Key facts
| Country | Saint-Martin (French side of the island; French law applies) |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Princess Juliana International (SXM) on the Dutch side; Grand Case (SFG) for regional flights |
| Best time | December to April (dry season); hurricane season June–November |
| Type | Public beach with a traditional naturist section at its south end |
| Adults only | No — a public beach used by families |
| Clothing | Nude sunbathing is customary in the southern section only |
| Status | Club Orient resort closed since 2017; rebuild began June 2026 |
| Best months | January–April, December |
Orient Bay, on the east coast of the French side of Saint-Martin, has the island's most popular beach: a long curve of pale sand lined with beach bars, restaurants and water-sports stands. At its south end is a section that has been used by naturists for decades, making Orient Beach one of the best-known places in the Caribbean to swim and sunbathe nude. For many years that section was anchored by Club Orient, a naturist resort of wooden chalets right on the sand.
What happened to Club Orient
Hurricane Irma devastated Saint-Martin in September 2017, and Club Orient was destroyed. The resort never reopened, although the naturist beach stayed in use and a simple beach bar kept operating at the site. In April 2026 the local government (the Collectivité) selected a developer, and on 16 June 2026 construction formally began on a new naturist hotel on the former Club Orient land. Reports describe a five-star hotel in several buildings rather than the old chalet village, with opening expected around three years after groundbreaking. Until it opens, visitors stay elsewhere on the island and come to the beach by day. Check recent news before planning around the new hotel; building timelines often change.
Who it suits
- Naturists looking for a sociable, relaxed nude beach in the Caribbean.
- Couples in the lifestyle who enjoy nude sunbathing on holiday, as long as they remember this is a public beach, not a lifestyle venue.
- Cruise passengers on a day in port, who often combine the beach with lunch at one of the bars.
The beach and the naturist section
The main part of Orient Beach is a busy textile beach with loungers, umbrellas and music. Walking south, the atmosphere changes and nude sunbathing becomes the norm in the traditional naturist section. There is no fence; it is simply the part of the beach where nudity is customary. Cover up when you walk into the main beach area and in bars and restaurants unless they clearly allow otherwise.
Saint-Martin is a French overseas collectivity, so French law applies: naturism is accepted in places where it is traditional or designated, while sexual exhibition in public is a criminal offence. Keep behaviour on the beach strictly non-sexual.
Best time to go
The dry season from December to April has the most dependable weather and the busiest beach, especially on days when several cruise ships are in port. May and June are quieter and still hot. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking from August to October; Irma is a reminder that storms here can be severe, so buy travel insurance and book flexibly in those months.
Getting there
Most visitors fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side, Sint Maarten. The drive to Orient Bay takes around half an hour or more depending on traffic. Grand Case–L'Espérance Airport (SFG) on the French side handles regional flights from nearby islands. Taxis run fixed fares from the cruise pier in Philipsburg, and parking is available along the beach road. The island is small, so hiring a car makes it easy to explore both the French and Dutch sides.
Etiquette
- No photos of nude beachgoers. Point cameras at the sea, not at people.
- Bring a towel for loungers and chairs.
- Do not gawk or wander through the nude section fully clothed just to look; either join in or stay on the textile side.
- Protect the environment. Take rubbish with you and use reef-friendly sunscreen.
Safety
Orient Bay faces the Atlantic trade winds, so there can be waves and currents; swim near others and within your ability. Do not leave valuables unattended on the sand or visible in a parked car. The Caribbean sun is strong, and skin that rarely sees it burns fast.
Nearby
A short boat ride from Cul-de-Sac takes you to Îlet Pinel, a popular islet with calm water and beach restaurants. The French side's village of Grand Case is known for its restaurants. For another Caribbean option built around adults-only resorts, read our guide to Negril, Jamaica.