St Maarten tour

[angelkisses]

SMB - I'm hosting a small cruise group of family and friends next January. My biggest concern is finding the most conservative beach area as far as clothing is concerned. I personally have no problems with the European culture of going topless or even nude but there are several in our group that this would make feel terribly uncomfortable including my 13 year old daughter and my mother. I know we can expect to see topless sunbathers on every beach but which beach in your opinion would this be a less common thing to see.

[JohnG]

Probably Dawn Beach. The Dutch side beaches have far less topless sunbathers than the French side.

[westernmom]

I think Dawn Beach would be the safest. We had our eyes opened at Orient.........

[SMB]

I agree with JohnG, Dawn Beach is a good choice. I’m not sure how to rate the beach at this time. I always stay at the Oyster Bay complex which sits right on Dawn Beach, so I’m partial to that lovely bit of sand. However, there is a good deal of construction on the beach with a few MAJOR projects being built. Hopefully, all will be finished a year from now and they will add to amenities of Dawn Beach (esp. the impressive Westin) as much as they have detracted from the beach and added to the crowds. The snorkeling is also getting better after being hard hit during the hurricane.

Obviously, you should stay away from Orient or Cupecoy beaches as parts of these are completely nude beaches. Although, I’ve never had a healthier personal body image than after seeing the people on these beaches and the amenities are terrific. I’ll even brave the risk of sitting next to a “bare balls†guy for a good plate of ribs at the shack on the edge of Orient Bay nudist resort.

The Great Bay beach at Philipsburg is usually “Family Friendly†and is much nicer since they finished the boardwalk. Plus, you have all the shopping and eating nearby. Little Bay Beach is right around the corner, quieter, and has calmer waters for snorkeling. There are however several friendly beaches on the French side although you are more apt to run into topless bathers the closer you get to Marigot. Bay Rouge is usually open and more conservative. The beach at Grand Case is also much quieter and more conservative than Orient. The locals (who are much more conservative than Europeans) often use Friar’s Beach just north of Marigot. I like Friar’s, but I like it best because it is the gateway to the best kept secret on St. Maarten. If you park at the north (right side) of the beach and walk to the end of the beach, you will find a trail. The well-worn trail leads on a 10 minute walk that can be breathtaking. Eventually you will pop out on the edge of the most secluded/private beach on the island. I’ve been several times and have only seen one group of three people. Otherwise, it has been my own private beach for the day. Great place to watch the sun set. There are no amenities, so bring a towel or chair and some drinks. But don’t tell anyone else about this place!

Ah, I’m missing the island already. I’ll be heading back in a couple months and will post a full report.

SMB

[nmrizzo]

SMB, this is our first time in St Maarten. We are nature lovers and are pretty much open to anything.

Thanks again

nmrizzo

[SMB]

St. Maarten virgins... well, that makes it more difficult because you really should enjoy the beaches. Orient is fantastic fun and at least one part of the beach gives you a chance to study nature up close and personal... nature of the humanoid form that is. There are other great beaches that are less crowded (see above post in this thread). If you are not interested in the crowds and shopping and want a real adventure to see St. Maarten in all its glory, this is an itinerary. (Map below to help you out)

* Depart as early as possible

* Rent a car next to the cruiseship docks (always best to book ahead).

* Stay on the road leaving from the the cruise ship area. Do not turn towards Philipsburg.

* Important - for the best views - DO NOT MAKE ANY TURNS OFF THIS ROAD. You will pass through residential areas, but eventually you will be on the coastal road towards Orient Beach. Really nice views, esp. once you pass the cute little village of Oyster Pond. As you round the mountain from Oyster Pond, you will see a scenic parking area on the right with three islands like stepping stones to the sea. During low tide, the water is ankle deep and you can see a path to the farthest island. It is possible to walk out there, but very slippery and sea urchins EVERYWHERE, so only venture with shoes on and your best mountain goat footing. Keep following the road into the town of Orleans. If you need a snack, there is a little bakery on your left just as you start to get into the business area. Some of the best fruit tarts anywhere.

* The road will finally dead end into the major street running to Orient. Turn right and follow the road toward Orient Beach. Just before you get to orient beach, look for signs to the butterfly farm. Turn right. The road to the farm is possibly the worst road on the island. Still not repaired since the hurricane. Get to the butterfly farm as early as possible in the morning. They are most active at this point. Excellent place for pictures!

* If you would like to visit Orient Beach, when leaving the butterfly farm, turn right on the road leading to the nudist resort. Just before the resort, take the dirt side road to public parking (on the edge of the nudist beach so don't look to the right if that is not your kind of nature).

* If not visiting Orient Beach, go back to the main road and turn right. Go past the main entrance to Orient Beach. Look for a sign for French Cul de Sac and turn right.

*If you would like to snorkle and enjoy some beach time, drive to the end of the road in Cul de Sac and catch a boat over to Pinel Island (about $5-$10).

* After Pinel Island, head back toward the main road, but turn at the sign for Anse Marcel. (If not going to Pinel, turn left onto the road for Anse Marcel before you get into Cul de Sac. This is one of the steepest roads you will drive and you may not think your car will make it. The postcard view from the top of the mountain is worth the drive up.

* After taking pictures, retrace your route back to the main road from Orient Beach. Take a right and head to Grand Case for the best lunch in your life. EVERYONE has their own favorite place in Grand Case but you really cannot go wrong anywhere. Chefs from all over the world retire there and open up a little place making this a gastronomic paradise. I advise turning on the road to the right just before the little airport and follow it in to town. That way you start on one end. There is public parking next to the basketball courts in the middle of town or take your chances on the road.

* After a fantastic lunch, it is time to walk it off. Get back to the main road and turn right. Keep going until you see the signs for Paradise Peak (small signs so watch out) whch is the highest point on the island. This is another steep incline with the car. I've also seen people hike or bike it... not for me. You are now away from the breezes and in a tropical jungle... and it feels like it. Take the road until you can go no farther and then park and hike the rest of the way to the top if you wish. The view of coast is incredible.

* Then head back to the main road and turn left. Keep going a bit further until you see signs for Friar's Beach on your right. Follow the road to the beach... not many tourists, just locals. The best is last. Follow my instructions in the above post to get to the hidden beach that can only be reached on foot. The nature along the way is terrific and you can relax and enjoy what will probably be your own private beach.

Of course, keep track of time. As you take this route, you may need to edit according to the time you have on the island. If it is close to rush hour, you may want to return to the ship the way you came rather than tackle traffic from Simpson Bay to Philipsburg. Either way, you should leave at least an hour+ in either direction. If you return along the same route, you can save time by going through Orleans and cutting out the coastal route. If coming back by Marigot and Simpson Bay, do not take the long route around Simpson Bay. The views are not worth the time. Only go that direction if trying to get to one of the beaches over there. If you do not get to something, don't worry. YOU WILL BE BACK! I've been visiting since the late 90's and still have things to see and places to eat.

SMB

[westernmom]

SMB,

Wow, you just took me back to a wonderful day last May! Great description of everything.

[SMB]

For those of you who love St. Maarten. You should visit the "new" Jeff Bereger website

My Webpage

For St. Maarten groupies , I suggest signing up for Jeff's FREE weekly newsletter - gives you news, rest. reviews, etc. The subscription to his "super" site seems a bit high for me, but may appeal to some of you.

[SMB]

nmrizzo,

I know you are leaving in the next couple days, so I thought I would bump this back to the top so you don't miss it. Have a great time.