windwardside

Incredible collections of antiquities and presentations of the history of the Dutch West India Compagny

Saba is unlike any other place we have traveled to on our own or through my military travels. If you are within 100 miles of Saba, this must be a "to do" on your vacation. When you have reached Saba, you'll find yourself in one of four main communities. Windwardside is where my wife and I spent our 30 hour retreat from St. Martin. We would have gladly spent another three days here if possible. St. Martin while beautiful, holds nothing to the quaint and simple life here in Windwardside. Most accommodations on Saba will arrange taxi service from the pier or airport. We booked an overnight stay at Juliana's, and we would highly recommend the property and restaurant on site here in Windwardside. There is vehicular traffic in Windwardside, but the principle mode of transport within the town is via foot. A ten minute walk from north to south or west to east would cover Windwardside. It's the Mayberry of Saba and we loved it. There are shops, accommodations, attractions (dive shops / lace makers), and one of our favorite cafes from the entire trip. To appreciate Windwardside, take the hike to Mount Scenery or the Maskerhorne Trail (better option on low cloud cover) for stunning views. Windwardside is a blend of new and old, traditional and progressive. Prior to my wife discovering an article on Saba three years ago, I knew nothing of the island. After our 30 hour visit, I hope to be lucky enough to return and spend more time in Windwardside.

one of the small villages on the island this is one of the most picturesque places I have been. Viewed from above the red roofs dot the countryside and there is a good selection of eateries and watering holes

I loved the small town vibe and friendly locals we met here. It's so relaxing that you really feel cut off from the world when visiting. I am really glad I got to visit this place.

The island is indeed tiny, and we could go only on a Sunday when many places were closed. However, we hired a tax driver at the famously short airport and covered the island in about an hour. El Momo opened at noon and provided souvenirs; dive/trail shops were also open and you can get your t-shirts there.Perched on the mountainsides, the villages are charming, well-kept and picturesque. Lots of goats -- they are well suited for the terrain. Hiking is great. Up high, the air is cool and refreshing; lower on Saba, it is warmer. Most places are small -- everyone is extremely friendly, and there's no fast-food chains or bill boards, etc. to spoil the charm. Come to think of it, I should be keeping this place my little secret! Hope I can go back some day....

My wife and I visited Saba May 1-9, 2014. We stayed at El Momo Cottages, I dived with Saba Deep (Cheri, Tony, and the legendary Divemaster, "Big Mike"), and requested Rodney ("the cool taxi dude") when we needed a ride. Beware of ("Fast") Eddie the taxi driver. He overcharges and despite the amount assumes any change is a tip. Our experience with him was not an isolated incident, other people who had used him reported the same. Be sure to include the "Sandy Cruz Trail" in your list of hikes to make while on the island and if you run into Mr. Barnes get to know him, you'll never forget him. Windwardside is a great village on a great Island crawling with great people and immeasurable beauty.

Spent two weeks hiking/relaxing on this very friendly island getaway. No matter if you are at scouts place, the swinging door or even the fresh bakery everything was great and every soul we met was helpful and truly interested in us. All typical amenities are available so if you absolutely need to check in you can! The island is very quiet and quaint. So much to see. If you can, don't miss Saba. And if you are a diver I understand it is tremendous.

This a great dive operation! The entire team is very professional, courteous, and friendly.They adhere strongly to safe diving practies, run on time and help you enjoy your entire Saba island expierience. We highly recommend Sea Saba for your Saba diving holiday.

Everybody at Saba is very friendly, also the people you will meet in Windwardside. It is a sleepy village, so do not expect many restaurant or bars. They do have 2 grocery stores and about 5 restaurant. Make you reservations for dinner in advance! As supplies are limited, you need to make your reservations. Check the specials (most restaurants have a weekly special evening) and enjoy.

Windwardside is central located it has groceries,cafe,shops and close to all hiking trails cabs are also around.

Windwardside is the town to stay in on Saba. Quite little touristic village, with several restaurants, gift shops and grocery stores. I stayed at Juliana's Hotel, which is peacefully located under the hill next to the beautiful museum gardens.

We were staying in Windwardside and found that most things to do on the island were there. We were able to walk to were we needed to go. We rented a car just to get to the port to dive and down to the airport to use the small beach. We enjoyed talking with locals and petting all the goats. Two grocery stores are here and are well stocked.

Because Saba has the shortest commercial runway in the world, a very small harbor, no big resorts or golf courses and only a part-time beach, Saba and one of its main towns of Windwardside are not a big tourist draw. While Saba may not entice a lot if people, it is precisely why we love it so much. We have returned every winter for seven years, renting a cottage with its own pool at an extremely reasonable rate. You meet people on the street who wave to you and find very little poverty or residents who resent your presence. Windwardside has a few excellent restaurants, numerous dive outfits and truly charming cottages for rent, as well as a few small hotels.Hang onto your hats! 15-minute flights from St. Maarten are on small Twin Otters and the experience is akin to landing on an aircraft carrier. The island is steep with a stunning narrow, winding road that will take you from one end to the other.We have visited almost every island from the U.S. VIrgin Islands down to Grenada and this is hands-down our favorite one. It is not for everyone, thankfully, but it is a true gem and the Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean.

One of the most delightful and beautiful villages in the islands. Very clean and wonderful early Dutch architecture. Neat, small restaurants.

If your looking for nightlife, fantastic beaches you've come to the wrong place. But if you want to see "the unspoiled Queen" and dive and hike, get here. Don't pass this up! And be careful on "the road" (a one lane road with no speed limits, no stop signs and no pedestrian walkways). It is island living on island time!