned nor did I mention price in my question, only IF we can use their beach area or did we need to be staying at the resort. I am surprised that nobody had an opinion about Calmos being the better/worse choice for lunch. Phil

Having done both Rainbow and Sunset Cafe, I'd say the latter is far superior.

As for Calmos, we ate there once. Have not seen any need to return since. Baffled by the consistently positive reviews here.

I also feel that the vibe at the GCBC matches our personality worlds better than both Calmos and Rainbow (been to all three).....but to each is own.

Carol, I wasn't posting a reply to you with my remark but to anyone who doesn't want to pay for chairs.I am Sorry that I was linked to your reply.
The question the original poster asked was about GCBC not Rainbow. The beach area at GCBC is very private and the restaurant serves wonderful food choices at reasonable prices. In my opinion it is one of the nicest spots on the Island to spend a day at.

Until your post Benni, no one had mentioned anything regarding the cost of the chairs at GCBC being an issue at all, let alone a deterrent to going there.
Someone casually mentioned other GC options, and then (as threads do) it evolved and information flowed two ways.
I for one am curious to try many new places and have both on the list.
Chill.