?s re: Coco Beach on Orient Bay/Beach

[Wide Open Sea]

Greetings everyone,

Will be arriving in St. Maarten Mon. Dec. 17 by way of HAL's Noordam.

Am considering starting our day at the northern end of Orient Bay at Coco Beach.

Can people give us feedback re:

1. likely availability and cost of chair and umbrella rental on this section of the beach

2. access to restroom facilities

3. quality of setting, food, and service at two nearby eateries (linked from a very helpful labeled map of the beach posted elsewhere in this message board-- http://home.carolina.rr.com/photos2005/LargeOrientPanorama.htm

a. coco beach-- www.cocobeachsxm.com/

b. esmeralda resort-- www.esmeralda-resort.com/

4. whether or not it's ok to bring one's own food, soda, water, etc. onto the beach

thanks.

Given the presence of freezing rain in our local weather we're looking forward to our first visit to St. Marteen--just about two weeks from now!

:)

[gtaylor]

Could you tell us how you decided on Coco? What were you looking for?

 

You are unlikely to receive a warm reception at any of the Orient Bar/Restaurants if you show up with your own food and drink.

 

If you're bringing your towels and settling in on an open stretch of beach then you'll be fine.

 

gary

[itsjb1]

Chairs and Umbrellas are avaiable for rent.

 

There are restrooms, near the massage hut.

 

Bringing your own food and drink is generally frowned upon.

 

Food is generally good, but especially as a result of the Euro, it tends to be pricey. There are beach boys that will take your food and drink order at your chair if you want to eat at the beach, rather than in the restaurant.