Saba or Statia, anyone?
 

I've never been to either Saba or Statia, two islands which seem to be generally ignored. Can anybody speak to their charms? Although I like being near a beach, I wouldn't mind splitting a vacation between islands and considering either Saba or Statia as one of them. I don't dive but I enjoy snorkeling. Is one better than the other for that? What about other activities on these islands?

For charm, definitely Saba. The people are very frindly (probably the best thing about it), villages (especially Windwardside) are charming. No beaches at all in Saba, though there are one or two places you can swim in the ocean - plus hotel pools. Very good hiking. Even just walking a long the main road is a lot of fun. There are a couple of good places for snorkeling, though it is much, much better for divers.<BR><BR>Statia is about equally as quiet, has more history, but lacks Saba's charm.

I live on Statia, ejcrowe, and travel to Saba frequently. What specifics do you want to know?<BR><BR>I agree with Howard's sentiments. Saba is more charming, but also has less to do than Statia. Both islands have wonderfully friendly people.<BR><BR>Saba is better known for diving, whereas Statia would be better for snorkeling. Statia also seems to be more historically interesting. Both have extinct volacanoes that make great hikes.<BR><BR>There are no beaches on Saba (other than a tiny one that appears for a brief time each year). Statia doesn't have your typical beautiful beaches of the Caribbean, but there's more sand here than Saba. Swimming is taken up only on the Caribbean side (not the Atlantic...bad undertow on that side).<BR><BR>If you'd really like to try both islands, I would suggest basing yourself on Statia and going to Saba for a couple of days, as well. People who aren't divers typically prefer fewer days on Saba and more on Statia.<BR><BR>Let me know if you have any other questions. I'll be glad to try and answer them.<BR>

TTT for ejcrowe.

Thanks for all of the great information, y'all. I think what I would like to do is plan to split a week at St. Kitts and either Saba or Statia sometime in the future. <BR><BR>The only two watersports I enjoy are snorkeling and swimming. Most of the time when I'm down in the Caribbean I spend the day alternating between reading and cooling off in the water, but I don't have to be on the beach. I think I would be happy at a hotel with a lovely view and a swimming pool.<BR><BR>I hear about Willard's a lot on Saba. What's the inside scoop there? What are some nice places to stay in Statia? By nice, I don't mean posh or luxurious necessarily. Just good food, good service, casual atmosphere, and a good view if not on the water.

Hi Ejcrowe,<BR><BR>Your split plan sounds good. However, be aware beforehand that travel is easy between St. Maarten, Saba and Statia. When I've traveled to St. Kitts on the other hand, it has taken me half a day with a layover in St. Maarten. We met a couple from Boston there who got there quicker than us and we only live 11 miles away....go figure.<BR><BR>When I go to Saba, I always stay at the Cottage Club. They have a great pool overlooking the water. They are also conveniently located to town and have nice cottages with kitchenettes. I hear Willard's is nice, as well, but haven't stayed there myself. If you really want to go all out, then I would suggest Queen's Garden Resort. Cottage Club has a website with info if you're interested in that route.<BR><BR>My suggestions for Statia are either The Old Gin House (our version of Queen's Garden) or King's Well (not fancy, but very laid back atmosphere). Both have a pool and both are located on the Caribbean Sea. There is also Golden Era Hotel as another alternative, which also has a pool and is located on the sea.<BR><BR>I'm sure that you can get info on any of these properties by doing a web search. And, all three islands also have a web page, although I do not have the address handy at the moment.<BR><BR>Good luck!<BR><BR>

The web site for the Saba tourist office is: http://www.sabatourism.com/<BR><BR>You can learn about places to stay in Saba at that web site. I would strongly recommend the Cottage Club over either Willards and Queens Garden. It is plainer, but much less expensive. That is not the main reason to stay there however. Willards and Q G are sort of isolated, so any trip will be either a long walk or you will want to take a cab. To me, by far, the best thing about Saba is the easy mingling you can do with the people who live there - at this is much easier to do from the Cottage Club. <BR><BR>That is also why I would recommed Saba over th other places you mention. If you are open to it, the people of Saba will be much more memorable than any snorkeling, swimming, or reading that you will do.

Thanks, Statia--you'v been so helpful. Our travel fund is pretty much tied up this year with wedding and honeymoon, but I'd like to start dreaming for next year. And as my partner and I prefer staying in places a little bit off the beaten path, we figured we would really enjoy Statia and Saba. <BR><BR>If travel b/w Statia and St. Kitts takes 1/2 a day, then I suppose it would be worse traveling from Nevis to Statia? I prefer Kitts to Martin for vacation, but I like Nevis even more.<BR><BR>Thanks again!

Oops, thank you, too, Howard. Your last post wasn't there when I began my last reply. I'll check out all of the websites that you both recommended.

Be sure, however, to look into flights from St. Kitts/Nevis to Statia/Saba because direct flights DO exist, they just aren't daily. And, schedules change, as well. If you like &quot;off the beaten path&quot; places, then I think you would enjoy both Statia and Saba.<BR><BR>I strongly agree with Howard's sentiments on Saba and the Cottage Club, as well.<BR><BR>Good luck and congrats on your nuptials!