The Gate House Hotel

I just spent a week in Saba relaxing and scuba diving. My decision to stay at the Gate House was based on reviews I read of their food and wine - I am very glad I did. The owners run a wonderful cozy hotel, their hospitality making one feel more like a house guest than a tourist. They helped coordinate all my transport and scuba arrangements (actually he did it twice as I had to rebook because of "snow in the North East"). Saba is not an island that suffers from excessive development, but the location of the Gate House in Hells Gate gives them a wonderful view of the wilder North coast of Saba and the neighboring islands. The reputation of the Gate House for excellent food and wine is well deserved - much beyond what I would have expected to find in a place as remote as Saba. I ended up eating there every night of my stay. They could not have been more helpful in recommending interesting wines from the extensive wine list to compliment the chef's excellent dishes. As I was diving during the day I had to drink in moderation - which was no problem as they have a vacuum re-storage system that prevented any spoilage. After dinner, I recommend laying out by the pool, listening to the tree frogs serenade and admiring the clear starry sky over Saba. Definitely a place to revisit.

Location: Saba (NA - Caribbean

Lodging: The Gate House

Comment

My wife and I recently stayed at the Gate House for 7 days on our three-week vacation to the Caribbean. The Gate House is a bread and breakfast as are the majority of lodgings on the island. The owners, are from France and have lived in the States for over 20 years before coming to Saba. From the moment we arrived, to the day we left, we felt welcome and were graciously attended to. They are great hosts with one doing the greeting, serving (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and general customer contact, and one doing the cooking. And what a cook he is! All food is fresh and prepared by hand. His southern lobster, prepared a number of ways, is outstanding, their wine selection is second to none, and his deserts are to die for! The rooms are quiet, spacious and very comfortable.

Saba is located about 23 miles south of Sint Maarten and is reached either by plane or boat. It is a small and very laid-back island with virtually no crime. The main attraction being scuba diving, which is great. (The Gate House works with the dive shops on the island, primarily Saba Deep.) There are several good restaurants on the island if you want a change from the wonderful meals at the Gate House. Hiking is also a big attraction with numerous trails including one to the top of Mount Scenery, the volcano that formed Saba. Saba is definitely a place to relax and smell the flowers that are in great abundance. The scenery is wonderful going from somewhat arid areas at the lower levels to a rain forest in the upper areas.