No Tan Lines, No Problem at Orient Beach

Nude beach in St. Martin offers year around fun in the sun.

Fine French food. Topless French beaches. Pastel tinted Dutch architecture. Casinos that ring with baccarat and roulette.

This is St. Martin, the island that calls itself "a little European and a lot of Caribbean." This 37-square-mile island is occupied by Dutch Sint Maarten and French St. Martin, the smallest land mass on the globe shared by two nations. For lovers, that all adds up to romance times two.

You'll find that the line between the French and Dutch sides is the simplest border crossing you'll ever make. No passports. No customs. No immigration. Just a simple sign marking the demarcation between two nations.

For lovers, one of the most popular places on the island is Orient Beach or Baie Orientale, known not only as a nude beach but also as one of the liveliest spots on the island. This long stretch of sand is an equal mixture of beach buffs who just want to enjoy gentle surf and powdery sand the color of toasted coconut and those in the buff who want to enjoy it all sans suit. The atmosphere here is fun and friendly. An international crowd frequents the beach, many bringing their children to enjoy the sun sans suits.

Although many resorts line Orient Beach, the most unique is Club Orient Resort. Located on the nude end of Orient Beach, Club Orient Resort is a naturist or nudist resort known throughout the world. Everything--from watersports to dinner--is available for guests to enjoy sans clothes. Just a look at the signs at the beach bar ("No tan lines, no problem") confirms the philosophy of this resort.Cabins here are modest, camp-like structures with baths and fully equipped kitchens. Guests can stock up with supplies at a small store located on property or take their meals at Papagallo's restaurant located right on the beach. The restaurant and bar are clothing-optional (although waitstaff is clothed).Orient Beach is also popular with day trippers, many coming from the cruise ships docked in Philipsburg on the Dutch side of the island. When a cruise ship is in port in Philipsburg, you can often find cheap transportation to Orient Beach. Look for taxi drivers holding an Orient Beach sign; vans shuttle back and forth for just $5 per person.

Along with sunbathing, there's plenty of action along Orient Beach. Rent a jet ski and jump the waves for about US$50 a half hour. Water taxis journey to nearby Pinel and Green Key for $10 and $15 respectively. Pinel Island is especially popular with birdwatchers. And for a bird's eye view of the beach, take a parasail ride for about $50 a ride. You'll take off just yards from the sand and it's quite a show, especially on weekends.