Club Orient Resort St. Martin, Report

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Club Orient Resort, St. Martin, Caribbean

September 2000.

Orient Beach is heaven! If you've never visited this beach, it's a must-do in the near future. The sand is fine, the water is so clear that you can see your toes, the sun is warm, and the fish are numerous and friendly. I must say it was a disappointment when I had to come home.

The resort itself is quite large, with about 125 studios, mini-suites and garden & beach chalets. Each of these rooms has a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen with all the utensils and appliances you'll need. Add to these your personal items and groceries, and you're all set for a great clothes-free vacation!

The studios accommodate 2 people, although if you're staying for an extended period, you may wish to stay in a mini-suite or chalet. Mini-suites and chalets have a sitting room, whereas the studios are all one big room. The best rooms, in my opinion, are the chalets. The Beachfront chalets are just a short walk from the beach, and have a separate living / sitting area with couch, coffee table, etc. These chalets are great for families, 2 couples or groups.

If you're simply looking for a quiet vacation in the sun, this is a great place to relax. The resort has a fitness room in addition to massage facilities. There are also 2 tennis courts and a watersports area. I didn't take advantage of these, as it was my goal to soak up as much sun as possible.

For those who need a bit more excitement, you can either rent a car for a day or longer, or take a taxi around the island. Taxi fares on St. Martin are regulated by the goverment, so if you want to go directly from the resort to an attraction, there is a set fee. However, if you want to hire a taxi for the day, the price is negotiable. Both car rental and taxis can be arranged at the front desk. I took a taxi to Philipsburg, and the fare was $18. From the airport, the fare is $25 for two.

If your computer is an extension of your body, and you just can't seem to function without one, the resort does have a computer and Internet access. Just let the front desk know you want to use it, and you can surf, check email and write all the letters nd business proposals you need.

For dining, the resort has everything you need. Meals at the restaurant, Papagayo, can be charged to your account, or you can pick up a few items at the food market (located in the same building as the front desk). Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered daily in the restaurant. If you want a bit of variety, there are several restaurants on the far end of the beach. While these are within walking distance -- about 1 1/2 miles -- you may want to take a taxi. There is a bar inside the restaurant, open even when food service is not available. Clothing is not required here, although it is open to the general public. I saw people there in full dress clothes, swimsuits, and totally nude.

L'Orientique, the boutique / food market, has all kinds of food, drinks, souvenirs, and clothing. It is almost like a general store, offering fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, fresh bread and pastries, wine, liquor, soft drinks, drugstore items, beachwear, logo merchandise, local art, posters, postcards and other souvenirs. If you forget anything -- from inflatable rafts to watershoes -- you'll most likely find it here. The prices are pretty comparable to what you'd find in a convenience store, and they accept cash, credit cards and traveler's checks.

The watersports shop is located at the end of the beach, just past the restaurant. Here you can rent snorkeling gear, sailboats and catamarans to take you to and from Orient Bay islands, or just wander around in the ocean. There is a shallow reef that is ideal for snorkeling off the beach.

The only drawback I see to this resort -- and I don't know that it really is one -- is the gawkers walking down the beach. Since there isn't an actual barrier to keep the general public out of the resort, there is a steady stream of beach walkers in bathing suits and clothes. The resort does provide security, and charges for non-guests to use the resort's lounge chairs and umbrellas, so the gawkers usually don't stop along the way.

Lynne Condon
Fantastic Voyages

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