Windwardside
Windwardside
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
125 reviews
Excellent
93
Very good
27
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Jay Gusz
Cambridge, Canada5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Windwardside is a beautiful town. Over looking the ocean with an amazing view of Mount Scenery, good accommodation options and many great restaurants. We loved our stay there. For divers, Sea Saba is a great shop, helped us set everything up from tours to diving and dinner reservations. One of the friendliest places we have ever been. 100% recommend visiting Saba.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timothy B
Newark, NJ9 contributions
Nov 2022
We stayed at Juliana's and had a great time at Tropic's Cafe (a very lively Friday night spot!). We took advantage of the Big Rock Supermarket, Sea Saba, Brigadoon, and much more. You're either going up or going down the whole time and are always treated to an unbelievable view of either Mount Scenary and surrounding hills or the ocean.
Written 10 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IslandJackCharlotte
Charlotte, NC45 contributions
Dec 2016
Wow! Where to begin? My wife and I stayed on St. Martin for a week. We're adventurous travelers so we decided to take a small WinAir plane over to Saba and stay one night. Did I mention that Saba has the shortest commercial runway in the world? We took the first flight over on a Tuesday and the last flight out on Wednesday. Stayed at El Momo's Cottages (Highly recommend!!). The owner of El Momo's sent a taxi to meet us at the airport. We insisted we wanted to walk from the airport to El Momo's in Windwardside in order to see as much of the island as possible. We had water and 'emergency rum' with us. The hike was steep but not that far and before we knew it we were in town. The locals are friendly as can be. We saw the taxi driver at our lunch stop and chatted with him awhile. There are a few restaurants in Windwardside. The next morning we walked into Windwardside for breakfast, then walked to the other end of the island thru St. John's, The Bottom, and then down to the marina, where we got a taxi to take us back to the airport. Saba was the most unique, prettiest, friendliest, quietest, cleanest, beautiful island we've ever seen in the Caribbean or South Pacific. Nothing else like it. We could have spent a week here easily. No beaches (okay, there's ONE beach on the whole island), no commercialism, no rental cars, no hotel or restaurant chains. It felt like we were hiking in Europe rather than on a Caribbean island. Do yourself a favor and put Saba on your 'must visit' bucket list. Stay a night or stay a week. And if you're in shape or adventurous, WALK everywhere, don't take the taxi, and speak with everyone you meet. One of my favorite places I've been too in the world.
Written 2 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vausha
Glenwood Springs, CO28 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
I did a week diving with Sea Saba and had a great time. I stayed at the Cottage Club and was very happy with it. My cottage had a full kitchen, although I didn't use it. I think you'd want to stay in Windwardside, and the Cottage Club is close to everything. Scout's Place serves a full breakfast, and there is a bakery with coffee and fresh pastries if that's all you need. You'll want to try the half-dozen or so restaurants; Chez Bubba, Brigadoon, and Tropics are the upscale ones I enjoyed. Hours and nights open may vary, so be flexible. Not all take credit cards, but there's an ATM across from Scout's Place. Prices are reasonable for good food on a small island. Roads are steep ... you won't walk any long distances. Do climb the mountain on a clear day. The steps can be slippery, but just be careful and you'll be fine. Where else can you go mountain climbing in the Netherlands? Traveling from Colorado, I couldn't make the Win Air connection to get to Saba in one day. I had to lay over in Miami or Sint Maarten. But if it was easy, everyone would be there and the island wouldn't be the unspoiled, friendly, hassle-free place that it is. And the diving is great.
Written 12 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Family_o_fun
Vancouver, Canada67 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
We spent 5 days here recently in a rental cottage. It is such a wonderful island as others have said. Quiet, safe,SMALL, and beautiful. There are a ton of goats which I loved but the locals don't seem to. Lots of great hiking and everything you need in the small towns. My only complaint would be if you stay in WINDwardside as we did, you will have WIND every single day and it can be quite cool actually for the Caribbean.
Written 9 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wander585960
2 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
My wife and I went several years ago. Saw review on CBS Sunday Morning. One of the best trips ever. The airport is the smallest commercial airport in the world. Interesting landing there from St. Martin. Views are amazing. Island is 5 sq miles and over 3,000 feet elevation. We walked the whole island. Did hitch hike once and were picked up by a van full of school children. Might be the safest place in the world including your home. For years there were no locks on doors. Mostly inhabited by descendants of Scottish sailors who ship wrecked there. Some still have a bit of a scottish accent. You don't expect freckled face gingers on the islands. Do not rent a car. You should not drive the roads here.... period. They are carved into the dormant volcano. Locals have no problem. Walk or ride with them. Terrific views everywhere. If you crave night life this is not your place. You want fantastic people, great hosts, and and experience of a life time. Come on Down.
Written 29 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuvCoralReefs
Newport News, VA4 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
I went to Grand Cayman for the first time in 1971 and fell in love with the island's coral reefs, people and the friendly atmosphere where you knew the Caymanians cared about you having a great time on your vacation. When I told friends that I had gone diving around Grand Cayman, no one had heard of the island. Often times, as progress takes shape, the atmosphere changes and sadly on my subsequent trips to the Caymans, I missed the safe feeling and the slow pace that I found in 1971. Of course, the Caymans are not the only islands or areas of the world that have changed....not necessarily for the better! As I travel to diving destinations, I always hope to find the island that reminds me of the way things were on Grand Cayman so many years ago.
Saba is that island! For the last three years, while visiting St. Maarten, I would often see Saba in the distance. Like the old Rodgers and Hammerstein song, "Bali Ha'i", I longed to visit another island....Saba. This year, we stayed a week on St. Maarten and another week on Saba. On Saba, we stayed at Spyglass Hill in Windwardside. The Spyglass Hill house was awesome and the pictures do not do it justice. The views over the Caribbean were magnificent and the Milky Way at night was so clear and dramatic. The people in Windwardside were friendly and you could tell that they honestly wanted you to enjoy their island. The proprietor of the grocery store even told us to get in her car and she had one of the employees drive us back up to Spyglass Hill. The food at each of the restaurants where we dined on Saba was so much better than our food on both the French or Dutch sides of St. Maarten. One restaurant was playing music featuring Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Dinah Shore and Doris Day which only added to me wondering if I was transported back to another time. The Brigadoon Restaurant even served Lionfish....an invasive species which is now found around the Caribbean. That meal was spectacular!
The hiking trails around Saba are beautiful and trek up Mt. Scenery is something not to miss. As you might suspect, I went for the diving which was great. Sea Saba was so helpful at arranging everything from your accommodations, taxis, restaurant reservations, etc. Even though their divemasters dive every day, they still had the excitement and love of pointing out marine fish, invertebrates or geological features. TSea Saba even gave us a printout of each of our dives when we checked out.
Saba may not be for everyone....thank goodness. There are no sandy beaches but the island and her people have a combination of qualities which make it a place where I will return.
Saba is that island! For the last three years, while visiting St. Maarten, I would often see Saba in the distance. Like the old Rodgers and Hammerstein song, "Bali Ha'i", I longed to visit another island....Saba. This year, we stayed a week on St. Maarten and another week on Saba. On Saba, we stayed at Spyglass Hill in Windwardside. The Spyglass Hill house was awesome and the pictures do not do it justice. The views over the Caribbean were magnificent and the Milky Way at night was so clear and dramatic. The people in Windwardside were friendly and you could tell that they honestly wanted you to enjoy their island. The proprietor of the grocery store even told us to get in her car and she had one of the employees drive us back up to Spyglass Hill. The food at each of the restaurants where we dined on Saba was so much better than our food on both the French or Dutch sides of St. Maarten. One restaurant was playing music featuring Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Dinah Shore and Doris Day which only added to me wondering if I was transported back to another time. The Brigadoon Restaurant even served Lionfish....an invasive species which is now found around the Caribbean. That meal was spectacular!
The hiking trails around Saba are beautiful and trek up Mt. Scenery is something not to miss. As you might suspect, I went for the diving which was great. Sea Saba was so helpful at arranging everything from your accommodations, taxis, restaurant reservations, etc. Even though their divemasters dive every day, they still had the excitement and love of pointing out marine fish, invertebrates or geological features. TSea Saba even gave us a printout of each of our dives when we checked out.
Saba may not be for everyone....thank goodness. There are no sandy beaches but the island and her people have a combination of qualities which make it a place where I will return.
Written 8 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vagabond VanHams
Janesville, WI1,895 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
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.
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.
Written 24 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SixPipes
Burleson, Tx687 contributions
Jun 2011 • Couples
If you ever get a chance make the trip to Saba for the day. It is clean and the little towns are very interesting! Don’t pass up Saba. Catch a cab at the airport and hire the driver for the day. They will take you to all the local hangouts.
Written 8 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caacer1
Thai Mueang, Thailand26 contributions
Sept 2017
This Dutch island is a great gem! The diving is spectacular and their water is well protected! The sea life is spectacular! The people of the island is very friendly and welcoming. I can't wait for the opportunity to go back!
Written 28 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are going to st. Maarten. Do you know if there is a tour that will take you hiking and snorkeling in Saba?
Written 29 April 2019
Daydream, If you book a flight from Sint Maartin to Saba (an adventure in itself as it is one of the worlds smallest airstrips) and stay one or two overnights in Windwardside, you do NOT need a guide for hiking as the entrance for Mount Scenery trail is right there. We got flights for $75!! As far as the Snorkelling, you could also arrange this right from Windwardside. There are taxis sitting at the airport and everyone knows everyone in this wee town so you just ask the taxi driver!! This little side trip from Sint Maartin to Saba is a highlife of my life and I'd highly recommend it. There are lots of great places to stay in Windwardside.
Written 1 May 2019
I guess Anthony D has been in Windwardside, but probably only very short. There are several agencies renting cars. The nature trails are fantastic, so is the diving. The people are very open, Take a look at the local newspaper website .look for "saba news" for more info. It is a unique experience in the Caribbean.
Written 22 October 2018
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