Finding our Happy Place: A Naturist Journey to Saint Martin
Penny and I have always gravitated toward naturist beaches. There was something about the openness, both physical and emotional, that felt immediately familiar to us. Long before international travel became a routine part of our lives, Wreck Beach had already earned a special place in my heart. Its closeness to home and its welcoming, year-round community made it more than just a beach; it became a gathering place, a social hub, and a source of lasting friendships.
When we traveled, that instinct followed us. In Hawaii, we inevitably found ourselves drawn to Little Makena Beach; and Secret Beach on Maui. Even in destinations that weren’t officially naturist, we always seemed to find quiet, secluded places where we could shed our clothes and simply be ourselves. Time and again, we discovered something remarkable: naturist beaches made it easy to meet genuinely kind, open-hearted people.
At Wreck Beach, that sense of community grew into friendships that extended well beyond the sand, offering social connections throughout the year. And on Little Makena Beach, we met one of our closest friends and someone who would unknowingly change the course of our future travels. This is where our Saint Martin story begins.
An Invitation That Changed Everything
While relaxing on Little Makena, we struck up a conversation with a couple who spoke enthusiastically about their holidays on Saint Martin / Sint Maarten (SXM) in the Caribbean. Until then, Penny and I had never seriously considered SXM as a destination. But their stories of welcoming people, naturist-friendly accommodations, and a relaxed island culture sparked our curiosity.
When they invited us to join them on a future trip, we took a leap of faith. That decision led us to what has now become our chosen happy place. Thanks to our friends, we discovered an island with two official nude beaches, many other beaches where naturism is widely tolerated, and a strong sense of acceptance that mirrors what we value most about naturist living.
There are several clothing-optional accommodations on the island, but one in particular captured our hearts. On the French side of Saint Martin, tucked away in Oyster Pond, we found Kazanu, a small, intimate property that would become our home away from home. Here is a description of our experience.
A Naturist Day at Kazanu, Oyster Pond, Saint Martin
Imagine waking to the soft calls of tropical bananaquit birds as the Caribbean sun filters through the window. For Penny and me, this is how every day begins at clothing-optional Kazanu—a peaceful oasis that feels both grounding and indulgent. The warmth of the island greets us as we sip fresh Nespresso coffee beside the pool, easing into the day in true naturist island style.
Morning Bliss by the Pool
Our mornings at Kazanu unfold without urgency. I brew fresh coffee in our suite’s fully equipped kitchen, and we step out onto the pool deck, free of clothes and free of schedules. Sometimes we lounge in the sun; other times we retreat beneath one of the large umbrellas. A refreshing swim in the crystal-clear pool often becomes part of the ritual before breakfast.
The convenience of an in-suite kitchen lets us prepare meals at our own pace, enjoying breakfast on our private lanai. On days when we feel like venturing out, we wander down to Bread and Butter for flaky croissants or head to L’Escale SXM for a relaxed sit-down breakfast. Either way, mornings are unhurried and delicious.
Exploring Saint Martin’s Beaches
After breakfast, the daily decision awaits us: linger at Kazanu or explore the island’s extraordinary beaches. Saint Martin offers endless possibilities:
- Orient Beach, vibrant and social, with the unique experience of nude dining at the Perch
Bar - The quiet beauty of Happy Bay
- The golden expanses of Baie Rouge, Plum Bay and Baie Longue
- The dramatic limestone cliffs framing Cupecoy Beach
Some days call for adventure beyond the main island. A trip to the north side of Pinel Island, followed by relaxed island vibes at Karibuni, delivers calm waters and postcard-perfect scenery. Often, we combine beach days with grocery stops, picking up fresh local ingredients to enjoy later back at Kazanu.
And of course, there’s the unforgettable experience of a naturist day on the water, a nude sailing and snorkeling adventure that perfectly complements island life. (An AANR article even chronicles one such Kazanu nude snorkeling experience.)
Clothing-Optional Afternoons
Many afternoons find us staying right where we are, soaking in the tranquility of Kazanu. Under a shaded umbrella, we read, talk, play games, and plan dinner. The upper pool deck – with its grill and sweeping ocean views – is ideal for barbecuing fresh seafood or island produce as the trade winds drift through.
The lush tropical gardens surrounding the property provide a stunning backdrop for photography, and then there are the three resident turtles—quiet, charming reminders of how closely nature and daily life intertwine here.
Over the years, we’ve also been fortunate to form a close friendship with Tim and his sister Anke, the warm and welcoming owners of Kazanu. Their genuine love for the island and for hosting shines through in everything they do. Having grown up on Saint Martin, they offer guests a wealth of local knowledge with recommendations that go far beyond guidebooks and truly enhance the experience of the island. Their weekly barbecue on the upper pool deck has
become a much-anticipated highlight for guests, bringing people together over good food, laughter, and easy conversation. It’s moments like these that transform a stay at Kazanu into something deeper than accommodation; it becomes a second home.
Evening Adventures and Sunset Magic
Evenings are shaped by how the day unfolds. If we’ve spent time at Baie Rouge, Baie Longue, or Cupecoy, we often end with a refreshing parking-lot shower – a quirky tradition fondly explained by our friends – before heading to Dany’s Beach Bar for sunset drinks. Staying late for a lemon liqueur toast with the “Lemon Droppers” is always a memorable highlight.
Dinner might take us to Porto Cupecoy or Simpson Bay, where the dining scene consistently impresses. On quieter days, especially after Happy Bay or Orient Beach, we return to Kazanu for a relaxed grilled dinner by the pool or a meal in nearby Oyster Pond.
The Perfect Ending – A Life Enriched by Naturism
No matter how the day unfolds, evenings at Kazanu always conclude peacefully. A nighttime, clothing-optional swim beneath the stars, paired with thoughtful conversations among friends, creates the perfect close. The calm atmosphere invites deep rest—so we wake refreshed and ready to do it all again.
Kazanu is more than a place to stay. It’s the heart of our Saint Martin experience. Whether we’re exploring the island or simply enjoying the view from the pool deck, every day feels intentional, joyful, and free.
At its heart, naturism has given Penny and me far more than beautiful destinations. It has made friendships come easily, creating instant connections built on openness, respect, and shared values. Naturism fosters positive body acceptance, not just of ourselves, but of others, reminding us that real people come in all shapes and ages, and that every body belongs.
There is also a unique joy in outdoor nudity: the simple pleasure of swimming without barriers, sunbathing freely, and feeling completely present in nature. It’s a sense of freedom that is both physical and emotional, grounding and uplifting at the same time. Through naturism, we’ve found community, confidence, and a way of living that feels honest and whole, and that, is what keeps us coming back.
This article was published in part by the FCN Federation of Canadian Naturists Winter 2025/26
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