This was the most beautiful beach I could have imagined. This was one of the ports on our cruise. The best place. Truly made us feel welcome and like we had no worries. I have never wanted to do so many things on the beach. We rode a jet ski out on the water and looked at the fish and coral reefs below us. BREATHTAKING.

Very, very nice place! I love the scenery, the people and you have much to do in that magnificent haven. You're not gonna tire and all! I meant to go back if i could!

Really intriguing history...being there feels like being zapped into two 'civilizations' at a time and I'd like to learn more about that.

I tell you it was really an experience of a lifetime to be there and I've been very lucky I suppose :)

Went to St. Maarten on a cruise years ago. Unbeknownst to our group, we entered a "private" beach area. (The so-called private area is separated from the "public" beach by a flimsy wooden-stake fence. Our group was promptly bullied off the beach by the rudest lifeguard I have ever encountered. Even as we were gathering up ...

We loved the beach at Orient Bay!
One of the most beautiful spots I've ever seen. The clothing optional issue was not distasteful and in fact added to the experience. We've been back 4 times and plan to keep going back.

The rooms were immaculate. Clean to the max. The staff was friendly and accomodating beyond belief. The all-inclusive package was a bargain. Orient Beach is extraordinary. Good beaches, dirt cheap jewelry, great restaurants, warm ocean and those six shades of blue in the water. What's not to like. Also, the snorkeling is a blast, to say nothing of the para-sailing and jetskis.

I have stayed Downtown in years past and am looking forward to staying there again. The nightlife is wonderful, the shopping and all the restaurants this island has to offer are very good. There is so much to do on this island a week just isn't enough. Check out the day trips, the Pub Crawl on the Celine and some of my favorite restaurants are in the Simpson Bay Area, Tutta Pasta, Jimbos, Peg Leg Pub and Lal's.

Of the 200 or so shops on the main drag of Philipsburg, arguably a third of them are jewelry shops. Philipsburg is for sure a great city, lots of locals to meet and some American feel as well.

The jewelry is marked down significantly, and nearly everything you buy is all duty free, which means without tax. That makes it really nice to know ...