Orient Beach

Going to St Maarten in October. Want to go to Orient Beach, don't know much about it though. What is the difference between Perch Lite and Bikini Beach? How far apart are they? Which is nicer? Just want a place we can rent a nice chair and have restroom facilities. Maybe get a drink? How much would a taxi be to either? Would appreciate any info.

Thanks,

Going to St Maarten in October. Want to go to Orient Beach, don't know much about it though. What is the difference between Perch Lite and Bikini Beach? Perch Lite is clothing optional. Club Orient was completely destroyed so just now has Perch Lite for food, drinks, and chairs. You will see lots of nudity there. Bikini Beach has been completely rebuilt. Nice new loungers and facilities. Two loungers and an umbrella is $20, but if you'd prefer to stay up in the restaurant/bar area you could.

How far apart are they? You could walk to get from one to the other. Not right next door to each other, though.

Which is nicer? We went to Bikini Beach twice in the last month. Good food, drink, and brand spanking new lounge chairs, umbrellas, and facilities. They rake the sargassum a lot - it is really bad this year.

Just want a place we can rent a nice chair and have restroom facilities. Maybe get a drink? Thanks, We never stopped in at Perch Lite but we fell in love the new Bikini Beach. Not very busy. There are no tour buses heading to Orient - not enough open yet - so it can be a nice relaxing day.

How much would a taxi be to either? At the taxi stand in port they will divide you up. If you go with a van full of people it's $7 per person. Otherwise if it is just two of you it's $20. We never had a problem sharing a taxi to the beach. Coming back same kind of costs.The taxis drop off at Bikini Beach, but if you want to go to Perch Lite they would (reluctantly) take you. Not as many drop offs and pick ups and at Bikini Beach so drivers are more hesitant.

Would appreciate any info. Thanks, I'm adding a bunch of Bikini Beach photos from the last month. Maybe they will help you make a decision.

See answers in red.

See answers in red.

Wow, thank you so much, that was a wealth of information. I will head to Bikini Beach. I think all the pics of the drinks is what sold me. Lol

Wow, thank you so much, that was a wealth of information. I will head to Bikini Beach. I think all the pics of the drinks is what sold me. Lol

You're welcome! I forgot to attach the menu. Here it is.

You're welcome! I forgot to attach the menu. Here it is.

Thanks! I just looked at your screen name, idahospud. That's great, what part of Idaho?

Thanks! I just looked at your screen name, idahospud. That's great, what part of Idaho?

Boise

Boise

Oh that's nice, I am from Coeur d'Alene. It's a small world. My sister-in-law lives in the Boise area.

I am guessing that Bikini Beach is on the French side?

Oh that's nice, I am from Coeur d'Alene. It's a small world. My sister-in-law lives in the Boise area.

I am guessing that Bikini Beach is on the French side?

Nice!

Yep, Bikini Beach is on the French side.

Does Bikini Beach take US and EUR at par?

I know most places use to the last time I went to Orient Beach (it's been a few years - prior to the hurricane destruction).

TIA

Does Bikini Beach take US and EUR at par?

I know most places use to the last time I went to Orient Beach (it's been a few years - prior to the hurricane destruction).

TIA

I always pay in US dollars.

Is the taxi to Orient worth it or is the beach near the port comparable? I know Orient isn't back to it's pre-hurricane self yet.

See my review of our day which I posted. We’ve been to SXM many times and love Orient. It’s a much better beach ... no comparison and definitely worth the cab ride. Bikini Beach is up and running and beautiful. Enjoy your day.

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How easy is it to get a cab back to port? Is there a taxi stand with cabs waiting?

My general experience is that when paying bills in foreign currency, a credit card is the best way to go. If you pay cash in USD, they can use whatever exchange rate they want (and you can bet they aren't giving you a favorable rate).

If you pay with your card (and specify to run the transaction in the local currency), you'll get your card's exchange rate which will be reasonable.

My general experience is that when paying bills in foreign currency, a credit card is the best way to go. If you pay cash in USD, they can use whatever exchange rate they want (and you can bet they aren't giving you a favorable rate).

 

If you pay with your card (and specify to run the transaction in the local currency), you'll get your card's exchange rate which will be reasonable.

I understand that logic, but I have been in St Maartin and had them take the US and EUR even, at par (price in the menu was in EUR but cost the same if paying in US currency). Which would be a significant savings if I were to pay cash over converting the EUR to US.

That is why i was wondering if anyone experienced converting. :)

I understand that logic, but I have been in St Maartin and had them take the US and EUR even, at par (price in the menu was in EUR but cost the same if paying in US currency). Which would be a significant savings if I were to pay cash over converting the EUR to US.

 

That is why i was wondering if anyone experienced converting. :)

If they'll take a buck for a Euro, that's a great deal!

If they'll take a buck for a Euro, that's a great deal!

I agree!! I am not sure if Bikini does, I was wondering what exchange rates people may have seen during their visits when paying in US.

I just received a reply from the. On Facebook. They confirmed their exchange rate is 1Eur is equal to 1.15 US.

You may want to rethink using your credit card and pay in US$ if you visit.