Originally posted by jam77

A lot of good advice has been given. But, it would be helpful to hear from some ladies about how they handled the "first time". The woman's point of view would probably be of the most use to "newbie". How do the ladies think the transition from clothed to natural should be handled?

We were staying at the Alamanda our first trip. In the morning of our first day I took off my top on the clothed section of the beach in front of the Alamanda. That was easy, so we decided to go to the Club O beach that afternoon. I think we drove down to Club O and found a spot between the Percha and Papagayos. Fortified by a drink or two, I skinned off my bikini and never looked back. We even did some nude walks on the Club O beach that afternoon. I had determined before we got there that I was going to do it. I think I surprised my husband by my boldness. The alcohol helped quite a bit. Every day for the rest of the trip we went to the Club O beach. I think that was in 2003.

The next year we again stayed on the clothed section of the beach, but spent our days at Club O. After that we got brave and booked Club O. Haven't stayed any place else on St. Martin since then.

As others have mentioned, the area beyond Papagayos gets very little traffic and should be good for a shy first timer. There are chairs there as well. I think two chairs and an umbrella are about $20 for the day. A little alcohol will also work wonders for bravery.

Originally posted by NolaBeachCpl

The secluded beach sounds so good and really seams to make sense for a newbie, BUT for us a busy nude beach where you feel uncomfortable and stared at for having on a swim suit is so much easier as a newbie. When we are at a secluded spot we feel paranoid, and nervous. At Club O, we feel invisible and totally at ease. Cheers to your new adventure!

I agree with this post completely. BUT my earlier post on Playalinda (near Titusville , FL) did not make clear that there is a choice ranging from fairly crowded to completely isolated on most days. Sunny weekend days will definitely have a good number of nude sunbathers, surfers, kite flyers, and fishermen/women. Although not as busy as ClubO, the nude area of Playalinda, near the dune crossovers at parking lot 13, will have lots of other nekked folks. Mostly friendly couples or small groups spaced every 10 to 20 feet or so. The further north (left facing the water) one walks, the thinner the crowd becomes. Also, for virtually complete solitude, one can buy a back country pass and walk for approximately 10 miles (if you are energetic) and, likely, see no one. That variety allows you to seek your own comfort level.

Another very busy Florida nude beach is Haulover, in Sunny Isles, FL, just south of Hollywood Beach. This one is definitely busy and there will be hundreds of nude folks on most sunny days. Haulover is a a County Park with ample parking (about $7), lifeguards, showers/toilets and a well marked clothing optional area near the north end of the County Park. Most folks will be nude at this beach but there will be a (very) few in bathing suits. Food truck service, lounge chairs, and umbrellas are available (although on the pricey side).

ClubO is by far our favorite but if you want to experiment with something a little closer to home before you go to St Martin, and if you are near enough to central/south Florida, these are good choices.


Kentucky Couple

Waiting for trip report from Mattman8802. How did things work out?

Still waiting for the promised trip report.

If shy, consider a picnic day cruise on TikoTiko across to Tintamarre. Just a handful of people and a beautiful beach to stroll without all the cruise watchers. Then when you get back to Orient Beach you'll feel much more comfortable.

Hey...sorry for the late report back.
Awesome trip, life Orient Beach. Well my way better half got her top off , wasn't comfortable so I didn't push it. I did get a promise that it will be au natural at Happy Beach/Bay!!! It gives me an entire year to look forward to.
I loved my walks along the beach very empowering and fun!!! Funny story I walked over from the far side of the beach in my bathing suit waiting in line at the restroom just over the rocks. A rather attractive woman nude said she loved my bathing suit. I replied thanks , she then said that I would look a lot better with it off !!! Off it went , did my business and continued my walk. Such a cool spot our own piece of heaven.
Until next year....

Great attitude! Life is an adventure! Next year may be the year....

Just let it happen and it will

Island Bound

Happy that Mattman had a good time even though his better half didn't go for the nude experience. Some ladies never get past their inhibitions. I've seen several that stay at CO and always keep a swimsuit on. Hopefully, that will not be the case with Mattman's wife. Anyway, he has the right attitude - get nude and enjoy life and allow his wife the freedom to be comfortable in her own space.