Orient yourself for a textile-free vacation

Nicknamed the St. Tropez of the Caribbean, Orient Beach is the playground of Euro-beauties and everyone else who wants to see and be seen. When you're ready to let it all hang out, Club Orient is your clothing-optional destination at the south end of the bay.

Club Orient is the most-popular naturist resort on the beautiful island of St. Martin. Club Orient sits at the south end of a beach that runs the gamut from full-out nudity at the Club Orient end to the conservative clothed beach at the north end.

Whether you come for the day from your cruise ship, or stay for a week at the resort, this is one beach you'll want to do more than just soak up the rays.

My advice is to get there early in the morning. If you're a guest of the resort, chairs and umbrellas are complimentary. If not, you'll pay roughly $20 to park yourself.

The best spot to sit is near the Perch Bar & Grill (dead center of the clothing optional portion of the beach). If you're nervous about dropping your drawers, partial nudity is accepted as well.

Remember that sunbathing (or walking) in the altogether is only acceptable on a portion of the beach. Cross over to the Dutch side and you'll be unceremoniously told to cover up.

Cameras and cell phones are a no-no on the beach, but walking and gawking are expected (especially at the clothing/unclothed transition.

If you're there for the whole day (and why wouldn't you be?) lunch choices are endless. Club Orient's Papagayo Restaurant (at the south end) offers a wide variety of international choices, but food is average at best. You can dine nude though, which is a nice plus.

Wander over to the clothed side and you can indulge in anything from baby back ribs to beluga caviar. And all of the bars offer just about any drink you can imagine - as long as you're covered up.

Regardless of whether you keep your swimsuit on or shrug it off the moment you arrive, it's hard to feel out of place at Club Orient and Orient Beach. As long as you have your credit card and sunscreen, you have all you need to have to have fun.

Tell us about your visit to Orient Beach or Club Orient. We'd love to hear about your naked experience here. Drop a comment below or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter!