Orient Bay Villas, St Martin

Orient Bay is the "St-Tropez of the Caribbean", a two-kilometer arc of white sand backed by beach clubs and water sports, the island's liveliest beach, with a clothing-optional section at its southern end.

Orient Bay (Baie Orientale) curves along the north-east coast of the French side and is the island's most energetic beach: roughly two kilometers of white sand fronted by a run of beach clubs, Bikini Beach, Kontiki, Palm Beach and others, renting loungers and serving lunch, with kayaks, paddleboards, kitesurfing and boat trips out to the offshore islets of Green Cay, Pinel and Tintamarre. The southern end, around the former Club Orient, is the island's long-established naturist beach.

Behind the sand, Orient Village is a small pedestrian cluster of restaurants, bars and shops, and the surrounding hills, Mont Vernon, Parc de la Baie Orientale, hold villas with sweeping views over the bay and the islets. The vibe is social and active rather than secluded: it suits guests who want plenty to do, beach-club days, water sports and a choice of places to eat within walking or a short drive. Grand Case and its restaurant row are about 10 minutes away, Marigot around 15 to 20 minutes, and Princess Juliana International Airport roughly 30 minutes south.

Orient Bay is for travelers who want the island's most lively beach on the doorstep, water sports and beach clubs at hand, and a villa in the hills above it all with a wide ocean view. Browse the Orient Bay villas in the Coral Villas portfolio below.