Saba – refreshingly natural Caribbean

The stunningly beautiful, calm, clean, unhurried and refreshingly natural top100 Caribbean Sustainable Destination

On the one hand Saba has natural beauty in abundance. On the other hand – there are no beaches. So visitors can enjoy this intoxicatingly delightful island – without  annoying crowds!

http://www.sabatourism.com/

Unlike many other Caribbean islands, Saba has no beaches and therefore escaped the typical ‘sun-sea-sand’ tourism development seen elsewhere in the Caribbean

However its glorious and delicate natural heritage is a true lifetime holiday experience.

Its rugged slopes are covered with beautiful, lush and fascinating fauna, which can be explored using a network of guided hiking trails. And under the water an outstanding and intact ecosystem provides many superb opportunities for quality scuba diving and snorkeling.

About 150 species of fish have been found in Saba’s waters. Big attractions for divers are the pinnacle dive sites, where magma pushed through the sea floor to create underwater towers of volcanic rock that start at about 300 feet (91 m) down and rise to about 85 feet (26 m) beneath the surface.

The waters around Saba were designated as the Saba National Marine Park in 1987, and are subject to government regulation to preserve the coral reefs and other marine life.

Saba is unique among the Caribbean islands. It is an unspoiled paradise that seduces you with its beauty, charm and peaceful attitude.

A mere five square miles, Saba soars 5000 feet from the sea floor. Yet this small island is filled with extraordinary natural wonders perfectly in harmony with its fascinating, and very colourful history and culture.

While some islands boast of dozens of beaches, Saba only has just one that appears a few months a year. But Saba does not need beaches; it possesses an unparalleled nature beauty to be explored both below and above the sea. Saba’s volcanic origins are dramatically scenic both below and above the sea; it is one reason the island is one of the top dive spots on earth. Within Saba’s protected marine park, spectacular formations and structures, alongside lava flows and hot springs, combined with pristine coral reefs and a brilliant aquatic population creates a diver’s paradise.

Above sea level, Saba is a thoughtfully civilized nirvana filled with lush tropical rainforest and exotics colors and foliage. Beauty is everywhere. It dazzles the eye as you navigate "The Road" or hike the trails through the rainforest to the top of Mount Scenery. Complementary beauty is man-made. Nestled in the gentle little villages and remote parcels are well-preserved historical cottages built in traditional Saban vernacular.

White clapboard or natural stone walls, red zinc roofs, green shutters, Caribbean fretwork, charming porches and natural stone boundary walls and tropical gardens have been a favorite subject of artists and photographers for hundreds of years.

For over a hundred years, wives of sea captains and their descendants have created stunning items in highly collectable, very intricate handmade lace. Saba is also a willing subject for painters, such as Heleen Cornet, inspired by the colors and forms of Saba. Beautiful crafted, locally designed jewelry can be found at Jobean and Jewel Cottage, housed in a 150 year old cottage. For a special "taste" of Saba, a bottle of Saba Spice reflects centuries of tropical nautical adventures.

Perhaps the best souvenir of Saba is the people, many of whose families have been here for over 500 years. It is easy to slip into the daily flow of life here. Saba is a friendly, accessible and welcoming place for all travelers who treasure peace, tranquility and beauty.

More about Sustainable Saba:http:// http://greendestinations.info/top100-2016/?dest=saba-st-eustatius

Valere Tjolle