We are visiting St. Martin the week of August 7th - 14th, 2010 and were wondering if any one else reading this forum would be there at the same time. We will be staying on Orient Beach, and were looking for recommendations for boat trips and nightlife on the beach.

Hi Gal,
Definitely do lunch at Kontiki if you like Sushi. It's a very cool restaurant with tiki style lounge huts and areas, and you can eat on the beach on their chairs too and they'll bring your food to you. Check out the bathrooms there too-very cool open air ceilings w/palm trees for the roof! It's $$$$ but worth it for a day. Orient beach is very very long btw. Kontiki is on the south end of the beach close to the nude side.

Another place that we love and is one of our favorites for the amazing grilled lobster is Boo Boo Jam, which is about as far as you can get from Kontiki on the north side of Orient. You pick out the fresh lobster from the tank and they grill it there for you. The people are very friendly, the painkillers are, well, killer, and the lobster is the best we've ever had. Anywhere. We actually went back to St. Martin pretty much for that lobster! Boo Boo Jam and Kontiki both have nightlife I believe (I know for sure Boo Boo Jam does-dance floor and all!).

We didn't stay on Orient, but did go there for a day (on 2 different trips).

Here's a link w/a map of Orient and info:
http://www.sxm-orientbeach.com/restaurants.html

And here is the best panoramic photo of Orient all labeled! It was really helpful to us in finding the different places along Orient.
http://edsandra.com/photos2005/LargeOrientPanorama.htm

Here's my trip report w/pics too if you're interested. Have FUN!!!!
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...-7-15-long.cfm

Kelly,
Thank you for your advice and the trip report. I'm not much for sushi, but will definately check out Boo Boo Jam. Do you have any recommendation for a day trip to St. Barts or Anguilla?

Hi Gal

Try Bikini Beach - it's my 'local' hangout with my dog Tiki. The drinks are great and the bartenders - particularly Corinna and Laura - are terrific and they mix good drinks too ! Nico is also a good 'barsteward' but not so pretty - unless you like beards !

The menu is different and interesting, partly Thai influenced. The food is much better than average 'beach bar', but not inexpensive. It is located absolutely dead center of Orient Bay, at the foot of the main access road to Orient Village.

Be careful though - in the months of August / September many of the beach side operations on the island close down for staff vacations, and because it is bang in the middle of the hurricane season.

Have fun !

David,
Thanks for the advice. We'll be sure to check it out.

Does anyone know what to do with medications when traveling to Saint Martin? I have blood pressure and cholesterol medicine, and my wife takes thyroid medicine.

If they're liquid, put them in a plastic baggie and bring them carry-on. Otherwise, put them in your carry-on bag. You airline should have info on bringing meds onboard too. It's pretty straightforward. You can also check them but you may want to bring them carry on just in case your luggage gets lost.

Hey, me and the wife are thinking about going to Orient Labor day weekend. trying to figure out where to stay?

We are staying at L'Hoste Hotel. I pick it because of the location in about in the middle of the beach and the price. I ended up booking my reservations through CheapCaribbean.com. So far I am happy with the service I have received. They had as good a price as anyone and include some travel weather protection guarantees. They also have an outfit that will take you to the resort from the airport for free. When I have called to ask questions, they have been very helpful. The last time I visited St. Martin, I made all of my own arrangements. This turned out to be a better option for me, since I could not make arrangements any cheaper on my own.

If you have any other questions or would like any recommendations, I'd be happy to let you know after I get back.