St. Martin is a unique island, divided into two countries: the Dutch side of St. Maarten and the French side of St. Martin. These countries are known for their stunning Caribbean beaches and distinct cultures.
Orient Bay is home to some of the island's most beautiful and unique houses. The French Side has strict building codes, which means no high-rise buildings are allowed. If you're planning a visit, you'll want to stay in one of the boutique hotels in the area, such as Les Galets. For those seeking a more private place to stay, Villa Eve with four bedrooms and Apartment Les Salines with one bedroom are excellent options. If you need more space, Villa Acropole is available for rent with two, three or five bedrooms. For those looking for a luxurious stay, Les Galets is an excellent choice. There are also several other fantastic hotels in the area to choose from.
Orient Bay is a popular destination known for its picturesque white sand beach. The beach stretches over two kilometres, providing ample space for visitors to take leisurely walks or enjoy a refreshing swim. The sunrises at this beach are truly magical and breathtaking. If you plan to visit during the dry season (November to April), the waves are generally calm, allowing you to swim in the clear and inviting waters of the Caribbean Sea. During the rainy season (May to October), the shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea are perfect for snorkelling. Despite occasional rainfall during the summer, the warm water is still enjoyable to swim in. However, note that the beach might get some seaweed called Sargassum in the summer months, but many beach clubs quickly clean it up.
Are you someone who loves to dine out while vacationing? If so, remember to grab your Magic of the Caribbean Card and head over to the restaurants in Orient Bay. If you're looking for an upscale experience right on the beach, consider having lunch at Coco Beach. On the other hand, if you're searching for a place to grab a delicious local dish, head over to The Pirate Hideout, located right on the beach. We highly recommend the French restaurant L'Astrolabe, situated inside Esmeralda Resort, for breakfast and dinner. Book a table for Lobster Night on Fridays or Mondays Surf & Turf.
You can also visit one of the many other restaurants at La Place du Village. One of our favourites is SAO Restaurant, where trendy Asian cuisine features dishes like Sushi, Sashimi and many traditional Asian dishes. Coco Beach and SAO Restaurant are perfect places to share with friends while enjoying the refreshing breeze of the Caribbean Sea. In Orient Bay, you'll find a variety of French and international foods within walking distance of each other.
If you have some free time during your vacation, why visit Orient Bay and explore the different water sports activities? You could even join a volleyball game or a yoga class on the beach. The Orient Bay area offers various water sports and activities, such as scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and more. If you're feeling adventurous, you could book a skydive and land on the beach of Orient Bay. On the far end of the beach, you'll also find a section for naturists, where you can swim and sunbathe without clothing.
If you plan to visit this beautiful place, you will discover many reasons to do so. Firstly, you can choose from a variety of beach clubs and restaurants. The beach, Baie Orientale, is also home to charming French Beach Clubs where you can indulge in culinary delights. Moreover, there are many other beautiful beach clubs and resorts to explore. You can also relax on a sun-kissed beachfront with azure blue water and white-capped waves, creating a serene atmosphere. The views of Pinel Island and the Atlantic Ocean will soothe your soul.
Orient Bay, also known as Baie Orientale, is a stunning and culturally diverse area in St. Martin. We highly recommend visiting the French side of St. Martin to experience the beautiful beaches and friendly culture. Equally, the beaches on the Dutch side of St. Martin are breathtaking. Still, Orient Bay offers one of the best Caribbean beach experiences where you can indulge in gourmet-classic cuisine and Caribbean flavours paired with French savoir-faire. We hope this article has given you compelling reasons to visit Orient Bay.
