We've decided to possibly do a smaller more intimate beach on St. Martin instead of Orient. Any suggestions where we could go that would provide a chair and soft drinks? Not rough surf? Thank you!

jodylee-
Try cruisecritics.com
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93

I've found alot of info on this board!

Try Calmos Cafe in Grand Case. Very calm beach and the cafe has chairs, tables, snacks, drinks, etc. in a very casual atmosphere right in the sand mere steps from the water's edge.

We enjoyed a beautiful, quiet vacation at Le Meridian Hotel in St Martin/St Maarten. It had a little inlet that we kayaked in...very calm. We were there in June of 03.

Of course that hotel is no longer there under that name

The Meridian has been purchased by one of the major hotel chains - but the locals will still recognize it as the Meridian. Usually during the week Friar's beach and Long Bay are good places too. You are right Orient is a circus. Pinel island is busy but kind of fun - short ferry ride to a little island beyond Orient Beach- litlle beach bar - lots of umbrellas - locals go there on the weekends - you can get away from the others if you choose.