The "Update On Orient Beach Construction" Story

The south end of Orient Beach before it was damaged last year.

It was an ordinary day.  Reading a few of the new posts on TTOL (Travel- Talk- Online) that deal with the new construction on the south end of Orient Beach in St. Martin.  If you have been a reader here for the last few years you may recall that Carol and I have been enjoying yearly visits to the island of St. Martin/Sint Maarten.  Last year we arrived shortly after a devastating hurricane had hit the island and caused massive destruction to the eating establishments and boutiques on the south end of Orient Beach, one of the top beaches in the Caribbean.  

An early look at the new construction before owners
were able to take possession of the buildings.

The government of the French side of St. Martin decided to level all the existing buildings and build a new series of restaurants and boutiques.  A contest was started on TTOL asking readers for a date when they thought the new places would be completed and opened.  My guess was April 25th realizing that island time usually takes over and construction lags behind schedule.  

The beaches in front of the new businesses allow for
umbrellas and beach chairs.

Well, I was wrong and it seems that the new places are starting to open.  A list of the dozen or so establish-ments that gained contracts with the French government to open on Orient Beach was recently listed and they have begun to customize their places and a few have finally opened.  My story today is to talk about those places and how the new operators have prepared them for business.  Many TTOL readers have said that the quality of the new construction is subpar and certainly will not withstand the next big storm.  

A few of the restaurants that have opened.

Many issues I have written about in the past and it seems these issues have still yet be corrected.  Here's hoping that the new tenants will be able to generate enough business to pay the large rents that are being charged.  A few of the new restaurants that have opened have placed three rows of beach chairs and umbrellas in front of their establishments and have started renting them to beach goers.  

A Boutique that used to occupy a spot on Orient Beach
has reopened in one of the new buildings.

This area is a prime drop-off spot for cruise ship patrons.  Perhaps they will be able to gain a following before the high season ends in the middle of April.  I'm anxious for our visit in the near future and hope to find a few stops to replace our favorites from the past 15 years.  My only regret is not being able to visit Andy and Cheryl's Baywatch Restaurant for our favorite Mussel's A La Andy.  We will also miss the overhead display of license plates from all over the U.S. that adorned the ceiling joists.  I will report my findings after making our visit to one of our favorite beaches in the Caribbean.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

PS - The last few photos were from TTOL members Allen Bouchard and Birdwatcher.

PPS - I must admit that I wrote this story a few weeks ago and it got pushed back in my queue.  From reports on several websites, it seems that most buildings have begun operating by now and owners have made some changes to the physical appearances of the buildings that were recntly constructed.  Many owners have made changes to the original vinyl roofs by putting wooden roofs in place to help cut down on the hot Caribbean sun and provide more shade for their patrons.  The beach space in front of each unit seems to be more than was pictured and allows for an extra row or two of beach chairs in front of the places.  The restaurants are said to be very nice with a new flair to them.  Bathrooms are also a nice and needed addition.  Some owners have changed the paint color of the units to reflect the look of their unit before being torn down.  Parking still seems to be a problem, but hopefully that will change soon.  Carol and I will be visiting the island in the near future and I will get a first-hand look at the new "Orient Beach."  My photos and opinions will be part of yet one more story on the restaurants and boutiques that make the beach so special to many.