El Momo Cottages
Seven storybook cabins tucked into a Booby Hill hillside, 1,500 feet above the Caribbean.
Why Go
Climb the 60 stone stairs up Booby Hill and you land in a pocket of tropical garden where seven wooden cottages perch like tree houses over the sea. El Momo is Saba's original barefoot escape — earth-kind, delightfully offline, and priced so you can afford to linger long enough for the island to slow you down.
The Experience
This is Robinson-Crusoe-in-the-clouds territory. Cottages are simple, wood-frame and airy, most with a bathroom in its own little outbuilding a few steps away (Turtle Cottage and Cottage in the Sky are the two with private en-suites for guests who want extra privacy). What every cottage does have is a hammock, a patio, and an ocean view so wide you can watch weather roll across the southern seas from your outdoor shower. The whole place gathers around a small cliff-top pool and open-air bar, where owner Andries and returning guests trade hike tips over a cold Carib as frigatebirds ride the updraft. Nights are pin-drop quiet apart from tree frogs, and mornings start with fresh breakfast on the terrace before the clouds have burned off the Mount Scenery ridge above you.
What to Try
Book a cottage with a sunset-facing patio and claim the hammock for at least one full afternoon — locals will tell you it's the point of coming here. Ask Andries to sketch out a hike itinerary on the back of a map: he knows which trails run cool in the morning and which viewpoints stay clear when the mist rolls in. Take the short downhill stroll into Windwardside for dinner and a rum, then earn your nightcap on the walk back up. And don't skip a morning swim in the pool with the whole Caribbean spread out below you.
Insider Tip
Pack light and pack smart — those 60 stairs from the road are the entire island in miniature, and there's no bellhop. A soft duffel beats a hard-shell suitcase every time, and a small headlamp is worth its weight for finding your cottage after a late dinner in town. If mobility is a concern, request a cottage closer to the entrance when you book; Andries will happily match you to the right cabin rather than the next one available.
The Practical Stuff
Address: 45 Booby Hill, Windwardside, Saba (Caribbean Netherlands). Getting there: roughly a 15-minute taxi from Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport or Fort Bay harbour — arrange in advance, as taxis on Saba don't cruise. Windwardside village is a 5–10 minute walk downhill; the return climb is real, so plan accordingly. Cash (USD) is handy for the village; most cottages use fans rather than AC, which is plenty at this elevation. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, and a light layer for cool evenings on the ridge.
Pair It With
- Amonhana Guide — An easy stroll down into Windwardside for a laid-back dinner after a day on the trails — perfect match for El Momo's low-key vibe.
- Angelina's Saba By OwAiChie: Food and Drinks Guide — Casual island cooking and cocktails a short walk away, ideal for a relaxed evening before the uphill walk back to your cottage.
- Barney's Ground Guide — One of Saba's classic hiking spots — Andries can point you to the trailhead and you'll be back in the hammock by lunchtime.
- Battery Corre Corre Guide — A short, scenic outing that pairs well with a slow El Momo morning — bring a camera for the coastal views.
- Big Rock Engineering Guide — Handy local transport option if you'd rather skip the stairs after a long hike or want a lift down to Fort Bay for a dive.
