Saba

The smallest of the Netherlands Antilles

Saba is the smallest of the Netherlands Antilles. Her sisters are neighboring Statia and St Maarten and on the other side of the Caribbean Sea, Curacao and Bonaire.

For those travelers that are looking for a relaxed and secluded haven, this island is the place. Imagine an island in the Caribbean that has not been spoiled by big cities, resorts and mass tourism.

Magnificent view of the Island

Seen from far the island looks like a volcano rising from the ocean, which is crystal blue all around. Its people are friendly and helpful. They are the descendants of the pioneers that arrive here from Europe in the 17th Century.

This is a paradise above and below the ocean, since the marine life that abounds on its coasts are idyllic. The island is an Eden for Caribbean Snorkeling and Scuba Diving, as well as for hiking and plain relaxation.

Getting there

All travel to to the island must be through St Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). To this airport flights arrive from Europe, North America, Puerto Rico and the rest of the Caribbean islands. Certain Charter companies offer their services directly, especially during the winter season.

The main airline flying from/to St Maarten is Winair (Windward Islands Airways). They operate more than 5 flights a day from St Maarten to Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB).

The capital city of The Bottom

Getting around

I recommend renting a taxi, because I think you won’t want to drive. But if you are brave enough, then renting a car or a van, according to the size of your party would be a good idea. The younger and fit people can visit the island on bicycle or scooter.

Another way of visiting the island is hiking. You can stop in the small villages on your way to the top of the island on Mount Scenery at an altitude of 2,860 ft equivalent to 875 m.

If you do the climbing with an organized group or guide you will get a certificate stating that you climbed to the highest point in the Netherlands. On the way you can visit a small beautiful catholic church and the Willard of Saba Inn.

Carnival and Art

In the month of July they feature the yearly Carnival. The sleepy island wakes up and all you see is dancing and parades as well as costumes and lot of music. This is a great way to know the real culture of the island. In the Breadfruit Gallery you will find local artists work for sale.

The capital

The capital city is called The Bottom with a population of about 1,200 and is actually located in the crater of the extinct volcano that gave life to the Island of Saba. The city is about 790 ft or 245 m above sea level.

The island is also known as “The Rock” and as “The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean”. The approximately 1,700 inhabitants are descendants of African and Welsh origin and live on the 4 towns located on the island.

There is a lack of beaches on the island and this is the reason why it has been isolated for years. Tourists come here for the calm and relaxation, the great scenery and above all for Scuba Diving.

There are great coral reefs and abundant marine life to seduce the most experienced divers from all over the world that arrive here in the thousands. The Saba Marine Park makes sure that the Coral Reefs are protected from inconsiderate divers.

If you have a story of your vacation on any of the Caribbean Islands and want to share it with me and my readers, please contact us

Awe inspiring view from atop of Mount Scenery to the Caribbean Sea

I recommend the following hotels or resorts for your stay on the island

Queens Gardens Resort

Queen's Gardens Resort, nestled among the breathtaking gardens of Troy Hill, is a small upscale luxurious hotel complex overlooking one of the island's picturesque villages and the Caribbean Sea.

Queen's Gardens Resort is a luxurious Hampshire Classics Hotel located on the Island Saba, which is part of the Netherlands Antilles. The resort is perfectly situated on one of mount scenery's hills, Troy Hill and is nestled among tropical forests and its lush gardens overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

This panoramic view on the Caribbean Sea makes the resort such a special intimate place to spend a relaxing Holiday or Business stay. The altitude of 1200 feet and the trade winds guarantee an extremely pleasant climate year around.

White houses and red roofs are typical on the island

Search our site and the web

The Gate House is in Lower Hell's Gate. The hotel has a great French restaurant with a renowned chef. The Gate House Cafe is a little pricey but worth it. There are 5 guest rooms, 1 cottage, and 1 villa down the hill from the main house. No air conditioning, some TV. Continental breakfast served.

Saba Ecolodge Rendez-Vous

Welcome to the Ecolodge Rendez-Vous website, we hope you enjoy your visit. Travel through our world from your home or office desk, forget, for a moment the hustle and bustle that exists outside your window... as you wander peacefully through the rainforest mountainside of a little Caribbean Island known as Saba the "Unspoiled Queen".

Willard’s of Saba

It sets a standard in uniqueness, luxury and comfort. Located Dutch Caribbean Island known as Saba. Willard's offers spectacular views of the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean and five neighboring islands from a dramatic Cliffside location 2,000 feet above sea level. Designed, constructed and owned by retired Lt. Col. W.B. Willard Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Willard's of Saba continues the family tradition of the world renowned Willard Hotel of Washington, D.C.

We visited Saba on one of our many visits from Puerto Rico to St Maarten. Hear my advice, go there for a few days and you will thank me for that.

Custom Search

For more information on Saba go to their official site

From Saba go to Dutch Antilles

Go to Home Page