Please don't be alarmed about the beaches on St. Maarten. Orient has some topless bathers...but not ALL of the beaches are that way. It is a lovely island, with beautiful water...don't miss out! Research through internet sites such as this, "orient" yourself (pun intended) with the layout of the 2 sides of the island, rent a vehicle, and armed with your info, you will have a wonderful time! We have some of our best memories from St. Maarten.
P.S. We DID go to Orient Beach, and wouldn't you know that the same swimsuit models that were posing for a magazine layout on the ship, happened to plop down right next to us on the beach - the topless beach! If they'd been there first, I might have wondered if my husband planned it that way!

Have fun!
txtraveler