The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Photos: TripAdvisor
All across the world there are special places considered to be dream destinations. A world of beauty beyond belief that captivates your soul and hypnotizes your mind. Time begins to stand still for a matter of days or weeks.
Saba is the majestic sublime. It is a small island in the Caribbean, 28 miles from St. Maarten, and part of the Netherlands. Gazing out at the deep blue sea, your vision spots the contrast to the potentially active volcano, Mount Scenery. Ferns, mossy forests and mango trees dot the landscape. Much of the plant and animal life is tended to by the Saba Conservation Foundation.
Saba is like a hidden wonderland. Based on statistics, there are only about 25,000 visitors to the island each year. The three activities that have gained popularity for the island are scuba diving, climbing and hiking. To go one step further, there are two hyperbaric chambers right there that can assist during a diving emergency. Not many small islands can boast this advantage. Scuba divers have rated Saba one of the top ten dive destinations in the world largely in part to the colorful coral and widespread and fascinating underwater life to the tune of over 200 species of fish. The Saba National Marine Park was established in 1987 in order to preserve the reefs and marine life. This is home to groupers, jacks, turtles, rays and many other colorful creatures of the deep. Lava tunnels and hot springs leave a lasting impression. Seasonal divers enjoy the pinnacles, summits of underwater mountains, beginning at 85 feet and extending to the abyss.
The residents of Saba welcome tourists with open arms and a heartwarming smile. You are treated to a touch of the old and a bit of the new. Experience Sea and Learn where you have an opportunity to explore nature and enhance environmental awareness. If flowers are your fancy, wild orchids can be found in abundance and you will even be delighted by the Orchid Research Center.
There is interesting history behind the tiny land of Saba. It was first settled by pirates from St. Kitts after the Spanish attacked in 1629. But today the only recognition of those settlers are goat paths and step roads.
Charming resorts, cottages and retreats are a home away from home set in a relaxing setting and even nestled upon a hilltop. Creative dishes will spoil your taste buds. It is a romantic escape to live a rainforest wedding with the partner of your dream.
Visitors will always remember Saba for its top ten reasons:
1. Diving
2. Mount Scenery
3. Airport known for its shortest commercial runway
4. Hiking
5. Quaint villages with unique architecture, some even resembling a gingerbread house
6. Delicious Cuisine
7. The Wandering Black Sand Beach
8. Unique Island Crafts
9. The Road that Could Not Be Built surrounded by a story
10. Friendly Sabans
The Unspoiled Queen awaits you. Saba has been voted the best island in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas in Travel & Leisure Magazine’s 11th Annual World’s Best Awards.
See for yourself the magical wonders of this dream destination that is so easy to travel to by boat or by air. Saba
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