Often called the “St Tropez of the Caribbean”, Orient Beach is one of the most popular beaches in St Martin — but there are a few things you should know before you go.
St Martin / St Maarten is one of the Caribbean’s most in-demand destinations — and the best villas don’t stay available for long.
Many are rebooked year after year by returning guests who know exactly where they want to stay.
If you see a place you like, don’t wait.
The most desirable stays are often gone months in advance.
Orient Beach is located on the northeastern coast of St Martin, on the French side of the island, in the area known as Orient Bay. It’s about 20 minutes from Marigot and around 30 minutes from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) — close enough to reach easily, far enough to feel like you’ve arrived somewhere special.
Travel tip:
While taxis are available on the island, renting a car is highly recommended when visiting St Martin. It gives you the freedom to easily explore beautiful beaches around the island such as Orient Bay, Grand Case, or Happy Bay.
Often considered the most famous beach in St Martin, Orient Beach stretches for over a mile along the Atlantic coast. Wide white sand, open ocean views, and that constant Caribbean breeze — this is the kind of place people picture when they think about the island.
Right behind the beach, the village of Orient Bay creates a natural extension of the shoreline. Beach clubs, restaurants, and vacation rentals are all within walking distance, giving the area a constant, effortless flow from morning to evening.
That’s why Orient Beach isn’t just popular — it’s a place people come back to.
Orient Beach is also a favorite for water sports. Visitors can try jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, or simply enjoy swimming in the warm Caribbean sea.
With its beautiful scenery, beach clubs, and wide range of activities, Orient Beach has become one of the must-visit beaches in St Martin for travelers exploring the island.
One of the reasons Orient Bay Beach is so popular in St Martin is its vibrant collection of beach clubs. Lined along the sand, these beach clubs offer comfortable loungers, beachside dining, and a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere where visitors can spend the entire day by the sea.
Among the most well-known spots is [ Bikini Beach ], a lively beach club known for its stylish setting, good music, and great food right on the sand. Just a short walk away, Kontiki Beach Club offers a slightly more upscale experience, with elegant beach beds, attentive service, and a popular beachfront restaurant.
Another favorite is KKO Beach Club, famous for its chic décor, relaxed ambiance, and excellent Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. It’s a perfect place for a long lunch with your feet in the sand.
For a more refined beach experience, Coco Beach stands out as one of the most elegant beach clubs at Orient Beach. Known for its stylish design and excellent Mediterranean and international cuisine, it offers a sophisticated atmosphere that makes it a favorite for long seaside lunches.
Each beach club at Orient Beach has its own personality, but they all share the same beautiful setting: soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and stunning views across the bay.
Beyond its famous beach clubs, Orient Beach is also one of the best places in St Martin to enjoy a wide variety of restaurants within walking distance of the beach.
Just behind the shoreline, the Place du Village in Orient Bay is a lively square where visitors will find around nine restaurants gathered around a small plaza. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes particularly pleasant as terraces fill with diners enjoying everything from French cuisine and Italian dishes to sushi and international flavors.
Along the boulevard of Orient Bay, a few more restaurants and casual spots add to the choices, making the area one of the most vibrant dining scenes on the French side of the island.
In addition, several restaurants are located inside the Parc de la Baie Orientale, the residential area just behind the beach. Altogether, visitors will find around fifteen restaurants within the Orient Bay area, offering plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, sunset drinks, or dinner.
Thanks to this concentration of restaurants and beachside dining, Orient Beach is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in St Martin, but also one of the best places on the island to enjoy a meal by the sea.
Orient Beach is often associated with nudity, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. The beach itself is not entirely nude. Most of Orient Beach is perfectly suitable for families, couples, and visitors simply looking to enjoy a beautiful Caribbean beach.
The southern end of Orient Beach, near the former Club Orient area, is known as the clothing-optional section of the beach. This is where naturists traditionally gather, and it remains the only part of Orient Beach where nudity is commonly accepted.
The rest of the beach, including the areas where the main beach clubs and restaurants are located, is completely family-friendly and follows standard beach etiquette.
If you are curious about naturist beaches on the island, you can read our full guide here:
https://bookstmartin.com/ultimate-guide-to-naturist-beaches-in-st-martin/
For most visitors, Orient Beach simply offers a long stretch of sand where everyone can enjoy the sea in their own way, whether that means relaxing at a beach club, swimming in the clear water, or exploring the quieter areas toward the southern end of the beach.
If you want to stay close to the beach, the Orient Bay area offers some of the best accommodation options in St Martin. Located just steps from the sand, this charming seaside village is known for its relaxed atmosphere, colorful Caribbean architecture, and easy access to restaurants, beach clubs, and water activities.
Visitors will find a wide range of places to stay near Orient Beach, including villas, vacation rentals, boutique hotels, and beachfront apartments. Many properties are located within the Parc de la Baie Orientale, a quiet residential area just behind the beach that allows guests to walk to the sea, restaurants, and shops in just a few minutes.
Staying in Orient Bay is also convenient for exploring other parts of the island. The village is about 20 minutes from Grand Case, famous for its restaurants, and around 25 minutes from Marigot, the main town on the French side.
Travel Tips :
One of the most popular water activities in Orient Bay is parasailing. From the beach, visitors can take off on a short boat ride before soaring high above the bay, enjoying spectacular views of Orient Beach, the coastline of St Martin, and the nearby islands.
Parasailing is a safe and thrilling experience that allows you to see one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean from the sky. The activity usually lasts around 10 to 15 minutes in the air and is suitable for beginners as well as experienced adventure seekers.
Orient Beach is widely considered one of the best beaches in St Martin — and once you’re there, it’s easy to understand why. The long stretch of white sand, the clear turquoise water, the beach clubs, the restaurants… everything comes together in a way that just works.
You can spend the day exactly how you want here. Settle into a beach club, move from lunch to sunset without leaving your spot, try a few water activities, or simply walk along the shoreline with the ocean in front of you and nearby islands on the horizon.
Orient Beach is one of those places that quickly becomes part of your trip — not something you plan around, but something you naturally come back to.
From catamaran sailing and snorkeling adventures to unforgettable Anguilla day trips,
St Martin offers some of the Caribbean’s most memorable experiences.
Many of the most popular tours sell out quickly, so we recommend booking early to secure availability.
