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SABA
Saba
Saba is in the Leeward Netherlands Antilles.
The island is not really a party island as it does not have a lot of clubs. Heck it actually doesn't even have a beach! But if you enjoy quiet tranquility, beautiful mountainside scenery and scuba diving, then this is the place for you.
Cities
The Bottom – the capital of Saba
Understand
The population of Saba is about a 1200 people, including about 200-300 medical students.
Saba is five square mile island that is a dormant volcano. Saba is also known as "The Unspoiled Queen" because it is not as commercialized as some of the other islands. It still maintains its local flavor and customs.
Saba can be expensive, in terms of living and food.
Get in
It can be accessed by plane or boat. Its about a 15 minute plane ride from Saint Martin. Windward airlines is that major commercial airline that goes to this island.
See
Believe it or not, Mount Scenery (862 m) on Saba has the highest elevation in all of the Dutch kingdom.
Itineraries
Do
Saba is very well known among the scuba diving community since it is one of the top five spots in the world to go scuba diving.
There is also a medical school on the island, where a lot of American and Canadian students come to.
Eat
The main supermarket on Saba is Big Rock.
Drink
There are a few bars on the island including, Guido's, Lollipop, and Swinging doors. Again all of these places have the locals coming in at the end of the day, and its great way to absorb the local culture. Also the medical students on the island get pretty bored there and you will probably get to meet them too at the bars.
Saba (pronounced "SAY-ba") is the smallest island of the Netherlands Antilles, located at at . It consists largely of the dormant volcano, Mount Scenery (888 m), the highest point of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Saba has a land area of 13 km² (5 sq. miles). At the 2001 Netherlands Antilles census, the population was 1,349 inhabitants, which means a population density of 104 inhabitants per km². In 2004 the population was estimated at 1,424 inhabitants.
Its current major settlements include The Bottom, Windwardside, Hell's Gate and St. Johns. Despite the island's Dutch affiliation, English is the principal language spoken on the island and has been used in its school system since 1986. The Netherlands Antillean guilder is the official currency, but the U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere on the island.
Saba is home to the Saba University School of Medicine, which was established by American expatriates in coordination with the Netherlands government. The school adds over 300 residents when classes are in session, and it is the prime educational attraction. A.M. Edwards Medical Center is the major provider of healthcare for local residents.
History
The origin of the name "Saba" is believed by some to be a variant of Dutch for "shoe", due to the shoe like silhouette of the island from the ocean. Another, perhaps...
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Hotels in Saba
 | Queens Garden Resort  |
Score 7.5 from 1 reviews | | Troyhill Drive #1 |  |
| Nestled on Saba Island's Troy Hill in the Netherlands Antilles, this all-suite resort offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea as well as luxurious spa services and enjoyable facilities.
Queens Garden Resort features suites with flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. Guests can relax with a drink from the minibar while using the free wireless internet access. Select suites offer a private Jacuzzi with views of the ocean.
After working out in the 24-hour fitness center, guests can relax with massage in the full-service spa. Guests can also spend the day beside the outdoor pool, after taking an on-site yoga class.
The restaurant at the Queens Garden serves the freshest seafood, finest meats and organic vegetable and herbs, which are grown in the resort's garden. After a delicious meal, guests can relax with a cocktail at the outdoor lounge bar. ... more | | |
 | Santi Mandala Villa & Spa |
Score 8.55 from 2 reviews | | Bantar Bucuan, Desa Batuan | |
| Located on the outskirts of Ubud, Santi Mandala Villa & Spa offers a tropical getaway with its lush landscape, traditional villas and its large swimming pool.
Set on a hillside garden, Santi Mandala offers stunning views of Panaraga Giri river. It is also just a 25-minute drive from Ubud, which offers various cultural and dining attractions and the popular Ubud market. For your convenience, a shuttle service is provided.
Villas at Santi Mandala are spacious and feature stylish and luxurious accommodation. Each air-conditioned villa is equipped with a balcony, satellite TV, VCD and CD player while selected villas feature a private Jacuzzi. 24-hour room service is also available.
Facilities at Santi Mandala include a jogging track, swimming pool and library. You can also recharge with a yoga session or a pampering day at the spa with its variety of massage therapies and body treatments.
Santi Mandala Villa & Spa offers a coffee shop and restaurant, where you can enjoy Balinese and western cuisine while free Wi-Fi is available from 11:00 until 23:00. ... more | | | | More hotels in Saba |
| The Pirates of St Maarten Day Cruise |
4.5 hours |
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The Lord Sheffield departs Dock Maarten/Great Bay Marina (which is located a short walk from the cruise ship dock in St Maarten/Phillipsburg) and sails under billowing square sails down the protected lee shore of St Maarten to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Along the way let the crew pamper you with our open bar, world famous BBQ ribs/chicken, French bread and cheese and other delicious h'ors d'ouvres.
The Lord Sheffield then anchors close to the beach in crystal clear water for swimming, snorkeling, and of course .... plank walking. Learn from the crew, and see first-hand how the great windjammers of yesterday were sailed.
Take a turn at the wheel, sing a sea chantey and just say arrr!
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Sand Dollar Half Day Snorkel Trip |
3 hours |
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Sand Dollar is a great half day trip from St Maarten, offering sightseeing, snorkeling and swimming. Captain Alex is one of our most complimented staff members and will be looking after your tour group for the day!
The cruise takes guests through the lagoon, along our beautiful coastline and up to Creole Rock, off Grand Case. Creole Rock is a large rock formation with a reef extending out towards to the mainland, about a mile offshore. Waters are shallow and calm and provide excellent snorkeling. The boat picks up a mooring in a large sandy patch, in about 8ft of water.
The site is a shallow one for diving, but the reef life is great with chances of seeing the rare frogfish, puffer fish, occasional barracuda and many different varieties of reef fish. Divers are welcome, however they must bring their own equipment.
A large cooler keeps beers and sodas ice cold for refreshment throughout the day, and French baguette and gouda cheese are served to hungry snorkelers. Guests should bring towels, hats and sun block, and have their bathing suits on. Underwater cameras are on sale in our boutique for those who wish to capture the beauty of the underwater world!
Non swimmers are also welcome to share in the enjoyable boat ride with great views of Anguilla from Creole Rock, and refreshments included on board.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| West Beaches and Boca Tabla |
5 hours |
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Indulge yourself in nature!
Explore the west area of the Island of Curacao. As you drive along you will notice the old plantation houses on the way, as well as the beautiful landscapes and wildlife!
Make a stop at Old Salt Lake in the hope of spotting some wild flamingos, before heading to the National Park of Boca Tabla. Explore the under water cave and marvel at the volcanic stones of the northern part of the park.
You will then be taken to one of the most spectacular beaches on the Island, Knip, for some free time to swim and relax before lunch.
The lunch stop at Rancho el Sobrino is optional. If you decide to stop, you will have the opportunity to order local cuisine and unwind with a few refreshing beverages!
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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