Orient Beach and Pineal Island?
 

Ok we will be arriving in about a week for our first visit to St. Martin and the first day we will go to Orient Beach. Since this beach appears to be quite large what area is the nicest and least crowded area to spend the day lounging and swimming? We are not into the nude thing but are not bothered by those that choose this option. Also which beach bar should we eat at for our first day?

Our second day we will ferry over to Pineal. Is Marigot our closest bet to grab the ferry from where we will stay in Pelican? Which beach bar is the best on Pineal? Most seem to say Karabuni, is this the better of the ones on the island?

Also are there any must see or must do activities while we are here for seven days?

We are also going to Anguilla for one day to visit Shoal Bay East and eat at Gwen's.

Please offer any suggestions you can. Thanks everyone for all your help!

When you are at Orient Beach try Bikini Beach, it is the most central, and the food is good.

The naked walkers (99% of whom are over 60, and should most definitely keep their clothes ON) thankfully disappear back to Club Orient after 9am !

If you want something a little more exclusive, go to Palm Beach.

The ferry to Pinel Island doesn't go from Marigot, it only goes from Cul de Sac (the French Cul de Sac - there is also a Cul de Sac on the Dutch side !) The cost is $7 return, but don't miss the last ferry back which, at this time of year, is usually around 4pm or 4.30pm.

Karibuni has the best food on Pinel island. There are only 3 choices. Karibuni is the beach which is furthest away (to the left) of the landing stage.

Among the 'must do' activities is to dine at least once in Grand Case - the 'Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.

Have fun.

Thank you DavidSXM, You have been a wealth of information. Which beach bar would you suggest on Bikini beach? We are totally psyched about our upcoming vacation!

'Bikini Beach' is the NAME of the Beach Bar at the center of Orient Beach !

Oh good grief, of course it is! Thanks again David for all of your help. Just one more question, If we will eat on the French side at least once which restauraunt would you suggest that won't break the bank?

Hi there,

fully agree with every bit of information from DavidSXM. Now, the restaurant question... there are a good deal of restaurants on the island, I personally like the 'Boucaniers' on Nettle Bay, it has french/creole style cuisine and is absolutely reasonable. Nicely located on the beach as well. the "Ma Ti Beach', on Nettle Bay as well, is very good and not expensive.
Enjoy !

Frankly, if you are looking for a gourmet meal on the French side of the island, Grand Case Boulevard, is the place to go.

There are numerous choices, and you really can't go far wrong, but it ain't cheap !

My personal preferances are L'Auberge Gourmande or, on the beach side of the Boulevard, L'Escapade or Le Tastevin.

LOL ! Davidsxm, there's a certain travel website with a branch devoted to SXM, 99% of whose exuberant participants seem to worship at the temple of Club O (and immediate surrounds) who would gladly have your guts for garters regarding your profile of the denizens of that area of the beach, however correct you may be (and you are). :)

To the OP, Orient beach is indeed a large beach and you can find your particular spot of peace and private heaven. Follow indeed all David's advice.

The lolos (sheltered, open-air barbeque/grilled foods) in Grand Case are perfect for lunch, and the main boulevard for dinner. It's very good food (I wouldn't call it Fine Dining as one may be used to in a big city) but can be a sort of 'gourmet', based on the ingredients available on the island. I've had some pretty unusual combination of things ! But its all good. You will find lots of dishes based on classic French cuisine.
You've received some fine recommendations above. I'd also add Bistro Caraibes to the list. Google search the restaurants; many have their menus and prices posted online. For example : http://www.bistrotcaraibes.com/menu.html

I would agree with Mathieu about Bistrot Caraibes which used to be one of my favorites, and still would be if only our meal there 2 weeks ago hadn't been completely ruined by the noise of the 'local lads' constantly roaring up the Boulevard showing off on their overly loud motorbikes, which made a continuous conversation with our guests virtually impossible !

If you DO choose to eat there, when you make the reservation be sure to ask for a table as far away from the road as possible - you need to book anyway, as the restaurant is small, and is almost always full, because the food is so good.

Thanks everybody!

Everybody seems to have answered almost all your answers but I do think that there is a Tour on the island that is a must!!!

Book a trip on the Friday Farewell Party Catamaran, a Full day sail around St. Maarten/St. Martin with stops all over the place, includes lunch, open bar, three course meal at a restaurant on the beach in Grand Case and snorkeling too. If you want a quieter trip then a party, go on the Tuesday Eco Tour sail around St. Maarten! Which is almost the same trip on the same boat but on Tuesday and much more quieter! Either trip is a must when visiting SXM. You can all the information and even a video here http://sxmdeals.com/activities/friday-farewell-tour/

You won't regret that trip!