Club Orient: G&G - July, 2008

G&G

Club Orient Trip Report, July 2008

I am going to try to keep this review short since I realize most of this site concentrates on the Hedos or the Desires, but in a nutshell, Club Orient is all about the beach.  It is not about wild and crazy parties or pda’s  (boy do I miss the pda’s of Hedo) but it is about the most beautiful beach and water you most likely ever will encounter (definitely the case if you desire a c/o location).  The resort is a $30 cab fare from the airport and you can do without renting a car, or if you are staying long enough to appreciate having one, it makes sense to rent one at the resort if you want to avoid the normal rental at the airport confusion.  A lot of people that we met chose to stay at more upscale or more affordable places elsewhere on the island and then come for a daily visit to our beach, but both my wife and I really enjoyed the location, the simple atmosphere, and the friendly people of Club Orient.  The rooms, although not luxurious, are still very pleasant (although you may want to bring something to play music on since there is no radio nor TV, although there is internet access in the rooms).The whole “feel” of the rest of the resort is very homey with a mix of mostly couples and some families.  We stayed in a mini-suite which I would do again, because they were relatively affordable and in the evening, it was pleasant sitting in the back porch watching the kids play Frisbee and the couples relaxing after a hard day of relaxing.   For lack of a better description, it was sort of a nude Norman Rockwell experience.

The beach itself was all about the sun, water, reading, and people watching.  By the way, when the cruise ships come in town, the people watching was all about us commenting on the gawkers who were commenting on us...  believe it or not, the gawkers didn’t really bother us too much, but rather made for funny conversations with the people next to you.   Apparently, the cruise ships normally come in on a Wednesday, so if the sightseers bother you, you could save cruise ship day for an activity day elsewhere on the island.

Speaking of activities, you absolutely have to take the c/o cruise on the Tiko-Tiko.  It is about a 45 minute sail to a nearby beautiful island where you can sun, snorkel, explore, eat a grand meal, rub the local mud over all your body, take the funny picture and meet a bunch of great people that will make the vacation that much more of a memorable experience.

You should also find time to make it to Grand Case ($15 cab fare), to try one of the many great expensive restaurants or inexpensive lolos (sort of a local streetside BBQ).  Or at the minimum you should go to the Grand Case Beach Club for a beautiful lunch or dinner on the water at the Sunset Café.  Absolutely beautiful.

Without question, if your spouse is somewhat hesitant about the nude thing or a wild party atmosphere, this is the ideal place to test the waters.  I am happy to say that both my wife and I are looking forward to returning.   And by the way, did I tell you how fantastic the beach and water was?