Orient Beach on the French side of the island is one of the most popular beaches in the world and has a definite European flare. That means, of course, it's topless-friendly during its entire 1.5 mile length. It's also known for its southernmost quarter mile being the only official nude beach on the island.

The beach is pure white sand and gentle lapping waves due to a break water about 100 yards off the beach. Snorkeling, parasailing, kite surfing, wind surfing and numerous other water sports are available.

Numerous beach bars and restaurants cater to vacationers and cruise ship excursioners. The beach is filled several times a week from the many cruise ships that dock on the Dutch side of the island at Philipsburg.

The sleepy fishing village of Grand Case on the French side is home to four lolos grouped together near the beach.

Diners can watch the sun sink into the ocean while dining on, perhaps, the best ribs on the island.

A photo of a brilliant orange sky at sunrise is the cover photo for a book published in December 2007.

You can see the book cover at the following Squidoo Lens:

Brain Injury Guide

Building sand castles is old hat at Orient Beach. Okay, it's a nude beach -- so, wouldn't you expect more creative "sand castles"?

We watched a young lady creative this sculpture in 2006 and, take our word for it, this is work.

Okay, you're on one of the most famous beaches in the world on an 82-degree day in March with a gentle trade wind caressing you. You pause occasionally to sip from a wonderful Guavaberry Colada or other rum-flavored island favorite beverage. So it's really not like office work, or anything like that.