The Island
Club Orient Resort is situated on the white sand beach of scenic Orient Bay on the Caribbean Island paradise of French St. Martin. Club Orient is only 15 - 20 minute derive from both the French and Dutch capitals - Marigot and Philipsburg, and is only minutes away from Grand Case, the gourmet capital of the Caribbean. The Beauty of St. Martin and its cultural diversity make our Island truly a one-of-kind adventure. The charm comes from the mingling of French, Dutch and West Indian traditions, fine boutiques, duty-free shopping, scrumtious dining, entertaining nightlife and an abundance of land and sea excursions. Whether you desire tranquility, exciting nightlife or a lively adventrue on the sea, St. Martin offers it all.
Located 18°5' North and 63°5' West, Saint Martin lays between the Lesser and the Greater West Indies ranges. Geologically composed of sediments and volcanic particles, it is a hilly island. Its highest point is Pic Paradis, 1412 feet (430 meters) high. The total area of the island is 37 square miles (96 square kilometers), 21 for the French side and 16 for the Dutch side. Population: 29,000 on the French side and 35,000 on the Dutch side. The climate is tropical and constant all year long. Average temperature is 80° F (27° C). French and Dutch are the two official languages, but English is spoken almost everywhere. Official currencies are the Euro for the French side and the Guilder for the Dutch side, but US dollars are accepted everywhere. The time zone is "Atlantic Standard Time".
Major airlines servicing the island are: US Airways, Air Caraibes, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, KLM, Air France, and Corsairfly. A number of local airlines provide flight service to neighboring islands including helicopter excursion flights. Taxis are readily available at the Juliana International Airport (airport abbreviation SXM). It can be arranged for a taxi to pick you up at any location on the island. You can rent a car directly at Club Orient with Hertz Car Rental. There is also a number of car rental companies offering their services. Driving is on the right side of the road with international traffic signs. All foreign driving licenses are recognized. The island of St. Martin requires seatbelts and prohibits cell phone usage and drinking while driving.
