Saba

In years past, while Saba’s men were at sea, women crafted intricate lacework that became the island’s chief export, earning Saba the nickname “The Island of Women”.

A view of Saba’s capital, The Bottom, showcases the red-roofed houses and the island’s mountainous topography. Photo: 279photo Studio/Shutterstock

Overview

The allure of Saba comes from what is lacking and for what remains unchanged. There are no beaches, no harbors and no crowds. The island’s single volcanic peak rises from the ocean depths to cloud-covered heights. A timeless collection of small, red-roofed villages tucks into its slopes, connected by the serpentine meanderings of a hand-hewn stone road. Saba earns the nickname “The Unspoiled Queen” through traditions of conservation and a commitment to sustainable living.

The island is surrounded by one of the Caribbean’s largest marine reserves, and a national park protects the cloud forest highlands. Hikers and birders follow trails that wind along coastal bluffs or ascend long stairways for rewarding elevated views. After a day in nature, visitors can relax in intimate guest houses and small hotels where terraces deliver panoramic vistas of the island and ocean.