We spent our entire vacation on the French side in a lovely little hotel (Bleu Emeraude) in Grand Case.  Best.decision.ever. Some useful things to know if you choose to do the same: Paying $1 to pee in a *clean* men's room at the mall in Marigot = best money ever spent. Orient Beach is lovely and a great place to spend a day at the beach.  Get there early.  Park at the Club Orient end near Pedros.  Be prepared to see a lot of old willies as apparently the demographic most likely to take advantage of the "clothing optional" end of the beach is 60+ year old men. Don't forget your bikini.  "Mom Suits" stick out like a sore thumb. Vibrams make decent beach shoes.  You will get even more weird looks than you do in the U.S. Always … [Read more...]