Saba Arawak Hotel: A Cliffside Perch in Windwardside
A modern boutique stay named for Saba's earliest islanders, tucked into the cloud-forested slopes of Mt. Scenery.
Why Go
Saba's newest upscale hotel trades the island's usual cottage-style lodging for 27 suites with private balconies, a saltwater pool, and sweeping sea-and-mountain views — all a short stroll from Windwardside's cobblestone lanes.
The Experience
Perched along Hassell Road in the postcard village of Windwardside, Saba Arawak feels less like a Caribbean resort and more like a stylish mountain retreat that happens to overlook the sea. The property draws its name and spirit from the Arawak people who migrated to Saba in the 8th century, and that quiet sense of place carries through: white-washed walls with red-shingled Saban architecture, lush tropical gardens, and terraces where the clouds occasionally drift right through your morning coffee. Rooms are bright and contemporary — Junior Suites with a Queen or twins, One-Bedroom Suites with a King and sofa bed — each with air-conditioning, a private balcony, refrigerator, tea/coffee setup, and a work desk that's more likely to become a dive-log station than an office. Downstairs, the family-friendly restaurant runs an Asian-International-Caribbean menu, the bar pours long into golden hour, and the saltwater pool is the reward after a day on the trails.
What to Try
Book a suite on the sea-view side and time your first evening for sunset on the balcony — the light hitting the Caribbean from 1,500 feet up is Saba's signature moment. At the restaurant, lean into the Asian-Caribbean crossovers rather than sticking to the international standards; the kitchen is at its most interesting when it plays with local seafood. Use the tour desk to line up a Mt. Scenery hike or a dive with one of the Windwardside operators before you even unpack — Saba's small-scale outfitters fill quickly.
Insider Tip
Saba has no beaches to speak of, so the saltwater pool is genuinely the island's best sun-lounging real estate — but the real hack is asking the front desk about the shortcut trail from Windwardside down to the Ladder or over to Mt. Scenery's trailhead. You can hike straight from the hotel without ever getting in a car, and returning to the pool after descending 1,064 steps is the correct order of operations.
The Practical Stuff
Address: Lambert Hassell Road 30-32, Windwardside, Saba, Caribbean Netherlands. Getting there: 10-minute taxi from Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB) or the Fort Bay harbor; the hotel can arrange transfers. 27 suites total, all with balconies. On-site: restaurant, bar, saltwater pool, fitness center, tour desk, free Wi-Fi. Rates skew upscale by Saba standards — book directly or well in advance, as inventory across the island is tiny. High season runs December through April; hurricane-season shoulder months (September–October) offer the best value if you're willing to watch the forecast.
Pair It With
- Mt. Scenery Trail — The Dutch Kingdom's highest peak (887 m) starts a short walk from the hotel — a cloud-forest climb through elfin woodland that's the defining Saba experience.
- Angelina's Saba by OwAiChie — A beloved local spot for casual Caribbean food and drinks when you want to step outside the hotel restaurant for a village-vibe dinner.
- Amonhana Guide — An easy Windwardside walk for a change of scene at lunch or dinner, keeping you on foot rather than navigating Saba's famously steep road.
- Saba Marine Park diving — The island's protected reefs and pinnacles are world-class; arrange a day trip through the hotel's tour desk and reward yourself with the pool afterward.
