Great location with a 5 minute hike to Friar’s Bay beach and Happy Bay beach. Friar’s Bay beach is busier with cabanas and beach chairs you can rent. There are also a few restaurants on the beach (cash only, EUR or USD). Friar’s Bay is also very calm water and probably a better option if you are swimming with kids.
We loved Happy Bay beach. No services there beyond a tiny bar, but absolutely beautiful, more secluded. It was one of the most scenic and least crowded beaches we have visited. We visited 3 or 4 times and it was great every time, especially for sunset. Happy Bay is clothing optional. We did not go nude and there were plenty of clothed people too and we didn’t feel out of place wearing suits. We thought this beach was awesome and the highlight of the trip, but be aware you’ll see naked people.
You will want to drive to Grand Case or Marigot for restaurants. Kind of a bummer you can’t walk, but the beach access more than makes up for it. Takes about 15 minutes to drive and park in either of those areas.
We drove through the whole island and this location seemed so much better than the really touristy sections near the airport or in Philipsburg where the cruise ship terminal is. Would absolutely choose this location again.