Orient Beach - St Martin

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Jackson) — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 22:11:00 +0000

Depending on who you talk to, who is more traveled, the answer will be different. But there is no doubt that Orient Beach, St. Martin, is quite the beach. And if you've been to St. Martin, and were bound to the Dutch side - sorry - the spectacular beach is here, on the French side. Every local knows where this place is, so don't be shy, but ask where Orient is and you'll get directions. We drove from our hotel on the Dutch side and it took us through some of the strangest looking growth. Even in paradise, there's poverty and you'll find as we did, that the money follows the coast. We did not follow the coast and went through the island.

A full two miles of soft white coral sand, and water that will have you wondering if you're not staring into crystal, Orient Beach is really in a league of its own. We'd have to journey to the Seychelles to find something comparable. I suppose the only thing that ruins the whole thing is having people here. But that's part of tourism. Time your trips here to arrive when the cruise ships are out of port. As at your hotel for information.

The French hype their side of the island, and rightly so, as the "Riviera of the Caribbean", although some would argue that the title belongs to the Mayan Peninsula of Mexico. French also declare Orient and the best in the Caribbean - and will tell you it's "certified" - even though there is no global authority on beaches. And that's good, because we all have different tastes. But believe me when I tell you if there is not much here, it's probably not worth the effort to visit. Orient is not this way - there's more than enough and it's all great fun. Just watch what you gaze at. You may burn that memory in for ages. Oooooh.

Okay, it's not the Cote de Azur - but Orient Beach does deserve a look. It has been made famous because - one, it's a big stop on the cruise ship tours and two, it is clothing optional. The second reason makes it one of the most popular search term for beaches.

But you want to know what Orient Beach is really like.

There are parts of the beach that are known as topless. Other areas are deemed family. And still others, as we said, clothing optional.

Let's take them one by one starting with the one you'll probably hit first, Bikini Beach! >>

Sint Maarten/St. Martin - Best Beaches

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Jackson) — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 04:34:00 +0000

Columbus named this beautiful island, "St. Martin" or Sint Maarten (Dutch spelling) after the feast day of the same name, because he discovered the island on that day.

For St. Martin, there are 39 beaches total. Locals like to brag that there's "at least one for each of the square miles that make up this Caribbean paradise!" It's 37 square miles. But believe it or not, a lot of beach real estate on this island has been lost to the blade of bulldozers. Some call it progress.

Here's the feel of St. Martin: It has a large reputation for partying, grand hotels and unique restaurants. But the whole island is about the size of Washington D.C. What's more - the island is split between two powers: France and the Netherlands. So if you're looking for the sleepy Caribbean island of St. Martin - you're in for a shock.

The island is a virtual Duty-free shopping mall, complete with several cruise ships making downtown Philipsburg crowded and difficult to navigate. If you want to get away from it all - St. Martin is not a good choice.

That said, St. Martin still attracts the crowds; many possibly wanting the feel of the Caribbean with a dash of Las Vegas tossed in. If you like it busy, St. Martin is your island.

You'll find the French side toned down. But, they've been busy even there - new hotels opening and some nice shopping. However, the glitz of nightlife, cruise-ships, sights and sounds won't be found. Enjoy the peace and many fine restaurants on this side.

If you really want to get around and experience the island - rent a car. But you can't get one at the airport. Thank the taxi drivers' union for a law that has rental car agencies dropping the car off and paperwork at your hotel.

And now, off to the beaches!

Most people come here to experience the white sand and turquoise waters. Let's count down the top three beaches and then, since there are so many, list the other runner-ups; beaches that are right up there with the best of the Caribbean.

On to the number three beach in St. Martin >>

Three Best Beaches - St. Martin

Orient Beach - St Martin

Sint Maarten/St. Martin - Best Beaches