This tiny island, the “Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean”, is the tip of a volcano. A visit rewards hikers and divers in spades, but first you’ll have to land on the world’s shortest commercial runway.
The tiny five-square-mile island of Saba, complete with wild outdoor fun, warm and breezy weather, and small-town vibes, is not as remote and isolated as you might think. Situated in the Caribbean, between Sint Maarten and St. Kitts and Nevis, this verdant Eden is the most itsy-bitsy island of the Netherlands, yet it packs a formidable punch.
Even though this circular haven is bantam in size, there are plenty of things to do to keep you tickled during your visit. From snorkeling and scuba diving to dining at unique outdoor restaurants to increasing your heart rate on a steep hiking trail to the top of a dormant volcano to attending one of the many special island events, you can be as busy as you like. The real appeal of this Dutch Caribbean sanctuary, however, is the fact that you can get away from it all and find peace like never before.
Even though this circular haven is bantam in size, there are plenty of things to do to keep you tickled during your visit. From snorkeling and scuba diving to dining at unique outdoor restaurants to increasing your heart rate on a steep hiking trail to the top of a dormant volcano to attending one of the many special island events, you can be as busy as you like. The real appeal of this Dutch Caribbean sanctuary, however, is the fact that you can get away from it all and find peace like never before.
After boarding the compact commercial WINAIR flight from Sint Maarten to Saba, which is only 15 minutes long, you will be delighted by the scenery just outside of your airplane window. One minute you’ll be distracted by the loud buzz of the airplane engine, billowing clouds, and cobalt ocean and the next, you’ll go slack jawed as you spot the Dutch island come into full view seemingly out of nowhere. The plane curves around the rocky shore with dramatic sheer cliffs and seconds later, you’ll be landing at the Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, the shortest commercial runway in the world at a length of 1,312 feet, or 400 meters.
Mount Scenery, a dormant stratovolcano that stretches 2,854 feet in the air, dominates the island of Saba. The highest point in the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands, sightseers can hike a 2.6-mile out-and-back trail to the summit of this diamond-shaped beauty.
Cushioned in the dense vegetation, keep your eyes out for multi-hued birds; Saban black iguanas, racers, and anoles—all endemic to the island; and other non-native lizard and snake species as you make your way from the plant-rich foothills to the cloud forest. Known as the “Elfin Forest Reserve”, you’ll be captivated by the foggy and dewy mystical landscape, full of mountain mahogany trees, Sierran palms, ferns, tasty raspberries, and a diversity of orchids.
Give yourself plenty of time to trek this challenging path, a favorite among visitors and locals, and be sure to wear supportive hiking boots with excellent grip, like the Mountain 600 Evo from Danner. The trail is quite steep in parts and can get slippery and muddy when it rains. You’ll want to keep your feet dry with sturdy footwear to be comfortable on this adventure. A lightweight and durable pair of trekking poles, like the collapsible Sherpa poles from Leki are also smart to bring along.
With less than 2,000 residents, it’s likely that you’ll have an authentic interaction with amiable locals while visiting The Bottom, the island’s capital, or one of the other three villages—Windwardside, Zion’s Hill, and St. Johns. This island is incredibly safe, even after dark, which is one of the reasons Saba is popular among solo and female travelers as well as families. Amazingly, Saba only has one main thoroughfare, appropriately called “The Road”, most of which was carved out by hand by local laborers.
There are plenty of restaurants to keep you satiated and hydrated throughout your stay, including Rendezvous at Ecolodge, Tropics Café, Brigadoon, and Bizzy B Bakery. You’ll find that fare on the island is flavorful and plentiful, served in eateries with distinctive character and ambiance.
From calaloo soup to breadfruit to soursop ice cream, you can be sure you’ll have the opportunity to try a newfangled flavor. Don’t miss sipping Saba Spice, a traditional spiced rum that is locally made and quite delicious. The best part about the dining establishments is that a delightful mixture of sociable locals and tourists will make you feel right at home.
Choosing where to sleep is simple if you plan ahead. The well-landscaped Cottage Club is the only Saban-owned refuge on the island, with spectacular ocean and Mount Scenery views and an outdoor swimming pool. From the moment you step inside the colonial-style plantation house, full of eye-catching décor and chic furnishings, you’ll know you’ve made the right choice.
After a warm welcome, you’ll be led down a winding brick pathway dotted with bougainvillea to one of ten private red and white bungalows, each decked out with a full kitchen, comfy beds, and a balcony that’s perfect for star gazing and listening to the whistling tree frogs. More than anything, your accommodations will allow for plenty of time to rest and recuperate, granting you the oft-rare opportunity to unplug and meaningfully connect with your loved one.
